Digging for Gold, Building Futures: Rwandan Scholar’s Quest for Sustainable Mining in Africa

On this week marking the International Day of the Girl Child, we celebrate not just the dreams of girls worldwide but the women who are making those dreams a reality. Today, we highlight an inspiring The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) scholar Jeanne Pauline Munganyika whose ground-breaking research is paving the way for future generations of girls to succeed in fields once dominated by men. Their work is not just reshaping science but empowering young girls to imagine new possibilities for their futures.

Her research journey began with a deep curiosity about materials and their extraction processes. By visiting some sites in Rwanda, she witnessed the challenges faced by artisanal miners, the way they work hard but the product is not enough. She was also surprised how the sector had gender gaps.
“I decided to go for it, I remember when I finished my master’s degree in Geology in 2015, there were very few in the whole country. All these ignited my passion for pursuing this career and developing environmentally friendly methods for mineral extraction as well as valorizing the mining tailings to add value to the minerals we have. I am a PhD holder and researcher in Materials Science and Engineering with a specialization in Mineral Processing. My goal is to modernize the gold mining industry across Africa, making it more sustainable and beneficial for local communities in addition I am researching the gold mine tailings valorization to be used as a secondary source of gold,” she states.

“Attaining my PhD has been a lifelong dream, and the Rsif scholarship has been pivotal in turning that dream into reality. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained have empowered me to make meaningful contributions to my field.”

She narrates that the journey has not been without challenges since COVID-19 impacted her research productivity, especially navigating being a doctoral candidate while caring for her young child alone abroad. “I faced the dual challenges of balancing motherhood with my academic responsibilities. The closure of laboratories and childcare facilities disrupted my research and writing processes. During shipment of samples from Rwanda to USA my samples were lost in transit which affected my research work.”

Her research focuses on developing environmentally friendly methods for gold extraction, aiming to improve artisanal mining practices and use gold mine tailings as a secondary gold resource in Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa.

“I was inspired by the need to reduce pollution, and wastage, and enhance resource recovery in a sector that often operates under difficult conditions. By recommending modern, sustainable techniques for gold recovery, I aim to help miners benefit more from their hard work and improve their livelihoods,” she says.
Research contributing to solving real-world problems
She sees her research contributing to real-world solutions by addressing significant issues related to artisanal mining, where miners often work in unhealthy environments with outdated methods.

“Where poor processing methods lead to the loss of gold in the tailings. By developing new, sustainable techniques, I hope to empower local communities economically and environmentally, driving sustainable development in my country Rwanda,” she says.

She also points out that, “Rsif has been crucial in my academic journey, providing the financial support and resources needed to pursue my PhD. It enabled me to study at AUST and participate in a sandwich program at WPI, gaining valuable international experience and access to advanced research facilities. This support has been instrumental in helping me stay focused on my goals despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

She affirms that her research serves as a powerful example of women leading in STEM fields.
“By showcasing successful innovations in mining, I aim to inspire girls to pursue education and careers in science and technology. Additionally, my work emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices, demonstrating that science can improve lives and contribute to community development, especially in mining sectors the sector dominated by men,” she states.
She believes her work can inspire more young girls to pursue education and careers in STEM. She does this by sharing her journey and research outcomes through workshops, community outreach, and mentorship programs.

“I hope to motivate young girls to consider STEM careers, showing them that dedication and innovation can pave the way for success,” she affirms.

“My advice to young girls dreaming of pursuing higher education and careers in sciences is to believe in their abilities and surround themselves with supportive mentors. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, stay curious, and remain committed to your passions.

Remember that persistence is key, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed.”
She mentions her supervisor Prof Grace Ofori-Sarpong as her role model who provided inspiration and practical guidance.

Celebrating International Day of the Girl Child

What does the International Day of the Girl Child mean to you, and how do you connect it to your work She says the International Day of the Girl Child deeply with her mission to inspire and uplift women in STEM.

She envisions her research fostering an environment where girls feel empowered to pursue careers in STEM. By demonstrating the relevance of science in solving real-world problems, she hopes to create pathways that encourage future generations of girls to thrive in these fields, ultimately leading to a more equitable and innovative society.

Her future aspirations involve expanding her research on sustainable mining practices and collaborating with local communities to implement the technologies she will develop. She also aspires to create educational programs that empower women in mining and science.

“I would like to see increased initiatives focused on mentorship, scholarships, and training specifically for women and girls in STEM. Establishing networks that connect aspiring female scientists with established professionals can foster a supportive environment that encourages their growth and success in academia and research.”
She concludes that she foresees a future where women in Africa are equally represented in science and technology, making significant contributions to the continent’s development and her hard work will ultimately lead to successful outcomes, allowing her to contribute to the development of Rwanda and inspire future generations of women in STEM.

Alphonse Munyankindi