Police have called on persons involved in mining activities to take extra caution, especially in this rainy season, to prevent likely disasters that may arise out of unprofessional practices. Police also asked owners of mining concessions to take “all safety precautions” to prevent illegal practices that cause fatalities. The call follows two separate incidents in Gasabo and Muhanga districts that claimed lives of two miners. In Ndera Sector, Gasabo District, Innocent Bisengo, 19, died after being buried by a landslide while excavating stones in concessions owned by one Theogene Mbanda. In Muhanga, a concession collapsed on Prosper Gatinza as he mined sand, killing him on the spot. The Central Region Police spokesperson, Emmanuel Hitayezu, called on miners to use all necessary care to protect themselves against such catastrophes. “Illegal, unprofessional and late night mining activities are dangerous. Rain weakens the soil, it’s imperative to inspect the sites before mining and to refrain from mining during heavy rainfall,” he said. Hitayezu appealed to the public to desist from illegal mining activities as one of the preventive measures against disasters. Illegal mining is said to be one of the major causes of disasters. “Illegal mining comes with a lot of devastating effects like death, pollution of water bodies and ecosystem, and causes disasters like landslides and soil erosion,” he said. “No one is allowed to practise mining without a license or enter a concession without the required protective gear. Closed concessions are out of bounds. “Mining is not something that is practised by anyone; it requires skills and knowledge, that’s why it’s a profession that requires a licence to do.” Police also appealed to owners of concessions to frequently conduct risk assessments and ensure that their sites are guarded 24/7 as a preventive measure. Hitayezu said “having a licence to mine doesn’t mean that you have to ignore what may cause disasters; environmental protection is part of the responsibilities.” Equipping employees with all the necessary protective gear, using standard equipment and rehabilitating abandoned sites are all part of the mining standards. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
