Land access agreements are now in place for almost all of the first stage of Uganda's flagship rare earth mining venture.

Ugandan Government officials gave the green light to 95% of the Makuutu Project's 44km² stage one licence area after a three-day visit last week.

The entire Makuutu Project covers 298km² and comprises six licences. This week's official approval means the first stage of the project, operated by Ionic Rare Earth subsidiary Rwenzori Rare Metals, is now in its final administrative stages.

The three-day visit by a delegation from the Ugandan Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines included physical verification and stakeholder engagement activities.

A spokesperson for Ionic said that local stakeholders, including government and community members, have all given their approval to the project.

It is thought that Makuutu’s total basket contains 71% magnet and heavy rare earths content and is one of the most advanced heavy rare earth projects available globally as a source for new supply chains emerging across Europe, the US and Asia.

The Makuutu Project is located 40km from Jinja and 120km from the Ugandan capital Kampala.