The Government of Rwanda and UK mining giant Rio Tinto Minerals Development Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the exploration and mining of lithium in Rwanda’s Western Province.
Yamina Karitanyi, CEO of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board said : “The entry of Rio Tinto marks Rwanda’s resolve to further unlock the potential of the country’s mining sector. This development is part of our continued efforts to boost and modernize Rwanda’s mining sector with application of the highest ESG standards.”
Rio Tinto Minerals Development Limited is part of Rio Tinto, a leading global mining and materials company, which operates in 35 countries.
Lawrence Dechambenoit, Global Head of External Affairs at Rio Tinto, said : “Rio Tinto is excited to be partnering with the government of Rwanda, applying our global experience to accelerate the search for primary lithium deposits in Rwanda’s Western Province.”
Rio Tinto Group is a British-Australian multinational company that is the world’s second largest metals and mining corporation (behind BHP).
It was founded in 1873 when a group of investors purchased a mine complex on the Rio Tinto, in Huelva, Spain, from the Spanish government. It has grown through a long series of mergers and acquisitions.
Although primarily focused on extraction of minerals, it also has significant operations in refining, particularly the refining of bauxite and iron ore. It has joint head offices in London, England and Melbourne, Australia. (End)