Rwanda’s mining and quarrying sector posted a powerful restoration within the first quarter of 2026, rising by 20 per cent after a 1 per cent contraction in the identical interval final yr.
The rebound has been underpinned by rising worldwide demand for important minerals reminiscent of gold, lithium, tin, tantalum and tungsten — key inputs in electrical car batteries, renewable power programs, semiconductors and electronics manufacturing.
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In keeping with the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gasoline Board (RMB), beneficial world market circumstances, notably record-high costs for strategic minerals, performed a central function within the sector’s efficiency.
“The 20 p.c progress within the mining and quarrying sector is primarily fuelled by robust world demand and excessive costs for minerals like gold, lithium and the 3Ts,” the board stated in a written response to The New Instances.
The affect of the value rally has been most seen in export efficiency. Conventional exports, together with minerals, almost doubled within the first quarter of 2026 in comparison with the identical interval final yr, reflecting each stronger demand and better commodity costs on worldwide markets.
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Trade gamers say the surge has considerably improved manufacturing incentives throughout mining operations.
Harmless Kagenga, Chairperson of the Rwanda Mining Affiliation, stated costs throughout key minerals have reached unprecedented ranges, reshaping manufacturing choices for native miners.
“Tungsten costs have elevated dramatically over the previous yr, tantalum has almost tripled, whereas cassiterite has roughly doubled. When costs rise at this tempo, miners naturally improve output and make investments extra in gear and labour,” he stated.
Gold has additionally benefited from the worldwide rally, additional strengthening Rwanda’s export earnings.
Tungsten has emerged as a standout driver of the sector’s momentum. Kagenga famous that the sharp rise in costs has positioned Rwanda in a stronger place inside world provide chains, notably as demand intensifies in defence and high-tech manufacturing industries.
On June 17, Trinity Metals introduced that exports from its Nyakabingo Tungsten Mine now account for as much as 20 p.c of month-to-month United States consumption of main tungsten focus.
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Past world value dynamics, stakeholders level to structural reforms as a key pillar of the sector’s restoration.
In keeping with RMB, the efficiency can also be the results of long-term authorities reforms which have modernised the business.
Such reforms embrace mechanisation to double extraction effectivity, focused exploration for high-value minerals, and institution of native processing services and a major improve in funding inside the sector.
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Taken collectively, the reforms have helped shift mining actions from largely artisanal to extra organised, technology-driven operations, permitting corporations to extract and course of minerals extra effectively.
Kagenga stated improved effectivity, mixed with new mining licences issued in recent times, has expanded manufacturing capability and inspired better funding throughout the business.
“New minerals have been found in recent times, reminiscent of beryl and lithium, whose demand has continued to rise,” he stated, pointing to their function in clear power applied sciences and battery manufacturing.
