In an interview with RBA, Minister Sebahizi emphasized the importance of key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and mining as pillars of the national economy.
He underscored the ministry's dedication to strengthening mineral extraction to fuel economic growth.
'There remains significant untapped potential in mining, especially with the entry of new investors who add value to processed minerals. This is why we are focusing on increasing investment in industries to drive production and sustain economic progress,' he said.
Bosco Kayobotsi, Managing Director of Gasabo Gold Refinery Ltd, highlighted the significant growth in gold and silver processing during the 2023/24 fiscal year.
'Our production has grown steadily, with the past two years showing the most substantial rise compared to the previous five years,' he noted.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) shows that the industrial sector's overall output grew by 14.7% in November 2024 compared to November 2023.
The mining and quarrying sector alone registered a remarkable 45.2% growth, while electricity production increased by 9.6%, and water and sanitation services rose by 12.8%.
Oreste Mukiza, Public Relations and Communication Specialist at the Rwanda Mining Board (RMB), attributed this growth to initiatives supporting the mining sector, such as providing electricity to remote mining sites.
'These electricity provisions enable the use of heavy machinery and advanced technology, making operations more efficient and significantly boosting production,' Mukiza explained.
Research conducted in 2017 identified 52 mineral-rich areas across Rwanda.
The nation's underground mineral reserves are estimated to be worth approximately $154 billion.
The RMB reported that Rwanda's mineral exports generated over $1.1 billion in 2023, a 43% increase from $772 million in 2022.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/minister-sebahizi-vows-to-enhance-mineral-extraction
