There is a need for licenses to exploit 43 illegal mines that have been identified in Southern Province, The New Times has learnt.

The mines were being used by illegal miners who called themselves "Abahebyi”, loosely translated as "those who risk their lives".

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"The illegal mines are in different districts but most of them are located in Muhanga and Kamonyi districts,” Alice Kayitesi, Southern Province Governor told The New Times.

In 2023, Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) pledged to explore the potential of the 109 areas with illegal mining and demarcate them for licensing across the country.

"We held a meeting with the mining board, districts and miners. The mining board has pledged to assess our request and fast-track the licenses for those who fulfill the criteria,” she said.

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Illegal mines have caused mine accidents in different districts.

Out of 89 mines, 43 are illegal in Southern Province.

Mine accidents have killed at least 429 people while 272 were injured in a period of five years, a report by Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) on the status of illegal mining and accidents shows.

Mine accidents killed 60 in 2018, 84 in 2019, 71 in 2020, 61 in 2021, and 61 in 2022.

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Kayitesi said that several measures have been put in place to tackle this issue, including the full activation of district task forces responsible for mining and quarries.

These task forces will conduct regular inspections to assess the activities at these mining sites.

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These task forces are tasked with providing recommendations for improvement, discouraging improper mining practices, and taking strong measures against illegal mining activities.

These efforts in Southern Province follow a tragic incident where an illegal mine collapsed in Huye District, resulting in the entrapment of six victims, including three students, within the tunnels. The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) subsequently arrested 10 individuals believed to be connected to the illegal mining operation.

Addressing illegal mining is part of the measures to modernise the mining sector and increase productivity.

Rwanda's mineral export revenue in 2023 increased to more than $1.1 billion, up from the $772 million recorded in 2022, representing a growth of 43 per cent, according to the mining board.

This is a step closer to achieving the government’s target of generating $1.5 billion in annual mineral export revenues by 2024.

According to Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), the growth is attributed to increased value addition, continued professionalism, greater investment in mechanisation and the strategic implementation of sustainable and responsible mining practices.