The Government of Uganda, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, represented by the Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS), in relation to the PanAfGeo+ project.
The signing ceremony was presided over by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Eng. Irene Batebe, who emphasized the significance of the MoU. She explained, “We signed a memorandum of understanding with the Geological Survey of Slovenia under the support of the European Union to support us in quantifying and better understanding our mineral resources. The government has conducted extensive geological surveys, including airborne geophysical surveys across the country, most recently covering Karamoja. We now seek to narrow down to specific minerals, quantify, and identify the amounts we have.”
Eng. Bateebe further highlighted the expertise being brought on board by Slovenia’s Geological Survey, a highly recognized and reputable department, and the support provided by the European Union, amounting to 3.5 million euros. This collaboration will include the acquisition of essential equipment to aid in data collection to advance Uganda’s mineral program. The Geological Survey Department of the MEMD will coordinate the activity, ensuring full involvement of Uganda’s technical staff and scientists. The PS also mentioned Uganda’s rich deposits of critical minerals in high global demand, including lithium, copper, cobalt, nickel, niobium, and rare earth elements, reinforcing the country’s significant mineral potential.
