Illegal Beryl Mining Operations Halted, Arrests Made in Rutsiro District
Multiple illegal mining activities have been disrupted during a crackdown on unlicensed beryl extraction in the Rutsiro district of Rwanda.
Morgan Riley
- 2023-12-29
- Updated 08:44 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - On December 26, 2023, police in the Western Region of Rwanda arrested three individuals partaking in illicit mining operations. The arrests occurred in the fields of local villagers in Nyarubuye Village, Bunyoni Cell, Kivumu Sector. This action underscores a broader campaign against unauthorized mineral exploitation in the region. Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, serving as the spokesperson for the Western Region, emphasized that such mining ventures lack the necessary authorization and pose a grave risk to all involved.
Dangers of Unregulated Mining
SP Karekezi issued a stern warning about the perils of mining without permission, pointing to the frequent accidents that can result from operating with inadequate or improper equipment. The absence of such equipment heightens the risk of injuries and fatalities among those who engage in these operations. Moreover, the environmental impact of illegal mining activities remains a concern for both local communities and authorities alike.
Legal Implications and Community Engagement
Rwanda's legislative framework governing mining operations includes clear penalties for conducting unlicensed activities. Under law number 58/2018 of 13/08/2018, article 54, engaging in the prospecting, mining, processing, or sale of minerals sans license constitutes a criminal act. Individuals convicted of this offense could face imprisonment of two to six months and fines ranging from one to five million Rwandan Francs (1,000,000 - 5,000,000 RWF), or possibly both, according to the prescribed penalties. Furthermore, courts are also mandated to order the seizure of any minerals or quarry materials acquired illegally.
In acknowledgment of the assistance from the public in these arrests, SP Karekezi praised the whistleblowers and urged continued vigilance and reporting of illegal activities by the citizens. He reaffirmed the police's dedication to upholding mining regulations and safeguarding the well-being of the local populace. The joint efforts of law enforcement and community members serve as a crucial deterrent to those who might consider flouting mining laws, thus ensuring a continued crackdown on such illicit activities.
