At an event held on October 23, 2024 to present the company's environmental audit report, Peter Geleta, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) highlighted the critical role of environmental sustainability in the mining industry and emphasized the importance of aligning mining operations with international standards.
"The days of mining companies heading into Africa, pillaging resources, and leaving a trail of environmental damage are gone. We see ourselves as stewards of the environment and are committed to responsible mining that adheres to the highest international standards," he said.
The assessment was conducted on Trinity's three major mines which include Rutongo mines, Musha mines and Nyakabingo mines and represents a comprehensive review of the environmental and social impacts associated with their operations.
The last similar assessment was conducted in 2015, making this latest review particularly timely as the company works to improve its environmental footprint and adopt more sustainable practices.
"Since our last assessment nearly a decade ago, the mining industry in Rwanda, has evolved significantly. We embarked on this journey last year to update our environmental and social impact studies, recognizing that this is key to our long-term success and sustainability," Geleta noted.
Geleta explained that the company is focused on leaving the environment in a state that is safe and conducive for future use once mining operations are complete.
"We need to ensure that we do our environmental planning properly, that we manage our closure planning responsibly, and that we leave the environment in a good state for the next generation," he emphasized.
Trinity Metals is also making strides in the social impact arena. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, 99% of whom are Rwandans, the company has been a major contributor to local communities, providing jobs and opportunities for economic development.
Furthermore, the company has made a concerted effort to promote gender equality within the mining sector, with women now making up 18% of the workforce across its mines, a figure expected to raise to 30% in the coming years.
The CEO also underscored the importance of international partnerships and investments in ensuring that Trinity Metals operates at the highest standards.
The unveiling of these findings, along with the company's approach to sustainable mining, signals a good will for the Rwandan mining industry as Innocent Safari, the Chief Finance Officer at the Rwanda Mining Board (RMD) explains.
'Mining companies are expected to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility by aligning their operations with international standards,' he said.
Safari expressed gratitude for Trinity metals for positioning itself as a leader in responsible mining and setting an example for other companies in Rwanda.
He called out for the general public, the wider mining community and stakeholders to follow suit and practice responsible mining by doing it in a way that benefits both the economy and the environment, ensuring a future that everyone can be proud of.
Fidele Ruzigandekwe, an expert consultant in environmental impact assessment revealed that water pollution, soil erosion, air and noise pollution are some of the findings that were identified in this particular ESIA.
'Unregulated mining practices lead to significant environmental and social inequalities. Trinity's forward-thinking approach, coupled with its commitment to sustainable practices, is paving the way for a modern era in Rwandan mining,' he said.
Sam K Nkurunziza
