The signing took place on May 13, 2025, at the U.S. Department of State and was witnessed by Kim Harrington, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Energy Resources.
The letter of intent outlines plans to develop a sustainable and transparent supply chain for Rwandan tin, classified by the U.S. as a critical mineral, in support of broader economic and national security objectives.
"This type of critical minerals project supports U.S. onshoring, strengthens our national security, and advances economic prosperity," reads a statement from the U.S. Bureau of Energy Resources.
The preliminary agreement paves the way for a more formal and comprehensive collaboration. It forms part of America's efforts to secure strategic mineral inputs for domestic manufacturing across various sectors, including electronics, glass production, and electric vehicle batteries.
The partnership also comes just weeks ahead of an expected broader mining cooperation framework between Rwanda and the United States, set to be formalised in June 2025. The upcoming agreement is anticipated to cover mineral exploration, responsible sourcing, and increased trade.
Trinity Metals began operating in Rwanda in 2022 and currently extracts key minerals such as wolframite (tungsten), coltan, and tin.
The company has already invested over $40 million in its Rwandan operations, which include mining sites at Nyakabingo, Musha, and Rutongo. Collectively, these sites span 17,294 hectares and employ more than 700 people.
In 2024 alone, Trinity Metals exported 2,226 tonnes of tin, tungsten, and coltan. The company projects that by 2029, its exports could more than double to 5,201 tonnes as global demand for critical minerals increases.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
