The Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) has called on mining operators to strengthen water pollution prevention measures and ensure that their activities do not compromise the quality of surrounding water resources.

The call comes as RWB continues to monitor water quality and investigate activities that may pose pollution risks, including mining and mineral processing, as part of its mandate to ensure the availability of sufficient and well-managed water resources for sustainable development.

Mining activities have close interaction with both land and water and may pose risks to nearby rivers, streams, wetlands and other water resources if appropriate pollution-control measures are not properly implemented. Potential risks include erosion, sedimentation, uncontrolled runoff, wastewater discharge and inappropriate management of mining waste.

These issues were at the center of a water pollution investigation conducted by RWB at selected mining concessions in Kamonyi District from 7 to 11 September 2026. The investigation focused on mining and mineral-processing practices and the measures put in place to prevent their potential impact on surrounding water resources.

Among the key areas assessed were wastewater management, drainage systems, sediment-control measures and mine-waste management. These measures are particularly important in preventing sediments, wastewater and other pollutants from reaching water bodies, including through runoff during rainfall.

RWB's water pollution monitoring and investigation also extends to collecting water samples from selected locations, including upstream and downstream points where appropriate. The samples are analyzed for water-quality parameters such as pH, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), turbidity, Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), providing scientific information to assess water-quality conditions, identify potential pollution sources and inform preventive and corrective measures.

RWB continues to encourage mining operators to conduct their activities professionally, comply with applicable water and environmental requirements, and maintain effective wastewater, drainage, sediment and waste-management systems. Where pollution risks are identified, preventive and corrective measures are recommended to improve practices and protect affected water resources.

Through continuous monitoring, investigation and engagement with water users, RWB remains committed to preventing water pollution at its source and promoting the responsible use and protection of Rwanda's water resources.