German firm to prospect for minerals

In a move to establish the potential of the country’s mineral resources, the Rwanda Natural Resources Authority (RNRA), have signed a one-year contract with Beak Consultants (GmbH) to carry out geological studies Potential Target Areas (PTAs) of minerals.Information from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MINIRENA) indicates that the German group, in conjunction with the Council for Geosciences (Geological Survey of the Republic of South Africa), will carry out an extensive survey to better evaluate the mineral resources of the country so as to attract investments. The line minister, Stanislas Kamanzi. said: “The drilling is in this case made easier and less costly because one knows exactly where to effect it and with this, it will be offered to the national and international mining community for further exploration.”The project will cost about Rwf 1.7 billion. Rwanda belongs to the few tantalum producing countries that produce valuable minerals. The country’s targets also include tungsten, niobium, lithium, gold and rare earths.Beak is already sampling selected streams in targeted areas near Musebeya and Muhanga (Southern Province). Work will continue in the other two target areas in the districts of Nyagatare and Kirehe. Beak Consultants GmbH is currently engaged in geological projects in Namibia, Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa, Morocco, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Senegal. The company is based in Freiberg, Germany, a traditional mining site, hosting the famous Freiberg Mining University, and being one of the important historical mining centres of the World.