Rutongo Casiterites miners have challenged the current policy governing Mining License noting that the given period on license is too short; hence there is a need to comply it with deposit capacity.
While commenting on the License of Rutongo Mines, Kevin Buyskes, General Manager – Rutongo Mines pointed out that current 4 years License which nearing the end must be extended to about or even 30 years.
He noted that the policy behind mining license should be revised to avoid losses which can be caused by the license limit.
“It is only through license that you can only invest” Said Buyskes while addressing East African Legislative Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural resources.
The EALA committee was touring at Rutongo Mining concession to eyewitness and critically assesses the level of Mining sector in Rwanda.
Caroline Kayonga, The PS at the Ministry of Natural resources said the Rwanda Mining Law is clear.
She noted that the only problem is that investors have not yet shown the available quantity of Minerals at the site.
“….,they have to come up with correct data which show the capacity of the deposit and ask a License depending on it;…if it is clear that exploitation take more than 4 years, why can’t we provide a license of more than 4 years?” Caroline said.
“Our duty is to make sure that these resources are well managed and contributing to Rwanda’s economic growth and benefiting both Rwandans and investors on their side”
However, during the field work, Bazivamo Christophe of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) appreciated activities of the Mining Company which include the construction of new tunnel situating at Nyamyumba Mining site of Rutongo Mining concession.
Leonidas Simpenzwe, the Senior Group Geologist revealed that around 1930s, a yearly production of casiterites was about 2000 tones.
With significant progress in Mining, only Nyamyumba site produce 50,000 tones yearly-Said Simpenzwe during an Interview and one tone cost around 20 000$.
Currently, Rutongo Mining concession employs more than 35 000 people.
Newly developed underneath tunnel is being constructed at the site.
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