In 2024, Rwanda was the world’s 3d-ranked producer of tantalum, accounting for 15% of global production; 6th-ranked producer of tungsten, accounting for 1.6% of global production; and 11th-ranked producer of tin, accounting for 1.4% of global production. Other mineral commodities produced in the country included cement, clay, gold, lime, peat, pozzolanic materials, sand and gravel, steel, crushed stone, dimension stone, and tourmaline. In fiscal year 2024 (which began on July 1, 2023, and ended on June 30, 2024), the mining and quarrying sector accounted for 1.8% of Rwanda’s gross domestic product. Total exports (including re-exports) were valued at \$3.2 billion in 2024, of which gold accounted for 47%; niobium and tantalum, 3.1%; mined tin, 3%; and tungsten, 1.1%. Total imports were valued at \$5.5 billion in 2024, of which gold accounted for 26.6%; construction materials (including cement and metals), 4.3%; and fertilizers, 1.1%.
The legislative framework for the mineral sector in Rwanda is provided by the 2024 Mining Law (law No. 072/2024) of June 26, 2024, on mining and quarrying operations, which repealed the Mining Law (law No. 58/2018) of August 13, 2018. The 2024 Minerals Tax Law (law No. 056/2024) of June 26, 2024, establishes the tax on minerals and repeals the Minerals Tax (law No. 55/2013) of August 22, 2013. Presidential Order No. 028/01 of May 18, 2023, stipulates the guidance for the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), which oversees the mineral sector and creates the policies and regulations governing mineral, quarry, and petroleum and gas resources. The RMB issues licenses for exploration, mining, processing, and trading of mineral, petroleum, and gas resources; oversees the compliance of mining license holders according to Rwanda’s mining laws; advises the Government; conducts research and exploration; and monitors operations related to the mineral sector. Most mineral commodities were produced by domestic private companies and artisanal miners.
