About Qarni Mining
Pioneering Excellence in African Gold Refining Since 2017
From Vision to Africa's Leading Gold Refinery
In 2017, a group of mining industry veterans and metallurgical engineers identified a critical gap in East Africa's precious metals sector: the absence of world-class refining facilities that could match international standards.
Qarni Mining Company Limited was born from a simple but ambitious vision—to establish Uganda's first LBMA-certified gold refinery that could compete with European and Asian facilities while remaining accessible to African producers.
Within two years of operations, we achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification and LBMA approval—milestones that positioned us among Africa's most trusted refineries. Our commitment to transparency revolutionized the local market.
Today, we process over 250 kilograms of gold monthly from sources across 20+ countries. Our client portfolio spans artisanal miners in rural Uganda to multinational jewelry manufacturers in Dubai, from government reserve programs to institutional investors in London and Zurich.
But our success is measured in more than refined gold. We've created over 500 skilled jobs, invested in community healthcare and education programs, and pioneered sustainable refining practices with 98% waste recycling rates.
7 Years of Excellence & Innovation
From a bold vision to Africa's premier gold refinery—here's how we got here.
Company Founded
Qarni Mining Company Limited officially registered with Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). Initial capital investment of $2.5M secured from founding partners.
Facility Construction Begins
Groundbreaking ceremony for our 5,000 sq. meter refinery facility in Kololo. Swiss refining equipment ordered from Metalor Technologies.
First Gold Refined
Successful trial refining of first 50kg gold batch achieving 99.95% purity. Facility operational with initial team of 25 staff.
ISO 9001:2015 Certification
Achieved international quality management certification after rigorous 8-month audit process. First Ugandan gold refinery to hold this standard.
LBMA Approval Granted
Officially approved by London Bullion Market Association—the global benchmark for precious metals refiners. Production capacity reaches 150kg monthly.
Regional Expansion
Opened partnerships with mining cooperatives in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Began processing gold from 5+ countries.
Technology Upgrade
Installed advanced XRF analyzers and automated electrolytic refining systems. Capacity increased to 250kg monthly with 99.99% consistent purity.
Community Investment Program Launched
Established Qarni Foundation with focus on education, healthcare, and employment in surrounding communities. First school partnership signed.
Government Reserve Partner
Selected as official refining partner for Bank of Uganda's gold reserve program. Processed first government gold batch.
International Trading License
Secured international bullion trading license. Established direct relationships with buyers in UAE, Switzerland, and UK.
Sustainability Milestone
Achieved 98% waste recycling rate and 70% renewable energy usage. Committed to carbon neutrality by 2026.
500+ Employees Milestone
Reached major employment milestone with over 500 Ugandans employed directly and indirectly through Qarni operations.
OECD Due Diligence Certification
Completed OECD Due Diligence Guidance compliance for responsible supply chains. Enhanced our conflict-free gold verification.
20 Countries Served
Expanded reach to 20+ countries across Africa, Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Monthly processing exceeds 250kg consistently.
Innovation Hub Opened
Launched R&D facility focused on green refining technologies and training next generation of African metallurgists. Looking ahead to the next decade.
Guided by Experience, Driven by Excellence
Our leadership team brings together decades of expertise in metallurgy, finance, mining operations, and sustainable business practices.
Mr. Asiimwe Mahad
Chief Executive Officer
PhD in Metallurgical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines. 20+ years experience with Anglo Gold Ashanti and Barrick Gold. Recognized expert in precious metals refining and African mining policy.
Grace Nakato, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Chartered Accountant with MBA from INSEAD. Former Finance Director at East African Development Bank. Champion of financial transparency and compliance.
Eng. David Okech
Chief Operations Officer
Mechanical Engineer specialized in industrial refining systems. 15+ years with Metalor Technologies (Switzerland). Led our ISO and LBMA certification processes.
Dr. Christine Namuli
Head of Laboratory & Quality Assurance
PhD in Analytical Chemistry from University of Cape Town. Previously Senior Chemist at Rand Refinery (South Africa). Published researcher in gold purity analysis.
James Wasswa
Director of Security & Logistics
Former Uganda Police Force Commander with 18 years service. Manages armed security, transport operations, and chain-of-custody protocols. Zero security incidents.
Sarah Auma, MBA
Head of Sustainability & Community Relations
MBA in Sustainable Business from University of Edinburgh. Leads environmental programs, community partnerships, and ESG reporting. Architect of Qarni Foundation.
Board of Advisors
Hon. Prof. Edward Mutesa
Former Minister of Energy & Mineral Development
Dr. Klaus Reinhardt
International Precious Metals Consultant
Margaret Wanjiru
CEO, East African Mining Association
Yusuf Al-Hashimi
Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange Advisor
Prof. Aminata Diallo
Mining Economics, University of Dar es Salaam
World-Class Infrastructure, African Location
Our state-of-the-art refinery in Kampala combines Swiss precision with African accessibility.
Facility Specifications
Technology & Equipment
Refining Systems
- • Metalor Electrorefining Cells (Swiss)
- • Wohlwill Process Equipment
- • Miller Process Furnaces
- • Automated Dosing Systems
Laboratory Instruments
- • Bruker S1 Titan XRF Analyzers (8 units)
- • Fire Assay Furnaces (1200°C capacity)
- • Analytical Balances (0.001g precision)
- • ICP-MS Spectrometers
Support Infrastructure
- • ERP Documentation System
- • Automated Inventory Management
- • Environmental Monitoring Sensors
- • Security & Access Control Systems
Location & Access
Address
Tank Hill Road, Muyenga
Kampala, Uganda
Access
- • 15 minutes from Entebbe International Airport
- • Central Kampala location
- • Secure parking available
- • Public transport accessible
Meeting Global Standards, Building Trust
Our certifications aren't just badges—they're proof of our commitment to quality, ethics, and accountability.
ISO 9001:2015
International Organization for Standardization
International standard for quality management systems. Ensures consistent processes and continuous improvement.
View Certificate →LBMA Good Delivery
London Bullion Market Association
The global benchmark for gold refiners. Only 75 refineries worldwide hold this approval.
View Certificate →OECD Due Diligence
OECD
Compliance with responsible supply chain guidelines. Ensures conflict-free gold.
View Certificate →ISO 14001:2015
ISO Environmental
Environmental management system standard. Commitment to minimizing environmental impact.
View Certificate →UNBS Certification
Uganda National Bureau of Standards
National certification for gold refining operations in Uganda.
View Certificate →Fair Trade Gold
Fairtrade International
Certification for ethical sourcing practices and fair prices to miners.
View Certificate →At Qarni Mining, compliance isn't a checkbox—it's a culture. We maintain active memberships with the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), and the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum.
Our operations undergo regular third-party audits, and we publish annual transparency reports detailing our supply chain, environmental impact, and social investments. Every gold bar leaving our facility is fully traceable, documented, and certified—because trust is our most valuable product.
Numbers That Tell Our Story
Seven years of operations, countless lives improved, and a legacy of excellence being built daily.
Industry Excellence Acknowledged
Best Gold Refinery in East Africa
African Mining Awards
Recognized for operational excellence and regional impact.
Sustainable Business of the Year
Uganda Business Excellence Awards
Honored for environmental leadership initiatives.
Top Employer Certificate
Uganda Employers' Federation
Acknowledged for fair labor practices and workplace safety.
Innovation in Mining Technology
East African Mining Conference
Award for implementing advanced refining technology.
CSR Excellence
Uganda CSR Network
Recognized for community investment programs.
Export Excellence Award
Uganda Export Promotion Board
Outstanding performance in international trade.
What Sets Us Apart
We're not just another refinery—we're your partner in precious metals excellence.
LBMA-Certified Excellence
The Gold Standard Guarantee
We're one of only 75 LBMA-approved refineries globally and the FIRST in Uganda. Your gold is accepted without question on all major international bullion markets.
- Globally recognized certification
- Accepted by central banks worldwide
- Premium market prices
- International trade facilitation
Unmatched Transparency
See Everything, Question Nothing
From assay results to final settlement, every step is documented and accessible. No hidden fees, no surprise deductions, no uncertainty.
- Real-time processing updates
- Detailed assay reports
- Transparent fee structure
- Video surveillance access
Speed That Matters
48-72 Hour Turnaround
Your gold doesn't sit idle. We process batches within 48-72 hours and settle payments within 24 hours of completion.
- Fast processing cycles
- Rapid settlement
- No unnecessary delays
- Priority service available
Swiss Technology, African Access
World-Class Without the World Trip
Why export to Switzerland when Swiss refining technology is right here in Kampala? Save costs, reduce risks, get the same quality.
- Metalor refining systems
- Bruker analyzers
- European standards
- Local convenience
99.99% Purity Guarantee
Certified Quality, Every Time
We don't aim for 99.99% purity—we guarantee it. Triple-tested, certified, and backed by our reputation.
- Triple quality control
- International certification
- Material loss insurance
- Satisfaction guarantee
Fort Knox Security
Your Gold is Our Responsibility
24/7 armed security, biometric access, comprehensive insurance. We've had ZERO security incidents in 7 years.
- Military-grade security
- Full insurance coverage
- GPS tracking
- Vault storage options
Ethical & Sustainable
Good Gold Should Do Good
We only process ethically sourced gold, maintain 98% waste recycling rates, and invest heavily in communities.
- OECD Due Diligence compliant
- Conflict-free certification
- Environmental leadership
- Community partnerships
Local Expertise, Global Standards
Built in Uganda, Trusted Worldwide
We understand African mining realities while meeting international expectations. Cultural competence plus technical excellence.
- Multilingual staff
- Regional partnerships
- Artisanal miner programs
- Government relationships