Rwanda National Police

The fight against smuggling of minerals and illegal mining in Ngororero continues to yield results after, yet again, the arrest of a man on Wednesday identified as Vincent Nzabonimpa, in possession of 29 kilogrammes of untagged casseterite and Amethyst.

Amethyst is a precious glittering violet stone (silicon oxide) of quartz used to make pricey jewelries. 

The District Police Commander of Ngororero, Senior Supt. Mark Gasana said that minerals were recovered from the suspect’s home in Birembo Village, Cyome Cell in Gatumba Sector, where he was arrested.

The arrest of Nzabonimpa, the DPC said, was a result of the ongoing awareness against mining malpractices through which residents provide information on anyone involved.

“There are many mining concessions in Ngororero, as well as closed ones. In most cases, those involved in these mining malpractices are either some employees of licenced mining companies or members of companies that were closed,” said SSP Gasana.

Common minerals in Ngororero are coltan, cassiterite, wolfram, and Amethyst, which was discovered in 2015 in Kavumu sector.

Majority mining concessions are located in the sectors of Muhororo, Gatumba, Ndaro, Nyange, Kabaya, Ngororero and Muhanda. Currently, there are about 30 mining firms in Ngororero.

The arrest of Nzabonimpa comes at the time when Rwanda National Police (RNP) is actively engaged in operations and awareness against mining malpractices, especially in district with mining activities, which has yielded positive results.

Last week, Police in Ngororero also intercepted a vehicle that was smuggling at least 46 kilogrammes of untagged coltan.

Earlier in mid June, Police in Ngororero also impounded a truck transporting two tonnes of untagged amethyst stones.

Also, last month, an operation against illegal mining in Gatsibo District arrested about 30 people, who were mining cassiterite illegally in unauthorized concession in Rugarama Sector.

Before that, in March, about 600 kilogrammes of untagged Wolfram and cassiterite were seized in Rulindo District as they were being smuggled in two vehicles.