Rwanda’s lawmakers have raised alarms over the persistent challenges in the country’s mining sector, calling on the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to provide detailed measures addressing illegal mining and improving oversight.
The concerns were presented on Thursday, March 12, during a plenary session of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security. The session highlighted theft and unlawful mining activities that endanger communities in mining areas.
Jean Claude Ntezimana, Vice Chair of the Committee, said MINALOC and RDB have six months to submit a report to Parliament outlining actions taken to resolve the issues identified.
MINALOC was asked to strengthen district-level monitoring groups to ensure illegal mining is detected and prevented. RDB, meanwhile, was requested to accelerate the issuance of mining licenses, as delays in licensing are cited as a key factor driving some operators toward illegal activities.
The Committee noted gaps in monitoring agreements between the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) and licensed companies. Reports indicate that some companies employ unqualified contractors, compromising safety and regulatory compliance.
Lawmakers urged RDB to ensure all mining companies are registered in the IMS Inkomane system, which tracks mining activities, personnel, and legal compliance.
The report also flagged social and safety impacts: illegal mining is drawing children out of school, disrupting local security, and causing accidents. Between 2020 and 2024, at least 394 miners died and 187 were injured due to unsafe practices. More than 1,300 cases of illegal mining were documented between 2020 and 2025.
Deputy Odette Uwamariya Wibabara recommended establishing a Mining Chamber to strengthen sector oversight, ensure companies comply with international standards, prevent tax evasion, and improve transparency.
Lawmakers also highlighted the ongoing health and safety risks for miners, noting that while some companies provide protective equipment, many fail to do so, leaving workers vulnerable to occupational hazards.
Parliament will continue monitoring government action, including plans to rehabilitate abandoned mining pits, some dating back to the colonial era.
