A Chinese mining company has been ordered to halt operations in Terego District after a joint task force found evidence of illegal mining activities and severe environmental degradation. The zonal commander of the Mineral Police in the West Nile Region, together with officials from Terego and Yumbe districts, took action against Li Kuang Mining Company Limited for violating its exploration license.
Li Kuang Mining Company Limited was granted an exploration license on April 27, 2024, under License Number EL00383, which permitted the company to prospect for gold and base metals in Yumbe District. However, instead of exploration, the company engaged in full-scale mining, cutting down trees, destroying crops, and allegedly forcing locals off their land. The affected areas include buffer zones along River Ore, where large-scale tree felling and pollution have been reported.
Local leaders have raised concerns about the long-term environmental and social impacts. Residents reported oil-like substances in the river, the destruction of forests that once protected the water source, and the loss of farmland. Many also complained that the company operated without consulting local authorities or sharing any benefits with the community.
Resident District Commissioner of Terego, Godwin Angalia, condemned the company’s actions, stating they violated presidential directives on wetland protection. He warned that no entity has the authority to clear forests or rivers without proper approval. His remarks highlight the broader issue of illegal mining operations threatening Uganda’s natural resources.
Zonal Commander of the Mineral Police in West Nile, SP Geoffrey Okema Marvin, officially shut down Li Kuang Mining Company Limited’s operations, citing severe legal violations and environmental destruction. He declared that activities would remain suspended until an official report is submitted by the Inspector of Mines and the Commissioner of Mines.
This is not the first time Li Kuang Mining Company Limited has been caught violating Ugandan mining laws. In August 2024, the Commissioner of Geological Surveys and Mines, Agnes Alaba, ordered the company to vacate Yumbe District over noncompliance with its exploration license.
