Police in Ngororero District have cautioned residents against the common illegal mining activities, which sometimes cause landslides and loss of lives.
Residents were also urged to work with security organs to fight such unlawful and life-threatening practices.
The call follows several operations in which scores have been arrested in illegal mining activities in different parts of the district.
In the latest operation conducted, Police and local leaders arrested two people in Gapfura village, Rusororo cell, Muhororo sector in Ngororero District where they were found mining Lithium, illegally.
Their arrest followed complaints raised by the mining company operating in the area on people, who steal minerals in their concession.
“This was a response to raised concerns about mineral theft as well as illegal mining and related unlawful trade. These two suspects were found mining lithium,” said Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Mucyo Rukundo, the Western region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO).
They were handed over to RIB Ngororero station for further legal process.
The duo had already mined 5kgs of lithium, which they were arrested with, he added.
CIP Rukundo cautioned against such a unlawful and dangerous practices and urged residents to always report those involved.
Article 54 of the law N° 58/2018 of 13/08/2018 on mining and quarry operations, states that; any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw5 million or only one of these penalties.
The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license. (End)