The government is planning to hire a private firm to extract gold that was recently discovered in the Western Province to the private investors, the State Minister for Water and Mines has said.

Prof. Munyanganizi Bikoro disclosure follows discovery of gold deposits last July in Nyamasheke District, Western Province.

Since then there has been an influx of area residents to the area to extract it.

On Wednesday, Bikoro said government is looking for an investor with potential to mine the reported huge gold reserves in the area.

"What is still lacking is a prominent investor in gold extraction who would first conduct geological research there to find out its abundance,” Bikoro said.

He said that any interested investor, either local or international, will have to contact the area district authorities to get consent that will enable his ministry issue a mining license.

"The government has committed itself to measures that will enhance mining and promote environmental conservation efforts,” he added.

In recent years, residents have been extracting the mineral during rainy seasons when rainwater exhumes out it’s crystals.

Bikoro said that it is time to upgrade the current extraction system to benefit the entire public without causing damage to the surroundings.

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