In November, the land of East Africa is clear with lush greenery and flowing golden, presenting a busy scene of harvest everywhere.

At 11:11 am on November 1, 2024, Uganda time, after 1,111 days of hard work, the front-line leaders, employees of Wagagai Mining and all Hongda colleagues jointly welcomed a milestone moment - the launching ceremony of the Wagagai project beneficiation system and officially put into production.

In order to motivate the project to achieve better results, Wagagai Mining took advantage of the opportunity of the leaders of the Chinese Embassy in Uganda to conduct front-line research and safety inspections in Chinese-funded enterprises, invited Ambassador Zhang Lizhong and Counselor Wang Jianxun to attend the ceremony, and jointly unveiled the plaque with local leaders such as Head of Busia District LC5, Presidential Representative of Busia District RDC, Deputy Executive Officer of Busia District CAO, and Police Chief of Busia District DPC.

In order to promote public welfare undertakings at the same time, in the afternoon of the same day, Wagagai Company took the opportunity of holding the launching ceremony to donate school supplies to the students of Mavero Primary School next to the mining area, and held a China-Uganda painting theme exchange activity of "Painting Touches My Heart • Affection for Africa" in the mining area.

On the morning of November 1st, in front of the gate of Wagagai Mining, banners hung high and colorful flags fluttered. Chinese and African employees lined up neatly and welcomed the guests along the way. Tan Jiuchang, General Manager of Liaoning Hongda Enterprise Group, led leaders from Wagagai Mining such as Director Liu Hui, Executive Vice Director Jiang Genshui, Vice Director of External Affairs Wang Guochao, and Assistant General Manager Ma Jianjun, as well as Uganda Office leaders such as Director Zhang Xuefei, Vice Director Zhong Hao, and other leaders and guests welcomed all leaders and guests to visit the project with the highest etiquette.

Firstly, Mr. Tan invited the guests to have a brief exchange in the VIP room and watch the promotional video of Hongda Group, the documentary of the beneficiation system of Wagagai Mining and the warning film of security and anti-terrorism. During the period, Mr. Tan explained the whole process of the production, showing the overall strength, development concept, technical advantages and safety management measures of Wagagai Mining. Mr. Jiang and Assistant Mr. Ma respectively reported to Ambassador Zhang on the safety management of Wagagai Mining.

Ambassador Zhang and Counselor Wang fully affirmed the safety management work of Wagagai Mining, saying that the company's efforts in safety production are not only responsible for employees and society, but also the cornerstone of the development of mining companies. They encourage the company to continue to strengthen safety management, further enhance safety awareness and emergency response capabilities, and achieve higher standards and stricter requirements in the future, whether it is in the improvement of preventive measures or in the handling of emergency incidents.

Subsequently, the Ambassador and his delegation, accompanied by Mr. Tan, visited and guided important areas such as the project drilling site, main shaft, ramp, core library, and laboratory.

At each location, Mr. Tan provided detailed explanations, while Ambassador Zhang gained a detailed understanding of the on-site safety management situation and gave timely instructions. The accompanying guests gave high praise for this, stating that the on-site visit not only enhanced their understanding of the modern mining operation mode, but also deepened their understanding of the overall operation of Wagagai Mining.

At 11:00 am on November 1st, Mr. Tan, along with embassy leaders and regional government officials, arrived at the beneficiation plant. The host announced the official start of the unveiling ceremony, pointing out that this is a glorious moment for the company after a long period of hard work, symbolizing a new starting point for development.

In the speech, Mr. Tan, RDC, LC5 and the Ambassador delivered speeches successively.

Mr. Tan reviewed the construction process of the beneficiation system, thanked every government leader who provided support and every employee who worked hard, and expressed sincere expectations for the company's future production and operation.

From the perspective of regional economic development, RDC and LC5 fully affirmed the important role of Wagagai Mining as a Chinese company in the local economic construction, and expressed their deep gratitude for the fact that the company provides a large number of job opportunities for the local area.

From the perspective of China-Uganda relations, Ambassador Zhang emphasized the far-reaching significance of the construction and development of the Waqagai project in Uganda. He stated that with the commissioning of the beneficiation system, both sides will achieve deeper cooperation in technical exchanges, personnel training, and jointly promote the sustainable development of the regional economy.

At the auspicious time, Ambassador Zhang, LC5, RDC, and Mr. Tan jointly unveiled the plaque, marking the official launch of the beneficiation system. The host led everyone to count down, and at the moment of unveiling the plaque, the whole audience burst into warm applause and the atmosphere reached a climax.

Then, Mr. Tan explained the production process of the beneficiation system in detail, demonstrating the progressiveness and professionalism of Chinese enterprises in mining technology. After all the staff were ready, Ambassador Zhang Lizhong  gave the instruction to start the Wagagai beneficiation system and officially put the project into production. The whole audience cheered and the atmosphere reached a climax again.

After the unveiling ceremony, Mr. Tan invited guests to visit the beneficiation plant and further introduce the beneficiation equipment and technology. The guests have gained a more intuitive understanding of the modern beneficiation process and greatly appreciate the efforts made by Wagagai Mining in resource conservation and environmental protection. The guests look forward to the production and operation of the beneficiation system bringing more opportunities and sustainable development to the local economy.

After the beneficiation system was put into operation, the donation activity of Mawero Primary School, initiated by Wagagai Mining and guided by the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, was held on time. Ambassador Zhang Lizhong, Head of Busia District LC5, Presidential Representative of Busia District RDC, Police Chief of Busia District DPC and Deputy Executive Officer of Busia District CAO were invited to attend.

Ambassador Zhang emphasized in his speech that as pioneers in local development, enterprises play an important role in leading and supporting. Enterprises should closely link with the government, schools, and other aspects to develop together. He pointed out that the donation activities organized by Waggai Mining have played a good leading role.

LC5, RDC, and other leaders in the Busia region have expressed their welcome to Ambassador Zhang and gratitude to Waggai Mining, stating that they will continue to support our work and build a harmonious and win-win relationship.

Subsequently, the on-site leaders distributed school supplies to the students of Mavero Primary School. A total of 536 students in the school received school bags, pens, pencils and other learning supplies in an orderly manner under the guidance of teachers.

All the students had happy smiles on their faces and took photos with the guests as a good memory.

Later, the "Painting Touches My Heart - Affection for Africa" China-Uganda painting theme exchange activity was held as scheduled in the Wagagai mining area.

The Ambassador's wife, Madam Lin Yaqun, and the local painter Wilberforce instructed 20 students from Mavero Primary School to paint carefully.

After intense and creative paintings, the event ultimately selected two first prizes, two second prizes, and two third prizes each.

The award-winning students received their certificates and prizes with joy. On behalf of the painters, Madam Lin sent blessings and encouragement to all the participating students, looking forward to their more moving works with beautiful brushstrokes in the future.

So far, the launching ceremony of the Wagagai Mining's beneficiation system, the donation activity of Mavero Primary School and the China-Uganda painting theme exchange activity of "Painting Touches My Heart, Affection for Africa" have been successfully concluded, indicating that the development and construction of the Wagagai project has reached a new level and achieved new victories.

We look forward to the project reaching production soon!

We wish Hongda Group a prosperous development!

Edit: Jonely