During an awareness campaign held in five sectors of Gicumbi District, residents were encouraged to report illegal mining activities as part of efforts to protect the environment. The campaign focused on educating the public about the risks of unauthorized mining and the legal consequences it carries, as well as encouraging them to report any illegal mining activities they witness.
Mukeshimana Anne Marie, one of the residents who attended the campaign organized by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in collaboration with the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), said she gained valuable knowledge she previously lacked.
She stated:
“We are very grateful to the RIB for explaining to us the laws and regulations governing mining and quarrying, and the penalties for those who violate them. I honestly didn’t know these rules. People would extract sand as they pleased, especially when constructing buildings, but now I understand that you must first obtain a permit and authorization before doing so.”
“I used to ignore such activities and didn’t report them because I didn’t realize their environmental impact or that they could affect me personally. Now I know better. We’ve also been assured that anyone who reports illegal mining will remain anonymous. From now on, whenever I see such activities, I will report them to help protect our environment and avoid accidents that can result from unregulated mining, which may even contribute to climate change.” She added.
Kuradusenge Alphonse, another resident, admitted that many people were unaware that mining or sand extraction without proper documentation is a punishable offense under the law. He now understands the seriousness of the issue and is committed to becoming an informant for the authorities.
He explained:
“We thought people who extracted sand were doing so legally. But now we know it can cause accidents, especially to children who might fall into the pits. Often, it’s the community that ends up filling those holes during communal work, while those who dug them are nowhere to be seen, they’ve already made their profit. We’ve decided to report such acts in time so that the culprits are held accountable.”
He also stressed the importance of penalties:
“It’s good that there are actual legal penalties in place, because simply warning people verbally doesn’t make a difference. If someone is informed of the law and still violates it, citizens should report them so they are legally prosecuted.”
Ntirenganya Jean Claude, an officer from the RIB’s crime prevention unit, highlighted the impact the campaign had on the population.
“It was clear that people needed to be educated on how mining is supposed to be conducted and the penalties for illegal mining or quarrying. Even those with permits sometimes violate their responsibilities. Now that they have been sensitized, we expect positive outcomes and a decrease in illegal mining activities.” He stated
He reminded miners that failure to refill mining pits after extraction is punishable and urged residents to report such negligence, noting that it’s in their own interest to protect their communities.
Jean Damour Bagirijabo, head of the inspection unit at RMB, pointed out a common misconception among citizens:
“Some people believed that if they discovered minerals or quarry stones on their land, they were automatically allowed to extract them. But now they understand that this is not allowed. Anyone who finds minerals on their property must inform local authorities and go through the proper bidding process like everyone else in order to get a legal mining permit.”
According to Rwandan mining law, anyone caught conducting unauthorized mining without rehabilitating the site faces a fine ranging from 5 million to 10 million Rwandan Francs. For unauthorized quarrying, the fine is 500,000 Rwandan Francs.
The campaign in Gicumbi underscores the importance of citizen participation in environmental protection and crime prevention. By reporting illegal mining activities and understanding the laws that govern resource extraction, communities can help prevent environmental damage, protect future generations, and promote sustainable development. Authorities stressed that it’s not only about law enforcement, but also about changing mindsets and fostering a culture of responsibility and transparency.
