Experts from the International Tin Research Institute (ITRI) an organisation which traces the origin of minerals, have said Rwanda has vast potential for mineral wealth.ITRI is a London-based institution which regulates mineral tagging and malpractices in the sector. They made the remarks Friday after holding talks with the members of Rwanda Mining Association (RMA) after several days of tracing Rwanda mineral deposits.Kay Nimmo, Manager of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, told Sunday Times that, Rwanda has a huge potential for mineral investment and good policies that govern minerals.“We were impressed by the steps Rwandan has taken to develop the mining industry. We see a lot of improvement in the mining sector. This is a wonderful achievement,” she noted.Her remarks followed the recent development where Australia announced support for education and training initiatives in Rwanda’s mining sector as a means to boost the industry.The support will focus on the three areas of scholarship and study tours, curriculum development and vocational training.Rwanda produces about 8,000 to 9,000 tons of mineral compounds every year and the amount of money depends on the market dynamics. Last year the mineral industry generated $158 million.Rwanda has tightened its policies towards mineral tagging which saw five Rwandan mining companies blacklisted for illegally tagging minerals.This year, police seized two tonnes of untagged minerals in Rusizi, 6 tonnes in Rubavu, as well as three tonnes in Karongi, all located in the Western province. The mineral tagging scheme in Rwanda began in 2010, following an American legislation signed by Barack Obama on July 21, 2010, which required electronics companies to verify and disclose their sources of “conflict minerals”. Speaking at the event, Faustin Mbundu Kananura, President of the Private Sector Federation, urged the mining association to strengthen their partnership. “We shall help you once you get organised. The whole point is to make the association strong and reliable,” he said.
