Proceedings, 8th African Rift Geothermal Conference Nairobi, Kenya: 2 – 8 November 2020 Project for Development of Geothermal Resources in the Ruwenzori Sector, a Preliminary Report Pacifique S. Mukandala0, Georges M. Kasay 0, 0, Vikandy S. Mambo 0,0 1Department of Geology, Université Officielle de Ruwenzori, P.O. Box 560 Butembo 2Department of Geosciences, Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria 3Department of Chemistry, Université de Kinshasa Email:
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[email protected] Keywords: Development, Geothermal, Resources, Energy, Geology, Hot springs, DR Congo ABSTRACT The Ruwenzori sector is located in the North-Kivu province, Beni territory in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) at the border with Uganda. It has several geothermal surface manifestations, mainly hot springs in Mutsora, Masambo, Kikura, Kyavitumbi and Kambo. All these geothermal manifestations have been mapped and are currently under geoscientific investigation. The area also has a large hydrologic network and several other geothermal fields which are yet to be discovered with further research. This paper focuses on reviewing the direct and indirect uses of known geothermal resources from which the local population of the Ruwenzori sector may benefit in the future. Applications related to direct use of geothermal manifestations include greenhouse in agriculture, hot water pool for bathing and medical benefits for tourist and local people, hot water for fish farming and other several applications. Indirect use of geothermal resources would generate energy for local communities and this would allow them to shift from traditional to modern agricultural practices. Electricity would benefit the local people in transforming products such as cocoa, palm oil, maize and preserving other crops after their harvest.