Trinity Metals, a Rwandan-based mining company has been hailed for its efforts in the development of rural communities, especially through different gender empowerment initiatives. They firm was commended during the celebration of the International Women’s Day in Rulindo District, as the latter recognized various initiatives of the private company impacting members of its host community. Some of the initiatives for which the firm was celebrated include the fact that they employ 248 women, making up almost 25 percent of its total workforce and they target 40 percent in this year. Women hired occupy various positions in the company from managerial to junior positions. When The New Times on Tuesday visited Nyakabingo Mining Site which is managed by Trinity Mining, employees were ready for a ‘blasting’ activity. This is the preliminary activity which is considered as the opening of the daily schedule in which they explode some parts of the site to be mined so as to make it simpler to be dug. After it was blasted, all employees shouted in celebration as the miners – including women – made their way into the cave. “Of course it is a scary experience entering into dark caves because there might be a risk of accident, but despite those setbacks, we are grateful for Trinity Metals that entrusted us with these duties, which have helped advance our standards of living, said Marie Louise Tuyisenge, a mother of three who works at one of the mining site. Mining is known to be one of the male dominated sectors in the country, owing to gender biases, which is why this company stands out, according to Rulindo district authorities. To stamp its place among the champions of women rights, Trinity Mining which was formerly called Euro Trade has also built a safe room for girl students at Groupe Scolaire Shyorongi, which cost an estimated Rwf70 million. “It is a well-built safe room with enough amenities, and we are optimistic it will help us curb school drop outs for girls among other improvements that create a smooth learning environment for girls,” commented Athanase Sebageni, the Head Master of GS Shyorongi. The safe room was also commended by Judith Mukanyirigira, the Mayor of Rulindo district who described Trinity Metals Rwanda as an outstanding partner to the district in various sectors of the economy. “Such kind of a room is very crucial, it will provide sex education for our young girls, so having this mining company has benefitted the host community, looking at all these infrastructures they are providing,” she stressed. Other community outreach activities by the company include donation of a cow and a well-built kitchen to the public school so as to advance the students’ welfare. The mining company plans to build a Rwf105 million tarmac roads to make neighborhoods in Shyorongi sector passable. Luke Rogers, the Chief Operating Officer of Trinity Metals Rwanda said that the mining company is not just a business, but a firm dedicated to improve the country’s social development agenda. He noted that he came to develop the society, explaining why it is important to support the young women, local economy, education and organizations. “So, today we wanted to celebrate our female workforce and we wanted our young women at school to have a place where they can learn about sexual and reproductive health and have a facility that can support them during that time when they need this kind of extra support,” explained Rogers. Trinity Metals Rwanda oversees Nyakabingo and Rutongo mines in Rulindo district, as it is soon taking over Musha mines in Rwamagana district. It is a subsidiary of Techmate, an international mining firm with headquarters in the UK.
