Rwanda’s mining sector is attracting renewed investor interest, with at least 73 applications submitted for 10 mining blocks announced in mid-2025, according to the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB).
The strong response has already led to successful awards for blocks including Nduba, Rweru-Kimvubu, Juru, Mamfu-Rwasama, Remera, Rugarama and Rweru.
The government has now opened another 10 mining blocks for field visits scheduled between February 16 and 20, 2026.
Investors must register for the visits based on the Pitchbook released on December 3, 2025, and submit duly signed applications to the RMB Chief Executive Officer by March 3, 2026, as seen on Business Insider Africa.
“From our previous experience a few months ago, competition was intense: we received 73 applications for 10 blocks. We hope to double that number this time,” said Alice Uwase, Chief Executive Officer of RMB.
Uwase explained that the new group of 10 blocks includes four areas already explored by RMB and considered among the most promising in the country.
These focus on tin, tantalum and tungsten, known collectively as 3Ts, as well as beryllium and lithium.
Another four blocks are designated for fresh exploration targeting similar minerals, while two are set aside for gemstones such as sapphires.
The new blocks include Bihembe, Rubiha, Musenyi, Nyamyumba-Kivumu, Shyorongi, Binyeri, Kanama, Minazi, Bushekeri-Rangiro and Kabagari-Kinihira.
Uwase encouraged investors to form joint ventures to strengthen compliance and financial capacity, stressing that technical expertise is the primary evaluation factor.
“Finances alone are not enough,you may have all the money, but you need the right people on the ground. This is what we assess first, along with equipment,” she said, adding that RMB expects strong competition.
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Each block presents different mineral prospects. The Binyeri block in Kamonyi District covers 70 hectares and shows potential for cassiterite, columbite-tantalite, lithium and beryllium.
Musenyi in Bugesera District spans 1,100 hectares within the Bugesera granite formation, known for tin-bearing pegmatites with grades reaching 0.2 percent.
Rubiha in Gatsibo District lies in a tin-rich zone where cassiterite purity ranges between 90 and 99 percent.
Minazi in Gakenke District has a history of mining and contains tantalum, gemstones and traces of gold, with earlier studies estimating about 12,000 tonnes of tantalum resources.
Shyorongi in Rulindo District is associated with leucogranite intrusions and has potential for niobium, cassiterite, tungsten and gold.
Bihembe, located partly in Rwamagana District, is also linked to leucogranites rich in tantalum and rare metals.
Kabagari-Kinihira in Ruhango District contains lithium, beryllium and gemstones, while Nyamyumba-Kivumu in Rubavu District shows promise for tin, tungsten and beryl.
Bushekeri-Rangiro in Nyamasheke District is known for gemstones including sapphire, ruby and amethyst, with sapphire crystals measuring up to eight millimetres.
Kanama, also in Rubavu District within the Gishwati Complex, contains tourmaline, sapphire, beryl and almandine, along with recoverable dolerite boulders found along rivers.
Rwanda is positioning itself as a growing supplier of minerals used in electronics, batteries and clean-energy technologies.
By opening new blocks, the government aims to attract more exploration investment, build local expertise and increase exports.
Uwase said RMB will maintain strict technical and environmental standards as interest rises.
“We hope to see even stronger interest this time,” she said. “The more competition, the better the outcomes for Rwanda’s miningfuture.” Applications for the new mining blocks close on March 3, 2026.
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Image Credit: Business Insider Africa
