TI-Rwanda study exposes wrongdoings in Rwanda’s Mining Sector

 

The Transparency International-Rwanda has released study findings that highlight the challenges facing the mining sector in Rwanda.

Among the findings of the study, which was released on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, are the fact that many miners do not have employment contracts, some are paid less compared to the effort invested, some do not have insurance, and the issue of gender gap where women are still few comparing to the number of men.

In addition to these issues, the Head of Transparency International Rwanda, Ingabire Marie Immaculée, says that other issues include corruption in issuing mining licenses and various other factors that have a significant impact on this sector and the country as a whole.

“We have found that there may be corruption, nepotism and other forms of corruption, all of which are possible.” Ingabire said.

“There are employees who don’t have employment contracts. We have found that almost all of them work as casual workers, we find that there are rights that are violated, no insurance, no pension contributions, no taxes ” she added.

Ingabire said all of these bottlenecks have a huge impact on the community and the country as a whole.

Ingabire says the issue should be addressed through the cooperation between the Ministry of Local Government and the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) in order to protect the people and to ensure that the mining sector continues to produce the desired results.

RMB, says that the challenges facing this sector are largely based on its nature and the history of mining in Rwanda.

Narcisse Dushimimana, the Head of Mining Regulation and Inspection Department at RMB said there is hope that all these issues would be addressed through the enactment of regulations and laws governing the mining sector.