Illegal miners are happy their lives have changed

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Jean Baptiste is one of the representatives of illegal mining

Babungu Jean Baptiste, one of the representatives of illegal mining, said he used to be a gem thief but now his life has changed after his attitude changed.

“I used to use a sword, and when I entered the cave I saw what I was going to take and I went up there fearing the security would shoot me, but I made them fail. Everywhere I went there was a resident threatening me.

Bajeneza Eugene, leader of the Nyakabingo miners, said those brought out from illegal mining were now living well and what they were doing was useful to the country.

Bajeneza Eugene, leader of the Nyakabingo gem miners

“Before we can produce, we need to find safety measures to do it. After four waters, we got 85 or 86 tons, but we expected 102 tons. Where they closed, we went to talk to them and the police and they agreed to change and give them work,” he said.

James Beams, CEO of Trinity Metals Group, said the problem of illegal mining was widespread in Africa but the solution was to employ them, as happened in Nyakabingo.

He said: “What happened in Nyakabingo, where those engaged in illegal mining were turned into workers, should be an example for Africa. I have visited different African countries, but this problem has not been solved. Because Nyakabingo did not help those who were trapped in illegal mining.” Carrying out such illegal mining is like “my enemy, let them find jobs and receive training somewhere else.”

These illegal miners were brought into cooperatives and their wives were taken away for further development.

Gemstones are one of the country’s largest sources of revenue, as in 2023, the country’s Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Gas announced that gemstones shipped abroad earned Rwanda more than $1.1 billion.