PM Justin Nsengiyumva opening the Forum
Around 700 delegates, including government leaders, global investors, and key industry stakeholders, have gathered at the Kigali Convention Centre for the opening of Rwanda Mining Week 2025.
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, while launching the 8th Rwanda Mining Week, said: “Our vision is clear: we aim to have a responsible, inclusive and internationally recognized mining sector. This means that mining activities must deliver tangible benefits to local communities, while also protecting our environment”
The CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gaz Board (RMB), Alice Uwase, noted: “Our mining sector has undergone significant transformation. From early geological surveys and artisanal beginnings, to now a modern and diversified mining landscape. We are advancing towards a mechanized mineral extraction, on-site beneficiation, as well as advanced value addition involving refining facilities for gold, tantalum and fin already operational in Rwanda”.
The Forum is focusing on the transformation of minerals by using technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to generate benefits after export.
Minerals brought to Rwanda $1.4 million in 2024. It is expected that in 2025, this revenue will be raised to $2.5 million. Around 90 thousand Rwandans are active in the mineral sector.
This week has been named “Minerals Week” in order to raise public awareness about the contribution of minerals to the development of Rwanda.
Rwanda’s mineral wealth includes the 3Ts (tin, tantalum, and tungsten), gold, and gemstones. The country also has significant deposits of critical and rare earth elements like lithium, beryllium, and zircon. These minerals are extracted through a combination of small-scale and modern, industrialized mining operations. (End)