The recently appointed Minister of State in Charge of Environment and Mines, Vincent Karega, has said that Rwanda Mining Sector is registering continuous progress particularly in the fields of export and job creation.

Karega was speaking at a function to celebrate the International Mining Day that took place at Serena Hotel, Kigali.

Karega said that in the last three years Rwanda mining sector has registered high growth that translated into increased exports and job opportunities.

"We also note on the investment side considerable imported mining machinery and skills leading to higher production and productivity,” said the minister.

He pointed out that the export value in 2006 was standing at US$48million (approx Frw 26.2billion).

"Export value increased to US$70 million (Approx. Frw38billion) in 2007 while the government is expecting to generate about US$89 (Approx. Frw48.5billion) by the end of this year with 50,000 jobs created in rural areas,” said Karega.

Currently, mine quarries are one of the contributors to the GDP of the country mainly through infrastructure and construction.

However, Karega said that there is serious need to revamp the sector by repackaging the policies and support programmes in the sector.

To date, there are about 158 exploration and mining permits in Rwanda issued by both local and central government permits.

On behalf of the Government, Karega pledged to support investors in the mining sector and availing them with all information available. 

He pointed out that the government assures investors full protection and facilitation.

In his presentation, the Director General of Rwanda Geology and Mines Authority (OGMR), Michael Byabalema, said that the Rwanda mining sector is in the final process of acquiring the ISO 9001:2000 certificate that would prove and support the quality of Rwanda’s minerals on the international market.

Key minerals currently being mined and traded in Rwanda are Cassiterite, Wolframite, Colombo-tantalite (Coltan), and Gold.

Byabalema added that some semi-precious stones such as Tourmaline, Sapphire, Topaz, Corundum, Chiastolite, Amethyst, Opal, Agate and Flint have been mapped.

He also explained that the biggest part of Rwanda is underlain by the Kibaran Belt Rocks that are known to contain minerals.

The Kibaran Belt Rocks extends from Northern Tanzania, through South Western Uganda, underlying almost the whole of Rwanda and Burundi, then through South Eastern DR Congo up to Angola.

Byabalema said that currently there are three companies exploring for gold in the country and he said that the companies are from Canada, South Africa and Russia.

"These new investments are reviving the mining industry in the country,” he said.

The celebrations of the International Mining Day was attended by members of the private sector, investors in mining, as well as local and central government officials.

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