Mining License Acquisition in Uganda
Secure Your Mineral Rights with Expert Guidance
Acquiring a mining license in Uganda involves navigating the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM), the Uganda Mining Cadastre Portal, and a regulatory framework shaped by the Mining Act 2003 and the Mining and Minerals Act 2022. Incomplete applications, incorrect documentation, and procedural errors are the leading causes of delays and rejections.
ALOM Mining & Geohydro Services handles the entire license acquisition process on your behalf — from identifying available areas on the Cadastre Portal to liaising with DGSM until your license is granted. With over 10 years of experience and a proven track record with clients like Consolidated African Resources, Acholi Resources Uganda, and Goodwill Uganda, we deliver results.
For a detailed walkthrough of the licensing process, read our complete guide to getting a mining license in Uganda.
License Types We Acquire
We handle all four categories of mineral licenses under Ugandan law.
Prospecting License
Duration: 1 yearThe entry-level authorization for preliminary surveys and investigations. Permits surface sampling, geological mapping, and non-invasive geophysical surveys within a defined area. Ideal for early-stage reconnaissance before committing to intensive exploration programs.
Exploration License
Duration: 3 years (renewable)Grants the right to conduct systematic exploration work including drilling, trenching, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys. Requires a detailed work program and expenditure commitments. Holders gain preferential rights to apply for a Mining Lease upon discovering a viable deposit.
Location License
Duration: VariesDesigned for small-scale mining operations by Ugandan citizens and locally registered companies. Authorizes mineral extraction within a defined area not exceeding the prescribed limit. Covers minerals such as gold, tin, tantalum, and tungsten.
Mining Lease
Duration: Up to 21 years (renewable)The most comprehensive mineral right for large-scale commercial extraction. Requires a feasibility study, ESIA approved by NEMA, and a mine development plan. ALOM has successfully processed mining leases for clients including CONSAF and Goodwill Uganda Limited.
Our Acquisition Process
A proven five-step process refined over 10+ years of securing licenses in Uganda.
Area Identification & Due Diligence
We identify available mineral rights areas through the Uganda Mining Cadastre Portal, verify that no conflicting licenses exist, and conduct preliminary geological desktop studies to assess the target area's mineral potential.
Documentation Preparation
Our team prepares the complete application package including technical work programs, financial capability statements, environmental management plans, and all supporting documentation required by DGSM for the specific license type.
Cadastre Portal Submission
We submit the application directly through the Trimble Landfolio-based Mining Cadastre Portal, ensuring the digital and physical submissions align perfectly and meet all formatting and content requirements.
DGSM Liaison & Follow-Up
ALOM maintains direct communication with DGSM officers throughout the review process, responds promptly to any queries or requests for additional information, and tracks the application status until the license is granted.
License Grant & Activation
Upon approval, we handle the final administrative steps including fee payments, license registration, corner beacon demarcation of the licensed area, and stakeholder notification to prepare for operations.
Licenses We've Successfully Acquired
CONSAF — Mining Lease
Managed the full acquisition lifecycle from exploration license through to mining lease grant, including ESIA preparation, surface rights negotiation, and DGSM coordination across multiple districts.
Acholi Resources — Exploration License
Acquired exploration licenses in Kitgum District for gold exploration, including Cadastre Portal submission, DGSM liaison, corner beacon demarcation, and subsequent exploration campaign execution.
Goodwill Uganda — Mining Lease
Prepared feasibility studies, mine plans, and environmental documentation for feldspar mining, then processed the mining lease application through DGSM to successful grant.
Already Have a License?
Our Mineral Rights Management service handles ongoing compliance, renewals, reporting to DGSM, and environmental monitoring to keep your licenses active and in good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about acquiring mining licenses in Uganda.