Kampala, Uganda’s capital, has emerged as a significant hub in the East African gold refining industry. Several key refineries operate within the city, each contributing uniquely to the sector.

Glossy Africa Refinery

Glossy Africa Refinery (GAR) stands out as Uganda’s sole independent accredited gold refinery. It offers a comprehensive suite of services, including smelting, refining, assaying, storage, shipping, logistics, sampling, and fabrication. GAR employs advanced refining methodologies such as aqua regia, electrolytic, and chlorination processes, ensuring high-quality output. The refinery’s laboratory boasts National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation, reflecting its commitment to precision and excellence. Additionally, GAR provides secure storage solutions, leveraging advanced surveillance and security measures to safeguard clients’ assets. Their logistics services encompass the entire shipping process, from documentation to insurance, ensuring seamless delivery to clients worldwide.

Thaba Refinery

Thaba is a state-of-the-art facility in Uganda, offering services in refining, assaying, manufacturing, and logistics. Operating under the Manufacture Under Bond license, Thaba is uniquely positioned to produce gold kilobars that meet the highest international standards. With a refining capacity of up to 600 kilograms of gold per day, it stands as one of the largest in the market. The facility emphasizes security, integrating advanced surveillance technology and a dedicated security team to maintain a restricted and secure environment. Thaba’s mission centers on providing cost-effective and timely services, upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and social responsibility.

Global Gold Refinery Uganda Limited

Global Gold Refinery Uganda Limited has transformed Uganda’s rich mineral legacy into a modern corporate entity. Headquartered in Kampala, it serves as a vital link between mineral-rich regions in sub-Saharan Africa and the global precious metals market. The refinery offers services in assaying, refining, and bullion production, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and stringent quality control systems. With a combined refining capacity of approximately 300 metric tons for gold, silver, and platinum group metals, the company caters to a diverse clientele, including mining companies, jewelry manufacturers, banks, and governments. Security is paramount, with the facility operating under high-security measures, including advanced surveillance and collaboration with specialized security shipping companies.

African Gold Refinery

Inaugurated in 2017, the African Gold Refinery (AGR) is a $15 million facility located in Entebbe, near Kampala. As East Africa’s first refinery of its kind, AGR has played a significant role in the region’s gold industry. However, its operations have been marred by controversies, particularly concerning the sourcing of gold from conflict-prone areas. Reports have raised concerns that minerals from conflict-prone countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, may be among its raw materials. This has led to scrutiny from activists and organizations like Global Witness, highlighting the need for responsible sourcing and transparency in the gold trade.

Conclusion

Kampala’s gold refining landscape is characterized by a blend of modern facilities and complex ethical considerations. While refineries like Glossy Africa Refinery, Thaba, and Global Gold Refinery Uganda Limited emphasize advanced technology, security, and adherence to international standards, the broader industry faces challenges related to the sourcing of raw materials and the potential implications for regional stability. As Uganda continues to position itself as a key player in the global gold market, addressing these challenges through stringent regulations and transparent practices will be crucial for sustainable growth.