Over 60 Convicted in Crackdown on Illegal Mining

KARONGI, February 24, 2026 - Authorities in Karongi District have intensified efforts against illegal mining, leading to the conviction of more than 60 individuals over the past three months as officials seek to protect legal mining investments and curb environmental damage. Operators in the legal mining sector say illegal miners continue to threaten their businesses by selling minerals at lower prices while avoiding tax obligations, creating what they describe as unfair competition. Illegal mining activities are particularly widespread in the sectors of Rubengera, Rugabano, Gashari, Murambi, Bwishyura, and Mutuntu, where miners operate along several rivers, including Musogoro, Mashyiga, and Nyabahanga. Environmental and Agricultural Damage Residents report that illegal mining operations have caused significant environmental degradation, including the destruction of farmland, crop losses, and damage to riverbanks. The affected waterways - including the Nyabahanga and Musogoro rivers, which flow into Lake Kivu, and the Mashyiga River, a tributary of the Nyabarongo River - play an important role in the region’s ecosystem and agriculture. Legal Miners Report Economic Losses Investors in licensed mining operations warn that illegal extraction activities are undermining their financial viability. One long-time legal mining operator in Karongi District, who has worked in the sector for over 13 years, reported producing five to six tons of minerals per month and employing between 400 and 500 workers. He said illegal traders avoid paying taxes, allowing them to sell minerals at significantly lower prices, which weakens the formal market. According to the investor, legally mined minerals are sold at approximately 35,000 Rwandan francs per kilogram, while illegally sourced minerals are sold for around 30,000 francs, making it difficult for licensed operators to remain competitive. Authorities Intensify Enforcement Local authorities say enforcement measures introduced since late 2025 are beginning to show results. Officials have held meetings with landowners across the district to warn them about the legal consequences of allowing unauthorized mining on their property. Landowners who fail to report illegal activity risk being treated as accomplices under the law. As part of the crackdown, more than 60 suspects have been prosecuted and convicted in court, contributing to a decline in illegal mining activities, according to district officials. Local Official Under Investigation Authorities have also detained a local administrative leader accused of collaborating with illegal miners. The official is under investigation for allegedly leaking information to suspects and helping them evade arrest during enforcement operations. Officials say the ongoing crackdown aims to protect natural resources, support legal mining investors, and reduce the economic and environmental impact of illegal mining in Karongi District.