Local miners have been urged to focus on exploration and exercise professional mining practices as a way of boosting export earnings from the industry.

The call was made, yesterday, by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Fatina Mukarubibi, during an event to celebrate the International Mining Day.

She said that exploration is very critical, because, that way, they will be able to identify new sites and different types of minerals.

"With exploration they will be able to identify new and different types of minerals the government has not discovered, which is likely to attract many investors to the sector,” Mukarubibi said.

She added that mining is a critical sector that has potential to not only shore up the country’s export base, but also a major source of employment, which she said justifies government’s keen interest in the sector.

According to statistics, in 2015, the mineral exports generated $117.81 million from about 7,280 tonnes.

Total investment in the sector is expected to increase from $150 million to $500 million by 2017/2018; while the target is to generate at least $400 million from minerals by 2018.

This looks a high target, considering the fluctuating mineral prices at the international market, but Mukarubibi said, with concerted efforts between government and the private sector, it will be achieved.

"We need to collaborate to achieve our goals. The government is ready to help mining companies to see to it that this sector develops; it is, therefore, important that we explore first to know which other minerals we have,” she said.

Jeannette Mutesi, the vice chairperson of Rwanda Mining Association (RMA), said this year was particularly challenging so much some companies stopped operations, due to global price fluctuations.

"Some mining companies lost market and stopped operating with the number reducing from 260 to 170. This is a challenge to us but through cooperation and support from the government, we shall get where we want to be,” she said.

Among other incentives that government should consider, she said, is a special fund dedicated to financing mining activities, which she said was important because exploration is always costly.

Emmanuel Munyangabe, the Deputy Director General in charge of Geology and Mines at the Rwanda Natural Resources Authority (RNRA), urged the miners to form synergies to easily raise the needed capital for both exploration and professionalising their trade.

"With synergies, even government will find it easier to get them the necessary expertise, especially in the area of exploration where it is badly needed,” said Munyangabe.

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