A persistent narrative—often pushed by quarters in the Democratic Republic of Congo—claims that Rwanda lacks mineral resources and that any of its exports are “looted” from the Congo. To challenge this unfounded assertion, I asked someone close to me—a geology graduate from a prestigious university—to offer expert insight for this column. Here’s what he shared. For too long, a false and malicious narrative has circulated, both locally and internationally, that Rwanda is devoid of mineral wealth. The reality is very different. Beneath Rwanda’s famed rolling hills and volcanic ridges lies a rich and geologically diverse mineral landscape—one with the potential not only to drive domestic transformation but also to position Rwanda as a strategic player in the global minerals market. It may surprise many to learn that, aside from its protected national parks and wetlands, nearly the entire country is mineralised. The fact this is only recently being acknowledged is largely due to past governments that failed to prioritise proper geological exploration, instead accepting Rwanda’s status as an agrarian and impoverished nation. But in recent years, a different story has begun to emerge. From the crystalline hills of the west to the rugged terrain of the east, Rwanda’s subsurface tells a story of untapped potential and strategic opportunity. Rwanda is increasingly recognised for its 3Ts: tantalum (from coltan), tin (from cassiterite), and tungsten (from wolframite). These are not just basic commodities; they are essential to modern life, powering everything from smartphones to aircraft. Coltan, the cornerstone of Rwanda’s tantalum production, is vital for manufacturing capacitors in electronic devices. Rwanda is a global leader in conflict-free tantalum—debunking yet another propaganda point from Kinshasa. Most of the country’s coltan lies in the Western Province, particularly in Ngororero, Nyamasheke, and Rutsiro districts. Cassiterite, the primary ore of tin, is indispensable in electronics, especially as the world shifts towards electric vehicles and green technology. Its deposits are concentrated in the Southern and Western Provinces, including Muhanga, Ruhango, and Karongi. Wolframite, which yields tungsten, is prized for its strength and heat resistance—qualities that make it essential in aerospace, construction, and energy-efficient technologies. It is found in abundance in the Northern and Western Provinces, particularly in Burera and Nyabihu. The emerging potential of gemstones While the 3Ts have long dominated Rwanda’s mining profile, the country's gemstone potential is only beginning to shine globally. Pegmatite belts across the country host coloured gemstones like sapphires, tourmalines, garnets, and rare beryls. In Eastern Rwanda—especially Kayonza and Rwamagana—promising deposits of gemstones have been identified. In the south, Huye and Gisagara show significant tourmaline-bearing pegmatites. Unlike bulkier minerals, gemstones offer high value in small volumes, creating ideal opportunities for small-scale miners—if supported through proper training, certification, and marketing. Gold in the east—and beyond Gold has been mined in Rwanda for decades, albeit largely at an artisanal level. That, however, is beginning to change. The Eastern Province, especially Gatsibo, Kayonza, and Nyagatare, holds significant gold-bearing belts. Now, with more geological surveys underway, deeper and more sustainable gold deposits are being discovered—paving the way for industrial-scale operations. Western districts such as Rusizi and Nyamasheke are also showing promising signs of gold, challenging the long-held belief that Rwanda’s gold is only in the east. Iron Ore: The foundation of a Local steel industry Iron ore is among Rwanda’s most underrated resources. Found in large quantities in Musanze, Gakenke, and Nyagatare, it presents a compelling opportunity to develop a domestic steel industry. Studies show Rwanda’s iron ore deposits have high iron oxide content—ideal for industrial use. With the right infrastructure and investment, Rwanda could cut reliance on imported steel and power local construction and manufacturing. This vision is already being acted upon. A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for a steel plant in Musanze that will produce iron bars, weld mesh, nails, wire rods, and other materials using local iron ore. Lithium: Rwanda’s next frontier As the world accelerates toward electric mobility and renewable energy, lithium is becoming a kingmaker mineral—and Rwanda is in the game. Early-stage exploration has confirmed the presence of lithium-bearing pegmatites, especially in Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe districts in the Southern Province. While commercial production is still a few years away, the geology is promising. Strategic partnerships, including one with global mining giant Rio Tinto, are accelerating exploration. Rwanda’s pegmatite belts—rich in lithium, beryllium, and rare earth elements—span much of the country’s south and east, hinting at major potential beyond the 3Ts. A national tapestry of mineralisation What’s remarkable is not just the richness of Rwanda’s minerals, but how geographically widespread they are. The west leads in tantalum and tin. The east holds gold and gemstones. The north offers iron ore and tungsten. The south hints at lithium and coloured gemstones. The only regions without active exploration are protected areas—Nyungwe, Akagera, and Volcanoes National Parks, as well as wetlands—where geological activity is intentionally limited to safeguard biodiversity. This balance between development and environmental conservation is both wise and necessary. A future buried no more Rwanda’s mineral wealth is not a myth—it’s a misunderstood and long-overlooked fact. For decades, outdated assumptions and a lack of data obscured the truth. But today, with advanced geological mapping, a forward-thinking government, and growing investor interest, that truth is breaking through. Rwanda is not just the country of a thousand hills—it is the country of a thousand prospects. And on every hill, there may lie the promise of a mineral story waiting to be told, responsibly developed, and equitably shared.
