This high-level engagement comes at a time when Rwanda's mining industry is experiencing remarkable growth.
In 2024, mineral exports generated $1.7 billion, an impressive leap from $373 million recorded in 2017. These figures were disclosed by Prime Minister Dr. Édouard Ngirente during his address to members of Parliament on March 27, 2025.
According to the Prime Minister, Rwanda exported 2,384 tonnes of coltan in 2024, earning $99 million. Cassiterite exports totaled 4,861 tonnes and generated $96 million, while 2,741 tonnes of wolfram brought in $36 million. Gold continued to dominate the sector, with 19,397 kilograms exported, generating $1.5 billion in revenue.
Rwanda's mining sector is capital-intensive, requiring significant investments in exploration, modern equipment, and infrastructure. Trinity Metals is among the key players driving this growth. The company operates the Nyakabingo Mine in Rulindo District, which produces over 1,000 tons of wolfram annually. Production is expected to double within the next four years.
Wolframite, the mineral extracted from Nyakabingo, is the primary source of tungsten, a highly durable metal used in industries such as construction, aerospace, defense, and electronics.
Rwanda currently exports wolfram at 68% purity, as the country lacks a facility to refine it into high-grade tungsten. Once exported, mainly to Austria, the mineral is refined to a purity level of 99.999%, making it suitable for high-performance applications.
In 2024 alone, 1,107 tons of wolfram from Nyakabingo were shipped to Austria, where it is recognized for its exceptional quality.
Trinity Metals has invested $40 million across its Rwandan operations, which include the Musha Mineâ€"currently producing cassiterite and coltan and under exploration for lithium, and the Rutongo Mine, a major cassiterite site.
That year, Trinity Metals exported a combined 2,226 tons of wolfram, cassiterite, and coltan. The company has set an ambitious target to increase its annual exports to 5,201 tons by 2029, signaling its long-term commitment to Rwanda's mining sector.
Théophile Niyitegeka
