The Minister of energy and mineral development has urged locals in the Busoga sub-region to support Government efforts geared at fostering social and economic development.
Nankabirwa with her counterpart Peter Lokeris made the appeal in Bugweri District during a fact-finding mission on Rare Minerals exploration by Rwenzori rare metals ltd in Busoga.
Residents of Bugweri, Mayuge and Bugiri Districts have been given assurance that they won’t be forcefully evicted from their land to pave way for mining exploration.
Geological studies by Rwenzori Rare Metals including drilling have revealed over 532 million tons of ore containing earth elements in the 3 Districts.
The visit to the area by the line Ministers comes on the heels of the recent visit of the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to region.
During her visit Nabbanja directed a halt to activities by Rwenzori rare metals limited to mine rare Earth minerals in the area until locals concerns are addressed.
According to Nankabirwa there is significant upside for further growth in Makuutu sub county in Bugweri District with only 25% of the current targeted exploration area drilled.
Rare earth minerals include cerium, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, holmium and lanthanum.
These are essential for the manufacture of medical equipment, smart phones, laptops, electric car batteries among others.
