Rwanda’s Mining Sector Defiant Against DRC Mineral Smuggling Claims, Vows to Focus on Domestic Resources

Rwanda’s mining sector is pushing back against persistent international accusations that the country lacks its own valuable minerals and instead exports those illicitly sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Jean Malick Kalima, a prominent investor and CEO of Rwinkwavu Mines Corporation, asserted to the newspaper Imvaho Nshya that the very nations leveling these accusations are the primary buyers of Rwandan-sourced minerals. He dismisses the need for constant explanation, calling it a waste of time for the government and investors.

“We are at work. Anyone who says there are no minerals should come and we will show them,” Kalima stated. “The second thing is willful ignorance, because those countries are where we export, and many of them are the ones who buy from us. We know each other; they don’t really need to be told… we can point to where we sell, and where we sell is in those very countries.”

Kalima further explained that the international community has put in place ‘Traceability’ systems, and when they are surprised by shipments—for example, asking about the origin of a certain number of tons sent to Europe—Rwandan operators can immediately provide documentation proving the minerals’ source.

Focusing on Domestic Potential

The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) also maintains a strong position. Alice Uwase, the Deputy CEO of RMB, recently told the National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano) that Rwanda does not require Congo’s minerals to achieve development.

“We do not need minerals from Congo to develop. Our hills are full of minerals,” Uwase said. “The only thing required of us is to understand their value, put effort into it, have a long-term vision, and know that we should no longer just export raw minerals, but we must process them.”

Rwinkwavu Mine: A Historical Example

During a visit by Imvaho Nshya to the Rwinkwavu mining site in Kayonza District, Kalima highlighted that mining began there in 1946 under the colonial administration. He noted that current production is variable, yielding between 8 and 10 tons per month.

“If we put in significant investment, we could reach 20 or 30 tons per month,” he said, using this potential as proof of Rwanda’s rich mineral deposits.

Changing Markets and Investment

Kalima identified China as the top customer for Rwandan minerals. However, he noted that numerous other companies, including those from the United States, have started to increase purchases, particularly since the Nyakabingo mine demonstrated promising Wolfram (Tungsten) output.

He explained that American buyers, who traditionally bought through China, have now committed to purchasing directly from Rwanda and taking them home for processing, as Rwanda moves towards having basic processing capabilities. Furthermore, the country is seeing the discovery of new mineral types like Lithium and those used in rebar (construction steel).

Bank Financing Remains a Challenge

Despite the sector’s growth, Kalima pointed to bank financing as a significant hurdle. He said few banks are willing to provide loans for mining ventures, primarily due to a lack of expertise in the sector.

“Banks are few that agree to give loans in mining because, first, they do not have experts who know about mining. Secondly, they have not taken the time to understand, yet when we invest abroad, a lot of the money passes through banks, and the money that comes in is largely foreign exchange,” he said.

He called for investment banks to support the sector with low-interest loans, emphasizing that mining is a major foreign exchange earner.

Positive Economic Contribution

Locals in Rwinkwavu attest to the long history of mining in their area, confirming that the sector has improved their livelihoods. Tito Barahira, the leader of Muganza Village in Rwinkwavu Sector, affirmed the abundance of minerals, noting, “The minerals are here in plenty.”

Currently, 52 locations across Rwanda are being explored for Lithium, 3Ts (Tin, Tantalum, and Tungsten), Beryllium, Gold, and other minerals, as part of a national technology-driven exploration program. The mining sector generated $1.7 billion in revenue in 2024, with a national goal to reach $2.17 billion by 2029. The sector currently employs over 92,000 people and contributes 3% to Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).