MINIFOM to market minerals

KIGALI - THE Ministry of Forestry and Mines (MINIFOM) will embark on marketing the country’s minerals to boost the mining sector. The move was revealed yesterday during a meeting that brought together investors in the mining sector and other stakeholders. The meeting was aimed at discussing how to add value to the country’s minerals so as to match international standards and find ways of combating a number of challenges in the sector. Speaking to the stakeholders, the forestry and mines minister, Christophe Bazivamo, stressed that there is need to put more emphasis on marketing as it is still a major problem. “In order to boost the mining industry, we need to market our products to attract investors abroad. It’s high time the whole world knew that Rwanda has got very rich minerals and proved wrong foreign allegations that Rwanda acts as a passage for Congo’s minerals,” he said. “We have many people who are fighting against the development of our country and go around spreading rumours that Rwanda is a country that promotes trafficking yet it’s a producing country”. “Let us be aggressive in the international environment by setting high standards and adding value to our minerals,” he said. Among the minerals the country possesses are Cassitelite, Coltan, Wolfamite, Iron and Gold. Bazivamo called on mining factories to always communicate to the government so as to solve problems in the sector. However, during the discussions, it was revealed that lack of mining equipments is still affecting production even though there is a large quantity of minerals. Mahmoud Salem, the chairman of Rwanda mining association, said there is a lot of potential for Rwandans to invest in the mining sector. “Rwandans should not see foreign investors as the only ones who can invest in the mining sector, there are lots of opportunities for local people who could, for example, set up associations or cooperatives and hence have a greater impact,” he said. He noted that this year the mining sector is expected to register higher production levels compared to last year’s, by as much as 60 percent, adding that the association will be embarking on more exploration and exploitation of minerals. The mining sector has so far registered 13 mining companies across the country. Ends