Law on mining and quarry operations published last month institutes penalties including revoking the license from any employer who defaults on measures for safety of miners.
Francis Gatare, the CEO for Rwanda Mines, Petrol and Gas (RMB), told the media last week that mining operations take place in hazardous conditions which call for special measures to protect workers.
He said that accidents do happen but the law seeks to hold accountable anyone who causes an accident.
Gatare, who is also a member of the cabinet, said the government is seriously concerned with the mining incidents and wants to mitigate the risks.
The law stipulates that anyone who defaults mineral operations to the extent of causing human death will face, upon conviction, imprisonment of between seven and 10 years and a fine of between Rwf5 million and Rwf10 million.
If the incident causes human injury and disease or environmental destruction, the responsible will face between six months and one year imprisonment and a fine between Rwf1 million and Rwf3 million.
Article 55 reads that in case the accident causes human disability or incurable disease, the standards’ defaulter will face one to three years in jail and a fine between Rwf3 million and Rwf5 million.
RMB reports over 80 mining accidents between November 2017 and June 2018
The new law states that, despite the mining privatisation for the last 10 years, government can play role in mining sector in accordance with the law governing the government and private partnership.
Mining sector earned $373 million last year and target is at $600 million this year.
RMB projects the revenues to stand at $800 million annually by 2020 and $1.5 billion by 2024.
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