These blocks, rich in high-value minerals like cassiterite, coltan, wolframite, and rare earth elements, were detailed in the Rwanda Mining Board's (RMB) May 2025 Mining Investment Pitchbook.
Designed to attract strategic investors, the findings highlight Rwanda's untapped mineral wealth across Kamonyi, Bugesera, and Gatsibo districts.
Below is an overview of each block, showcasing their geological potential and investment opportunities.
1. Binyeri
Nestled in the Rukoma Sector of Kamonyi District, the Binyeri block spans 50 hectares and is geologically tied to the mineral-rich Kayenzi granite.
Surrounded by active mining licenses, this area has a history of artisanal and medium-scale mining.
Past surveys confirmed rare metal pegmatites, with cassiterite as the dominant mineral, making Binyeri a promising site for targeted exploration.
2. Juru
In Bugesera District, the expansive Juru block covers 1,354 hectares of quartzite and brecciated schists. It hosts epithermal deposits of tin, tungsten, and tantalum (3Ts), with tin being particularly abundant.
A 2014 geophysical survey estimated 52,998 tonnes of cassiterite, and the block's geology hints at potential for rare earth elements, positioning Juru as a high-value prospect.
3. Mamfu-Rwasama
Spanning 1,300 hectares in Gatsibo District, the Mamfu-Rwasama block lies in a tin-rich region historically mined by companies like SOMIRWA and Luna Smelter.
Affected by regional metamorphism, it features two main vein types yielding high-grade cassiterite and coltan.
The coltan found in the area contains about 63% tantalum and 20% niobium, while the cassiterite is very pure, with tin levels between 90% and 99%, making both minerals valuable for commercial use.
4. Musenyi
Located in Bugesera District, the Musenyi block covers 1,000 hectares and is a brownfield site previously licensed to Hard Metal.
Near other active licenses, it contains Sn-rich pegmatites with significant tin and tantalum concentrations.
Although current production is modest, the block's high-grade ore and scalability make it an attractive investment opportunity.
5. Remera
One of the largest blocks, Remera stretches across 4,025 hectares in Gatsibo District, part of a historically productive tin district.
Geophysical surveys have identified primary cassiterite veins beneath lateritic cover, with past production exceeding 4,488 tonnes.
The block also shows iron ore potential, broadening its appeal across Gatsibo, Gicumbi, and Nyagatare.
6. Rubiha
In Gatsibo District, the Rubiha block encompasses 450 hectares near the Rugarama granite. It hosts over 20 mineralized quartz veins rich in cassiterite and columbite-tantalite.
Decades of geological studies have mapped favorable pegmatite zoning, ensuring high-purity tin and a well-structured mineralization profile for efficient extraction.
7. Rubona-Gatunda
This 925-hectare block in Gatsibo District, a former Luna Smelter concession, is hosted in Bulimbi meta-sediments.
Known for its tin and tantalum potential, it has a history of cassiterite mining.
Recent petrographic analyses reveal late magmatic mineralization, particularly rich in tin, enhancing its prospects for modern operations.
8. Rugarama
Covering 2,175 hectares in Gatsibo District, Rugarama has benefited from extensive geological studies since the 1980s, including UNDP and BRGM surveys.
The block is renowned for tin-rich placers and greisen zones, with over 20 quartz veins forming stockworks that yield significant cassiterite and tantalum, making it a cornerstone of Rwanda's mining portfolio.
9. Rweru
Situated in Bugesera District, the Rweru block spans 875 hectares. It boasts high concentrations of niobium, tantalum, tin, lithium, and rare earth elements.
10. Rweru-Kimvubu
Also in Bugesera District, this 1,300-hectare block lies between two large granite bodies, intersected by fault systems.
Soil and rock samples reveal niobium and tin concentrations well above global averages, alongside significant wolframite deposits.
Its rare metal pegmatites and potential for rare earth element exploration make it a standout opportunity.
According to Donat Nsengumuremyi, the Division Manager of the Mining Extraction and Inspection Division at RMB, these blocks align with Rwanda's strategy to expand its processing industry and attract investment.
Facilities like Gasabo Gold Refinery, LuNa Smelter, and Power Resources International are well-positioned to process minerals from these sites, supporting downstream value addition.
Innocent Kagenga, Chairperson of the Rwanda Mining Association (RMA), highlighted the importance of transparent data, noting that mapping and publishing these blocks levels the playing field for local and foreign investors.
Rwanda's mining sector is poised for significant growth, targeting $2.2 billion in annual revenue by 2029, up from $1.7 billion in 2024.
So far, Rwanda has issued 136 mining licenses to 99 companies, 18 exploration permits to 17 companies, 76 licenses for mineral trading companies, and 3 for mineral value-addition activities.
In addition to the 3Ts, Rwanda also has deposits of gold in districts like Gicumbi, Musanze, Burera, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, and Nyarugenge.
Gemstones used in jewelry can be found in Ngororero, Ruhango, and Muhanga; sapphire is found in the Western Province; and lithium and other minerals are under active exploration.
Théophile Niyitegeka
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/key-insights-on-rwanda-s-ten-newly-discovered-mining-blocks
