Kilembe mines

Kilembe Mines is a copper and cobalt mine in Uganda, the third-largest economy in the East African Community.

Location

The mine is located in Kilembe, a suburb of the town of Kasese, in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in the Western Region of Uganda The mine is approximately 380 kilometres (236 mi), by road, west of Kampala, the country’s capital and largest city. The coordinates of Kilembe Mines are:0°12’30.0″N, 30°00’25.0″E (Latitude:0.208333; Longitude:30.006944).

Overview

Kilembe Mines is Uganda’s largest copper mine, with estimated deposits of copper in excess of 4,000,000 tonnes and an undetermined amount of cobalt ore. In addition, there approximately 2,800 acres (1,100 ha), of unexplored acreage at the site.

The Mine was a major source of revenue for Uganda in the 1960s through 1970s but got a setback in 1977 when Idi Amin Dada, then as president of Uganda, ordered Canadians who were the investors to leave the mines in the hands of Ugandans.

Kilembe mines is located in the beautiful Kilembe valley which acts as a base for the Kilembe route for Rwenzori mountains climbing.

The area is a local tourist destination for many Ugandans especially students who like to learn about Uganda’s history.