Rwanda extracts minerals including wolframite, cassiterite, and coltan, processed into tungsten, tin, and tantalum, with an annual production of 8,000 to 10,000 tons. The country also mines gold, sapphire, and lithium, alongside ongoing exploration to identify new deposits. Increasingly, Rwanda is focusing on value addition through local processing.
The Gasabo Gold Refinery, now in its sixth year of operation, has an annual capacity of 96 tons. Director Kayobotsi Bosco told IGIHE that the facility has reached 30% of capacity, 28.8 tons annually. Monthly production has grown from 600 kilograms to 2.5 tons.
'We started by processing about 600 kilograms per month, and now we are processing 2.5 tons per month,' he said, noting the steady growth over the years. Gold processed at the refinery comes from Rwanda and six non-conflict African countries.
'They want us to process their gold. It's easier to bring it because Rwanda has adequate security,' he added.
Processing yields significant benefits. Gold refined to 99.99% purity sells for over $134,000 per kilogram, compared to about $120,000 for unprocessed gold. Silver, often discarded when gold is sold raw, can fetch more than $1,800 per kilogram when refined. The refinery employs 42 Rwandans and aims to reach 50% capacity, about four tons per month, next year.
Tin processing has also expanded. LuNa Smelter, which began operations in 2018/19, has increased output from 100 to over 250 tons of tin per month, with a purification rate of 99.95%. Interim operations manager Parfait Udakemwa said the plant plans to reach 320 tons next year and targets 600 tons per month within five years. It employs 161 staff and sources cassiterite from across Rwanda.
Rwanda is also adopting advanced technologies in mining. The country has shifted from basic tools to research-driven methods and is now introducing robots to improve safety and efficiency. Through discussions with Zora Robotics, Rwanda plans to deploy robots in underground tunnels to assess ground stability, measure gas levels, and monitor workers.
Zora Robotics CEO Benjamin Karenzi said the company has over 60 robots operating in various sectors and is ready to support mining. Robots, operating on 5G, will inspect tunnels before miners enter and track worker movements, helping to reduce accidents and raise productivity. The technology is already used in South Africa and may cost up to 120 million Rwandan Francs per mine.
The initiative has gained support from investors such as British businessman Ray Power, whose company processes 120 tons of coltan per month in Bugesera. He said improved worker safety strengthens client confidence and long-term cooperation.
Rwanda aims to increase mining export revenues to $2.2 billion by 2029 and raise mineral recovery rates from 40% to 80%. In May 2025, the country identified new mineral zones spanning 13,454 hectares, with more discoveries expected.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/gold-processed-in-rwanda-reaches-2-5-tons-per-month
