Rwanda National Police (RNP) has arrested 48 suspected members of rackets engaged in illegal mineral trade and theft in Rulindo and Rwamagana districts.

The people arrested in coordinated operations conducted on March 27-28 include 37 thieves who were stealing minerals from Rutongo and Musha concessions in Rulindo and Rwamagana, respectively, and 11 people, who were buying the minerals from thieves.

"In Rutongo mining concession, Police arrested 33 people, who were found stealing minerals. Police also seized 35 kilos of cassiterite from the group, impounded a motorcycle which they were using to transport the stolen minerals as well as traditional tools which they were using in illegal mining activities; and apprehended other three suspected illegal mineral dealers, who were buying minerals from these thieves," RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said.

At Musha mining concession, he added, Police apprehended eight illegal mineral traders, four suspected thieves and seized 14 kilos of cassiterite from them.

"These are continuous countrywide operations in response to several cases of illegal mining, theft of minerals from concessions, which are also influenced by illegal mineral buyers, and have impact on the environment and security," Rutikanga said.

In some cases, illegal mining activities conducted especially at night or during heavy downpour, have caused fatalities due to landslides and tilting of weak cliffs.

Article 54 of the 2018 law on mining and quarry operations, states that any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing, or trading without a licence, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.

A court can also order confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license.