Investors in the mining sector of Rwanda should expect a clearer tax policy and the government of the country more revenue when a new Bill establishing royalty tax on mines and quarries is passed.

The Bill was tabled before the lower chamber of parliament by minister of finance John Rwangombwa, who said the decision was based on research adopted from best practices in other countries. He added that Rwanda is endowed with minerals and quarries that could help the economy grow, if adequately managed.

Dr. Michael Biryabarema, the deputy director-general of Rwanda National Resources Authority (RNRA), told The New Times that US$117 million was received from the mining sector in taxes for the budget year 2010/2011.

During debate, MPs raised concerns on a wide range of issues, including miners' safety; the environment; effect on a current district tax system; and the lack of reliable data on the country's mining sector.

In an interview later, Rwangombwa said: “We have several companies that have been given temporary mining concessions to do exploration and find out what the potential is in terms of minerals. We'll see what they have got. If it is convincing, then we can move on and give them long-term concessions,” he added.

• [Editor:editor]