Enabel Rwanda Country Director Visits Trinity Metals Nyakabingo

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, Virginie Hallet, the country director of Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency, visited Trinity Metals Nyakabingo Mining Company to assess the progress of Enabel’s supported programs in promoting mining professionalism.

Enabel supports the Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU) as a miners’ syndicate, extending support to partners like Trinity Metals Nyakabingo and other mines.

Among the programs, Enabel supports REWU’s Recognition of Prior Learning program, aiding miners in obtaining work certificates and contracts, and increasing their wages.

Virginie highlighted that they visited Nyakabingo Trinity company to support their social protection project and trade union, REWU, in improving working conditions for their employees.

She discussed the support for REWU through collective bargaining agreements and Recognition of Prior Learning, stating that they visited the Trinity company to understand the partnership’s operations, observing wage changes, and production improvements. She expressed her excitement about the win-win situation, was curious about the future of this new partnership, and eagerly anticipated further updates.

She said, “We support a grant to REWU in two ways. First of all, through the collective bargaining agreements. And secondly, with Recognition of Prior learning. This is my first visit to the site. I’m very happy to have done this visit to understand better how the partnership works, how the collaboration between REWU and the Trinity company, and also to see the changes that have happened in terms of wages for the workers, but also in terms of production for the company. So, it seems to be a win-win situation. And I’m very curious about the future also of this partnership because it’s a new partnership. So, I’m looking forward also to hearing more about it.”

Virginie stated she learned that increased production has increased wages, including a minimum wage and more based on production, thereby increasing motivation and retention of workers.

She mentioned that they are halfway through the decent work and social protection program implementation in Rwanda, and are preparing for a new phase with the team and partners.

James MUDAHUNGA, General Manager of Trinity Metals Nyakabingo, insisted that workers receiving certificates increased confidence, income, and productivity, leading to a significant increase in the company’s output from 80 tons to more than 100 tons in the previous year.

He said, “The fact that the rest of the workers got certificates made them more confident because they were working without a certificate of what they knew; this is a proof of knowledge; now they work with confidence, and it also led to an increase in income. It is also a benefit for our company because a confident employee increases productivity. Last year we were at 80 tons, and now we are at 100-120 tons.”

He highlighted REWU’s significant role in mining, enhancing miner pay and fostering productive discussions between employees and employers, benefiting all parties involved, and promoting development and productivity.

He emphasized the importance of receiving guests, as they not only benefit their mine but also contribute to the country’s overall development and value.

Mr. Jude Muzale, the intervention manager of the decent work and social protection program at Enabel, stated they observed that the project they have with REWU is expanding their reach and providing various services to workers.

He highlighted the trade union’s crucial role in improving working conditions, including wages, rights, social security, and pensions. Employment contracts require employers to comply with labor law provisions, ensuring worker rights and productivity by aligning salaries with employee output. “The union’s services also address issues related to pensions and medical insurance.”

He emphasized the project with REWU aimed at providing practical knowledge and rights to workers in the mining sector.

He expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of activities, highlighting the good safety and health at work, respect for everyone’s interests, and the positive impact of increased productivity, fair pay, and well-treated workers.

Antoinette UWAMAHORO, who is REWU’s representative at Trinity Metals Nyakabingo and has also been working for this company for 12 years, expressed satisfaction with REWU, a long-term partnership since 2014, stating that the organization has provided a positive and exciting environment for them.

She reported that REWU found workers unhappy with the lack of contracts, employer flexibility, and reduced overtime working, which resulted in increased security and work-life balance issues. With the support of Enabel, REWU in partnership with the Rwanda TVET Board, Rwanda Mining and Petroleum Gas Bord and Mining Companies provide certificates for industry knowledge, enabling those with proof of their knowledge to work in other locations.

She expressed gratitude to Enabel and REWU for their continued support and encouragement, stating that the guests who visited showcased their efforts, enabling other mines to follow their example.