Surface exploration studies for the Bugarama area were launched in 2014. Drilling
is required to prove the existence of a geothermal resource. This report is based on
experience accumulated during exploration drilling in Karisimbi in 2013, and on
ESIA studies carried out for geothermal drilling projects in Rwanda. The first goal
is to draw up the main procedures that must be followed during preparations for
geothermal drilling, in order to ensure compliance with national and international
regulations. Next is to present the preliminary terms of reference (TOR) for the ESIA
that will be conducted during preparations for exploration drilling in Bugarama.
Finally, a preliminary EIA of the three main environmental factors that the project is
expected to impact i.e. noise, land acquisition and waste generation, is introduced.
Mitigating measures are proposed for the mentioned impacts. The aim of this report
is to provide a basis for future EIA work for geothermal exploration drilling in
Rwanda. The main outcomes for a full EIA study are discussed.