The famous Kilembe Mines are the largest copper mines in Uganda, with estimated deposits of over 4 million tons. They were opened in 1950 when two Canadian mining companies formed a joint venture to mine copper from under the Rwenzori Mountains near Kasese. Kilembe Mines Limited was created, leading to the construction of a copper smelter in Jinja and offices in Kampala.
More buildings followed, including a housing estate for staff in Kasese and the 5MW Mubuku power station in the Rwenzori Mountains.
The good times did not last. In 1962, Kilembe Mines Limited was acquired by Falconbridge of Africa, who later sold it to the Government of Uganda in 1975. The mines closed in 1982 due to poor equipment, high inflation, and insecurity. After copper extraction stopped, several people tried to privatize the mines but failed. The mines remained dormant for over thirty years.
In 2013, a consortium led by Tibet Hima Mining Company Limited won the bid to manage, repair, and operate Kilembe Mines for 25 years, ending in 2038. They paid a cash deposit of US$4.3 million and were expected to pay US$1 million each year until the end of the concession.
Today, Kilembe Mines are known for copper and cobalt and are important to Uganda’s economy. The mines are found in the suburbs of Kasese, at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Many hikers start their trails from Kilembe with a short briefing about their climb. If you arrive early, you may also learn about the rich history of the mines.
Guides, porters, and chefs join hikers to provide all the services needed during the journey. They are paid through the trip fees, but porters are usually paid separately in Ugandan shillings since many do not have access to banks or ATMs for currency exchange.
Visitors to Kilembe can enjoy other activities too. You can take nature walks, see streams, landscapes, and plants, or take part in birding, filming, and photography.
