Economy - Rwanda's mining sector to benefit from increased government investment PM tells parliament. March 7, 2013; This Thursday, Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi presented the upcoming quarterly government activities report to Parliament. His presentation focused on Rwanda's largest sector, mining.
The Prime Minister provided Members of Parliament with a briefing on the background of mining in Rwanda, the government's plan for the sector as well as achievements and challenges encountered in the industry.
Highlighting the history of mining in Rwanda, Prime Minister Habumuremyi said that the exploration activities on mines in Rwanda started in 1909, but it was not until 1930 that mining activities were launched with 21 concessions across the country. Currently, there are 547 mines in Rwanda.
In 2012, mining accounted for 28% of Rwanda's exports, second only to tourism. Tea accounted for 14% while coffee accounted for 12.6% of all exports.
The Prime Minister said that the government is committed to supporting and investing in the mining sector, with the hope that annual production will triple from US$136 to US$ 409 million by 2017.
The Government of Rwanda plans to increase the number of mining experts to 84, up from the current number of 40. In addition, 160 technicians and 400 mining sector workers will be trained. Twelve students have also been sent to Birmingham University in the United Kingdom to study mining and geology.
The mining sector in Rwanda currently employs 20,000 people in addition to those working in mining concessions.
For more information on mining in Rwanda, please visit the website of Rwanda's Natural Resources Authority: http://www.rnra.rw/
Government of Rwanda/08/03/2013