Rwanda is strengthening its position in the global critical minerals industry after Trinity Metals announced that tungsten sourced from the Nyakabingo mine now accounts for 20% of the refined tungsten consumed in the United States every month.
The development highlights Rwanda’s growing importance in international supply chains at a time when major economies are competing for access to strategic minerals essential for manufacturing, defense, and advanced technologies.
Located in Rulindo District’s Shyorongi Sector, the Nyakabingo mine is recognized as one of Africa’s leading tungsten-producing sites. The mine produces approximately 1,000 metric tons of tungsten annually and has become a key contributor to Rwanda’s mineral export sector.
The material is shipped to the United States through a commercial partnership between Trinity Metals and Global Tungsten & Powders (GTP), supported by New York-based commodities company Traxys. The agreement was signed on August 28, 2025, establishing a direct supply channel from Rwanda to American industry.
Tungsten, one of the hardest industrial metals in the world, is used in the production of aircraft, armored vehicles, spacecraft, construction equipment, ammunition, and advanced manufacturing tools. Trinity Metals processes the mineral to about 68% purity before it is further refined by GTP to a purity level of 99.9%.
Since the partnership began, 320 metric tons of tungsten concentrate from Nyakabingo have been delivered to GTP’s processing facility in Towanda, Pennsylvania. After refinement, the material is supplied to a range of industrial and defense-related customers across the United States.
In a statement, Trinity Metals emphasized the rapid growth of its exports, saying: “Mu gihe twakubye kabiri [amabuye] twoherereza GTP mu kwezi gushize, umusaruro wa Trinity Metals wihariye 20% by’amabuye ya wolfram itunganyijwe ku rwego rwa mbere ikoreshwa muri Amerika buri kwezi.”
The announcement means that one out of every five units of refined tungsten used in the United States each month now originates from Rwanda, underlining the country’s strategic role in the global critical minerals market.
Shawn McCormick, Chairman of Trinity Metals, said demand for tungsten continues to increase as the United States seeks reliable alternative suppliers.
He stated: “The import of tungsten also continues to rise significantly because the United States does not process tungsten domestically. China controls 80% of the world’s tungsten and has refused to export it, making the shipments from Trinity Metals originating in Rwanda increasingly vital for the security of the United States and its partners.”
His comments reflect growing international concerns over supply concentration. China remains the dominant player in the global tungsten market, and restrictions on exports have encouraged Western economies to diversify their sourcing strategies.
McCormick also stressed that Rwanda has an opportunity to deepen its strategic relationship with the United States through critical mineral cooperation.
He added: “We see a great opportunity to establish a partnership between Rwanda and the United States regarding critical minerals, similar to those already existing with other countries on the continent.”
Traxys executive Ioannis Kallinikos praised the quality and significance of Rwanda’s production, saying: “Traxys is proud to help Trinity Metals, which is already a major company in Africa processing Tungsten from the Nyakabingo mines, reach the international market. These minerals are sold to well-known clients in the American and European markets.”
Formed in 2022 through the consolidation of the Nyakabingo, Rutongo, and Musha mining operations, Trinity Metals has rapidly become Rwanda’s largest mining company. The group currently employs more than 6,500 people and has positioned itself as a technology-driven leader in the sector.
The company has already invested $40 million in its mining assets and recently announced plans to inject an additional $100 million to expand production and improve infrastructure.
In 2024, Trinity Metals exported 2,226 metric tons of tungsten, tin, and coltan. By 2029, the company aims to more than double that figure, targeting exports of 5,201 metric tons.
Beyond tungsten, the company is exploring lithium resources in the Ntunga area of the Musha mining complex in eastern Rwanda. Early assessments suggest the deposit could contain as much as 60 million metric tons of lithium-bearing resources, a mineral increasingly sought after for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies.
The Nyakabingo mine itself covers approximately 1,600 hectares and is estimated to contain around 30,000 metric tons of recoverable tungsten resources. Current production stands at roughly 100 metric tons per month, with plans for further expansion.
As demand for critical minerals continues to rise worldwide, Rwanda’s growing contribution to the tungsten market is drawing international attention. With 20% of America’s refined tungsten supply now linked to Nyakabingo, the country is emerging as a strategic partner in the industries shaping the future of global manufacturing, technology, and security.
