Jacob k. n. 2015 final 25th

NKUMBA UNIVERSITY
ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF WASTE ROCKS AND TAILINGS ON
THE ENVIRONMENT:
A CASE STUDY OF KILEMBE MINE AT KASESE DISTRICT IN WESTERN
UGANDA
BY
KUORWEL NGANG JACOB
2013/AUG/BPMM/B11865/DAY
A RESEARCH THESIS SUBMITTED TO
SCHOOL OF SCIENCES AS A PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT
FOR THE AWARD OF ABACHELOR’S DEGREE IN PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
July 31st
, 2015

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DECLARATION
I Kuorwel Ngang Jacob, do hereby declare that this dissertation was as a result of my
independent studies and analysis of the data collected over the last four months. Therefore, it is
not indebted to the work of anybody and that it is an original thesis that has never been presented
or published to or in any institution for any academic award whatsoever.
Signature: ………………………………… Date: ……..………………………………………..
Kuorwel Ngang Jacob

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APPROVAL
This research thesis entitled “ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF WASTE ROCKS
AND TAILINGS ON THE ENVIRONMENT: A case study of Kilembe mine at Kasese district
in western Uganda”, has been submitted to my office for approval.
Sign…………………………………………Date………………………………………………
Mr. Lugaizi Isa
Tell: +256703/714-022034
Email: isalugayizi@yahoo.com
Petroleum Course Coordinator.
Nkumba University, School of Sciences
P.O. Box 237, Entebbe, Kampala, Uganda.

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DEDICATION
Dedicated to Ngang Kok Chamthii families, beloved uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters for
their special care and guidance.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am highly grateful to the Almighty God for the precious gift of life, protection, favor, wisdom
and for His mercies that are new every morning. Appreciations to My sisters and brothers
particularly; James Panchol Ngang for the tireless moral and financial support he rendered to me
throughout the academic journey. Without him, I couldn’t have made it to this level. Gratitude to
my supervisor (Mr. Lugaizi Isa) and all the staff members at school sciences, Nkumba University
for the care and guidance I got from them and for unlocking my brain and opening my eyes to
see the world in special way. Special thank goes to my mentors and all the staff members of
CNOOC Uganda limited (Republic of Uganda), my mentors and all the staffs at Nile Petroleum
corporation (Nile-Pet), (Republic of South Sudan), Africa’s regional Director for SPE and SPE
Nigeria Council Chairman (Federal Republic of Nigeria) and mentors from the Republic of
Malaysia who all endeavored to enrich me with relevant and adequate training during the
International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC 2014, Kuala Lumpur), care and joy while
I was undergoing my trainings with those various petroleum companies mentioned above. Thank
to my fellow students and compatriots at the campus for they have always been there for me and
made me felt at home during my stay at Nkumba University. All the petroleum students,
especially Akur Juarwel, Kaunda Moses, Nandala .E. Owori .D, Fidel W., and all the 1st, 2nd
and 3rd year students for their endless support, contribution towards my success by availing me
with great ideas required and reading materials to mention but a few.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................ i
APPROVAL .............................................................................................................................. ii
DEDICATION.......................................................................................................................... iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT......................................................................................................... iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................v
LIST OF TABLES.................................................................................................................. viii
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................. ix
LIST OF ACRONYMS...............................................................................................................x
PREFACE................................................................................................................................. xi
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................ xii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................1
1.1. Background..........................................................................................................................1
1.2. Problem statement ................................................................................................................2
1.3. Objectives ............................................................................................................................2
1.3.1. Main objectives..............................................................................................................2
1.3.2. Specific objectives. ........................................................................................................2
1.4. Research questions ...............................................................................................................2
1.5. Justification..........................................................................................................................2
1.6. Significance: ........................................................................................................................3
1.7. Scope ...................................................................................................................................3
1.7.1. The geographical scope:.................................................................................................3
1.7.2. The time scope...............................................................................................................3
1.8. Conceptual framework .........................................................................................................3
1.8.1. Conceptual framework scope .........................................................................................3
1.9. Definition of some of the terms used ....................................................................................4
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW..........................................................................6
2.1. Introduction..........................................................................................................................6
2.1.1. Waste rocks and tailings mitigation or control measures.................................................6
2.2. Mining industry and waste generation in Africa....................................................................9
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY ..............................................................................11

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3.1. Introduction........................................................................................................................11
3.2. Research design..................................................................................................................11
3.3. Location.............................................................................................................................11
3.4. Population of the area:........................................................................................................12
3.5. Sample size ........................................................................................................................12
3.5.1. Sampling techniques ....................................................................................................12
3.6. Data collection method.......................................................................................................13
3.6.1. Interviews ....................................................................................................................13
3.6.2. Questionnaires .............................................................................................................13
3.6.3. Photography.................................................................................................................13
3.6.4. Direct observation........................................................................................................13
3.7. Instruments used under data collection ...............................................................................13
3.8. Data analysis ......................................................................................................................14
3.9. Ethical considerations.........................................................................................................14
3.10. Constraints/limitations......................................................................................................14
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS ...............................................................................................15
4.1. Introduction........................................................................................................................15
4.1.1. Age group....................................................................................................................15
4.1.2. Mining and education...................................................................................................16
4.2. Mining Industry in Uganda and Kilembe district in particular.............................................17
4.2.1. Mining status and waste rocks in Uganda from 1956 to 2014. ......................................17
4.3. Research question (I): What are the types of waste rocks and tailings generated at the mine
site at Kilembe? ........................................................................................................................17
4.3.1. Waste rocks, tailings and their chemical composition at the mill at Kilembe. ...............21
4.3.2. Overburden:.................................................................................................................22
4.3.3. Waste rocks: ................................................................................................................22
4.3.4. Tailings:.......................................................................................................................23
4.3.5. Mine water...................................................................................................................24
4.3.6. Water treatment sludge: ...............................................................................................24
4.3.7. Gaseous wastes:...........................................................................................................25
4.3.8. Clay-rich tailings: ........................................................................................................25
4.4. Research question (II): What are the methods used to depose off waste rocks and
tailings at Kilembe mine. .......................................................................................................25

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4.4.1. The techniques of waste disposal Kilembe mine:..........................................................26
4.4.1.1. Discarding slurried tailings into ponds...................................................................27
4.5. Mining techniques that can minimize waste rocks and tailings generation at the mine sites.28
4.5.1. Cut and fill methods.....................................................................................................28
4.5.2. Four basic mining techniques involved when mining solids materials. .........................28
4.5.3. The factors that control the choice between the different mining methods ....................28
4.5.4. Backfilling:..................................................................................................................29
4.5.5. Cemented backfilling: ..................................................................................................30
4.6. Research question (III): What are the positive and negative implications of the waste
rocks and tailings on the environment at Kasese district?.......................................................30
4.6.1. Positive impacts of the mining industry to the population at Kasese district..................30
4.6.2. The negative impacts of the mining industry on the environment at Kasese district. .....31
4.6.3. Copper ‘waste’ poisoning fish in river Nyamwamba and Lake George.........................32
4.6.4. Health risks:.................................................................................................................33
4.6.5. Long food chain...........................................................................................................33
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS.........................................................35
CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION, CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATION.............37
6.1. Conclusion .........................................................................................................................37
6.2. Challenges..........................................................................................................................39
6.3. Recommendations ..............................................................................................................39
REFERENCES .........................................................................................................................41
CHAPTER SEVEN: APPENDIX...........................................................................................45
7.1 Appendix I: .........................................................................................................................45
7.2 Appendix II.........................................................................................................................46
7.2.1: Tables of findings ........................................................................................................46
QUESTIONNAIRE FROM NKUMBA UNIVERSITY.............................................................49

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LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.1: The waste rocks and tailings disposal mechanisms in past and at present in Kilembe
mine……………………………………….…………………………………………………...…19
Table 7.1: The world’s share of minerals production from Africa ……………………….…..…46
Table 7.2: Mineral types and production volume in Tonnes..................................................…...47
TABLE 7.3: Age groups of respondents………………………………………………………...47
Table 7.4: Level of education of the respondents……………………….………………...….…48

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Conceptual frame work ……………...………………………………………………3
Figure 2.2: The world’s share of minerals production…………………………………….…..…10
Figure 4.3: Age groups of the respondents…................................................................................15
Figure 4.4: Frequency levels of education for the respondents….................................................16
Figure 4.5: Various types of tailings and waste rocks............................................................…...22
Figure 4.6: Waste rocks piled in the past and wagons used to transport them………………......23
Figure 4.7: Mine water and pipelines that were used to pump water into the mine at
Kilembe...................................................................................................................................…...24
Figure 4.8: An over view of the mining industry associated with waste rocks and tailings
generation……………………………………………………………………………….………..26
Figure 4.9: The tailings settling basin used to control tailings temporarily at Kilembe mine and
Participants of a workshop on climate change in Kasese visit one of the stock piles of tailings
near Kilembe………………………..……………………………………………………………27
Figure 4.10: President Museveni and participants in the workshop for climate change, visited
Kilembe mine’s previous tailing stockpiles after the severe flooding…………..…………….…32
Figure 4.11: The stock-pile of the copper-cobaltiferous pyrites along the Kasese-Kilembe road
eroded when River Nyamwamba burst its banks……………….…………………….………….33
Figure 7.1: Participants of in workshop on climate change at Kasese district one of the stock
piles of tailings near Kilembe mines.......................................................................................…...45

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LIST OF ACRONYMS
AMD: Acid mine drainage
API: American Petroleum Institute
ARD: Acidic Rock Drainage
ASM: Artisanal and small-scale mining
BPD/TPD: Barrel Per Day/Tonnes per Day/year
CNOOC: China National Off shore Oil Corporation
DRC: Democratic Republic of Congo
GDP: Gross Domestic Products
IPTC: International Petroleum Technology Conference
KCCL: Kasese Cobalt Company Limited
MEMD: Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development
NEMA: National Environmental Management Authority
PAG: Potential Acid Generation
PEPD: Petroleum Exploration and Production Department
PGM: Platinum-Group Metals
POO: Plan of Operations
PPP: Public private partnership
RAP: Resettlement Action Plan
SPE: Society of Petroleum Engineers
WHO: World Health Organization
CAMEC: Central African Mining and Exploration Company

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PREFACE
This study has been organized in six chapters closely linked to the problem under investigation
and based on different sources of information.
Chapter one: This chapter contains the background, statement of the problem, objectives of the
study, research questions, justification and significance of the study.
Chapter two: Presents the literature that has been written by other researchers as well as the
gaps that the existing literature doesn’t address.
Chapter three: Presents the methodology used and justifies its account for its applicability to be
used while collecting data and processing it. It also gives a description of the study designs,
study area, study population, sampling techniques, and sample size.
Chapter four: This chapter presents the findings of the study as a result of the data collected
using the research tools mentioned in chapter three.
Chapter five: This chapter discusses the results analyzed in chapter four and highlights the
current proposed comprehensive approach to waste rocks and tailings management.
Chapter six: Presents the conclusions and recommendations by the researcher regarding the
findings.

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ABSTRACT
The main aim of this thesis has been to assess the potential impacts of waste rocks and tailings
on the environment and the methods used to dispose off waste rocks and tailings at Kilembe
mine, Kasese district in western Uganda. According to the findings, the methods used are
comprehensively mitigatory and environmentally acceptable in nature. Given the popular saying
that “a waste rocks today can be a mineral tomorrow”, there is need to contain and preserve
waste rocks and tailings for future use in other emerging industries that depend on waste rocks as
their source of raw materials like the construction industry and Cobalt Factory. Tibet Hima
Company (the Chinese company currently in charge of Kilembe mine) is set to co-exist
maximally with residents affected by the mining industry such as those residing on the Kilembe
mine’s land and those affected by frequent flooding. Comprehensive and rehabilitation measures
have been put in place and plans are underway to address possible questions on how those
measures or methods put in place shall help preserve the eco-system and minimize future
implications.
Findings suggest the prevalence of both positive and negative factors associated with the mining
activities. Creation of jobs, development of Kasese towns, increased government revenues due to
the number of tourists visiting the area as well as improvement on the social amenities are some
of the positive impacts associated with the industry where as contamination of the fresh water,
soils, constant flooding, loss of vegetation due to the acidic water and chemicals associated with
heavy minerals, and increased prevalence of diseases related to water contamination are some of
the negative implications associated with the mining industry in the district.
It was clearly seen from the results obtained that earlier improper disposal of waste rocks and
tailings by the then Facon-bridge (a Canadians company) endangered the environment and the
well-being of the people staying in the area. Where waste rocks and tailings contain significant
quantities of sulphide minerals and are exposed to air and water, acid rock drainage (ARD) can
be generated which poses threat to the environment. For that matter, every mine requires waste
characterization practices, prediction, monitoring, and treatment prior the commencement.

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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
This chapter contains the background, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research
questions, justification and significance of the study.
1.1. Background
This thesis was carried out at Kilembe copper mine in Kasese district to assess the methods used
in waste rocks and tailings disposal and their implications on the environment. In addition to the
circumstances under which the locals stood to benefit from the mining activities. Mining wastes
dated back to 1956 due to mining activities when Facon-bridge of Canada operated at Kilembe
Mine until 1974, the time when the Government of Uganda took over its ownership. Copper ore
was discovered in Kilembe in 1906 by a man named Ambrose from Italy who collected some
samples of the yellowish waters of river Nyamwamba and took them to Tanzania for testing
(Rajaram, R. et al., 2005). The reserves were originally estimated to be 12.7 million tonnes of
which 7.2 tonnes averaged 2% copper and 0.2% cobalt. At the time of the mines closure, 16.3
tonnes had been mines. As we speak, Kilembe mine remains attractive not only as a copper
production area but also as a cobalt supplier. In 2013, Kilembe mine was privatized to a Chinese
company called Tibet Hima mining company for a period of about 25 years (DGSM Annual
report, 2008). Tibet Hima Company Limited, a consortium of Chinese companies, has since
2013 revived copper mining at Kilembe after signing a concession agreement with the
government of Uganda. The firm has pledged to invest up to US$175 million in the mines in
order to restore back the smelting, refining, and production factory. The new company also plans
to increase power production at Mahuku power plant from 5MW to 12MW and waste rocks and
tailings recycling factories (personal communication with the project Manager of the Tibet Hima
Co. Limited).
Kasese district is endowed with a number of minerals besides Copper at Kilembe mines which
has been revived by government under the new Chinese company called Tibet Hima Co, Ltd,
Cobalt in Kasese with the KCCL Company, cement at Hima where a second power line has been
constructed, Lime (Muhokya), Salt (Katwe Kabatooro). These have benefited the people of
Kasese and Uganda at large through job opportunities to Ugandans and revenue generation to the
government.

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The thesis also covered the types of waste rocks and tailings at the mine site and surrounding
areas from the time the mine was functioning up to when the new company renewed the work
that is to say from 1982-July 6, 2014.
1.2. Problem statement
Waste rocks and tailings disposal have always been a challenge to the mining companies because
they endanger the environment and human life, contaminate the water points in their vicinity and
pose a threat to the vegetation. As such, there is need to identify the appropriate methods used to
get rid of waste rocks and tailings at Kilembe Mine in order to suggest best way to stop them
from endangering people’s lives.
1.3. Objectives
1.3.1. Main objectives
The main objective was to assess the potential impacts of waste rocks and tailings on the
environment and the methods used to dispose off waste rocks and tailings at Kilembe mine,
Kasese district in western Uganda.
1.3.2. Specific objectives.
i. To identify the type of wastes generated at the mine site.
ii. To determine the methods used to manage the waste rocks and tailings produced at the
mine site in Kilembe.
iii. To examine the negative and positive implications of waste rocks and tailings on the
environment and the residents.
1.4. Research questions (hypothesis)
i. What are the types of wastes generated at the mine?
ii. What are the methods formerly and currently used to control waste rocks and tailings?
iii. What are the negative and positive impacts of the wastes generated on the environment?
1.5. Justification
Whereas Ugandans are jubilant about the development of the mining sector, there is need to
know that waste rocks and tailings are toxic and harmful to human and animal lives. Besides, a

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waste rocks today can be a mineral tomorrow depending on the state of technology. This
therefore, calls for proper ways of handling waste rocks since they can as well be used as raw
materials in other industries like the construction industry.
1.6. Significance: This study is important in that it will help the mining companies to identify
the most effective methods that can be used to eradicate waste rocks and tailings. The benefits of
the mining industry to the people, impacts of the wastes on the environment and the possible
solutions and mitigation measures put in place or to be undertaken to address those challenges.
1.7. Scope
1.7.1. The geographical scope: This thesis was carried out at Kilembe mine in Kasese district
(coordinates: 0°11′12″N 30°05′17″E Elevation of 3,000ft (1,000 m), (Latitude: 0.186667;
Longitude: 30.088050) to assess the methods used in waste rocks and tailings disposal and their
implications on the environment. It covered the dimensional aspects of how the locals stood to
benefit from the mining activities. The most economic activities in this part of Uganda include
but not limited to; tourism, farming, fishing and mining.
1.7.2. The time scope
The study was concentrated on the waste rocks and tailings at the mine site and surrounding
areas from the time the mine was functioning up to when the new company (Tibet Hima
Company Ltd) renewed the work (1982-July 6, 2014).
1.8. Conceptual framework: A conceptual framework is an analytical tool with several
variations and contexts used to make distinctions and organized ideas (Isaiah B., 1953). The
conceptual framework (Fig. 1.1) has been divided into various components which included; the
independent variables (external factors in this case), intermediate variables, and the dependent
variables.
1.8.1. Conceptual framework scope
Because waste rocks and tailings result from mining activities, processing, and exploration, the
primary source of waste rocks is mining and excavation of an ore, processing and re-use of the
by-products. Figure.1.1 below explains the principle guidelines of the scope. The shaded boxes
show the processes and steps in the mining industry that lead to the generation of waste rocks
and tailings.

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Figure 1.1: Conceptual frame work.
Proper management of the wastes at the mine site base on the following;
i. The mining activities which generate waste rocks and tailings are independent variables;
ii. Management and mitigation measures that are put in place to grantee safety are the
immediate variables;
iii. Implications that result from the mining activities are dependent variables.
1.9. Definition of some of the terms used
i. Waste rock: Is the term given to either rock that does not contain an ore or contains it in
such low grade or concentrations that it cannot be economically processed.
ii. Tailings: Tailings are by-products left over from mining and extraction of resources
during the processing. Tailings include; the finely ground rock particles ranging from
sand-sized to silt-sized. Refuse from chemicals used to extract the valuable minerals.
iii. Mitigation: Mitigation is defined as taking steps to reduce adverse effects.
iv. Mining: This the extraction (removal) of minerals and metals from within the earth’s
surface or interior. Manganese, Tantalum, Cassiterite, Copper, Tin, Nickel, Bauxite

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(Aluminum ore), Iron ore, Gold, Silver, and Tungsten are just some examples of minerals
mined from underground either at Kilembe mine or elsewhere in Uganda.
v. Environment management: Is the management of the interactions and impact of human
societies on the environment? It is not as the phrase might suggest, the management of
the environment itself.
vi. Assessment: The evaluation or estimation of the nature, the wide variety of methods that
educators use to evaluate, measure quality, or ability of someone or something.
vii. Tibet Hima Limited: Chinese company which took over Kilembe mine from May 26th
2013 to date.
viii. Impacts: The net effect of an activity on a community and the well-being of individuals
and families. It can either be positive or negative depending on it magnitude and severity.
ix. Drifts: This a more general mining term, meaning a near-horizontal passageway in a
mine, following the bed or vein of an ore.
x. Shafts: Refers to the method of excavating a vertical or near-vertical tunnel from the top
down, where there is initially no access to the bottom.
xi. Adits: Adit (from Latin aditus, entrance) is an entrance to an underground mine which is
horizontal or nearly horizontal, by which the mine water mine can be drained, ventilated,
and minerals extracted at the lowest convenient level.
xii. Stope: It is an open space left behind in process of extraction of the desired ore from an
underground mine. Stoping mining is used when the country rock is sufficiently strong.
xiii. Oil in Uganda: News outlet or website that updates the country and the world on oil and
gas events.

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CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Introduction
Following the political stabilization after 1986, Uganda became one of Africa’s fastest growing
economies growing at 7.4% annually from 1989 to 2009, largely through agricultural exports
HESTER B.W., (1996). Uganda’s northwest (Karamojang) region hosts over 50 different
economical minerals but the mining sector’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) sunk
from six percent in the 1970s to less than 0.5% in 2010 (Banchirigah, S.M. 2010). Artisanal scale
mining (ASM) produces more than 90% of metallic, industrial and building minerals, providing
livelihoods to almost 200,000 individuals (Mitchell, P., 2006). However, ASM is under regulated
and hazardous waste evidenced by the use of mercury in small-scale gold production. At the end
of the century, the government had sought to modernize its mining industry by creating a more
favorable investment climate with a streamlined bureaucracy, transparent allocation of licenses,
and heightened use of geologic information (Neary et al, 1982).
Uganda has a large and under exploited mineral sector more especially copper, gold, high grade
tin, tungsten/wolfram, salt, beryllium, cobalt, iron-ore, glass sand, vermiculite, phosphates
(fertilizer) and there are also significant quantities of clay and gypsum in various parts of the
country (Rankin, W.J., 2011). The current activities in Kasese district have seen Kilembe mines
being revived by the government under the new Chinese company called Tibet Hima since May
2013, Cobalt in Kasese with the KCCL Company and cement factory at Hima. But the more you
mine the minerals, the more you generate wastes which in turn contaminate the environment.
2.1.1. Waste rocks and tailings mitigation or control measures.
Waste in general covers all types of refuses and residues resulting from human activities whereas
“waste rocks” and “Tailings” in particular mean either rock that does not contain ore or contains
an ore in such low concentrations or grade that it cannot be economically processed. Tailings are
slurry by-products left over from the processing and extraction of resources, such as extraction of
the bitumen from oil sands or minerals such as copper or gold from ores. Tailings include; finely
ground rock particles ranging from sand-sized to silt-sized. Chemicals used to extract the
valuable minerals or oil among others.
Newmont J. (2009), the Genesis Project identifies approximately various types of waste rocks
and management protection mechanisms for example the specific scientific pit configuration in

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the containment of the waste rocks and tailings with potential to generate acid should they get
expose to oxygen and water. The term “Potential Acid Generation” or the acronym “PAG” in
waste rocks characterization, describes the waste rocks in the context of (acid-base accounting)
identifying a range of rock characteristics whose behavior in the environment is “uncertain”.
PAG in waste rocks management means management of acid-generating rocks in such a manner
that they will be isolated from oxygen and water. Isolation of this materials will limit the
possibility of acidic conditions being created where constituents are released from sulfidic or
acid-generating waste rocks.
Baguma Z. et al (2001), “A waste rock today can be an ore tomorrow” depending on the
improvement on the technology used. This statement call for appropriate methods or waste
disposal mechanisms to be put in place in order to control and minimize the misuse of these
valuable resources. Tailings and waste rocks often contain percentages of valuable mineral ores
that were not recovered during processing. When mineral processing methods and technology
improve, these metals or minerals could be recovered.
Nicholas S. (2007), is skeptical about the future of the oil and mining industries in Africa. In his
book “Poisoned Wells”, He under estimated African efforts to address challenges arising from
the mining sector. For example, the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Congo was declared a
'World’s Heritage Site' in 1980 because of its rich bio-diversity. But as thousands of people
started extracting tantalum and cassiterite at hundreds of sites throughout the park, most of the
large animals were killed within 15-20 years (Reis J.C., 1988).
Because tailings are composed of fine particles (sand, silt, and clay-sized materials), and often
have a high water content, they have been particularly troublesome to manage (Hudson. E. et al.
2011). In the past, tailings were deposited directly into rivers or wetlands, which would introduce
sediments and contaminate those water bodies and in many cases adversely affect aquatic life.
Tailings and waste rocks are currently used as backfilling materials in underground mines, stored
in open pits, dried and stacked, or pumped into tailings ponds on site. Although there have been a
number of incidents where the dams securing tailings ponds have been breached, mining
engineers have been learning from the enquiries into tailing dam failures, and have improved
tailings dam design. A compilation of worldwide statistics on tailings dam failures between 1909
and 1999 shows an improving trend as mining companies learned from the past mistakes and as

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regulators have continuously imposed more stringent regulations and conducted more
inspections. In the 1970s, there were 44 tailings dam failures, in the 1980s, 27 failures, and in the
1990s, only 7 failures (Younger, P.L., et al., 2002). Modern tailings dam design is very technical,
and considers a number of site-specific factors such as; rainfall and flooding predictions,
earthquake responses, seepage control, and tailings discharge method plus rate, and changes over
the lifetime of the dams. Non-critical structures are typically designed to withstand a 1-in-100-
year flood, while more critical structures are designed for a 1-in-1000-year event or above
(Catherine N. et al., 2001).
Boliden A. R., (2001), a tailings dam failure occurred due to shortcomings in the construction of
the dam and unexpected external influences. The dam was slightly affected by its poor
foundation-laying. The monitoring of the dam was inadequate to be able to detect the problems
in time to possibly prevent the dam failure. In Boliden's own inspection during planning,
construction and repairs, several shortcomings were detected which led to the final collapse of
the dam. It was fatal and caused a lot of damages to the properties and the environment.
In Guyana 1995, more than four billion liters of waste water that contained cyanide, slipped into
a tributary of the Essequibo River when the tailings dam which was filled with cyanide waste
collapsed (Stikeman E., 1995). The effects of poisoning were widespread, especially when a
waste-holding pool overflows or breaks, as it did in Guyana. The spill made international
headlines for its magnitude over one billion gallons (four billion liters) of cyanide-laced waste
water was released into a tributary of the Essequibo causing widespread die-offs of aquatic and
terrestrial plant and animal life, poisoning floodplain soils used for agriculture, polluting the
main source of drinking water for thousands of people, and striking a blow to the emerging eco-
tourism industry on the river.
The same case almost repeated itself in Uganda although the magnitude was low. In 2013 and
2014 consecutively, river Nyamwamba burst its banks and washed away much of the tailings
wastes which were stockpiled since the production stopped 30 years ago (Gao, K et al, 1999).
“The wastes discharged into the river contain dissolved ions produced by heavy metallic
minerals like Copper, Cobalt, Iron and Lead”. These heavy metals may occur in small quantities
but are getting into the food chain where they accumulate over time. “Nyamwamba is a source of

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drinking water, Lake George too is a source of fish for the district” hence there is dare effect on
the residents (Oryem O. Oil in Uganda, August 2014).
The mine, run by Golden Star Resources of Denver and Cambior of Montreal, 1995 at first tried
to cover up the spill by burying fish carcasses (Jane P. et al., 1995). Six days after the spill, the
locals found dead wildlife and they reported the incident to the Guyana government and swift
measures were taken including evacuation of people in the nearby areas. Large-scale mining
operations, especially open-pit mining techniques can result in significant deforestation through
forest clearing and the construction of roads to open up remote forest areas, land speculators, and
small-scale miners. Miners are probably a greater threat to the tropical rainforest environment
than industrial mining operations. Wildcat miners enter regions rumored to have gold deposits
and clear forest in search of riches. They hunt wildlife, cut down trees for building materials and
fuel-wood, and trigger erosion by clearing hillsides and detonating explosives. Miners can also
bring diseases to indigenous populations, and can battles with locals over land rights. One well-
documented example is the conflict between the Yanomani Indians of Northern Brazil and
Venezuela and Garimpeiros illegal Brazilian miners. Yanomani’s populations have fallen
significantly since the first incursion of the miners in the 1970s (Marvin H., 1979). There has
been reports of isolated cases of in-fighting over land and resources around Kasese districts
between different communities since 2014.
2.2. Mining industry and waste generation in Africa.
Africa’s mineral reserves rank first or second for bauxite, cobalt, diamonds, phosphate rocks,
Platinum-group metals (PGM), vermiculite, and zirconium. Many other minerals are present in
quantity. In 2005, the share of world’s production from African soil was bauxite 9%; aluminium
5%; chromite 44%; cobalt 57%; copper 5%; gold 21%; iron ore 4%; steel 2%; manganese 39%;
zinc 2%; cement 4%; natural diamond 46%; graphite 2%; phosphate rock 31%; coal 5%; mineral
fuels (including coal) & petroleum 13%; uranium 16% (Thomas. R., et al, 2007).
Africa is the second largest continent with 30 million km² of land, which implies large quantities
of resources. For many African countries, minerals exploration and production constitute
significant parts of their economies and remain a key to economic growth. Africa is richly
endowed with mineral reserves and ranks first or second in quantity of world reserves of bauxite,
cobalt, industrial diamond, phosphate rock, platinum-group metals (PGM), vermiculite, and

Page | 10
zirconium (Fig. 2.3). Gold mining is Africa's main mining resource (J. Brown, et al 2009). The
Central African Mining and Exploration Company (CAMEC), one of Africa's primary mining
enterprises, is criticized for its unregulated environmental impact and minimal social stewardship
or over exploitation of the people while denying them social benefits (Barry S. 2007).
Figure 2.2: The world’s share of minerals production (Source: world Bank Report 2005)
Basing on the data provided above in (Fig. 2.2), cobalt, manganese, diamond, phosphate rock
and Uranium topped the list of the mineral production and export in Africa as per 2005.
However, gold, diamond and cobalt remain the chief sources of income to the African countries.
It is not surprising that most African countries (Uganda inclusive) are worse hit by the
complications arising from the mining activities, processing, and production as a result of wastes
left behind. During the mining and production, a lot of waste rocks and tailings is generated and
if not contained, those wastes can pollute water, air and soils hence environmental challenges.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
percentagesintonns
Type of minerals exported
The world’s Share of mineral production from Africa (World Bank
Report 2005) percentage

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CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1. Introduction
This chapter presents methods of the research thesis and justifies its applicability should the
same thesis be repeated again or while collecting data and during the analysis. It also gives a
descriptive design of the study, study area, study population, sampling techniques, and sample
size, methods of data collection, data processing and analysis.
3.2. Research design
The researcher used the explanatory questionnaire design which helped in identifying the
mechanisms used to control the waste rocks and tailings generated at the mine site in Kilembe
while considering their implications on the eco-systems in the identified area above. After
collecting the data, the researcher edit it, encoded it, developed coding frame, put the data into
tables as seen in (appendix: II, page 46-48).
3.3. Location (research Area)
Kilembe mine is located at Kasese district in western Uganda; coordinates: 0°11′12″N
30°05′17″E Rwenzururu sub-region, Elevation of 3,000ft (1,000 m), (Latitude: 0.186667;
Longitude: 30.088050) (Brown, L. E., et al, 1990) Kasese, a town in Western Uganda, lying
north of Lake George originally grew due to the copper mine at Kilembe, though attention later
on shifted to cobalt mining. It is the 'chief town' of Kasese District and the headquarters of the
Renzururu sub-region. It lies at the western end of the Uganda Railway to Kampala and Tororo,
and is home to Kasese Airport. The city lies near the Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth
National Park. It is located approximately 360 kilometres (220 mi), by road, west of Kampala,
Uganda's capital and largest city, and about 36 kilometres (22 mi), by road, northeast of
Mpondwe, the border town at the International border between Uganda and the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (Dyke, R.P.V. et al., 1988). Kasese town is one of the fastest growing
municipalities in Uganda because of increased tourism given the fact that it is gateway to Queen
Elizabeth National Park, one of the most popular National game park in Uganda and the
Rwenzori National Park, Kilembe Mines employs a large number of workers, when it is
functional, Hima Cement Factory is another big employer located in Hima, approximately 18
kilometres (11 mi), by road north of Kasese, increased trade with the eastern districts of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo because the border town of Mpondwe is only 36 kilometres

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(22 mi), southwest of Kasese. Good transport network between Kasese and Kampala. To
mention but a few (Tuhumwire T.J et al., 1995). Kasese Cobalt Company Limited (KCCL)
located on the road from Kasese to Rubirizi, just south of the central business district of Kasese,
extracts cobalt from the sludge left after copper is extracted from the raw ore. The cobalt is then
exported.
3.4. Population of the area
In 1991, Kasese district’s population was estimated to be 343,600. The 2002 national census put
the population of the district at approximately 523,000. It is estimated that in 2012, the
population of the district was 747,800. The Population Census of 2014 gave the Kilembe Mine
alone about 101,679 people (Rankin, W.J., et al 2011). The researcher investigated the impacts of
the mining industry in the area amongst the residents using a sampling number of 50 respondents
to estimate the magnitude of the impacts of the waste rocks and tailings in the area inhabited by
101,679 people most of which are workers at the mine site. The types of waste rocks and tailings
generated, the mechanisms used to control and dispose those wastes and their implications on the
environment if not managed properly. The opportunities for the residents in the area to promote
the common goals concerning development, the benefits of the mine to the citizens especially the
over 7.5 million Ugandans who have remained trapped in an abject poverty for decades. The
efforts of the government and companies to help open community roads and other developmental
projects. The researcher investigated people from different dimensions like the mine workers,
managers and Project Managers and Representatives. The researcher made sure that each group
was represented by a certain number of respondents, for example 10 women, 10 men, 10 adults,
and 10 workers at the Kilembe mine; (N=100, n=10, e=0.05), n=N/1+N (e)2 ,
where N=total
population to be sampled, n= sample size and e= degree of error.
3.5. Sample size
The researcher used up to 10 respondents per group or gender and specialization to represent the
whole population of 101,679 mostly the mine workers at Kilembe in Kasese district.
3.5.1. Sampling techniques: At some instances, the researcher used the simple random sampling
and purposive sampling methods.

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i. Random sampling involved respondents from the study population by chance mostly the
mine workers and waste control staffs.
ii. Purposive sampling involved selecting a certain number of correspondents basing on the
nature of their level of qualification and occupation especially the operators and miners.
3.6. Data collection method
Tools and instruments used during the investigation to aid the research included the following
but not limited to; interviews, questionnaires, observation, photography, documentation and data
presentation.
3.6.1. Interviews: This research mechanism was used to help the researcher get first-hand
information from the miners. Since it involved interaction with the interviewer directly, local
people were involved in face-to-face discussion and the researcher got adequate information
from the respondents directly by asking questions and getting answers instantly. This method
will also curve in those that may not have time to fill the questionnaire forms.
3.6.2. Questionnaires: In the search for genuine and reliable information, questionnaire was also
used in order to reach out the Kilembe mine workers and those affected by the mining activities
that do not have enough time for the interviews. The researcher gave those workers
questionnaires forms to fill at their convenient time and this included both closed and open ended
questionnaires.
3.6.3. Photography: Various sites and disposal points were captured in order to confirm and
back up the evidence of improper methods used in the past and need to understand the current
proposal put in place to encounter the past mistakes and conserve the environment as we speak.
How people are coping up with the acid waste rocks.
3.6.4. Direct observation: This method was used to assess how the wastes have affected the
population, the measures being taken by the scientists and academicians to advice and to
rehabilitate the affected population. As well as way the mining activities have changed the life of
the residents in the area.
3.7. Instruments used under data collection

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The researcher used pens, note books, and where possible recorders to compile information
given by the respondents of Kilembe mine. The researcher also used photography to capture
pictures and in the area after getting permission from the project manager of Tibet Hima
Company Limited.
3.8. Data analysis
After collecting the data, the researcher took time to understand and analyze the data in order to
accurately record valuable information and complete the thesis. This enabled the researcher to
easily compile the findings of the study and interpreted them for public consideration and
consumption. The work was edited by grouping the data. For example, data concerning the rock
behaviors were grouped together where as those talking about the environmental impacts were
grouped together. The researcher also did check for the errors in order to update the data and
reaching recommended standards. Coding the data was done by putting and grouping the
information that has the same ideas of the respondents together using Microsoft word and excel
respectively.
3.9. Ethical considerations
It is ethical to ask right questions to right people at right time while considering their dignity and
the respect the respondents deserve. The researcher while interacting with the Project Manager,
Director of personnel and other staff members ended up collecting business cards besides data as
a sign of pleasure and warm reception from those managers at Kilembe Mine. The researcher
tried by all means to avoid collecting inappropriate data and promised to send a copy of the
thesis as a feedback to the respondents. Omitting key words mentioned earlier by other
researchers on the same topic is unethical.
3.10. Constraints/limitations
These are challenges that were faced while collecting the data and carrying out the research in
the field and at the campus which hindered the researcher’s efforts to learn a lots and discover
more.

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CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS
4.1. Introduction
This chapter presents the findings of the study as a result of the data collected using the research
tools mentioned in chapter three above. Although mining requires highly skilled labor force, it
still cuts across all ages since the sector is the most rewarding industry in the world and doesn’t
discriminate basing on ages, sex and skills. The biggest percentage of the population I interacted
with at Kilembe mine, Kasese district was largely comprised of young people between the age of
18 to 25 years as seen in (Fig. 4.3) below. Most of these people are either directly employed in
the mine or indirectly as casual workers. For example those working in restaurants, those
providing transport assistant to and from the mine site, security guards providing security to the
mining facilities and visitors visiting the mine. All of them were very important during the
investigation.
4.1.1. Age group
Figure 4.3: Age groups of the respondents
Less than 18
14%
18-25
40%
26-33
22%
34-41
14%
42-49
8%
50+
2%
AGE GROUPS AND THE NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS OUT OF 50
Less than 18 18-25 26-33 34-41 42-49 50+

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4.1.2. Mining and education
Interestingly, education is the most determinant factor in all aspects of life be it in marketing
industries or oil and gas leave alone mining industry. The ability to do work and when to do it is
well guided by the level of skills possessed. As shown in (fig.4.4) below, most of the people I
interacted with were either primary leavers or secondary leavers. Language barrier could not
permit me beyond those levels. Tertiary sector constitutes the smallest fraction of up to 22
percent most of whom were from the technical sectors such as the geologists and managers not
forgetting the project manager himself (Alex Kwatampora). The project manager was used as a
reference source by many workers (respondents) at frequent basis whenever anybody could fail
short of answers encountering my questionnaire. The biggest issue responsible for early drop out
(although it was outside my objectives) was lack of money to cater for tuition and going about
with usual normal routine life. It was that same issue which forced many according to the
respondents to go and work in the mine in order to accumulate some money for further studies.
Figure 4.4: Frequency levels of education for the respondents.
Primary
40%
Secondary
38%
Tertiary
22%
A PIE-CHART SHOWING THE FREQUENCIES OF THE
EDUCATION LEVELS OF THE RESPONDENTS
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary

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4.2. Mining industry in Uganda and Kilembe district in particular
This chapter provides the data for various types of waste rocks and tailings generated at Kilembe
mine, population and personnel data, methods used to control those wastes, that is to say in the
past and at the present.
4.2.1. Mining status and waste rocks in Uganda from 1956 to 2014.
Mining wastes dated back to 1956 due to mining activities when Facon-bridge of Canada
operated at Kilembe Mine until 1974, the time when the Government of Uganda took over its
ownership. Copper ore was discovered in Kilembe in 1906 by a man named Ambrose from Italy
(Rajaram, R. et al., 2005). The reserves were originally estimated to be 12.7 million tonnes of
which 7.2 tonnes averaged 2% copper and 0.2% cobalt. At the time of the mines closure, 16.3
tonnes had been mines. The Kilembe area remains attractive not only as a copper production area
but also as a cobalt supplier. In 2013, Kilembe mine was privatized to a Chinese company called
Tibet Hima mining company for a period of about 25 years (DGSM Annual report, 2008). Tibet
Hima Company Limited, a consortium of Chinese companies, has since 2013 revived copper
mining at Kilembe after signing a concession agreement with the government of Uganda. The
firm has pledged to invest up to US$175 million in the mines in order to restore back the
smelting, refining, and production factory. The new company also plans to increase power
production at Mahuku power plant from 5MW to 12MW and waste rocks and tailings recycling
factories (personal communication with the project Manager of the Tibet Hima Co. Limited).
4.3. Research question (I): What are the types of waste rocks and tailings generated at
the mine site at Kilembe?
There are different types of waste rocks generated at the mine sites which vary in their physical
and chemical composition, their potential to cause harm as well as environmental contamination,
and how they were managed at the mine sites in the past and the current proposals (Kisamo
2003). The large volumes of waste rocks and tailings produced at the mine during the operations
are expensive to manage and are frequently cited as obstacles in the environmental sustainability.
The mining industry plays a leading role in waste management and it is one of the few industries

Page | 18
that recycles its own wastes. Wastes commonly associated with mining activities include the
following but not limited to;
i. Overburden
ii. Waste rocks
iii. Tailings
iv. Slags
v. Mine water
vi. Water treatment sludge
vii. Gaseous wastes
viii. Clay-rich tailings
ix. Red mud
TABLE 4.1: THE WASTE ROCKS AND TAILINGS DISPOSAL MECHANISMS IN
PAST AND AT PRESENT IN KILEMBE MINE.
Waste rocks
and tailings
Disposal method in the past Current disposal mechanism
Mill residues -Deposited in the tailings dams.
-Were deposited in to the swamps
and river Nyamwamba in case the
dams were filled up.
-Placed and kept in storage facilities.
-In extreme cases where the sludge is
rich with sulphide or heavy metals, it is
classified as hazardous waste which
requires special handling and disposal.
Overburden -Piled on the surface at the mine
sites where it could not impede
further expansion of the mining
operation
-Overburden has low potential for
environmental contamination, and is
used at mine sites for landscape
contouring and re-vegetation. The
current football pitch at Kilembe was
once a dumping ground for the waste
rocks and tailings during the 1970s but
has been rehabilitated.

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Waste rocks -Ten dumping sites were set up on
top of the hills around Kilembe
copper mine.
-The Facon-bridge, the then
Canadians company which was
responsible for Kilembe mine was
dumping the waste rocks and
tailings into River Nyamwamba
during their time at Kilembe
whenever the dams were filled up.
-Stored underwater with tailings in dams
if it contains low or less sulphide
minerals which have high potential to
generate acids.
-Being re-mined as raw materials for
Cobalt Factory
-Used as road construction materials
-River bank stabilization.
-Back filling in mine tunnels
-Selective mining to avoid sulphide ores
Slags -Deposited into the tailing dams
-Deposited into the swamps and
rivers
Being used increasingly as aggregate in
concrete and road construction because
they are genial or kind the environment.
Mine water -Channeled into the swamps and
river Nyamwamba,
-Re-used in the mine
-Re-injected back into the mine to
control dust.
-Placed and kept in storage facilities
Water
treatment
sludge
-Deposited into the tailing dams
-Deposited into the swamps and
rivers
-Disposal of water into the underground
mine workings is the least expensive
option because it is environmentally
safe since it poses less threat to the
environment and humans in general.
-Recycling the sludge are being
explored, the majority of sludge has
little economic value.
-In extreme cases where the sludge is

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rich in sulphide or heavy metals, it is
classified as hazardous waste and
require special handling and disposal.
Gaseous
wastes
There was any plan put in place
apart from pumping oxygen gas into
the underground tunnels to be used
by the miners as breathing agent.
-Wastes of that kind are recycled and re-
used at mine sites.
-Gaseous waste produced is kept in
storage facilities.
-Long-term management of these waste
is an important part of modern mine
plan at present.
Clay-rich
tailings
-Stockpiled at the mine site -Floor tiles, and cement
Tailings -Stockpiled at the mine site
-Ten dumping sites were set up on
top of the hills around Kilembe
copper mine.
-The then Canadians and British
miners at Kilembe mine were
dumping the tailings into River
Nyamwamba.
-Selective mining to avoid sulphide
containing ores.
-Eucalyptus and reeds trees have been
planted to absorb water containing these
heavy metals (minerals).
-Loam soils was placed, and grasses
planted over tailings first dumped in
areas being used as football pitches
currently.
-As raw material in the Cobalt Factory.
Red mud -There wasn’t any plan -Red mud has been used as a soil
amender, in waste water treatment.
-As a raw material for glass, ceramics,
and bricks.

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4.3.1. Waste rocks, tailings and their chemical composition at the mill site at Kilembe.
Previous researchers suggested that there are no radioactive minerals in the waste rocks except
traces of sulphide mined with heavy minerals mined with the ore. Data presented from the mill
tailings and coarse copper residues suggests no evidence of the radioactive minerals as well. As
seen from these data below, most tailings are siliceous minerals. Besides iron ore and Nickle
tailings, gold and lead-zinc tailings samples also contain fairly substantial percentages of iron.
Although pH readings are not reported, some sources of mill tailings, especially those with low
calcium and magnesium contents, could be acidic. The waste rocks and tailings prevalence
depending on the production tonns per day or per year were estimated as following; cobalt 57%;
copper 20%; pyrites 3%, Nickle 4% among others. Figure 4.5 below shows the various types of
waste rocks and tailings in percentages per tons. The green ball figures the percentages of the
cobalt, the golden ball indicate the percentages of the iron tailings whereas the reddish ball
indicate the percentages of the copper tailings and waste.
Figure 4.5: Various types of tailings and waste rocks.
0
-10000
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
-2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Tailings&wasterocksinTonns
various types of Tailings & waste rocks
MAJOR TYPES OF TAILINGS AND WASTE ROCKS PRODUCED
AT KILEMBE MINE.
Copper Tailings Iron Ore Tailings Cobalt Tailings

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4.3.2. Overburden
Overburden includes the soil and rock removed to gain access to the ore in open pit mines. It is
usually piled on the surface at the mine sites where it cannot impede further expansion of the
mining operation. Overburden generally has a low potential for environmental contamination,
and is often used at mine sites for landscape contouring and re-vegetation during mine closure.
The current football pitch at Kilembe was once a dumping ground for the waste rocks and
tailings during the 1970s but that area has been rehabilitated back to use and made conducive for
human settlement and other activities.
4.3.3. Waste rocks
This is an ore that contains minerals of low grade considered to be too low for extraction at
profitable percentages. Waste rocks is often stored in heaps or dumps on the mine site but may
be stored underwater with tailings in tailings dams if it doesn’t contain a lot of sulphide minerals
with high potential to generate acid (Hudson. E., 2011). The Canadians company was dumping
the waste rocks into river Nyamwamba, on mine sites, and processing site during their time at
Kilembe mine, Kasese. With the current project (2013-2015), waste rocks with low sulphide
content are transported using wagons (See Fig. 4.6 below) direct to the accumulation dams,
construction sites like road construction and river bank elevation and diversion.

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Figure 4.6: Waste rocks piled at mill site in the past (left) and wagons new used to transport them to
convenient disposal points (right).
However, waste rocks can be re-mined due to an increase in mineral market prices or
improvements in extraction technology considering the current Cobalt Factory at Kasese using
cobalt waste that was first dumped into the current economical tailings dams at Kilembe by the
then Canadians and British miners who were working with Facon Bridge Company in the 1970s.
4.3.4. Tailings
Tailings are finely ground rock and mineral waste products left behind during minerals
processing. Tailings can also contain leftover processing chemicals, and are usually deposited in
the form of a water-based slurry into tailings ponds (sedimentation lagoons enclosed by dams
built to capture and store the tailings). Slags are non-metallic by-products from metal smelting,
and were historically considered to be waste. Slags are largely environmentally friendly, and are
being used increasingly as aggregate in concrete and road construction.

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4.3.5. Mine water
Can vary in its quality and potential for environmental contamination.
Figure 4.7: Mine water (left) and pipelines (right) that were used to pump water into the mine at Kilembe.
Water at mine sites at Kilembe is frequently monitored and various water management strategies
have been developed to reduce the amount of mine water produced. AMD (acid mine drainage),
a poisonous seeping from disused mines is the main contributor of this problem. Highly acidic
waste water containing high levels of heavy metals is produced when water floods into shafts in
copper mines. If nothing is done, then AMD can severely pollute both surface and ground water.
Currently the mine water produced at Kilembe is re-injected into the mine to control dust inside
the mine. Failures of the past such as; lack of environmental regulations that could enforce the
clean-up mechanisms at the mine have led to the current consequences faced from these mines
which are becoming urgent environmental concerns in Uganda. “The discharges contain heavy
metals like Copper, Cobalt, Iron and Lead which can enter the food chain if taken with drinking
water because river Nyamwamba is a source of drinking water to the residents of Kasese and
Lake George too is a source of fish for the district” (Oryem O., 2005).
4.3.6. Water treatment sludge
Sludge is produced at active water treatment plants used at some mine sites, and consists of the
solids that had been removed from the water as well as any chemicals that had been added to
improve the efficiency of the process. Although ways of recycling the sludge are being explored,
much of sludge has little economic value and is handled as waste. Disposal of water treatment

Page | 25
residues in underground mine workings is the least expensive option where it is permitted and
environmentally safe. In extreme cases where the sludge is rich in cadmium or arsenic, it may be
classified as hazardous waste and require special handling and disposal.
4.3.7. Gaseous wastes
Gaseous wastes include (dust) and sulphur oxides (SO2). Majority of the emissions to the
atmosphere are produced during high-temperature chemical processing such as, blasting of rocks
and vary in their composition and potential to contaminate the environment (Dyk, R.P.v. (1987)
Environmental control technologies such as gravity collectors and electrostatic precipitators are
capable of removing up to 99.7% of dust and fumes but are not yet developed at Kilembe by the
Chinese Company although plans are underway to conserve the environment as well as the
atmosphere. Despite the recycling and reuse of many wastes at mine sites, much of the waste
produced is still placed and kept in storage facilities, and reclamation and long-term management
of these waste rocks has become an important part of modern mine planning.
4.3.8. Clay-rich tailings
Have been used for making bricks, floor tiles and cement.
4.4. Research question (II): What are the methods used to depose off waste rocks and tailings
at Kilembe mine.
Like any other human activity, mining operations produce a lot of waste materials (Hyne, 1989).
The over burden soils and rocks removed to gain access to ore buried deep in fissures, and the
materials left behind after the ore has been processed to remove the valuable commodities are
considered to be waste materials. Figure 4.8 below shows the trends in the mining industry that
lead to the generation of waste rocks and tailings. The process begins with mining, crushing of
an ore and separation processes. At that point, the concentrate is finally produce and tailings plus
waste rocks are then collected.

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Figure 4.8: An over view of the mining industry associated with waste rocks and tailings generation
(Source: www.interbasemetals.com).
4.4.1. The techniques of waste disposal Kilembe mine
The management of the residues generated at the mine site (s) is always a concern in every
mining company because the tailings and waste-rocks, typically present undesirable financial
burden to the operators. Initially, the mine and the mineral processing plants are designed to
extract as much marketable concentrates as possible. The residue and the overall environmental
management is then designed as a consequence of the applied steps. There are many options for
managing tailings and waste-rock but the most common methods are;
i. Discarding slurried tailings into ponds
ii. Backfilling tailings of the waste-rock into the underground mines tunnel to get access to
an ore above the miners, or open pits or they can be used for the construction of tailings
dams.
iii. Dumping more or less dry tailings or waste-rock onto heaps or hill sides

Page | 27
iv. Using the tailings and waste-rock as a product for land use, e.g. as aggregates for
restoration
v. Dry-stacking of thickened tailings
vi. Discarding tailings into surface water (e.g. sea, lake, and river) or groundwater.
4.4.1.1. Discarding slurried tailings into ponds
Amongst the options given above, discarding slurries tailings into ponds was found out to be
more applicable in Kilembe mine. Tailings and waste-rocks management facilities vary widely in
sizes, e.g. from swimming-pool sized tailings ponds to ponds of over 1000 hectares, and from
small tailings or waste-rock piles to waste-rock area of several hundred of hectares or tailings
heaps over 200m high.
Figure 4.9: The settling basin (left) used to control tailings temporarily at Kilembe mine and participants
of a workshop on climate change (Right) in Kasese (September, 2010) visit one of the previous stock piles
of tailings near Kilembe mines.
Tailings dams are built to retain slurried tailing have many features in common with water
retention dams. Actually, in many cases they are built as water retaining dams, particularly
where there is need for the storage of water over the tailings (Lottermoser, B., 2012). The
collapse of a tailings dam can be fatal or can generate short-term and long-term problems such
as;
i. Blanketing/suffocating

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ii. Crushing and destruction
iii. Cut-off of infrastructure
iv. Poisoning.
v. Metal accumulation in plants and animals
vi. Contamination of soil
vii. Loss of animal life.
4.5. Mining techniques that can minimize waste rocks and tailings generation at the mine
sites.
There are several types of mining methods as elaborated below which are applied depending on
the; nature of the ore, the depths, the value, and other factors.
4.5.1. Cut and fill methods
Cut-and-fill is a method used for underground mining especially in vertical shafts where the
stopes is at higher elevation above the miners. It is used while mining high-grade irregular ore
bodies. This is the chief method used in Kilembe mine because of the fact that it reduces the
volume of waste rocks generated inside the shafts as waste rocks are used for backfilling. In a
cut-and-fill stoping operation, ramps or inclined tunnels are excavated to connect the surface to
the underground ore body.
4.5.2. Four basic mining techniques involved when mining solids materials.
i. Open pit
ii. Underground mine
iii. Quarry
iv. Solution mining.
4.5.3. The factors that control the choice between the different mining methods
i. Value of the desired mineral(s)
ii. Grade of the ore
iii. Size, form and depth of the orebody
iv. Environmental conditions of the surrounding area
v. Geological, hydrogeological and geo-mechanical conditions of the rock mass
vi. Seismic conditions of the area

Page | 29
vii. Site location of the orebody
viii. Solubility of the orebody
ix. Environmental impact of the operation
x. Surface constraints
xi. Land availability
Often, the upper-most part of an ore-body is mined in an open pit but over time and with
increasing depth, the removal of overburden makes this mining method uneconomical so deeper
parts are sometimes mined underground. Mining costs are significantly higher underground
which justifies the need for surface mining. However, underground mining may be rejected if the
orebody is not continuous enough to allow economical underground mining. Rock stability may
also set limits on any underground mining. All the above methods help minimize the waste rocks
produced during the mining activities.
4.5.4. Backfilling
Backfilling is the reinsertion of materials into the mined-out part (s) of the excavation site. In
some cases, the material being in-filled does not serve a geotechnical requirement but is infilled
for disposal purposes. Mined rocks of uneconomical grade may be “backfilled into” the previous
tunnels.
In most cases, backfill is used to re-fill mined-out areas.
i. Assure ground stability
ii. Reduce underground and surface subsidence
iii. Provide roof support so that further parts of the orebody can be extracted and to increase
safety
iv. Provide an alternative to surface disposal improved ventilation.
v. Decommissioning/landscaping reasons
vi. Minimize the foot print (e.g. as opposed to building ponds or heaps)
vii. Minimize risk of collapse by backfilling the pit instead of building a new pond.
Beside the benefits for the mining operation itself (listed above), backfilling also decreases the
ground surface disturbance. This means that, where the ore grade is less than 50 % it will not be
possible to backfill all the tailings and waste rocks.

Page | 30
The three basic types of mine backfilling are;
i. Dry backfill
ii. Cemented backfill
iii. Hydraulic backfill
4.5.4.2.1. Dry backfill
Dry backfill generally consists of unclassified sand, waste-rock, tailings, and smelter slag. The
backfilling materials are transported underground by dropping it in shafts and stopes or to a level
where it can be hauled into loaders or trucks. This type of backfill is suitable for mechanized ‘cut
and fill’ or other methods where structural backfill is not required.
4.5.5. Cemented backfilling
Cemented backfilling generally consist of waste-rock or coarse tailings mixed with a cement or
slurry to improve the bond strength between the rock fragments. This method of placement
involves mixing the rock and cement slurry in a hopper before placing it in voids (e.g. stopes or
mined out longwall), or percolating a slurry over the rock after it has been placed.
4.6. Research question (III): What are the positive and negative implications of the waste rocks
and tailings on the environment at Kasese district?
4.6.1. Positive impacts of the mining industry to the population at Kasese district.
Kasese district is endowed with a number of minerals besides Copper at Kilembe mines which
has been revived by government under the new Chinese company called Tibet Hima Co, Ltd,
Cobalt in Kasese with the KCCL Company, cement at Hima where a second power line has been
constructed, Lime (Muhokya), Salt (Katwe Kabatooro). These have benefited the people of
Kasese and Uganda at large through job opportunities to Ugandans and revenue generation to the
government.
i. Copper-cobalt: Copper has been found in several localities in Uganda but the only
significant deposit discovered to-date have been at Kilembe, where copper-cobalt
sulphide mineralization occurs. Although copper was first reported at Kilembe in 1908,
the deposit was not brought to the surface until 1956 due to the completion of the railway
line to Kasese. Between 1957 and 1979 a total of 16.29 million tons ore averaging 1.95%
copper and 0.18% cobalt were mined and treated to yield 217,000 tons of blister copper

Page | 31
which was exported, and 1.1 million tons of cobaltiferous pyrite (iron sulphide) was
stockpiled (Barnes, 1961). The Kasese Cobalt Company has installed a 1,000-tonnes per
year plant and is processing the stockpile concentrates of pyrite. Copper is mainly used in
making electrical conductors, special alloys for the aerospace industry, electronics and
high-tech industry. Cobalt salts are used in the chemical industry and in tinting glass to
give a blue colour.
ii. Galena: A mineral containing lead (with minor zinc and gold), occurs in quartz veins. It
is associated with tin (cassiterite) at Kilembe. These deposits are very small and attract
less attention from the investors. Galena was mined only at Kitaka and production totaled
only 750 tons over a 13- year period to 1960 when mining stopped. It is used in making
motor vehicle batteries and heavy metal shield for nuclear radiation protection.
iii. Talc: Occurs at Itega-Manengo in Bushenyi district; Lolung-Moruamakale in Moroto
district and at Kisinga, in Kasese district. Talc is used as an extender in paints, ceramics,
radio tubes, refractories, toilet powders, lotions and face creams.
iv. Water Flow: There are many rivers in Kasese that flow from mountain Rwenzori into
the district. These are potential sources of electricity power generation and water for
irrigation. So far there are four dams in the district and another one is being constructed
by Tronder Power in Bugoye Sub-county. The Nyamwamba Small Hydro Power Project
owned by Kilembe Mine (Tibet Hima Co, Limited) but contracted to South Asia
Management California is being constructed in Kilembe Sub County which is estimated
to generate between 14 and 15 Megawatts (personal communication with the project
Manager Alex Kwatampora).
4.6.2. The negative impacts of the mining industry on the environment at Kasese district
The whole of 2012 was spent on sampling of the minerals by Tibet Hima Company. Laboratory
testing was carried out to investigate if there are radioactive minerals like Uranium and Thorium
present in the area. Geochemical results show no signatures of radioactive minerals in the area
(project Manager of Tibet Hima Co. Ltd). However, other heavy minerals available present a
dubious challenge to the environment and the people living in Kasese district if taken with
drinking water. Tailings slip into the water bodies more especially when River Nyamwamba
bursts its banks (see also Fig.4.10 below) and a lot of chemicals are washed into the water. It was
for that reason that reeds and Eucalyptus trees were planted along river Nyamwamba in order to

Page | 32
absorb ions produced by heavy minerals that dissolve in water. Plans to divert some small
tributaries of the river are in progress (personal communication with the project manager of
Tibet Hima).
Figure 4.10: President Museveni (left) and participants (Right) in the workshop for climate change,
visited Kilembe mine’s previous tailing stockpiles after the severe flooding in the area (October 2013).
4.6.3. Copper ‘waste’ poisoning fish in river Nyamwamba and Lake George.
Stockpiles of copper wastes that were left behind after the closure of Kilembe mines have not
produced copper for sale over the last thirty years but instead contaminants. Those stock piles
copper wastes have been draining into the nearby water bodies. The problem has intensified over
the last two years as river Nyamwamba regularly bursts its banks dissolving bits of the heaps of
stockpiles and washing it away. Also, water from the deep underground tunnels has been seeping
out of the mines, carrying with it dissolved minerals into the river (Mbabazi et al, 2010).
Thousands of Kasese residents who do not have piped water depend on River Nyamwamba and
hundreds others are fishermen on Lake George, (river Nyamwamba’s final destination).

Page | 33
Figure 4.11: The stock-pile of the copper-cobaltiferous pyrites (Left) along the Kasese-Kilembe road
eroded when River Nyamwamba burst its banks (Right), 2013.
4.6.4. Health risks
The wastes discharged into the river contain dissolved heavy metals ions like Copper ions,
Cobalt, Iron ions and Lead ions (Gao, K. et al, 1999). These heavy metals may occur in small
quantities but the threat is that they are getting into the food chain where they accumulate over
time because they are eroded by water in to River Nyamwamba which is a source of drinking
water to the people and Lake George which is a source of fish for the district (Flavia N., Oil in
Uganda, 2014).
4.6.5. Long food chain
River Nyamwamba empties directly into Lake George and Lake George connects to Lake
Edward through Kazinga channel. Lake Edward connects to River Semuliki which empties into
Lake Albert. The impact of the Kilembe stock piles is already felt in the flora and fauna in and
around Lake George. “The heavy metals (mineral ores) have accumulation effect in food chain
of the aquatic plus flora and fauna. If not controlled, the side effects are transferred to people

Page | 34
who depend on these biodiversity for food (personal communication with NEMA’s Western
region focal person and awareness officer Mr. Jeconious Musingwiire). “Lake George is the
second designated breeding ground for birds and fish species especially the crested crane and
also has the wetlands to buffer the pollution loads from mining, surface run-off and spillages
from cobalt smelting plant at KCCL. It would be dangerous if it is polluted” (Felix B., Daily
Monitor., 2010).

Page | 35
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS
This chapter discusses the results analyzed in chapter four and highlights the current proposed
comprehensive approaches to the waste rocks and tailings management. The best way to control
wastes is to collect and contain them immediately at the point of production, treat them in a
manner that make them environmentally safe and friendly. Indeed, successful approaches to
tailings and waste rocks management are based on selection of the best appropriate storage
locations, proper materials characterization and the accurate prediction of long-term chemicals
behaviors.
Solid mine waste (overburden, waste rocks, solidified tailings, slag, dust) have been used as back
fillings in the underground or open pit workings, stored in piles on sites or underwater to prevent
ARD from occurring. In the case of problematic waste rocks, they can be used in roads and dams
construction as well as the river banks stabilization at the mine sites. Or else, recycled. Mine
waters have been recycled and reused for dust suppression and minerals processing processes, or
treated and discharged into the environment. Tailings are composed of fine particles (sand, silt,
and clay-sized material) and often have a high water content which make them troublesome to
manage. In the past, tailings were deposited directly into rivers or wetlands hence, introducing
sediments and contaminants in those water bodies and in many cases adversely affected aquatic
life in Lake George and Kazinga channel.
Waste rocks and dry tailings are currently used as backfilling in underground mines, stored in
open pits, dried and stacked, or pumped into the tailings ponds on sites. The type, amount, and
properties of mine wastes produced at different mines vary depending on the resource being
mined (as described under selective disposal mechanism where waste rocks with high sulphide
content are treated as dangerous waste that need special attention), processing technology used,
and geology at the mine site. Although many mining materials are environmentally friendly,
mining companies have to manage their waste in order to prevent the release of contaminates
into the environment.
The company (Tibet Hima Co. LTD) has already done an audit plan although clean-up activities
have been severally hampered by the regular flooding of river Nyamwamba. The diversion of
river Nyamwamba which used to burst its banks and flood the whole area has addressed those

Page | 36
challenges. “When we took over this area, there was no policy in Kilembe that guide water and
waste rocks treatment. We have carried out an environmental audit and commissioned an
environmental impact assessment study as part of the bigger plans aimed to protect the
environment. The company has already neutralized the effects of the copper sulphate and heavy
metals like ions from iron solution sliding into river Nyamwamba by Planting Eucalyptus
grandis trees, Leucaena glauca, and Cassia siamea. Plants with roots proved to be able to absorb
dangerous mineral compounds from the soil hence creating a conducive environment for the
growth of other plant species” (personal communication with Tibet Hima’s project manager at
Kilembe).
Waste management plans are supposed to be developed as part of the mine approval processes,
and consist of waste storage area selection, design, strategies to address problematic wastes, and
long-term stabilization of wastes as part of the mine closure plans (NEMA, 1998).

Page | 37
CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION, CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATION
The overall objective of the study was to assess the methods used in waste rocks and tailings
disposal and control at Kilembe mine, impacts of waste rocks and tailings on the people and the
environment either negatively and positively.
6.1. Conclusion
The research thesis identified the various types of wastes generated at the mine site at Kilembe,
mitigation measures put in place or proposed to overcome those wastes, and the negative and
positive impacts of the mining industry on the environment. Principally, the water from the
foothills of Ruwenzori Mountains particularly, River Nyamwamba and River Ngangi being used
on daily basis is not safe for consumption.
Findings suggest that there are various types of wastes associated with the mining activities such
as; the tailings, the over burden rocks, mine water, gaseous waste, slurries and slag. And these
are just few examples of the waste found at Kilembe mine. Those wastes are extensively
managed using methods such as; drying and discarding of the waste rocks and tailings,
backfilling in the mine, cut and fil while mining, planting trees and reeds along the rivers to
absorb ions produced by metallic minerals. Diversion of the rivers to avoid constant flooding of
the area. Waste rocks with low sulphide content are used for the stabilization of the river banks.
The positive impacts of the industry in the area include; generation of the government revenues,
employment opportunities to the miners and managers. However, there are also negative
consequences of the mining industry to the people in Kasese district such as; contamination of
water points, pollution of the environment hence fish poisoning.
On the hand, the results obtained from the field and other sources show that the levels of ions
solution produced by metallic minerals in the river are significant, perhaps reflective of the
contamination and the growing anthropogenic pollution (Oryem, et al 2007). Although this might
poses a threat to the fresh water sources for domestic and industrial use, the levels of copper and
zinc concentration values are still within the limits laid down by the WHO.

Page | 38
Therefore, it appears that the waters of Kasese town are safe for domestic use at some points and
unsafe at others especially within Kilembe mine valley and along river Nyamwamba. It also
seems that leaching of heavy metals from the ores extracted out of Kilembe mines is still
minimal, or is yet to have a noticeable effect.
It however remains imperative upon the relevant municipality authorities and the mining
companies in the country to stress the need to treat the effluent at the sources (production points)
before it is released into the environment. This can be done by making use of the available
technologies and fulfilment of the mining regulations which have led to significant improvement
on environmental management practices in other parts of the world over the last 20 years.
Indeed, mine wastes at modern mines are generally better managed than in the past.
Waste rocks and tailings poorly managed and deposited onto valuable landscapes 30 years ago
have caused the pinch we are feeling today plus the phobia associated with mining activities in
the country as we speak.

Page | 39
6.2. Challenges
i. Definitely, the research was challenging because it required a lot of money. An estimated
amount of up to 500,000 was used to cater for transport to the study area and
accommodation in the study area.
ii. There was a problem of language barrier since the researcher didn’t know the local
languages to communicate with all the respondents of the area, and that affected the
investigation activities at some points.
iii. Laboratory testing was required in order to test the water quality, soil pH, and presence of
heavy metals in the waters transported by river Nyamwamba, Ngangi and Kazinga
Channel into the nearby lakes as alleged by past researchers yet I didn’t have the essential
Equipments. I had to rely on the information that was got by other researchers.
iv. Inadequacy of the data due to the limited number of geologists at the mining site who
could understand the questionnaire. In most cases, I was referred to the project manager
who had many schedules to attend.
v. The mining site was under construction, renovation and rehabilitation. Other activities
like exploration, mining, and initial processing were undergoing hence most of the
workers had little time to interact with me.
vi. Limited time due to the strike which happened here in 2014 that messed up the school
programs hence the time tables were over scheduled.
vii. Long distance between Kampala and Kasese district. Whenever I was told to go back
after one week, I had to travel back and forth which was far, tiresome and costly.
viii. I wasn’t familiar with the area and people I know most from that region were still
studying here in Kampala. For the first visit to the area, they had to draw for me a map
showing the taxi park for Kampala, location of some hotels and lodges, among others.

Page | 40
6.3. Recommendations
There is need for costs benefit analysis regarding the technology involved in the mine in order to
maximize profits out of the ore mined and to be able to predict economic importance of the
mining industry. The following are recommendations accruing from the current research.
i. Waste management plans should be developed before the mine is constructed. The
reclamation of waste rocks dams and tailings ponds should as well be incorporated into
the designs of new mines. Mine waste management practices, storage facilities used at
different mines must be based on the common design principles but optimized by mine
engineers depending on specific site conditions putting into consideration ground
disturbances such; as earthquakes and floods. Mining wastes require careful management
to ensure the long-term stability of storage and disposal facilities, and to prevent or
minimize air, water, and soil contamination.
ii. The inappropriate or unsafe management of wastes at the mine sites may generate
opposition from local communities and the general public. Therefore, the government,
mining companies and non-government organizations should promote capacity building
in order to change the mindset of the public towards the mining industry.
iii. Where waste rocks and tailings contain significant quantities of sulphide minerals and are
exposed to air and water, acid rock drainage (ARD) can be generated. As a result, every
mine requires waste characterization practices, prediction, monitoring, and treatment. The
major environmental impacts from waste disposal at mine sites can lead to loss of
productive land following its conversion into a waste storage area, and the introduction of
acidic sediments and other contaminates into the surrounding surfaces, and groundwater
getting exposed to chemically reactive wastes.
iv. In addition, tougher laws should be put in place as a deterrent against mine land areas
encroachers.

Page | 41
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Page | 45
CHAPTER SEVEN: APPENDIX
7.1 Appendix I:
Figure 7.1 Appendix I: Participants of in workshop on climate change at Kasese district
(September, 2010) visit one of the stock piles of tailings near Kilembe mines. Figure 7.2
Appendix I: Researchers in Uganda have identified tree species that could be used to restore
vegetation in minerals polluted environments such as Kilembe and the pyrite trail in Queen
Elizabeth National Park.

Page | 46
7.2 Appendix II
7.2.1: Tables of findings
Table 7.1. The world’s Share of minerals production from Africa (World Bank Report 2005)
mineral percentage
Bauxite (Aluminium ore) 14
chromite 44
cobalt 57
copper 5
Diamond 46
Gold 21
Iron 4
Steel 2
Phosphate Rock 31
Manganese 39
Petroleum 13
Cement 4
Graphite 2
Uranium 16

Page | 47
7.2.2 Table 7.2: Mineral Type and Production Volume in Tonnes
Type of minerals 2004 2005 2006 2007
Limestone 4,28,775.90 5,40,755.60 4,25,610.70 4,47,462.80
Pozzolanic Materials 1,34,643.97 1,38,932.70 ,13,639.90 ,80,522.30
Vermiculite ,688.00 ,574.00 3,512.00 3,269.00
Colombite/Tantalite 0.38 0.3 0.1 0.1
Cobalt 459 637.8 689.2 636.3
Gold 1.5 0.05 0.02 0.03
Gypsum 181.2 85.3 121.2 168.2
Lead (Galena) - - 46 38
Wolfram 79.9 45.1 94.8 107.9
Kaolin 537 55 - 8,152.20
Iron ore - 08.5 - 366
Syenitic aggregates - 4,519.00 6,080.00 8,994.20
Total 5,67,366.85 6,88,013.35 6,49,793.92 7,49,717.03
Source: Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development (DGSM Annual Report 2008)
7.2.3 TABLE 7.3: AGE GROUPS OF RESPONDENTS
Age groups of respondents Number of respondents out of 50 Percentage
Less than 18 7 14.0
18-25 20 40.0
26-33 11 22.0
34-41 7 14.0
42-49 4 8.0
50+ 1 2.0
Total 50 100
Source: Primary data
7.2.4 Table 7.4: level of education of the respondents. Source: (Primary data)

Page | 48
Educational level Frequency Percentage
Primary 20 40.0
Secondary 19 38.0
Tertiary 11 22.0
Total 50 100

Page | 49
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR NKUMBA UNIVERSITY
QUESTIONNAIRE TO KILEMBE MINE MANAGEMENT BOARD, RESIDENTS, AND
THE WORKERS IN THE MINE.
TOPIC: ASSESSMENT OF THE METHODS USED IN WASTE ROCKSS AND TAILINGS
DISPOSAL AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS ON THE ENVIRONMENT:
A CASE STUDY OF KILEMBE MINE AT KASESE DISTRICT IN WESTERN UGANDA,
BY
KUORWEL NGANG JACOB
APRIL 30th
, 2015

Jacob k. n. 2015 final 25th

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