Dr. Ngirente shared the update on Friday, March 27, 2025, as he addressed members of parliament.
He revealed that in 2024, Rwanda exported 2,384 tonnes of coltan, generating $99 million, while 4,861 tonnes of cassiterite earned $96 million. Wolfram exports stood at 2,741 tonnes, contributing $36 million, while gold remained the dominant mineral, generating $1.5 billion from 19,397 kilograms.
The Prime Minister highlighted Rwanda's ongoing efforts to boost mineral exports, particularly by shifting focus to processed minerals since 2020. He dismissed claims that Rwanda has limited mineral deposits, stating that resources are spread across different parts of the country.
Dr. Ngirente attributed the increase in mineral exports to four key factors, including the modernisation of mining operations, which has moved away from traditional extraction methods. He further noted that the government has invested in advanced machinery and expertise to improve production efficiency while ensuring environmentally sustainable practices.
Additionally, the Prime Minister said Rwanda has recently discovered new minerals such as lithium and beryllium, which are in high demand globally, particularly for electric vehicle batteries.
'The volume of production has increased, and new minerals such as lithium and beryllium have been discovered. These are highly sought after globally,' he said.
Investment in the mining sector has also increased significantly, rising from $25 million in 2010 to $121 million in 2023. Dr Ngirente said this growth reflects a structured and strategic approach to developing the industry.
He emphasised that Rwanda is prioritising value addition before exporting minerals, with three processing plants now operational.
Gasabo Gold Refinery has the capacity to process 96 tonnes of gold annually, while LuNa Smelter refines 360 tonnes of cassiterite per month. Additionally, Power Resources International Ltd processes 120 tonnes of coltan every month.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/business/article/rwanda-s-mineral-export-revenue-hit-1-7-billion-in-2024
