Theme: Minerals for a Smarter and Greener Future
A Global Hub for Critical Minerals
The 8th Edition of Rwanda Mining Week (RMW 2025) is officially underway in Kigali, gathering global investors, policymakers, technology innovators, and industry leaders to shape the future of Africa’s mineral economy. Running from December 4th to 6th, 2025 at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), this event is far more than a conference it is a launchpad for the nation’s vision to become a major, reliable, and responsible global supplier of Critical Minerals.
Under the theme “Minerals for a Smarter and Greener Future,” the focus is laser-sharp: aligning Rwanda’s resource wealth with the rising global demand for components essential to clean energy, electric mobility, and advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Key Pillars of the 2025 Dialogue
Positioning for the Green Transition
The core discussions center on how Rwanda’s minerals are powering the global shift toward a low-carbon economy. As Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva noted in the opening address, mining is not merely about resource extraction; it is about driving growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.
Rwanda is leveraging its significant deposits of critical minerals specifically Tantalum, Tin (Cassiterite), Tungsten (Wolframite), high-grade Lithium, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), and Gold to position itself as a strategic partner in global supply chains.
Investment Pitch: 10 New Opportunities
A major highlight of the Week is the official launch of Rwanda’s second Mining Investment Pitch Book. The book showcases ten new investment-ready concessions with geological data backing, designed to provide a clear and predictable entry point for large-scale exploration companies.
This effort is part of a wider government strategy, led by the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), to professionalize the sector, moving from smaller artisanal operations to mechanized, safety-enhanced, and efficiency-driven modern mining. Over 50 mapped exploration blocks are now ready for private sector investment, underlining a commitment to data-driven growth.
The Value-Addition Advantage
Rwanda is aggressively pursuing its vision to be a mineral value-addition hub in the region. The country encourages in-country beneficiation to capture more revenue and create jobs. Current facilities include operational refineries for Gold, Tantalum, and Tin (Luna Smelter).
During the discussions, experts emphasized the need for more local processing capacity, particularly for Tungsten, Lithium, and Rare Earths, to challenge the global price-setting system that often undervalues raw materials sourced from Africa.
Next Update: The next panel discussion will focus on Robotics for Smart Mining. Stay tuned for the next update in 10 minutes!
