The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) has announced that they have granted a 21-year Large-Scale Mining License to Sunbird Resources Limited to extract 8000 tonnes per day of vital limestone at Rupa Sub-county, Moroto District.

Sunbird Resources Ltd has partnered with West International Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed West China Cement Ltd. Together, they’re establishing a 6000 Tonnes Per Day Clinker Lime & 1 million Tonnes Per Year Cement Factory at Nadunget Sub-County, Moroto District.

The ministry said this monumental project is set to generate substantial employment opportunities, with 600 direct and 3000 indirect jobs, contributing to the economic development of Uganda.

The mining activities and subsequent cement production are estimated to result in royalty payments exceeding Shs160m per day of operation, contributing significantly to the consolidated fund.

Upon completion, the cement factory aspires to be the largest in Uganda, striving for import substitution by reducing reliance on the import of 2.4 million tonnes of clinker annually, valued at over $700 million.

President Yoweri Museveni laid the foundation for the cement factory in September 2023, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and development.

“We, at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development, express our delight in granting the Mining Lease and pledge continued support to Sunbird Resources Limited in achieving its objectives,” the ministry said.

“This initiative aligns with our vision for sustainable resource utilization, economic growth, and job creation. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact on Uganda’s industrial landscape,” it added.

Over six years of meticulous exploration has revealed an impressive 67 million tonnes of clinkerable limestone, positioning Uganda as a key player in cement production.