October 2026 – PanAfGeo

PanAfGeo+ at the 15th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference 2026 in Uganda

Posted on October 20, 2026October 20, 2026 by krishnan

The 15th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference took place on 29-30 September 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Uganda. The event was organised by the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of the Government of Uganda and other stakeholders.

Held under the theme “Beneath the Surface: Unlocking Africa’s Next Mining Powerhouse”, the conference brought together representatives of the mining and minerals sector and provided an important platform for discussion, networking, and promoting Uganda’s mineral potential.

The Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS) actively participated in the conference programme. Špela Kumelj presented the PanAfGeo+ Uganda Country Window and promoted the Graduate Training Programme, contributing both through a presentation and as a panellist in one of the conference’s technical sessions.

Dr. Slavko Šolar participated as a panellist in the main-stage discussion, “What It Really Takes to Attract Global Mining Capital?”, contributing to the debate on investment and the development of the mining sector.

The PanAfGeo+ Uganda Country Window was also presented at a dedicated exhibition booth, providing an opportunity to showcase project activities, engage with conference participants and increase the visibility of the project and its training opportunities. The booth was coordinated by Victoria Kiwanuka.

The conference provided an opportunity to strengthen PanAfGeo+’s visibility, promote the Graduate Training Programme and engage with stakeholders from Uganda’s and Africa’s minerals sector.

PanAfGeo+ Country Window Tanzania Mine Closure Training

Posted on October 2, 2026October 2, 2026 by krishnan

Two PanAfGeo+ capacity-building workshops held in Kahama brought together 53 government officials to strengthen knowledge and practical capacity for mine closure in Tanzania.

From 7 to 19 September 2026, two six-day capacity-building workshops on mine closure were held in Kahama, Tanzania, as part of the PanAfGeo+ Country Window Tanzania.

Led by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), with the training conducted by the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), the workshops brought together 53 government officials from Tanzania’s Ministry of Minerals, Mining Commission and National Environment Management Council (NEMC).

The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of relevant Tanzanian institutions in mine closure and contribute to a more responsible and sustainable mining sector.

Combining knowledge with practical experience

Throughout the training, participants combined theoretical sessions and group work with practical assignments and site visits.

As part of the training, participants identified almost 60 medium- to large-scale mines expected to close in Tanzania in the coming decades and carried out relevant gap analyses.

Participants also visited the closed Golden Pride mine in Nzega District and the Buzwagi gold mine in Kahama. The field visits provided an opportunity to learn about mine closure activities in practice and to compare observations with Tanzania’s current Mine Closure Guideline and international best practices.

Putting the training into practice

Participants were selected based on their roles and their ability to contribute to mine closure procedures and activities within their respective organisations.

The knowledge gained during the training can be applied directly across different areas of their work. Inspectors can use it to support compliance in the field and advise on mine closure activities, while officials involved in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) approvals can strengthen their review and evaluation of mine closure provisions before licence approval. Officials working on policies and guidelines, as well as those participating in Mine Closure Committee meetings, can also apply the knowledge gained through the training in their respective responsibilities.

Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the training. One participant noted: “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our trainers for the valuable knowledge and new skills I have gained from this training. I believe these skills have given me a new perspective and greater focus in carrying out my work responsibilities.”

The participant also highlighted the positive learning environment and the trainers’ enthusiasm and support, which helped make the training engaging and productive.

Continuing the collaboration

The workshops in Kahama form part of the wider PanAfGeo+ Country Window Tanzania activities. A third and final training event is planned for May 2027, when the participating organisations and the Geological Survey of Sweden will continue their collaboration to further strengthen capacity on mine closure in Tanzania.

Youth Mining Day 2026 in Uganda – Empowering Uganda’s Next Generation of Mineral Sector Leaders

Posted on October 2, 2026 by krishnan

The Youth Mining Day 2026, held on 14 August 2026 at Busitema University, brought together young people and key stakeholders from Government, Industry, Academia, Development partners, Recruitment companies and Artisanal and Small-scale mining players to discuss how Uganda’s next generation can meaningfully participate in the country’s growing mineral sector.

Organized by the Junior Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (JUCEM) in partnership with the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM) and Busitema University, the event was conceived as a practical platform to bridge the gap between young people’s aspirations and the realities of Uganda’s mineral industry.

The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), GIZ, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, academic institutions including Busitema University, Makerere University and Kyambogo University, industry players including Woodcross Resources, Wagagai Gold Mine, Rwenzori Rare Metals, Aldelia and Q-Sourcing Servtec Uganda, the Uganda Association of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (UGAASM), the National Youth Council, and development partners including UNDP, as well as the PanAfGeo+ project.

A central issue throughout the event was the disconnect between academic training and the practical requirements of industry. The discussions consistently emphasised that universities cannot address the skills gap alone. Stronger partnerships with industry are needed to provide students with practical exposure, industrial attachments, internships and a clearer understanding of workplace expectations.

A notable opportunity to tackle this issue, presented at the event, was the PanAfGeo+ Uganda Country Window initiative, which will provide a 12-month paid Graduate Training Programme for 10 geoscience graduates, designed to strengthen the skills and professional development of young geoscience and mining professionals. Project representative from the Geological Survey of Slovenia, Victoria Kiwanuka, delivered a short presentation, took part in a panel discussion, and engaged with students and young professionals at the exhibition stand, providing information about the programme and opportunities for future participation. The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM).

Project team is encouraged by the strong interest shown by young people in pursuing careers in mining sector and by the opportunities that PanAfGeo+ creates for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation across Africa.

Source: Youth Mining Day 2026 Report, prepared by Junior Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (JUCEM)