Building Bridges in Mining: Trinity Nyakabingo’s Innovative Approach to Illegal Mining
Trinity Metals Nyakabingo Mining Company held a ceremony on September 8, 2024, to welcome 154 former illegal miners who have transitioned to legal status. Formerly known as Imparata, these miners are now recognized as Indatwa.
They have been successfully integrated into Trinity Nyakabingo Mine. This initiative has improved safety and strengthened community ties, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative practices.
Trinity Ntakabingo Mine, along with other mining operations in Rwanda, is confronted with challenges posed by illegal mining activities. Unauthorized miners often infiltrate the mining areas, leading to confrontations with asset protection personnel and resulting in injuries.
In 2023, 43 asset protection personnel were injured during clashes with illegal miners, requiring medical treatment, time off work, among others.
The mine has chosen to address this issue through a collaborative strategy, prioritizing mutually beneficial solutions and improving safety and security measures rather than resorting to aggressive confrontation tactics.
The Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Metals Group, Peter Geleta, highlighted the success of the company’s activities in addressing illegal mining in Africa, highlighting the potential of overcoming challenges in the past 12 months.
He reported that illegal mining in his work areas leads to constant conflicts, causing threats to life and injuries, with no clear solution and ongoing fighting. In March, an illegal miner was killed in a shooting, leading to open-ended attacks and injuries to security guards.
He praised Trinity Metals Nyakabingo’s General Manager’s amazing work in fighting illegal mining, highlighting his relationships with stakeholders like the police, RIB, REWU, and other leaders. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in tackling this global issue.
He said, “Seeing the work James has done is truly amazing. We can say that he is not only an example in Trinity but also an example in the fight against illegal mining in the whole world. One wonders what happened for James to be able to do it; it’s because of relationships with different stakeholders. Nyakabingo Mine has maintained good relations with the police, RIB, REWU, and various other leaders in different sectors of the country because no one can solve this problem alone; it requires cooperation.”
He congratulated the Indatwa team for legalizing mining activities, despite illegal activities slowing down the company and country, and thanked REWU and the National Police for their support.
Geleta praised the progress made by illegal miners in Nyakabingo, stating that safe work leads to improved production and lives, proving what was once believed possible.
He expressed gratitude for Indatwa’s positive results and hopes for continued support. Rwanda’s government aims to promote mining internationally, despite challenges with illegal activities, using this model.
“As Trinity, we promise that we will continue such activities in other mines where we work; thank you, James; thank you, Indatwa, for leading the way,” stated Geleta.
Jean Marie Vianney BWANAKWERI, who represented the Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU) in the ceremony, stated that REWU advocates for employees’ rights when they exhibit good behavior, honesty, and transparency, allowing them to report any issues with their employer.
He said, “Employees have a responsibility to work for the Employer’s business, maintain property, and ensure production without harm. They should not be fired and their first step with their wives is appreciated, as they believe no other illegal Miner will return.”
He emphasized the importance of preserving the Trinity Nyakabingo mine, expressing gratitude to the Trinity administration for their efforts in this matter.
During an event, participants raised 3.6 million RWF for wives of former illegal miners, with Trinity Group employees contributing over 700,000 for development and other projects.
The Executive Secretary of Shyorongi Sector, Mbera Buroha Rodrigue, expressed gratitude for the friendship he formed with a company, expressing his belief in their ability to support both the illegal miners’ families, indicating a promising future.
He reported that the Indatwa team has made rapid progress, allowing them to walk freely without a uniform, a significant change from their previous fear of punishment, and a promising journey.
He noted that the director of Trinity Metals has made significant improvements in releasing citizens from criminal crimes, a process known as salvation. Previously, illegal mining crimes were considered easy due to low punishments. However, the law has been amended, increasing the punishment from three to four years, allowing early release and a more effective punishment system.
He emphasized the negative impact of incarceration on families and the nation, expressing gratitude for the decision made and urging against returning. The new mining law has imposed severe administrative fines on those involved in illegal mining, providing an opportunity for change.
Celestin TWAGIRIHIRWE, one of the former illegal miners, expressed gratitude to Trinity management for their initial support during illness, stating that their training during prison helped them become healthier individuals.
He discussed the transformation of the past, from stealing minerals to being treated as rich, gaining medical insurance and understanding health risks, and now having a bank account, with the money from the company going through it. He mentioned a group of them who ate dogs, expressing a sense of madness due to not being part of Rwandan values, but now eating beef.
He said, “In the last month, I was paid 1.1 million RWF, the lowest Indatwa paid 209 thousand RWF; it is a great commitment.”
He described their transition from cave dwellings with guns and police fighting to peace and calm in families, expressing gratitude for the new environment they have found.
Trinity Metals Nyakabingo’s General Manager, James MUDAHUNGA, stated that after four months of unauthorized activities, no one has been able to steal even the birds from their facility.
He discussed a dispute with a 40-man group, who in two months brought 9 tons and 700 kg worth 120 million RWF to the center. He emphasized the importance of helping people escape illegal mining for the company’s reputation and success, stating that it is crucial to work with local communities.
He expressed gratitude for the security forces’ support and the 9.7 tons of goods they received, valuing around 120 million RWF, and taxing 30 million RWF. He also founded the Mwagiro Farmers Association for agricultural development.
Deborah UWIKUNDA, the wife of a former illegal miner, revealed that he saw a wealthy man with a large fortune, but was unaware of how he obtained it. He later discovered he was chased as the criminal, and sometimes sent to prison.
She said, “She could earn 500 thousand RWF in two days, but he was not allowed to spend the night in the house. Today, all that has changed—the situation and security, and the development—is what we are achieving.”
Moreover, Trinity Nyakabingo Mine has allocated four hectares of land to former illegal miners’ wives in Mwagiro village and Bugaragara cell for maize cultivation. This initiative has improved living standards, provided stable income, and fostered empowerment. The program has also impacted former miners, who are now committed to the mine.
In conclusion, The Mine has successfully integrated former illegal miners, known as “Imparata,” into the workforce and given them four hectares of land for maize cultivation. This has improved their economic stability and empowered them, leading to improved living standards and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the mine. The company’s slogan, “Mine is ours,” symbolizes ownership and responsibility. Trinity Nyakabingo Mine plans to expand its efforts and provide more opportunities for future illegal miners, demonstrating the benefits of collaborative practices.
