Mining is not a simple task, but with teamwork, it can be made easier and professional.

The remarks were made by Nicole Uwase, the Rwanda Mining Association secretary, Friday, in Karongi District during the election of the new committee members at the provincial level in Western Province.

Uwase urged miners to work together to end the challenges facing the mining sector, including environmental degradation and illegal mining practices in the province. The committee of 11 members, among them two women, was elected for a three-year mandate.

"The mining sector plays a significant role in the development of the country. The new committee should use their mandate to meet mining standards. They should fight against illegal practices and ensure that workers are skilled and insured,” Uwase said.

She added that the fight against illegal practices in the mining sector will be successful through the collaboration of mining companies and local authorities.

Denis Bisengimana, the provincial director of good governance who represented the governor, urged the new committee to transform the image of the mining sector in the area.

"We have had cases of deaths of illegal miners. This committee, in collaboration with local authorities, should handle such challenges,” Bisengimana said.

He called on mining companies to conduct research on mineral existence before embarking on mining activities, citing cases where some mining companies have degraded land without first researching to ensure whether there are minerals or not.

The committee chairman, Jean Marie Vianney Faida, promised to work closely with his team to improve mining operations in the province. "Where there is a will, there is a way. We know the problem that mining sector faces in our province. Together we can fix it,” he said.

The Western Province has 65 licensed mining companies.

Last year, Rwanda’s mineral export earnings were $203.32 million.