Kayonza- The Governor of Eastern Province, Odette Uwamariya has warned that mining was one of the factors responsible for a high drop out rate among schoolchildren in Rwinkwavu Sector, Kayonza District .

The Governor made the remarks while presiding over a colourful ceremony to reward the best workers of Wolfram Mining and Processing Company (WMPC) based in Rwinkwavu.

 "At least 600 students dropped out of school to undertake cassiterite mining. This is a very unfortunate situation that we cannot tolerate...let mining be left to adults”.

Uwamariya said mining was a vital industry in the country’s development agenda, adding that the role of WMP was enormous.

She reiterated that minerals bring foreign currency to the country.

"Over Rwf 3 million is raised per month from mining...hundreds are employed in a manner that embraces gender. It is thus an activity worth full support from all stakeholders,” she said.

Wolfram Mining and Processing Company (WMPC) in District, has rewarded miners who performed well this year.

According to the company’s Director General, Jean Marie Kalim, the winners had demonstrated the highest level of discipline in carrying out mining activities.

He said the rewards were also extended to all women miners as a way of motivation.

"We gave the best miner a trophy and Rwf 100.000. All women miners were given rewards to encourage them,” Kalim said, adding that mining was not a masculine undertaking as erroneously perceived by the public. 

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