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Rwanda National Police has started a sensitization drive to encourage mining companies operating in the country to undertake their operations in an environmentally sustainable way.
The drive that started in Kamonyi District, Rukoma Sector, was attended by associations and cooperatives of miners, and members of the Private Sector dealing in mining.
Speaking during the event, Inspector of Police Robert Komire, the in charge of environment and disaster at Rwanda National Police said, “it is necessary that mining operations operate in an environment-friendly manner to ensure sustainable development, which he considers as important as economic and social development.”
“Having a license to mine doesn’t mean that you have the authority to destroy the environment. You should be champions of environmental protection and always plant as many trees as possible around your concessions.”
He urged them to always abide by laws governing mining and also ensure all miners are equipped with standard accessories necessary to protect them from any accidents.
He urged them to rehabilitate degraded mining sites and also warned against illegal mining saying that it comes with a lot of consequences.
“You need fight against illegal mining; illegal minders are encroaching on your concessions and taking your minerals that are supposed to generate you revenues that’s why you should join the fight against such malpractices,” Komire said.
In a related development, an illegal miner died on Monday following a collapse of a mineral concession in Musha Sector Rwamagana District. The deceased, identified as Janvier Sindikubwabo 32, died as he attempted to mine Tin in a concession owned by EPEERN Company.
