Rwanda - Country Commercial Guide
Mining and Minerals
Last published date:

Overview

Rwanda is one of the world’s largest producers of tin, tantalum, and tungsten (3Ts) and also exports gold and gemstones.  Rwanda also possesses a variety of minerals such as silica sands, kaolin, vermiculite, diatomite, clays, limestone, talcum, gypsum, and pozzolan.  Small-scale mining accounts for around 80 percent of the country’s mineral output.  The government is eager to formalize the sector, attract international mining investors, and increase processing of minerals in the country.  A new Rwanda Mining, Gas and Petroleum Board was established in 2017 to coordinate government efforts in these sectors.  Potential investors should note that Rwanda is subject to Section 1502 of the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which includes the 3Ts and gold.

Minerals Sector Profile

 

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Total Local Production

n.a

n.a

n.a

n.a

n.a

n.a

n.a

Total Exports

$210 million

$148 million         

 

$167 million 

 

$376 million

$783 million

 

$567.4 million

    $124.9 million 

 

Total Imports

N/A

N/A

N/A

n.a

n.a

n.a

n.a

Imports from the US

 

N/A

N/A

N/A

n.a

n.a

n.a

n.a

Total Market Size

n.a

n.a

n.a

n.a

n.a

n.a

n.a

Exchange Rates

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Source:  UN Comtrade Database, May 16, 2017, July 9, 2020 and July 29, 2021 (Commodity codes 26 and 71)

Note:  The most important sub-codes are 2609 (Tin Ore), 2611 (Tungsten), 2614 (Titanium), 2615 (Nobium-Tantalum), and 7108 (gold).  For code description and other details, visit https://comtrade.un.org/db/mr/rfCommoditiesList.aspx.

Leading Sub-Sectors

  • Tin Ore
  • Tungsten
  • Nobium-Tantalum
  • Gold

Opportunities

  • Mineral exploration (Tin, Tungsten, Coltan, and gemstones)
  • Industrial mining equipment
  • Targeting value-addition
  • Partnerships with local mining companies
  • Trade in minerals
  • Smeltering

The Rwanda Mining, Petroleum and Gas Board oversees regulation and mining licensing.

The Rwanda Development Board negotiates mining license contracts on behalf of the Government of Rwanda and the Rwanda Mining Association can provided further resources.