Purity of Raw Gold in Uganda: 9 insights Buyers Must Know in 2025

Uganda has rapidly emerged as a key player in the global gold market, with its rich deposits, competitive pricing, and growing reputation for high-quality raw gold.

The discovery of an estimated 31 million tonnes of gold ore in 2022, potentially worth $12.8 trillion, has spotlighted Uganda as a prime destination for gold buyers, including investors, jewelers, and international traders.

However, one of the most critical factors for buyers is understanding the purity of raw gold, the processes for assay testing, and Uganda’s gold quality standards.

Purity of Raw Gold in Uganda

Raw gold, also known as unrefined gold, is extracted directly from mines in forms such as nuggets, dust, or Doré bars.

In Uganda, raw gold is primarily sourced from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM), which accounts for over 90% of the country’s gold production, with additional contributions from large-scale operations like Wagagai Mining Ltd in Busia.

The purity of raw gold in Uganda typically ranges from 90% to 98% (approximately 21K to 23K), making it highly sought after for its near-pure composition.

What Determines Purity?

Purity is measured in karats (K) or fineness (parts per 1,000). For example:

• 24K: 99.9%–99.99% pure gold, rare in raw form due to natural impurities.
• 22K: 91.67% pure gold, common in Uganda’s raw gold from artisanal mines.
• Fineness: Expressed as 900–980 for Uganda’s raw gold (90%–98% purity).

Raw gold in Uganda often contains impurities like silver, copper, or other trace metals, which are naturally present in the ore. These impurities lower the karat value compared to refined gold (99.9%+ purity) but do not significantly detract from its value for investors or refiners.

The high baseline purity of Ugandan gold, typically 90% or above, makes it an attractive option for buyers seeking cost-effective raw material for refining into bullion or jewelry.

Gold Mining in Uganda: A Growing Industry of Opportunity and Risk

Gold mining in Uganda has rapidly emerged as one of the country’s most lucrative natural resource sectors, transforming rural landscapes into thriving mining hubs. Once overshadowed by agriculture and coffee exports, Uganda gold production now plays a critical role in boosting GDP and attracting foreign investment.

With rich deposits scattered across regions like Karamoja, Mubende, Buhweju, Busia, and Kisita, the nation is estimated to produce over 30 tons of gold annually — both through artisanal mining and licensed industrial operations.

Uganda’s gold reserves were long underutilized, but recent government efforts to formalize the sector and regulate exports have made the industry more transparent and accessible to both local and international players.

The rise of refineries such as the African Gold Refinery in Entebbe has enhanced value addition, allowing the export of high-purity 24K gold rather than raw ore. This has significantly improved Uganda’s gold trade reputation across African and Middle Eastern markets.

The majority of mining activity still comes from artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs), who extract gold using rudimentary tools and techniques. While these operations are essential to community livelihoods, they also pose challenges related to environmental impact, mercury use, and illegal smuggling.

The Ugandan government has responded with new mining laws, licensing frameworks, and traceability systems to promote sustainable and ethical gold sourcing.

Whether you’re an investor, buyer, or researcher, understanding the dynamics of gold mining in Uganda — including location, purity, production volume, and regulation — is key to making informed decisions. As demand for gold surges globally, Uganda is poised to become one of Africa’s most important mining destinations.

Gold Quality in Uganda Mines

Uganda’s gold mining sector is dominated by artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) and licensed industrial operations. The quality of gold extracted from these mines typically ranges from 22K to 24K, depending on the deposit and processing level.

• Color: Rich yellow hue, typical of high-purity gold.

• Form: Found as nuggets, flakes, or dust.

• Sources: Karamoja, Mubende, Buhweju, and Busia regions.

• Average Purity Range: 91% to 96% for unrefined artisanal gold.

• Refining: Major refiners like AGR purify to 99.9% (24K) for export and bullion.

Export Consideration:

Gold exported from Uganda must be assayed, certified, and licensed, and buyers must ensure they receive purity certificates or assay reports verifying the gold’s fineness.

Types of Gold from Uganda Mines

Uganda primarily exports alluvial and hard rock gold, mostly mined in regions like Karamoja, Buhweju, Mubende, and Busia. The gold recovered from these areas is usually in its raw (unrefined) form and later refined to investment-grade standards.

Raw Gold Purity in Uganda

• Raw gold from Uganda typically has a purity range of 85% to 92% (20K–22K), depending on the mining source and extraction method.

• Artisanal mining (common in Uganda) usually yields dust, nuggets, and flakes, which are later melted and purified through local or international refineries.

Refined Gold Grades in Uganda

• 24K Gold (99.9%): Achieved through international-standard refining, suitable for export and investment bars.

• 22K Gold (91.6%): Common for jewelry purposes, durable and popular in local and regional markets.

• 18K Gold (75%) and 14K–8K: Less common in Uganda but used in alloyed jewelry and exported products.

Prices per Gram (Approximate, July 2025)

Factors Affecting Purity

Several factors influence the purity of raw gold in Uganda:

• Geological Composition: Gold from regions like Karamoja, Mubende, and Busia varies in purity due to differing mineral deposits. For instance, Karamoja’s gold often tests at 95%–98% purity.
• Mining Techniques: Artisanal mining, prevalent in Uganda, uses basic methods like panning or mercury amalgamation, which can leave trace impurities. Large-scale mines, like Wagagai’s, employ more controlled extraction, yielding slightly higher purity.
• Processing: Raw gold undergoes minimal processing before sale, preserving its natural state but retaining impurities that require refining.

Why Purity Matters

For buyers, purity directly impacts value and usability. Gold with 95% purity (22K) is cheaper than refined 24K gold but ideal for investors who plan to refine it or jewelers crafting high-quality pieces.

Understanding purity ensures buyers pay a fair price and receive gold that meets their specifications. Trusted suppliers like Gold Buyers Africa Limited provide assay reports to confirm purity, ensuring transparency and trust.

Gold Assay Testing in Uganda

Assay testing is the scientific process of determining the purity and composition of gold. In Uganda, assay testing is critical for verifying the quality of raw gold, protecting buyers from fraud, and ensuring compliance with international trade standards.

The process is conducted by certified laboratories and is a prerequisite for exporting gold from Uganda.

Assay Testing Process

• Sample Collection: A small sample of the gold (nugget, dust, or Doré bar) is collected from the batch to be tested.
• Fire Assay: The most common method, where the sample is melted with a flux (e.g., lead oxide) to separate gold from impurities. The resulting gold is weighed to calculate purity.
• X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF): A non-destructive method that uses X-rays to analyze the gold’s elemental composition, ideal for quick and accurate results.
• Chemical Testing: Nitric acid or other reagents are applied to test for gold content. Genuine gold does not react, while impurities may dissolve or change color.
• Certification: The lab issues an assay report detailing the gold’s purity (e.g., 95% or 22K), weight, and any impurities present.

Approved Assay Facilities in Uganda

Uganda has several government-approved laboratories for assay testing, including:

African Gold Refinery (AGR) in Entebbe, known for its advanced testing capabilities and compliance with international standards.

Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM) Labs, which provide testing services for licensed dealers and exporters.

Private Labs: Certified labs like SGS Uganda and Intertek offer assay services, often used by suppliers like Gold Buyers Africa Limited.

Risks of Buying Unverified Raw Gold

Buying unverified raw gold in Uganda poses significant financial, legal, and safety risks—especially for international buyers and first-time investors. Here are the major dangers to be aware of:

1. Fake or Low-Purity Gold

Without proper testing, you risk buying gold with lower purity than claimed or even counterfeit material (e.g., gold-plated tungsten). Many artisanal sellers may exaggerate the karat level (e.g., claiming 24K when it’s only 18K or less), leading to serious losses.

Always request an assay certificate or have the gold tested independently before purchasing.

2. No Legal Recourse

Unverified sellers typically operate outside the legal framework. If you’re defrauded, it’s extremely difficult to report the case or recover your funds, especially when there’s no traceable transaction or invoice.

3. Lack of Export Documentation

Exporting raw gold from Uganda requires a valid export permit, assay certificate, and tax clearance. Buying from unlicensed individuals or small miners may leave you without the documents needed to legally ship gold, risking customs seizure or legal charges.

4. Money Laundering & Smuggling Risks

Some sellers may be involved in illicit gold trade, exposing buyers to money laundering investigations, international sanctions, or blacklisting.

Work only with licensed gold dealers verified by the Uganda Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM). Like Gold Buyers Africa 

5. Inaccurate Weight or Value

Unscrupulous dealers may tamper with weighing scales or mix raw gold with impurities, inflating the value. This often happens when buyers don’t insist on independent weighing and XRF analysis.

Role of Gold Buyers Africa Limited

We ensures that all gold they supply is tested at approved facilities, providing buyers with certified assay reports.

Our partnerships with labs like AGR guarantee accurate purity assessments, giving buyers confidence in the gold’s quality. By handling the assay process,

We saves clients time and ensures compliance with export regulations, making us a trusted partner for international buyers. Visit Us Today

Costs and Timelines

Assay testing costs vary, typically ranging from $50 to $200 per sample, depending on the lab and testing method. Results are usually available within 1–3 days, though expedited services may be offered for urgent transactions. Gold Buyers Africa Limited streamlines this process, coordinating testing to minimize delays.

Uganda Gold Quality Standards

Uganda’s gold industry is governed by the Mining and Minerals Act (2022), which sets quality and compliance standards to ensure that gold meets both local and international expectations.

These standards are enforced by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM) and align with global benchmarks, such as those set by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA).

Key Quality Standards

• Purity Certification: All gold intended for export must be tested and certified by an approved laboratory, with purity levels clearly stated in assay reports. Raw gold typically meets a minimum of 90% purity.
• Traceability: Gold must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin, verifying it is sourced from Uganda or a declared region, ensuring it is conflict-free (e.g., not from DRC conflict zones).
• Environmental Compliance: Miners and dealers must adhere to environmental regulations, such as minimizing mercury use in ASGM, as promoted by initiatives like planetGOLD Uganda.
• Ethical Sourcing: Suppliers are encouraged to follow ethical practices, including fair labor conditions and support for artisanal miners. Certifications like Fairmined are gaining traction in Uganda.
• Export Compliance: Gold must meet international standards for purity and documentation, including assay reports, export permits, and customs declarations, to clear global markets like Dubai or the USA.

Uganda vs. Global Standards

Uganda’s raw gold, with 90%–98% purity, is competitive with other African countries like Ghana (90%–95%) and South Africa (95%–99%).

While refined gold globally is standardized at 99.9% (24K), Uganda’s raw gold is valued for its high baseline purity and lower cost, making it ideal for buyers seeking raw material for further processing. The DGSM’s oversight ensures that Uganda’s gold meets LBMA standards for export, enhancing its global appeal.

Our Commitment to Standards

Gold Buyers Africa Limited adheres strictly to Uganda’s quality standards, sourcing gold from licensed miners in regions like Mubende, Karamoja, and Busia.

They provide assay reports from certified labs and ensure all gold is conflict-free, accompanied by Certificates of Origin. Their compliance with environmental and ethical standards, such as those promoted by planetGOLD, makes them a preferred choice for buyers prioritizing quality and responsibility. Contact Us Today

Why Buy Raw Gold from Uganda with Gold Buyers Africa Limited?

Purchasing raw gold from Uganda offers unparalleled opportunities for investors, jewelers, and traders, and partnering with Gold Buyers Africa Limited we ensures a secure, transparent, and profitable experience. Here’s why you should choose us:

High-Purity Gold at Competitive Prices:

Uganda’s raw gold, with 90%–98% purity, is priced competitively at $78–$83 per gram, compared to the global spot price of $83.33 per gram.

This cost advantage, combined with high quality, maximizes your return on investment. Gold Buyers Africa Limited sources gold directly from licensed miners, ensuring you get the best value without compromising quality.

Trusted and Transparent Process:

With years of experience, Gold Buyers Africa Limited is a DGSM-registered supplier known for transparency. We provide certified assay reports from approved labs like AGR, verifying purity and weight, and ensure all documentation, including export permits and Certificates of Origin, meets Uganda’s and international standards. Our track record, reflected in positive client feedback on platforms like X, guarantees trust and reliability.

Comprehensive Export Support:

Navigating Uganda’s export regulations can be complex, but we simplify the process. We assist with obtaining Mineral Dealer’s Licenses, export permits, and customs documentation, ensuring compliance with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and international markets.

Our partnerships with secure logistics providers like DHL ensure your gold reaches destinations like Dubai, the USA, or Europe safely and insured.

Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing:

We are committed to ethical practices, sourcing gold from licensed artisanal miners who adhere to environmental and labor standards.

By supporting initiatives like planetGOLD Uganda, we ensure conflict-free gold and sustainable mining practices, aligning with global demand for responsible sourcing. Your purchase supports local communities and promotes fair trade.

Protection Against Scams:

Uganda’s gold market has risks, but Gold Buyers Africa Limited mitigates them. We use escrow services for secure transactions, provide verifiable documentation, and avoid practices like upfront fees. Our rigorous due diligence ensures you receive genuine gold, protecting your investment from fraud.

Access to Uganda’s Gold Boom:

Uganda’s $12 trillion gold discovery and surging exports ($2.3 billion in 2023, up 40% in March 2025) signal a booming market. By partnering with us, you tap into this opportunity, sourcing high-quality raw gold from regions like Karamoja and Busia before global competition intensifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average purity of raw gold in Uganda?

Raw gold from Ugandan mines typically has a purity of 90% to 95%, which corresponds to around 22K gold. However, purity can vary based on the mining site and the refining stage.

Is gold from Uganda refined or unrefined?

Most gold sold directly from mines in Uganda is unrefined or semi-refined. It often requires further purification before reaching 24K (99.99%) investment-grade levels.

How is gold purity tested in Uganda?

Gold purity in Uganda is tested using XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzers, fire assay methods, and touchstone tests. Certified dealers often provide assay certificates to verify purity.

 Can tourists or foreigners buy raw gold in Uganda?

Yes, but only through licensed gold dealers and with the proper documentation. Always ensure the gold comes with a purity certificate and export permit if planning to take it abroad.

 Does raw gold from Uganda include 24K gold?

Raw gold rarely reaches full 24K purity without refining. However, Uganda-based refineries can process raw gold into 99.99% pure bullion upon request.

 What is the difference between 22K and 24K gold in Uganda?

22K gold (raw/nugget) contains about 91.6% pure gold, commonly found in artisanal mining. 24K gold is refined to 99.99% purity and sold at higher prices.

Where can I verify gold purity in Uganda?

You can test gold purity at licensed gold refineries in Kampala, UNBS-certified labs, or use services from trusted exporters like Gold Buyers Africa.

Conclusion:

Uganda is emerging as a significant player in Africa’s gold market, with its raw gold averaging 90%–95% purity, equivalent to 22K gold. While 24K refined gold is available through licensed refineries and dealers, most gold from artisanal mines remains unrefined and requires proper testing.

Whether you’re an investor, jeweler, or gold trader, understanding the purity of raw gold in Uganda is crucial for making informed decisions.

For safe transactions, always work with licensed gold dealers and request assay certificates. Platforms like Gold Buyers Africa ensure authenticity, government compliance, and verified gold purity—from raw nuggets to investment-grade bars.

With rising demand and steady production, Uganda offers a reliable source of high-quality raw gold for both local and international buyers.

By prioritizing purity, certification, and secure sourcing, you can tap into the real value of Uganda’s gold market—whether buying for trade, investment, or resale.