Rwanda's Ministry of Natural Resources has granted mining licences to 20 companies and co-operatives that are among the list of 29 approved by the Cabinet.
The 29 licences have a total value of Rwf7 billion ($9.4 million) spanning five years. They are the first to be issued under the new mining and quarry law of May 20, 2014 and its ministerial orders. One small-scale mining licence, 17 mineral exploration licences and 11 quarrying licences have been approved.
To get a licence, one must first register a company in Rwanda, provide a digital map of the area applied for, and provide business and action plans with an application letter.
The Ministry of Natural Resources said nine companies that met the new ministerial orders will be awarded their licences after complying with all the requirements set by the government. Companies awarded licences are required to protect the environment and secure their mining perimeters to avoid illegal miners from accessing the blocks.
State Mining Minister Evode Imena said the companies must have a corporate social responsibility plan within three months of receiving the licence to enable the surrounding community to benefit from their mining activities.
In 2014, the country earned $203.32 million from mineral exports.
The newly approved licences will boost the existing 815 mining sites. Rwanda is now the largest producer of minerals in the Great Lakes region.
Rwanda produces cassiterite, wolframite, tantalite and gold. The country enforces a Minerals Traceability Programme that requires all ores to be tagged from the mining sites until they are exported.
