Rwanda's Crystal Ventures has obtained four exploration permits in mining activities and is set to start the production of rice in Congo-Brazzaville.

This was announced by the Minister of International Cooperation in Congo-Brazzaville, Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso, as he gave an update on the Rwanda-Congo-Brazzaville cooperation journey, on July 22.

ALSO READ: Congo-Brazzaville President visits Rwanda, to address parliament

This was part of bilateral engagements set by both countries during the state visit of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, from July 21 to 22. His visit follows that of President Paul Kagame to Congo-Brazzaville, from April 11 to 13, 2022, during which he addressed a joint session of the Congolese Parliament and reflected on actions of both countries in achieving continental prosperity, and deepening the friendship between Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville.

The Foreign Minister said that Crystal Ventures obtained four mining exploration permits and, the Kanga mine was given to them. Mining activities will kick off in August 2023.

Crystal Ventures in collaboration with the Ministry in charge of land in Congo-Brazzaville identified 121,000 hectares available as part of the total 158,000 hectares that will cover the implementation of the project in Buenza and Pool Departments of Congo-Brazzaville.

According to him, the feasibility study of the project will be complete by the end of August and from there, an execution date will be fixed.

It was also noted that Rwandans have an opportunity to get permits to invest in another agro-pastoral project whose activities will be carried out on 11,000 hectares of land.

President Sassou Nguesso said that the areas of cooperation between both countries are wide and diverse drawing from 33 agreements and memorandum of understanding signed on different occasions.

ALSO READ: Rwanda, Congo-Brazzaville sign eight pacts

Both Presidents noted that they were satisfied with what the cooperation has achieved so far and are pushing for more tangible results that benefit the people of both countries.