Mining Law

Mining Law Practice – Mercio Advocates

 

We are the leading firm in Uganda specializing in legal services for the mining industry. We provide expert guidance to clients, helping them navigate regulatory frameworks and capitalize on opportunities in this dynamic sector. Our services include compliance advisory, securing essential permits, contract negotiation and risk management. By staying updated on Uganda’s evolving legal landscapes, we ensure that our clients avoid penalties, delays and operational setbacks while meeting all legal requirements.

In addition to compliance, we support our clients with contract structuring for joint ventures and supplier agreements. We also specialize in dispute resolution, offering legal representation through arbitration, mediation and litigation. Skilled in land use conflicts and compensation claims, we ensure favorable outcomes. Our expertise extends to environmental compliance and fostering sustainable mining practices, including community benefit sharing initiatives. Furthermore, we provide detailed due diligence and risk analysis for investors.

Gold Purchase Procedure

We guide clients through the gold purchase procedure as established by Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) under the Minerals Development Program — from registration to export.

MCRS Portal Registration

All stakeholders must first register with the Mining Cadaster and Registry System (MCRS), Uganda’s e-government portal for direct engagement with the Mineral Development Program at dgsmportal.minerals.go.ug

For an Individual

  • Completed Registration Form (downloadable from MCRS portal)
  • Personal Identity — Passport or National ID
  • Tax Identification Number (TIN)

For a Company

  • Completed Registration Form
  • Personal Identity — Passport (foreigner) or National ID
  • Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Certified Certificate of Incorporation
  • Certified Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Board Resolution authorizing the applicant

Mineral Dealer's License

Apply for a Mineral Dealer’s License (MDL). Applications are submitted online through the MCRS portal. Note that MDLs expire on 31st December of the year of issuance.

Application Requirements

  • Completed MDL Application Form
  • Proof of financial resources
  • ID showing nationality (if individual)
  • Proposed plan for marketing, buying, and selling minerals
  • Tax Clearance Certificate issued by URA to MEMD
  • Proof of technical competence (CVs of key staff)

Buying Gold

Once licensed, we assist clients in conducting proper gold purchases with all necessary verification and record-keeping.

Essential Checks

  • Verify seller holds a valid and relevant license
  • Verify authenticity of the gold — purity and source
  • Obtain proof of purchase for compliance records

Exporting Gold

Export permits are granted per consignment. We handle all documentation to ensure a smooth, compliant export process.

Export Permit Requirements

  • Valid MDL, Mineral Right (Mining License), or Refining License
  • Completed Form 52 — Mining & Minerals (Licensing) Regulations 2023
  • Export permit from country of origin (for non-Ugandan minerals)
  • Certificate of Origin (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Analysis authenticated by country of origin
  • Proof gold is refined to 99.9% purity
  • Proof of payment of fees (USD 200) through URA

Importing Gold

Import permits are also granted per consignment. We ensure all importing activities meet MEMD requirements.

Import Permit Requirements

  • Valid MDL for the relevant mineral group
  • Completed Form 54 — Mining & Minerals (Licensing) Regulations 2023
  • Export permit from the country of origin
  • Proof of royalty payment from country of origin
  • Certificate of Origin (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Analysis authenticated by country of origin

Our Fee Structure

Clear, phased fee structure for gold trade transaction guidance

Phase One
ItemParticularsAmount USD
1Provision of a detailed procedures and processes necessary for a successful Gold trade transaction in Uganda1087
2Provision of different levels of possible entry points into the industry from mining to trading815.25
Sub total1,902.25
ItemParticularsAmount USD
1Identification of potential counter partners / reliable counter parties from mining, smelting, trading, insurance, freight, security and custody.1358.75
2Performance of due diligence on counter parties i.e. legality, tax compliance, mineral Licenses validity and experience in the industry, criminal background on the directors from Interpol 3,000,000/= per party1087
Sub total2,445.75
ItemParticularsAmount USD
1To drafting performance agreements, witnessing and having the agreements legally registered1% of agreement value
2To act as your companies escrow account pay masters fro by passing of money laundering regulations1% of agreement value

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of permits does Mercio Advocates help secure?

We assist in obtaining exploration licenses, mining licenses, environmental permits, and mineral export permits — ensuring full compliance with Uganda’s legal requirements under the Mining and Minerals Act 2022.

We facilitate agreements with local communities, resolving land disputes and compensation claims while promoting benefit-sharing arrangements that support harmonious and sustainable operations.

Yes. We offer comprehensive due diligence, risk analysis, and legal support for securing investments and ensuring full compliance with Uganda’s mining laws for both local and foreign investors.

We provide arbitration, mediation, and litigation services to address land use conflicts, contract disputes, and regulatory compliance issues — achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

Yes. We advise clients on all applicable environmental regulations, offering tailored strategies to minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainable, socially responsible mining practices

We manage every step — from MCRS registration and MDL licensing applications, to verifying counter-parties, drafting purchase agreements, and securing the necessary export or import permits per consignment.

Book Appointment