"Geothermal exploration halted in Uganda pending environmental assessment"

 Following a well blow-out during geothermal exploration drilling in Kibiro, Uganda, the country's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has halted further exploration until a comprehensive environmental and social impact assessment has been conducted. In a press release...the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of Uganda provides an update related to an incident at the geothermal exploration activities in the Hoima district of the country. We reported earlier this month. The government had kicked off geothermal surveys during which a “benign” oil spill occurred. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has halted the conducting of detailed surveys at Kibirio in Hoima district, Panyimur in Pakwach district, and Buranga in Bundibugyo district, where preliminary surface studies had indicated geothermal reservoirs. In order to increase geological confidence in the studies and reduce deep exploration risk, it was recommended to drill shallow temperature gradient holes in Kibiro and Panyimur.

Prior to embarking on drilling the wells, the ministry engaged the community and stakeholders aimed at enhancing their understanding and build consensus for the geothermal project. Key stakeholders engaged included local authorities from Hoima, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Kigorobya and Kibiro which methods include site community tours to geothermal power facilities in Naivasha, Kenya and Kibiro site visits. Public awareness workshops, meetings, data and information sharing with the concerned local communities were also part of the methods of engagement.