PM Nsengiyumva Commends Mining Sector for Creating 92,000 Jobs, Calls for Shift From Artisanal Methods

written by Noel Mporebuke

Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, has praised the mining sector for providing employment to more than 92,000 people, while emphasizing the urgent need to transition from artisanal mining to more modern, sustainable practices.

He made the remarks during an international mining conference taking place in Rwanda, where he highlighted that despite the sector's growth, a large portion of mining activities is still carried out using traditional methods that harm the environment. “We encourage you to continue prioritizing best practices, environmental protection, and the advancement of skills and technology in the mining sector,” the Prime Minister said.

Dr. Nsengiyumva assured investors that the government remains committed to supporting the mining industry, acknowledging its crucial role in national development and revenue generation. However, he stressed that mining must be conducted responsibly to avoid leaving behind degraded land and polluted air.

He urged experts attending the conference to exchange ideas that would promote modern, sustainable mining that benefits miners financially, contributes to national growth, and avoids becoming a source of harm to people and the environment.

Mining Output and Exports Continue to Rise

Rwanda continues to record steady growth in mineral production and export revenues. In 2023, the country reached a significant milestone when gold became its top foreign-exchange earner for the first time in the history of the sector. According to the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB):

Gold Production (July–September 2023)

• July: 1,155 kg valued at $73,181,036

• August: 1,000 kg valued at $62,156,101

• September: 845 kg valued at $52,676,671

Wolfram was the second-highest foreign-exchange earner during the same period: Wolfram Production

• July: 237,116 kg worth $3,040,783

• August: 198,409 kg worth $2,663,971

• September: 218,802 kg worth $2,711,206

Coltan ranked third: Coltan Production

• July: 189,183 kg worth $8,145,587

• August: 141,658 kg worth $5,827,562

• September: 208,155 kg worth $9,313,654

Tin ore (cassiterite) followed in fourth place: Cassiterite Production

• July: 294,717 kg worth $5,367,704

• August: 415,482 kg worth $6,906,567

• September: 440,176 kg worth $6,783,099

Other assorted minerals also contributed to export earnings, with a combined total exceeding one million kilograms in several months of 2023.

Overall, Rwanda’s mineral exports grew by 22.4% compared to the same period in 2022.

• 2023 (July–September): 5,516,538 kg valued at $241,823,194

• 2022 (same period): 4,321,566 kg valued at $197,496,029

New Discoveries and Future Prospects

Rwanda recently confirmed the presence of lithium, a mineral in high global demand due to its importance in manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, laptops, and other technologies.

Experts say that as geological research expands, more mineral deposits are likely to be discovered. What remains is to build local capacity both in technology and skills to ensure that Rwanda can extract and process these minerals responsibly and competitively.