Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) is calling upon those involved in mining activities to take extra caution especially in this rainy season to prevent likely disasters that may arise out of unprofessional practices.

The force also called on owners of mining concessions to take “all safety precautions” to prevent illegal practices that also cause fatalities.

The call follows two separate incidents in Gasabo and Muhanga districts that claimed lives of two men, who were mining.

In Gasabo, Ndera Sector, a 19-year old man identified as Innocent Bisengo, died after being buried by a landslide.

He was at the time excavating stones in concessions owned by one Theogene Mbanda. 

In Muhanga, a concession collapsed and fell on Prosper Gatinza as he mined sand, dying instantly.

Reacting on the accidents, the Central Region Police spokesperson, Supt Emmanuel Hitayezu called upon miners to use all necessary care to protect themselves against such catastrophes.

“Illegal, unprofessional and late night mining activities are dangerous. Rain weakens the soil, it's imperative to inspect the sites before mining and refraining from mining during heavy rainfall,” he advised.

SP Hitayezu appealed to the public to desist from illegal mining activities as one of the preventive measures against disasters.

Illegal mining is said to be one of the major cause of disasters and loss of lives.

“Illegal mining comes with a lot of devastating effects like death, pollution of water bodies and ecosystem, causes disasters like landslides and soil erosion,” he said.

“No one is allowed to practice mining without a license or enter a concession without the required protective gear. Closed concessions are out of boundaries for any mining activity,” said the spokesperson.

He added: “Mining is not something that is practiced by anyone; it requires skills and knowledge that’s why it’s a profession that requires a license to the practitioners.”

Police also appealed to owners of concessions to frequently conduct risk assessments and ensure that their sites are guarded 24/7 as a preventive measure.

He, however, said that “having a license to mine doesn’t mean that you have to ignore what may cause disasters; environmental protection is part of the responsibilities.”

Equipping employees with all the required gears, using standard equipment and rehabilitating abandoned sites, are all part of the mining standards.