Trinity Metals Innovative Approach to the Illegal Mining Issue.
Illegal mining is a serious problem with devastating consequences. The cost of illegal mining activities can be measured in lost lives, revenue, governance challenges, environmental degradation, and social instability. Illegal mining and sustainability are incompatible. That is why addressing the issue of illegal mining is a critical priority for Trinity Metals.
At Trinity, we have been using different approaches across our three mines to address the issue of illegal mining. We are very proud of our approach to recruiting and incorporating illegal miners into company employment. Since the beginning of this year, Trinity in partnership with the local government and security organs, has been approaching and mobilizing illegal miners to join our mining companies where they can be trained to work professionally and where they can ensure a more secure future form themselves and their families. Through this engagement Trinity Nyakabingo Mine managed to mobilize 150 illegal miners to join our mining teams and after one month they managed to produce 3.8 tons of Wolfram legally.
On 3rd August 2024, At Trinity Nyakabingo Mine, we celebrated the outstanding contribution and commitment of the former illegal miners who have grasped the opportunity and have performed so well in their first month as legal miners. The 3.8 tons that they produced equates to approximately 80 million Rwf, which also contributes 3 million Rwf to tax. This was achieved with zero accidents or incidents.
This is proof that working together is possible. It has been raised that most of the people do illegal mining not because they want to but because of poverty and it is in this regard Trinity Nyakabingo decided to employ and train the willing former illegal miners to work professionally. During the event, former illegal miners attended with their wives, and they were given 2-hectares of land that will be used to grow maize and vegetables for sale, and the money will go back to support their families. The Company also opened a bank account with a deposit of 500,000rwf as startup capital. The families in attendance were also given a mattress and 5kgs of meat as a sign of a new beginning.
Remarks from the Trinity CEO, Peter Geleta “In so many places illegal miners are seen as enemies and mining companies take aggressive measures to resolve the issue, what James, our special General Manager at Trinity Nyakabingo Mine is doing – I have not seen this happen anywhere else, illegal miners are not our enemies – they are people and with the right support and opportunity they can realize their potential. James has created a win-win situation all around – all stakeholders are happy. Congratulations to James and Trinity Nyakabingo Mine for setting the standard”.
Remarks from the Secretary General of REWU Trade Union Rwanda, Andrew “This activity of bringing in illegal miners is not an easy initiative but it is also a testament that nothing is impossible. Last week we had a meeting with Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), and other Mining companies, and the issue of illegal mining was raised as a big threat to mining activities in Rwanda. However, after what I have seen, it shows that this is no longer an issue for Trinity Metals and other Mining companies should come to learn from Nyakabingo on how to deal with the illegal mining issue.”
Remarks from James the General Manager of Trinity Nyakabingo Mine “we approached the illegal miners and encouraged them to stop their wrongdoings and we also encouraged those who would like to join the company that the door is open. We are happy for those who decided to join the company and the 3.8tones produced after only one month shows that they are committed to change and becoming better people.
