The report highlights that the overall industrial output in the formal sector increased by 7.9% year-on-year, with mining and quarrying making a notable contribution.
The report shows that the mining and quarrying index stood at 69.7 in January 2025, up from 66.8 in January 2024. As a key pillar of the economy, the sector continues to drive exports and job creation.
Rwanda's mining sector has been experiencing significant expansion, with mineral exports surpassing $1.1 billion in 2023, up from $772 million in 2022â€"an impressive 43% increase.
According to the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB), the surge was driven by increased value addition, professionalization of the sector, greater investment in mechanization, and the implementation of sustainable and responsible mining practices.
In the fourth quarter of 2023 (October to December), mineral export earnings reached $252.99 million, marking a 34.9% increase compared to the same quarter in 2022.
Gold was the highest revenue generator, with 3,158 kilograms exported, bringing in $202.6 million. Cassiterite exports totalled 1,293,608 kilograms, valued at $19.7 million, while coltan exports reached 468,577 kilograms, generating $18.9 million.
Wolfram also contributed significantly, with 640,987 kilograms exported, earning $7.9 million, while other minerals combined accounted for 3,775,389 kilograms, valued at $3.9 million.
Beyond mining, Rwanda's industrial sector continued to expand in January 2025. The manufacturing sector recorded a 7.1% increase, primarily driven by a 16.7% rise in food processing and a 13.9% increase in beverage and tobacco production.
Electricity production also saw an increase of 4.2%, reflecting improvements in the country's energy supply, while the water and waste management sector experienced the highest growth, surging by 20%.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-s-mining-and-quarrying-sector-expanded-by-4-3-in-january
