Kigali, September 1, 2023 – The International Training Program on Mine Water and Mine Waste Management (ITP 308) concluded its five-day session in Rwanda today. The program, which was held under the theme of “Mining and Sustainability,” brought together participants from Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, and Liberia with a growing or established mining industry.

The program included online training and ten months of change project work supported by mentors. The participants carried out field visits to Musha Mines in Rwamagana district, Nyakabingo Mines in Rulindo district, East Group Minerals Ltd, and LuNa Smelter to see firsthand how mining operations are conducted in Rwanda. The two-day conference provided a forum for participants to share their experiences and make presentations about their change project works that will be implemented in their respective countries.

The topics covered in the training program included waste characterization, acid mine drainage, mine closure and remediation, sampling and monitoring, governance and human rights, a gender perspective on mining, sustainable mining, and biodiversity.

The Rwandan team presented a change project titled “Guideline for Tailings Management in the Mining Sector in Rwanda.” This project was chosen in a bid to achieve the country’s National Determined Contribution (NDC) and Green Growth and Climate Resilience goals.

ITP 308 is a training program organized by the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) and sponsored by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). It is designed to provide capacity development to professionals working in the mining industry to transition to green mining practices.

The ITP 308 is a valuable program that is helping to build the capacity of mining professionals in Rwanda and other countries. As a matter of fact, seven staff working for RMB are alumni of the program, and they are applying their gained skills and knowledge to ensure that mining activities in Rwanda are conducted in a sustainable manner, which is essential for the protection of the environment and the well-being of local communities.

The closing ceremony of the ITP 308 was attended by representatives from the RMB, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), the mining industry, and the Swedish Embassy in Rwanda. The speakers at the ceremony highlighted the importance of sustainable mining and commended the participants for their commitment to learning and sharing knowledge.