To engage in mining activities beyond buying and selling minerals, one must acquire the appropriate mineral rights under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022. These include:

Artisanal Mining License: For small-scale, manual mining activities.

Small-Scale Mining License: For mining operations with moderate investment.

Medium-Scale Mining License: For mining operations with significant investment but below large-scale thresholds.

Large-Scale Mining License: For major commercial mining operations.

Exploration License: For systematic mineral exploration.

Retention License: For holding a deposit with economic potential.

Mining Lease: For fully developed mining projects.

Mineral Dealer’s License: For buying, selling, and dealing in minerals.

PROSPECTING LICENSE

A Prospecting License is required before applying for an Exploration License. It is granted for one year and is non-renewable.

Requirements:

• Individual applicants (Ugandan citizens only): Valid identification (Passport, Voter’s Card, Driving Permit, etc.) Executed Form I Payment of UGX 200,000 statutory fees

• Company/Association: Certified copy of incorporation/registration, Certified copy of Articles and Memorandum of Association, Authority letter, Executed Form I Payment of UGX 800,000 statutory fees

EXPLORATION LICENSE

Granted for up to four (4) years, renewable once for up to three (3) years.

Requirements:

• Valid Prospecting License
• Submission of Prospecting License returns
• Map of the desired area (1:50,000 scale)
• Work program for exploration
• Project brief
• Executed Form II
• Proof of financial capability

Fees:

• UGX 2,000,000 application fee
• UGX 75,000 per km² as annual mineral rent
• UGX 345,000 for gazetting the grant

RETENTION LICENSE

Granted for up to three (3) years, renewable once for up to two (2) years.

Requirements:

• Valid Exploration License
• Board resolution of the company authorizing the application for a retention license
• Feasibility study conducted by an accredited consultant
• Other necessary information requested by the Minister

Fees:

• UGX 7,000,000 application fee
• UGX 200,000 per km² as annual mineral rent
• UGX 345,000 for gazetting the grant

MINING LICENSES

Mining Licenses are categorized based on investment scale and operations.

Purpose

The Artisanal Mining Licence (AML) is issued to Ugandan nationals who wish to engage in small-scale, low-tech, manual mining operations. This licence is intended to regulate traditional, subsistence-based mining and ensure environmental and social compliance.

Validity

• The AML is valid for up to 3 years and can be renewed for 2 years.
• Exclusively reserved for Ugandan citizens (foreigners cannot apply).

Key Requirements

• Proof of Ugandan citizenship
• Completed Artisanal Mining Licence (AML) Application Form
• Proof of mineral occurrence in the targeted mining area
• Proof of technical competence (basic mining knowledge or training)
• A statement of mining operations and planned capital expenditure
• Provisional agreement with the landowner (for mining on private land)
• Proposed production schedule and marketing plan for selling mined minerals
• Environmental compliance measures (basic environmental protection steps)

Statutory Fees (UGX)

• Application Fee: UGX 1,000,000
• Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
• Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 1,500,000
• Renewal Application Fee: UGX 2,000,000
• Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

Application Process

• Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
• Download and complete the AML application form.
• Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee (UGX 1,000,000).
• MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
• If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
• Receive your Artisanal Mining Licence (AML), valid for 3 years.

Additionally

• Exclusively for Ugandan nationals – foreigners must apply for a Small or Medium Scale Mining Licence.
• Intended for small-scale, manual mining operations (no heavy machinery).
•  If mining on private land, written consent from the landowner is required.
• AML holders must comply with basic environmental and safety regulations.

Small-Scale Mining License

Small-Scale Mining License Granted for up to five (5) years and renewable for up to three (3) years.

Purpose

The Small-Scale Mining Licence (SML) is issued to Ugandan nationals or registered companies intending to carry out mining operations in an area not exceeding 10 km². It is exclusively reserved for Ugandans and is meant for mining projects that require moderate investment and equipment.

Validity

• The SML is valid for up to 5 years.
• It can be renewed for 3 years at a time.

Key Requirements

• Valid Prospecting License, Exploration License, or Retention License
• Work program for mining operations
• Executed Form IV
• Proof of mineral occurrence in the targeted mining area
• Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic qualifications)
• A statement outlining mining operations and planned capital expenditure
• Provisional agreement with the landowner (if the land is privately owned)
• Proposed value addition program (optional)
• Proposed marketing plan for the sale of mineral production
• Environmental protection plan (basic waste management & site restoration plan)
• Financial capability statement (proof of investment capacity)

Statutory Fees (UGX)

• New Application / Renewal Fee: UGX 10,000,000
• Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
• Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 100,000 per hectare
• Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

Application Process

• Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
• Download and complete the SML application form.
• Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee (UGX 10,000,000).
• MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
  If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
  Receive your Small Scale Mining Licence (SML), valid for 5 years.

Additional Notes

• Exclusively for Ugandans – foreign investors must apply for a Medium or Large Scale Mining Licence.
• Mining area must not exceed 10 km².
• Allows the use of small-scale machinery but prohibits large industrial operations.
• Holders must comply with environmental regulations and community engagement rules.

Medium-Scale Mining Licence (MML) – Uganda (2024)

Medium-Scale Mining License Granted for up to ten (10) years or the life of the ore body, renewable for up to seven (7) years.

Purpose

The Medium-Scale Mining Licence (MML) is granted to companies or individuals intending to conduct mining operations on a medium scale, covering an area not exceeding 50 km². This licence is meant for mining projects that require moderate to large investments in machinery, labor, and processing facilities.

Validity

• The MML is valid for up to 10 years.
• It can be renewed for 7 years at a time.

Key Requirements

• A joint venture partnership registered in accordance with the Partnership Act 2010 comprising of Uganda citizens and foreigners
• Company registered and incorporated under the companies act, 2012
• Valid Prospecting License, Exploration License, or Retention License
• Submission of required reports
• Executed Form II
• Completed Medium-Scale Mining Licence (MML) Application Form
• Mine plan (including break-even analysis, production capacity, mineral recovery, environmental rehabilitation, and restoration plans)
• Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic qualifications of the technical team)
• Written proof of surface rights acquisition (landowner agreements or compensation plan)
• Detailed report on mineral resources (proving the economic feasibility of the mining project)
• Proposed value addition program (if applicable)
• Marketing and sales strategy for the minerals produced
• Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) in line with the National Environment Act, 2019
• Business plan (capital investment forecast, operational costs, revenue projections)
• Proof of financial capability to sustain the mining project
• Statement on employment and training of Ugandan workers

Statutory Fees (UGX)

• New Application / Renewal Fee: UGX 15,000,000
• Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
• Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 120,000 per hectare
• Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

Application Process

• Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
• Download and complete the MML application form.
• Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee (UGX 15,000,000).
• MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
• If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
• Receive your Medium-Scale Mining Licence (MML), valid for 10 years.

Additionally

• Mining area must not exceed 50 km².
• Requires significant investment in infrastructure and mining equipment.
• Mining activities must comply with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Holders must submit annual mining and environmental compliance reports.

Large-Scale Mining Licence (LML) – Uganda (2024)

Large-Scale Mining License Granted for up to twenty-one (21) years or the life of the ore body, renewable for up to fifteen (15) years.

Purpose

The Large-Scale Mining Licence (LML) is issued to companies intending to conduct large-scale mining operations in Uganda. It allows for the extraction of minerals in areas not exceeding 50 km², requiring a capital investment of at least 388 billion UGX (19,410,000 currency points, where 1 cp = UGX 20,000).

Validity

• The LML is valid for up to 21 years.
• It can be renewed for 15 years at a time.

Key Requirements

• Valid Prospecting License, Exploration License, or Retention License
• Proof of payment of taxes and fees due
• Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Understanding
• Board resolution
• Names and Nationalities of the Director and the names of every shareholder who is the beneficial owner of five percent or more of the issued share capital
• Company Profile And history of mining operations in Uganda (Where applicable)
• Name and qualifications of the person responsible for supervising the proposed programme of mining operations
• Submission of required reports
• Executed Form II
• Proof of financial capability
• Community Development Agreement with affected local communities
• Detailed feasibility study and assessment conducted by a certified expert or accredited consultant
• Detailed report on mineral resources proving economic viability
• Mine plan (break-even analysis, production capacity, mineral recovery rates, environmental rehabilitation, and restitution plan for land rights upon expiry or termination)
• Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic qualifications of key personnel)
• Business plan (capital investment, operating costs, revenue forecasts)
• Proof of surface rights acquisition (agreements with landowners or compensation plan)
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in accordance with the National Environment Act, 2019
• Plan for coexistence with local communities and landowners, including proof of consultations and compensation measures
• Statement on employment and training of Ugandan workers
• Statement on procurement plans for goods and services from Uganda
• Proposed marketing and sales strategy for the minerals to be extracted
• Details of insurance coverage, including health and worker compensation for employees

Statutory Fees (UGX)

• New Application / Renewal Fee: UGX 20,000,000
• Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
• Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 150,000 per hectare
• Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

5. Application Process

• Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
• Download and complete the LML application form.
• Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee (UGX 20,000,000).
• MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
• If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
• Receive your Large-Scale Mining Licence (LML), valid for 21 years.

Additionally

• Mining area must not exceed 50 km².
• LML requires significant infrastructure and machinery investment.
• Mining operations must follow strict environmental, safety, and community engagement laws.
• Annual environmental and mining compliance reports must be submitted.
• Holders must create employment opportunities for Ugandan citizens and promote local procurement of goods/services.

Mineral Processing Licence (MPL) – Uganda (2024)

Purpose

The Mineral Processing Licence (MPL) is issued to individuals or companies that intend to process raw minerals through methods such as crushing, grinding, leaching, and separation to increase the mineral concentration before sale or export.

Validity

• The MPL is valid for up to 5 years.
• It can be renewed for 3 years at a time.

Key Requirements

• Completed Mineral Processing Licence (MPL) Application Form
• Plan and layout of the mineral processing facility
• Proof of appropriate technology for processing minerals
• Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic documents)
• Statement of the applicant’s knowledge and experience in mineral processing
• Environmental and waste management plans in accordance with the National Environment Act, 2019
• Written proof of surface rights (land acquisition, compensation, relocation, and resettlement plan if applicable)
• Tax clearance from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

Statutory Fees (UGX)

• Application Fee: UGX 500,000
• Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
• Licence Fee: UGX 5,000,000
• Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 1,000,000
• Renewal Application Fee: UGX 500,000
• Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

Application Process

• Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
• Download and complete the MPL application form.
• Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee (UGX 500,000).
• MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
• If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
• Receive your Mineral Processing Licence (MPL), valid for 5 years.

Additionally

• MPL is required for processing minerals but does not cover mining operations (a separate mining licence is needed).
•  All processing facilities must comply with environmental and waste management laws.
• Processing plants must have adequate safety and pollution control measures.
• Holders must submit periodic reports on mineral processing activities and environmental compliance.

Mineral Smelting Licence (MSL) – Uganda (2024)

Purpose

The Mineral Smelting Licence (MSL) is issued to individuals or companies that intend to extract metals from their ores using smelting technology, which involves heating and melting to separate valuable metals from waste material.

Validity

• The MSL is valid for up to 15 years.
• It can be renewed for 10 years at a time.

Key Requirements

• Completed Mineral Smelting Licence (MSL) Application Form
• Plan and layout of the smelting facility
• Proof of appropriate smelting technology
• Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic documents)
• Statement of the applicant’s knowledge and experience in mineral smelting
• Environmental and waste management plans in compliance with the National Environment Act, 2019
• Written proof of surface rights (including compensation, relocation, and resettlement plan, where applicable)
• Tax clearance from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

4. Statutory Fees (UGX)

• Application Fee: UGX 500,000
• Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
• Licence Fee: UGX 10,000,000
• Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 5,000,000
• Renewal Application Fee: UGX 1,000,000
• Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

Application Process

• Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
• Download and complete the MSL application form.
• Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee (UGX 500,000).
• MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
• If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
• Receive your Mineral Smelting Licence (MSL), valid for 15 years.

Additionally

• MSL is required for smelting but does not cover mining operations (a separate mining licence is needed).
• Smelting facilities must comply with strict environmental and pollution control regulations.
• Holders must submit periodic reports on smelting activities, environmental impact, and safety compliance.
• The licence can be renewed for an additional 10 years upon satisfactory compliance with regulations.

Mineral Refining Licence (MRL) – Uganda (2024)

Purpose

The Mineral Refining Licence (MRL) is issued to individuals or companies that intend to purify minerals or process mineral products to obtain refined metals or mineral compounds. This includes operations such as gold refining, copper refining, and other metallurgical processes that remove impurities and increase the mineral’s purity and market value.

Validity

• The MRL is valid for up to 15 years.
• It can be renewed for 10 years at a time.

Key Requirements

• Completed Mineral Refining Licence (MRL) Application Form
• Plan and layout of the refining facility
• Proof of appropriate refining technology
• Proof of technical competence (CVs and academic documents)
• Statement of the applicant’s knowledge and experience in mineral refining
• Environmental and waste management plans in compliance with the National Environment Act, 2019
• Written proof of surface rights (including compensation, relocation, and resettlement plan, if applicable)
•  Tax clearance from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

4. Statutory Fees (UGX)

• Application Fee: UGX 1,000,000
• Registration Fee: UGX 1,000,000
• Licence Fee: UGX 10,000,000
• Annual Mineral Rent: UGX 10,000,000
• Renewal Application Fee: UGX 1,500,000
• Gazette Grant Fee: UGX 345,000

5. Application Process

• Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
• Download and complete the MRL application form.
• Submit the form online with all required supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee (UGX 1,000,000).
• MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
• If approved, pay the licence and mineral rent fees.
• Receive your Mineral Refining Licence (MRL), valid for 15 years.

Additionally

• MRL is required for refining but does not cover mining or smelting operations (separate licences are needed).
• Refining facilities must comply with strict environmental and pollution control
• Holders must submit periodic reports on refining activities, environmental impact, and safety compliance.
• The licence can be renewed for an additional 10 years upon satisfactory compliance with regulations.

Export & Import Permits for Minerals – Uganda (2024)

Uganda regulates mineral trade through export and import permits, ensuring compliance with mineral laws, tax regulations, and environmental standards. These permits are issued per consignment and are required for anyone transporting minerals in or out of Uganda.

EXPORT PERMIT

Purpose: Authorizes the export of minerals from Uganda.
Validity: Issued per consignment (valid only for the shipment covered).

Requirements for Export Permit

• Valid Mineral Dealers Licence (MDL) or Mineral Right
• Completed Form 52 (as per the Mining and Minerals (Licensing) Regulations, 2023)
• Export permit or related documents from the country of origin (if minerals are not from Uganda)
• Proof of payment of royalty fees (for minerals where applicable)
• Declaration of mineral type, quantity, value, and country of destination

Statutory Fees (UGX) for Export Permit

• Licence Fee: UGX 700,000 per consignment

Application Process for Export Permit

• Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
• Fill out and submit Form 52 online with all required supporting documents.
• Pay the export permit fee (UGX 700,000 per consignment).
• MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
• If approved, receive the Export Permit.
• Proceed with customs clearance and shipping.

IMPORT PERMIT

Purpose: Authorizes the import of minerals into Uganda.
Validity: Issued per consignment (valid only for the shipment covered).

Requirements for Import Permit

• Valid Mineral Dealers Licence (MDL) for the specific minerals being imported
• Completed Form 54 (as per the Mining and Minerals (Licensing) Regulations, 2023)
• Export permit from the originating country
• Pre-shipment documents (certificate of origin, invoice, packing list, etc.)

Statutory Fees (UGX) for Import Permit

Application Fee: UGX 1,000,000 per consignment

Permit Fees:

• 1% of the prevailing price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) for precious metals, precious stones, and base metals.
  • UGX 4,000 per tonne for industrial minerals.
  • UGX 2,000 per tonne for clinker or semi-processed industrial minerals.

Application Process for Import Permit

• Register on the Mining Cadastre & Registry System (MCRS).
• Fill out and submit Form 54 online with all required supporting documents.
• Pay the import permit application fee (UGX 1,000,000) and any applicable permit fees.
• MEMD (Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development) reviews the application.
• If approved, receive the Import Permit.
• Proceed with customs clearance and transportation of minerals into Uganda.

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Additionally

• Permits are issued per consignment – a new application is required for each shipment.
• Failure to obtain a permit before exporting or importing minerals is illegal and can lead to penalties or confiscation.
• Royalties must be paid before export, where applicable.
• Both permits require a valid Mineral Dealers Licence (MDL) or a relevant mineral right.