The eighth edition of Rwanda Mining Week opened on Tuesday at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together government leaders, mining investors, researchers, operators, and development partners for a four-day dialogue on the future of Rwanda’s mineral sector. The event is held under the theme “Minerals for a Smarter and Greener Future.”

In her opening remarks, Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) Chief Executive Officer, Alice Uwase, welcomed delegates from Rwanda and abroad, noting that the mining sector has become one of Rwanda’s most dynamic engines of growth. She reminded participants that minerals are woven into everyday life, from the batteries that power electric vehicles to smart mobile phones.

Alice Uwase, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB)

CEO Alice noted “whether you arrived here by a gas-powered car or electric vehicle. It was made possible by minerals. The GPS, the battery, the screen, even the lights in this room and your phone all come from mining. Minerals are part of our everyday lives and Rwanda has them.”

“Our mining sector has undergone significant transformation,” she said. “We are moving toward mechanised extraction, on-site beneficiation, and advanced value addition, with refining facilities for gold, tin, and tantalum already operational in Rwanda.” Uwase emphasised the importance of research and skills development, saying that strong partnerships with universities and technical institutions will help prepare the next generation of mining professionals. She encouraged delegates to “join hands with us in building a sector that is inclusive, transparent, productive, and globally competitive.”

In his remarks, Itzhak Fisher, Chairperson of the Boards of Directors of RMB and RDB, underscored Rwanda’s rising stature as a responsible and reliable supplier of strategic minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten, lithium, beryllium, rare earth elements, and gold. 

“Our theme this year could not be more timely,” he noted. “The world is experiencing an unprecedented demand for critical minerals as countries accelerate clean energy technologies and digital systems.” Fisher pointed to the progress achieved over the past eight years, driven by reforms that improved licensing efficiency, strengthened compliance, and promoted professionalism across the sector. He also referenced ongoing mineral exploration in 52 potential target areas, which is generating new geological data to support informed investment.

 Itzhak Fisher, Chairperson of the Boards of Directors of RMB and RDB

Fisher invited global investors to take advantage of Rwanda’s growing opportunities along the mineral value chain, from exploration to processing and manufacturing. He stressed that “smart mining is no longer optional,” encouraging companies to deploy artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, sensors, and other modern technologies that improve safety, efficiency, and environmental management.

Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, who officiated the opening, commended the mining community for its contribution to national development, including the employment of more than 92,000 Rwandans. He said the presence of participants from many countries demonstrates the trust Rwanda has earned as a forward-looking and dependable partner in the global minerals industry.

“This year’s theme underscores the role that minerals play in powering modern economies and supporting the transition toward sustainability,” the Prime Minister said. He reaffirmed the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to supporting the sector through clear and transparent regulation, good governance, and policies that enable responsible investment.

Prime Minister  Dr.Justin Nsengiyumva

The Prime Minister urged delegates to use the week to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore new collaboration opportunities that will ensure the sector continues to grow while protecting the environment and benefiting communities. He officially declared the eighth edition of Rwanda Mining Week open and wished participants productive discussions.

With activities including panel discussions, field visits to operational mining and value addition sites, equipment manufacturing and academic institution as well as the graduation of miners participating in the Recognition of Prior Learning Programme, the signature event brings together more than 2,000 participants from Rwanda, the region, Africa and around the world. 

Prime Minister touring the exhibition during Rwanda Mining Week