The Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) has cautioned that illegal mining is worsening landslides, resulting in loss of life and damage in Ngororero District.
According to Adalbert Rukebanuka, the Director General of Planning, Policy, and Risk Reduction at MINEMA, illegal mining activities in Ngororero and Muhanga districts are notorious acts triggering landslides.
Rukebanuka revealed that illegal mining in the two districts over the past five years has been the primary cause of landslides in the mountainous region. This has resulted in fatalities, infrastructure damage, and other costly consequences, necessitating a significant budget for government rehabilitation efforts.
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"As MINEMA is cross-cutting, we oversee everything that could endanger the lives of people. Illegal mining is the one causing disasters in Ngororero and Muhanga,” he said.
Speaking to The New Times, the Mayor of Ngororero District, Christophe Nkusi, agreed that the problem exists, despite there being at least one licensed mining company in each of the 13 sectors.
"We are mobilising the population on the risks and dangers of this illegal activity. It is a continuous community sensitisation,” he noted, adding that the district is working with 13 mining companies that "employ residents so that they get hands-on skills from work.”
Figures from Ngororero District indicate that 15,000 to 20,000 locals are employed at mining sites throughout the district, with their livelihoods dependent on the sector daily. The population, he noted, has decreased due to recent bans on operations by certain mining companies.
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Asked why there are residents still engaged in illegal mining despite professional mining companies present in the district, the mayor said the black market generates more profit than they get from recognised mining companies.
"We were informed that illegal miners generate high profit,” he added.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, cases of illegal mining submitted to prosecution in 2023 were 149 while 19 cases were submitted in 2024.
He advised people to avoid illegal activities, urging them to follow legal procedures for their safety and well-being.
He said: "There are a lot of risks from illegal mining including loss of life for those illegal miners as they don’t have professional equipment. It affects the environment at those mining sites as they do not follow guidelines. They should seek licenses for the sake of their lives and protection of the environment.”
According to Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), implementation of the mining-related guidelines in place is monitored by local government and security organs.