Kilembe Copper Mines is targeting a return to production in 2027, but Uganda’s shortage of experienced mining professionals could complicate efforts to rebuild the workforce needed to support the mine’s revival.
Kilembe Copper Mines in Kasese is targeting a resumption of mining operations in 2027, raising hopes of renewed copper production, job creation and economic recovery after more than four decades of inactivity.
However, a shortage of experienced mining professionals in Uganda could complicate efforts to assemble the specialised workforce needed to support the mine’s anticipated return to production.
For decades, Kilembe Copper Mines was one of Uganda’s major copper producers and a significant source of employment in Kasese, supporting thousands of workers and contributing to the local economy.
Its closure left the region grappling with lost employment opportunities and an underutilised mineral resource. The planned revival has renewed expectations of economic recovery, particularly among residents anticipating new jobs and increased business activity.
Sarrai Group, which reportedly secured a 21-year concession covering mineral exploration and copper extraction, is preparing to restore operations at the mine.
Kasese Municipality Mayor Chance Kahindo said mining was expected to resume in 2027, subject to the completion of rehabilitation works and other operational preparations.
“Actual mining is expected to begin in 2027, although this will depend on the completion of the necessary rehabilitation works and other preparations required to resume operations,” Kahindo said.
Beyond rehabilitating the mine’s infrastructure, securing qualified personnel remains a critical consideration in the planned revival.
Modern mining requires specialised professionals, including geologists, mining engineers, geophysicists and geotechnical engineers, whose expertise is essential for mineral exploration, mine development, extraction and safety management.
However, Uganda’s limited pool of experienced professionals in these fields could present a challenge as the country prepares to expand its mining activities.
Alex Akwatampora, Director of the Uganda National Mining Company, attributed the skills gap partly to the limited development of the country’s mining industry, which has constrained the growth of a specialised workforce.
“The mining sector has not developed sufficiently to produce a large pool of highly specialised and experienced professionals. This has contributed to the shortage of skilled personnel needed to support mining operations,” Akwatampora said.
The mine’s revival is also expected to change the nature of employment at Kilembe. At its peak, the mine employed approximately 6,000 workers, but modern mining technologies could reduce the overall workforce while increasing demand for specialised technical expertise.
“Modern mining technology means that the workforce may not necessarily be as large as it was in the past. However, the industry will require people with specialised technical skills to operate and manage the mining processes,” Akwatampora added.
This presents a challenge for Uganda as it seeks to ensure that local professionals have the qualifications and practical experience required to fill available positions.
Although the mine’s revival could create employment opportunities for Ugandans, filling highly specialised roles may require additional training, skills development and, where necessary, recruitment of experienced professionals from outside the country.
Partnerships between the mine operator, training institutions and government agencies could help prepare Ugandans for technical roles while building the local expertise needed to sustain operations over the long term.
The availability of a competent workforce will therefore be an important factor in determining how effectively the mine transitions from rehabilitation to commercial production.
For Kasese, the anticipated reopening represents an opportunity to revive an important economic asset. However, alongside investment in mining infrastructure and equipment, developing the human resources needed to sustain operations will be crucial to the mine’s long-term prospects.