Environmental Compliance in Rwanda: “A Case of Cassiterite-Coltan Exploitation in Karenge Sector”

Abstract

ABSTRACT Environmental compliance is one of the key components of the life of any mining project, especially in Rwanda rich Artisanal and Small-Scale Mines (ASM) which maintains the livelihood of thousands of miners mostly living in rural areas with less income generating activities. This ASM has a low level of investment, dominated by unconventional mining operations and lack of environment protection knowledge despite the facts that it contributes the biggest share of the Rwandan mineral (tin, coltan and tungsten) exports. In this Study, the level of Environmental Compliance in ASM mining cassiterite and coltan in Karenge Sector, Rwamagana District is investigated with focus on the implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment as a legal obligation. In a particular way, it examines the barriers impending the ASM to implement the Environmental Impact Assessment in a satisfactory manner as well as exploring strategies that could enhance the Artisanal and Small Scale Mining compliance to regulatory mining framework. The study firsts analyzed national policy, laws, rules and regulations that govern the mining sector in Rwanda to provide the general understanding of mining activity in the country. Thereafter a systematic field observation in Karenge Mining site was conducted to see in-situ how mining operations were undertaken to three active ASM mines namely H&B Mining Ltd, HABATU Mining Ltd and Ets HAJOS. Finally, a survey with the site managers and relevant government officials in charge of environmental inspections were conducted. The study reveals that the level of compliance is 50% at H&B, 55.8% at HABATU and 39.5% at Ets HAJOS mines. The primary reasons being of this situation are lack of environmental skills by ASM miners and managers, ignorance of mineral reserves to enable a sustainable mining operations, and insufficient human resources from in-charge government institutions to conduct regular inspections. To overcome the highlighted challenges, the following main actions should be undertaken by different stakeholders involved in mining activities: it is advised to extend deep explorations works to determine mineral reserves of ASM sector, and invest in a massive capacity building of ASM operators on various environmental aspects