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President Paul Kagame on 23 May 2025 visited the Nyakabingo Mine in Rulindo District which is Africa’s largest producer of tungsten, highlighting Rwanda’s growing role in the global supply of critical minerals.Operated by Trinity Metals, the mine employs over 1,800 people and has nearly doubled its production over the past three years. The visit underscored Rwanda’s ambition to be a key player in ethical and technology-driven mining.
Welcoming the President, Trinity Metals described the moment as a testament to Rwanda’s mining excellence and praised the team’s efforts in boosting production.“We are honored to welcome President Paul Kagame to Trinity Nyakabingo Mine today, a testament to Rwanda’s mining excellence and our shared vision for sustainable growth. Proud of our team’s dedication that has nearly doubled the production in just three years,” said Trinity management.
Tungsten or wolfram, is a highly valued mineral due to its strength, high melting point and durability. It plays a vital role in industrial and defence applications, including aerospace components, electrical contacts and cutting tools. As the world accelerates its shift to clean energy and advanced manufacturing, demand for tungsten is rising, positioning Rwanda’s Nyakabingo Mine at the heart of a growing international supply chain.
The mine produces wolframite, a tungsten-bearing ore, with output now estimated at over 1,000 tonnes per year. As global industries seek secure and transparent sources for critical minerals, Rwanda’s commitment to ethical and sustainable mining practices is drawing international attention.Kagame’s visit comes at a time of strategic realignment for Rwanda’s mining sector. On 15 May 2025, Trinity Metals Chairman Shawn McCormick signed a Letter of Intent with the U.S.-based Nathan Trotter at the U.S. State Department. The agreement lays the groundwork for a Rwanda–U.S. supply chain focused on tin, another essential mineral used in electronics and clean energy technologies.
Backed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and facilitated by Acting PDAS Kim Harrington, the partnership promises to drive job creation, local value addition and increased trade with the U.S. The visit also signals deeper diplomatic developments. Rwanda is currently in discussions for a broader strategic minerals supply agreement with the United States. The pact, expected to be finalised soon, is tied to a larger peace framework involving the Democratic Republic of Congo, with mediation by Washington.
In 2024 alone, Rwanda’s mining sector generated over $1.1 billion in export revenue, making it one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners. The government aims to scale this to $1.7 billion annually within five years through investment in value addition, mineral processing and strategic global partnerships. Rwanda’s long-term vision includes positioning itself as a regional hub for green, traceable and high-tech mining. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, digital traceability and workforce development are seen as key drivers of future growth.
Nyakabingo Mine’s rise is a powerful reflection of Rwanda’s intent to lead in the ethical supply of minerals essential to the global green and digital economies. Kagame’s tour not only celebrated a mining success story but it reaffirmed the country’s place on the world stage as a trusted, forward-looking source of critical materials.
