Government is hunting for US $ 20 million to carry out an Arial geophysical survey and mineral mapping in Karamoja sub region, Gabriel Data the project coordinator has revealed. Mineral resource assessment involves the use of planes flying at an altitude below 100 meters above the ground.
Sensors using magnetic horizontal radiometric and gamma ray spectrometric readings are mounted on the aircraft wings to locate the exact positions of various mineral deposits. Data says that the mineral Arial survey mapping exercise in Karamoja is scheduled within the next 24 months once government finds the required resources. According, government has embarked on a feasibility study of the sub region to map the mineral potential of Karamoja for the benefit of the Karimojong and development of the country.
He says that once mining begins; there will be improvement in the livelihood of the communities in the sub region through employment, development of social services and royalties paid to local governments. This comes at a time after when various international mining firms are expressing interest to exploit the industry in the area once characterized by armed conflict.
So far, government has carried out airborne geophysical surveys in the rest of the country to ascertain the types of minerals except Karamoja. The five-year exercise which began in 2008 was funded by the World Bank and African Development Bank among others. Karamoja is believed to have considerable deposits of gold, uranium, iron, marble and aluminum. Gold mining by the natives is underway in Moroto, Abim, Kaabong and Nakapiripirit districts whereas Marble stones used in the manufacture of cement are dug out locally in Kosiroi in Moroto district.
