UK firm pledges to support mining sector in Rwanda

Pella Rwanda Resources Ltd owned by UK-based Pella Resources Ltd signed a vast Mining Concession Agreement with the Government of Rwanda on September 19, 2013 through the Ministry of Natural Resources (MINIRENA) to undertake mining operation in Rwamagana District.

With an estimated project value of USD 22 Million to be spent in a period of five years, Pella Rwanda Resources Ltd will carry out mining operations to extract mainly Casseterite (Tin) and possibly Tantalite and Tungsten at Musha and Ntunga concessions located in the Eastern Provinces in a period of thirty years.

The Representative of Pella Rwanda Resources Ltd, Mr. Thomas Nziratimana from South Africa said that the company is committed to increase its production to 120 tons per month of refined minerals and social programmes.

He also emphasized to employ and build capacity of young Rwandans in the mining industry by sponsoring them for formal trainings and education in different field of the mining sector.

During the signature of the agreement, the Minister of State in charge of Mining in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Hon. Imena Evode said that the Government is committed to support the investments in the mining sector targeting to increase the sector’s production and foreign exports.

According to the Rwanda Development Board’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Claire Akamanzi, Rwanda has various deposits in which we look forward to working with different partners like Pella Rwanda Resources Ltd to develop and enable more investments, as well as explore additional opportunities not yet discovered.

Currently Rwanda produces about 8,000 to 9,000 tons of mineral compounds annually, and ranks eighth in the world for non-molten tin, which translates into 1.5 per cent of global tin production.

UK firm pledges to support mining sector in Rwanda