Kigali, December 5, 2022: Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente officiated the 5th Edition of Rwanda Mining week 

The ceremony took place at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village  and coincided with the celebration of International Mining Day.

Held under the theme “Towards a Modern and Sustainable Mining Sector,” this year’s Mining Week has brought together government officials, mining sector players, private sector members, academia, and civil society. This 5th edition features a four-day exhibition of locally sourced and made products; training on legal compliance, safety standards, and best practices; public lectures, alumni sessions, a visit to a mine site, and mine workers’ graduation.

The celebration of Mining Day was marked by three insightful panel discussions under the themes: Investments, Mineral Exploration and Modernization of the Mining Sector; Environmental Protection and Safety Standards; and From Mine to Market. The panelists discussed current investments and funding mechanisms in the sector; shared best practices in safeguarding the environment and the importance of compliance when it comes to environmentally friendly and safe mining standards; and illustrated how mining companies can best position themselves to trade on the global market.

In her opening remarks, Amb.CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board noted that Mining Week is a convenient platform for mining industry players and stakeholders to join efforts to promote the sector.   The CEO  pointed out  that ‘Our pledge is to be more responsible and more responsive to protecting our environment as we grow the sector to respond to current and future global energy transition needs.’

In his address, Prime Minister noted that this event is a good opportunity to take stock of the achievements in transforming the mining sector and a platform to discuss practical ways to improve its value chains and make them more sustainable.

The Prime Minister noted that ‘Rwanda’s mining potential is yet to be fully exploited... The government of Rwanda is committed to working with all stakeholders to develop the mining sector to sustainably deliver good results’.

While concluding his remarks, the Premier reiterated the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to continue supporting the sector by ensuring that there is a conducive environment to ease doing business and investment.

He also called upon mining operators to consider environmental restorations and social considerations to respond to the needs of the communities surrounding mining sites.