Kigali, May 17, 2023 - Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) and the Royal Museum of Central Africa (RMCA), sponsored by Enabel, have successfully collaborated on the "Improve Geological and Mining Knowledge in Rwanda" project since December 2020. The project, closely monitored and evaluated by a Quality Advisory Committee comprising RMB, Enabel, RMCA, University of Rwanda, Rwanda Mining Association, NIRDA, and RHA, has achieved significant outcomes.

During her opening remarks, the CEO of RMB applauded ENABEL for having supported the successful implementation of this project.

The primary objectives of the project were to develop a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) inventory of industrial commodities and building materials throughout Rwanda, with a focus on the City of Kigali and the surrounding secondary cities. Additionally, the project aimed to enhance the geological understanding of the country and enrich the knowledge of geoscientists at RMB and the UR-School of Mining and Geology.

Under the project's Work Package 1, extensive mapping of various industrial minerals across the country was carried out, and quarries for building materials in and around the City of Kigali and its satellite cities were surveyed. The data collected was efficiently processed and exported into GIS, resulting in the production of forty-eight detailed maps. Furthermore, samples from the field were meticulously tested in the laboratory to assess their physical, mineralogical, and petrographical properties, ensuring their quality for optimal use.

In Work Package 2, a comprehensive study of the Central-Eastern stratigraphic sequence was conducted over two years. Through detailed field observations, descriptions, and interpretations, the geological formations comprising the sequence were defined. The study revealed the need to reevaluate certain stratigraphic units established in the 1990s, leading to their division into isolated smaller units. The project team also reviewed and processed archived geo-data from the 1980s, integrating it with the newly collected field observations. As a result, updated data sheets are now prepared for integration into the Geological Information and Mining Cadaster System (GIMCS)

Work Package 3 focused on knowledge and skill transfer from RMCA experts to RMB geologists through on-the-job training in Rwanda and Belgium, office collaborations, and seminars. The transfer of expertise was highly effective and efficient, contributing to the professional growth of the geologists involved.

As a significant milestone, the Royal Museum of Central Africa (RMCA) officially handed over the "Improve Geological and Mining Knowledge in Rwanda" project to the Government of Rwanda on Wednesday, May 17th, 2023, at Sainte Famille Hotel. This event marks the successful culmination of the project, highlighting the invaluable contributions made toward advancing geological and mining knowledge in Rwanda.

By strengthening the understanding of the country's geological resources and expanding the expertise of geoscientists, this project has played a crucial role in delineating developmental minerals available in some parts of Rwanda.

In his remarks, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Rwanda, His Excellency Amb Bert Versmessen, said ‘in the wake of Rwanda’s efforts to turn the mining sector into a dynamic and efficient industry that is able to contribute to the country’s growing economy as envisioned in NST1; Belgium looks forward to continuing the structural cooperation in the field of mineral resources and geology’

In closing the handover event, RMB's CEO argued that the data received from the project should be used to help drive forward the mining sector.