APA – Kigali (Rwanda) – Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) on Wednesday announced the immediate revocation of mining licenses for seven companies as part of a move to fostering a safe, productive, and professional mining sector.
This follows repeated failures to remedy serious deficiencies highlighted in official cancellation warnings issued earlier, the statement seen by APA in Kigali said.
It said that these companies have breached safety, environmental, and labor standards, and have not met their investment commitments.
These mining license cancellations are part of the Government’s efforts to implement measures that support and professionalize mining operations, reads part of the statement
Through collaboration with other Government institutions, RMB will continue to ensure the security and proper decommissioning of abandoned concessions while preparing for responsible new investments.
RMB encourages all existing license holders to continuously enhance their operations and maintain the highest standards, it said.
This is essential for ensuring that mining remains an enabler of our country’s sustainable development.
Rwanda’s mining sector has been growing steadily in recent years characterized by diversification beyond the dominant 3Ts (tin, tantalum and tungsten).
The sector is largely dominated by artisanal and small-scale miners and employs about 30,000 people.
CU/abj/APA