Rwanda Rejects Over 200 Mining Applications, Approves Six

In a bid to streamline the sector Rwandan authorities have rejected more than 200 applications for mining licenses.

Among those rejected were applications from foreign investors with insufficient capital, as well as local co-operatives, which have been associated with a high number of fatal accidents in recent times. According to local reports mining accident have resulted in at least 50 people in the first half of 2019.

Meanwhile, six applications received approval from Cabinet and 13 mining contracts worth more than $25 million are on the table.

Successful local companies include Africeramic and Mountain Ceramics, which have been granted licenses to exploit clay deposits. Meanwhile, international firm Luna Smelter has been granted eight exploration licenses for cassiterite and coltan. Luna is already active in the country, running Rwanda’s only time smelter in partnership with local firm Ngali Holdings.