Overview of best prospect sectors, major infrastructure projects, significant government procurements and business opportunities
Last Published: 7/12/2019

Overview
Rwanda is one of the world’s largest producers of tin, tantalum, and tungsten (3Ts), and also exports some 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

 20142015201620172018
Total Local Productionn.an.an.an.an.a
Total Exports$210,283,513$147,936,651          
 		$166,733,414 
 		$375,208,304n.a
Total ImportsN/AN/AN/An.an.a
Imports from the US
 		N/AN/AN/An.an.a
Total Market Sizen.an.an.an.an.a
Exchange Ratesn.a.n.a.n.a.N/AN/A
Source: UN Comtrade Database, May 16, 2017  (Commodity codes : 26 and 71
Note: The most important sub-codes are 2609 (Tin Ore), 2611 (Tungsten), 2614 (Titanium), 2615 (Nobium Tantalum), 7108 (gold).  For codes description and other details, visit the website. 

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


Web Resources
Rwanda Mining, Petroleum & Gas Board: https://www.rmb.gov.rw/index.php?id=188
Ministry of Environment: http://www.minirena.gov.rw/  
Rwanda Development Board: www.rdb.gov.rw
Rwanda Mining Association: https://rma.co.rw/

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