Great Lakes miners face more challenges

{Precious stones of tin, tantalum and tungsten (3Ts) found in Great Lakes Region are faced with challenges related to difficult conditions guiding sales of minerals extracted from conflict regions and other restrictions.}

So far, the price drop is affecting stakeholders’ business performance. In a joint statement released by Rwanda Mining Association, DRC and Burundi, international trade regulators have been requested to remove barriers that hinder sales of 3Ts.

From 2011 to 2014, mineral prices have dropped by 35% .The World Bank warned in January 2015 that prices were likely to tumble in addition to other challenges such as inadequate infrastructures, unfavorable operating environment, theft and difficulties in accessing insurance services.

The president of Rwanda Mining Association, Jean Malik Kalima, told IGIHE that the conditions set by international trade regulators are becoming increasingly hard.
“Buyers of processed precious stones have requested Great Lakes Region miners to declare the origin of minerals. It is an expensive process requiring high costs which make it a burden for miners,” said Kalima.