{Officiating Mining Day, the Minister of Environment & Natural Resources Dr. Vincent Biruta said, “Over the last decade, Rwanda has experienced remarkable growth in the mining sector, with export earnings growing to US $226 million in 2013, up from US $40 million in 2006. Mining has now become the largest export earner and the second largest foreign exchange earner in the country.”}
Since 2007, mining has transformed from a publicly run sector into a private industry. There are now more than 500 licensed mining companies and cooperatives carrying out prospection, exploration or mining at more than 648 sites across Rwanda. Many of these sites are managed on a small-scale basis and their capacity is being upgraded through training and partnerships.
“Professional mining is safe mining. Our industry can only grow at the rate we want if we continue to prioritise the safety of miners. In addition, we are encouraging investment in technology and making loan facilities available for potential investors,” said Evode Imena, Minister of State in Charge of Mining.
“Currently there are investments in geological works for gold and gemstones which is in addition to the country’s three key minerals, cassiterite, wolfram and coltan,“ he added.
Rwanda’s mining sector employs at least 34,000 people and the target is to increase this number to 60,000 by 2017/2018 with at least 30% of workers being female. The vision for the mining sector is to ensure the optimal and sustainable utilisation of mineral resources.
The mining sector is among the priority industries in Rwanda, contributing to poverty elimination, economic growth, rural employment and the country’s goal of becoming a middle-income country by the year 2020.
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