Miners from various parts of the Eastern Province have expressed their disappointment over banks’ refusal of getting them loans to facilitate acquisition of modern equipment that would enable them practice modern mining methods, expansion and create more off-farm jobs.
Some miners have said that mineral extraction is traditionally done with artisanal practices and tools, while some mines are not exploited for lack of capacity and equipment.
Mutezinka Thacienne, a member Abahizi Mining Association says they lack appropriate equipment, limiting their tonnage and revenues. “In some concessions, miners work under difficult conditions without insurance because their associations lack adequate capacity,” she said.
Butera Jean Bosco from Gasabo district also says mining associations rarely access bank loans. “This means all speculations and explorations have to depend on the small profit we make, rendering rapid progress of the sector an impossible feat.”
The president of ‘Vision Mining Company’ operating in Kayonza district requests financial institutions to bear no worries in giving loans to mining associations since the sector is gaining in profitability and international recognition.
Rwanda Mining Association (RMA) has however assured miners that efforts are being expended to address the challenge in collaboration with the concerned parties.
Mutesi Jeannette, RMA vice president, says there is an ongoing negotiation process as RMA engages in talks with various financial institutions to link them with miners.
“We have discussed with bank managers who accepted to facilitate mine extractors to get bank loans and miners will unconditionally start accessing bank credit in not later than three months,” she said.
The Eastern Province has roughly 250 licensed mining associations extracting various precious stones including cassiterites, wolfram, and colta. Research is being undertaken to establish whether gold deposits can be found in Kayonza district.
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