20 new Rwanda mining licences granted

Posted on : Friday , 30th October 2015

20 new Rwanda mining licences grantedRwanda’s Ministry of Natural Resources has granted 20 mining licences to qualified companies and cooperatives, among 29 approved by the cabinet.

The remaining nine companies which did not make it to new ministerial orders will be awarded their Rwanda mining licences after complying with all the requirements.

The minister of state in charge of mining, Honorable Evode Imena urged the mining companies to manage the licences properly, but most importantly still protect the environment and security within their mining perimeters to avoid illegal mining and potential safety hazards on site.

Imena briefed the new licence holders about the laws and regulations that govern mining and quarries licence holders, and reinforced the importance of a corporate social responsibility plan, in order for the surrounding community to benefit from the mining activities. This plan must be available within three months after reception of the licence, and districts must be given a copy in a bid to make them aware of the licences working under their districts and.

According to the announcement on the Ministry’s website, all the 29 licenses will have a value of 7 billion Rwandan Francs in five years. They are the first to be issued with the new mining and quarry law 13/2014 OF 20/05/2014 and its ministerial orders.