Kazakhstan, September 19, 2025 – On a working visit to Kazakhstan, Alice Uwase, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), met with Nurlan Zhakypov, CEO of Samruk-Kazyna, to discuss enhancing collaboration in mineral resources. In attendance also was Joseph Butera, CEO of Ngali Holdings.

The discussions built on the May 2025 cooperation agreement signed between the two states, which laid the foundation for joint initiatives in critical minerals. At the meeting, Zhakypov highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating: “We highly appreciate the new opportunities in Rwanda and express our gratitude for your desire to develop this partnership.”

The May 2025 agreement provides for the potential use of beryllium raw materials produced in Rwanda for the needs of Kazatomprom JSC, a leading global supplier of uranium and rare metals. Zhakypov reiterated his optimism, adding: “We highly appreciate the opportunities that are opening up in Rwanda, and are deeply grateful for your constructive approach to the development of this partnership.”

Beryllium is a lightweight, high-strength metal used extensively in aerospace, defense, nuclear energy, telecommunications, and advanced electronics due to its unique thermal and electrical properties. With rising global demand for such critical minerals, Rwanda’s emerging production of beryllium offers new avenues for strategic partnerships, particularly with industries requiring advanced materials. This positions Rwanda not just as a supplier of traditional 3Ts (tin, tungsten, tantalum), but as a growing player in the high-value critical minerals supply chain.

Beyond beryllium, Rwanda’s mineral wealth includes lithium, rare earth elements, gold, and high-quality gemstones renowned for their clarity and value. The country is increasingly positioning itself as a reliable and responsible supplier of critical minerals, adhering to global best practices on traceability and sustainability. As global energy transition and advanced technologies drive demand, Rwanda is set to play a more prominent role in shaping the future of responsible mineral supply chains.