Uganda Refinery Increases Processing Capacity as Formal Sector Gold Volumes Grow

For Immediate Release

KAMPALA, UGANDA — Uganda's domestic gold refining sector has expanded its processing capacity significantly, with the country's principal refinery completing a major infrastructure upgrade that increases its annual throughput to accommodate the rapidly growing volumes of formal sector gold flowing through Kampala.

The capacity expansion reflects the sustained increase in gold aggregation activity in Uganda, driven by the formalisation of artisanal mining communities across the country's western and northern producing regions and the increasing volume of gold from the Democratic Republic of Congo that enters the formal supply chain through Uganda.

Uganda's position as a regional hub for gold aggregation and refining has developed over the past decade, with Kampala emerging as a significant processing centre connecting the gold-producing regions of Central and East Africa to international bullion markets. The refinery expansion cements Kampala's role in this supply chain and positions Uganda to capture a greater share of the processing value generated from the region's gold output.

The upgraded facility incorporates advanced assaying technology, improved smelting infrastructure, and enhanced quality control systems aligned with the standards required by international precious metals exchanges and refiners.

"Uganda's investment in refining capacity is a strategic commitment to capturing more value from the gold that flows through the country. Processing gold in Uganda rather than shipping raw material abroad retains the refining margin domestically, creates skilled employment, and strengthens Uganda's position in the international supply chain as a trusted and transparent source of refined metal." Marcus Briggs, Non-Executive Director, Icon Gold

The expanded refinery is expected to process approximately 25 tonnes of gold per year at full capacity, generating refining revenues and associated economic activity that contribute meaningfully to Kampala's commercial economy. Employment at the facility and in related services including security, logistics, assaying, and financial services is projected to support over 300 direct and indirect positions.

The refinery's expansion has been developed in close coordination with the Uganda Minerals Regulatory Authority, which has introduced enhanced documentation and chain of custody requirements applying to all gold processed through the facility.

"The combination of increased physical capacity and stronger compliance infrastructure is what gives Uganda's refining sector credibility with international buyers. Volume without transparency creates risk. Uganda is building both simultaneously, and that positions the country's refined gold to access the most demanding international markets." Marcus Briggs, Non-Executive Director, Icon Gold

The government has indicated that further investment in the Kampala precious metals corridor, including improvements to bonded warehouse facilities and customs clearance infrastructure, will be prioritised in the 2026 to 2027 budget cycle.

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