Mining precious stones is one of the activities contributing significantly to the country’s development. This activity is widely discussed, with individuals employed in the mines enthusiastically praising the merits of their profession at every turn.
To support the efforts of these entrepreneurs, the University of Rwanda introduced a department focused on Earth Sciences and Mining (Geology and Mining), aiming to provide deep knowledge to those in the field.
Despite this, the number of women studying and working in this field remains low, as many are still intimidated by it, perceiving precious stone mining as a man’s job.
Iradukunda Hururaini is among the few women who dared to enter this mining field.
During her high school years, she developed a love for science, and in her senior secondary education, she majored in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. In her school, they were only two students in this specialization, as others were afraid of science.
In university, she studied Earth Sciences and received training in precious stone mining.
This 25-year-old woman works at Trinity Metals Nyakabingo mine, involved in the mining of precious stones.
In her testimony, she explains that she initially didn’t like this profession, as her dream was to become a doctor.
“I didn’t originally like mining, but I grew to love it after understanding how it’s done and the overall benefits involved. I grew up wanting to be a doctor, dispensing medication at hospitals.”
Her passion for the field grew, and since starting in this profession, Iradukunda has conducted research, demonstrating five projects that could advance the mining of precious stones in Rwanda, and specifically address unemployment, especially among the youth.
During the 6th annual celebration of the mining week in Rwanda, Iradukunda presented her projects and encouraged investors to play a significant role in them, as they require funding for implementation.
One of her projects involves using technology to predict volcanic eruptions before they occur, allowing miners sufficient time to prepare for such disasters.
Another project relates to turning the mining of precious stones into a tourism attraction.
She suggests that people could visit mining sites and also view remnants of past volcanic eruptions, making these sites tourist attractions.
Iradukunda also proposes that the waste generated from mining and processing precious stones could be used to produce cement for construction.
This cement project has already been approved and received a grant of one million Rwandan francs for expansion.
Another project she is working on aims to assist those with limited resources, particularly newcomers to the mining industry.
She suggests that the Mining Association of Rwanda establish a fund for storing equipment, which can be rented out to investors entering the mining industry.
This would allow these investors to pay gradually, promoting mining activities and ensuring profits for the association.
Having worked for Trinity Metals Nyakabungo mine for two years, Iradukunda asserts that this profession has brought her to a highly satisfying level.
She has gained substantial knowledge about the technology used in mining precious stones, learning from her predecessors and visitors to her company.
Besides her personal gains, she claims that she has made significant contributions to the company by identifying promising mining sites, thereby increasing productivity.
To the girls who are still hesitant, Iradukunda advises them to be bold and embrace the profession of mining precious stones, as it is lucrative and within their capabilities.
