Transafrika Rwanda, a mining company is to invest $ 10m (about Frw5.5b) in the exploration of gold in the country which starts early next year.The process estimated to last between 2-4 years comes at a time there are signs that this country of ‘a thousand hills’ also may be a gold mine.And, if gold is discouvered, government has given the mining firm a go- a- head to mine the precious metal.RHH Van Kerckhoven, executive chairman of Tranasafrika Resources said in interview that the feasibility study will cover the northern, south-east and south-west regions. He said the work in the northern district of Miyove and Cyangugu in the south-western will be purely dealing in exploration of gold. While the one in south-east, is for nickel. “There are many activities that we have to carry out first. We need to put in place the machinery, train our staff,” Kerckhoven said.He added that currently the focus is purely on gold and nickel but if some other metal is discovered, then they will seek permission to venture into it. The mining company has already paid government $1m as a guarantee.“This money is for rehabilitation of any property that may be damaged in the process of performance,” David Salter, Transafrica Group Managing Director said. Ends
