October 17,2025 Rwanda Environmental Management (REMA) shutted down SteelRwa for six days to reduce the smoke that were sent in the atmosphere. 

The excessive smoke were due to the breakdown of fume estraction systems according to SteelRwa officials. 

SteelRwa is a heavy industry and is the leader in Rwanda's Steel Industry, for over 11 years, creating around 700 direct and 4,000 indirect jobs.

By recycling scrap metals into high-value and high quality steel, we have helped clean up Rwanda’s scrap metal stream, reduced the country’s dependence on steel imports, and supported national self-reliance.

This recycling process also contributes significantly to environmental protection, preventing large quantities of metal waste from rusting and leaking into soil and water.

It is essential to reiterate that SteelRwa’s production process, using induction furnaces to recycle scrap metal, is globally recognized as from far the greenest and most sustainable steelmaking route.

 Compared to steel production from minerals, iron ore, our recycling produces far lower emissions and has a much smaller environmental impact.

"We strongly appreciate and support REMA’s attention and diligence in safeguarding environmental quality and public health, and we thank their technical team for their continued guidance.

We fully respected REMA’s decision and temporarily paused our operations as advised, while working closely with them to define a solution that is both technically practical and environmentally sound.

Following these discussions, a solution has been found, and we have fully resumed operations after we have carried out all necessary repairs, maintenance, technical reviews, and environmental improvements requested by REMA".Jean-Emile Tousch,general manager said

It is important to note that SteelRwa is one of Rwanda’s leading companies in environmental protection, particularly within the steel industry, and has been recognized as such by qualified environmental auditors and experts.

Like any heavy industry, there can occasionally be temporary and unpredictable deviations, but SteelRwa remains fully committed to resolving them quickly and responsibly.

They work regularly with certified companies and international experts to audit and improve our environmental performance, and we have invested heavily over the years in reducing our environmental footprint, a commitment we will continue to strengthen.

For context, SteelRwa’s site was established in 2008, at a time when there were no nearby residences. The plot was designated by the government.

 In later years, residences were built close to the plant without respecting the usual buffer zones, which is factual explanation that helps to understand the context of heightened perceptions of the emissions, compared to other industrial sites located farther from residential areas.

The suspension of SteelRwanda during 6 days caused the loss of 1,500 tones as the plant  produces 200-250 tones on daily basis. January 2025 The ministry of trade and commerce (MINICOM)planned to relocate the nearby residents who live in 500 meters. There were Rwf 3 billions for that budget.

 In an exclusive interview with Ukwelitimes.com, Jean-Emile Tousch, General manager of SteelRwa said that the residents built their houses without consulting buffer zones regulations and that is the core reason they keep complaining about their safety due to excessive smoke.

Infact, the Mps paid a visit to the area and emphasised the irregularities of residents built their houses nearby SteelRwa.