Players in the mining sector say that artisanal methods used for mining achieve only about a 40% mineral recovery rate, meaning around 60% of the material is lost during the mining process.

The government has set a target of about $2.2 billion in annual mineral exports by 2029, up from $1.1 billion generated in 2023.

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According to information The New Times obtained from the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), the country seeks to double the current mineral recovery rate from 40% in 2024 to 80% by 2029.

Here are 10 ways the mining board aims to achieve this mineral recovery and export target.

1. Mechanization of mining operations

The 80% mineral recovery rate target will be achieved through the mechanization of mining operations, using modern and appropriate equipment.

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Mining equipment and services are required both within the country and the region.

"There is a gap in companies trading in or offering mining-related services and equipment manufacturing. Rwanda’s mining sector is partly artisanal.

Modern technology and associated machinery are needed to upgrade the sector to a semi-mechanized and later an industrial level to increase production, which is low compared to the proven potential,” reads part of the information from RMB.

2. Affordable electricity and local production of explosives

Access to affordable inputs, such as electricity and explosives, is crucial to reducing mineral losses.

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The report states that importing explosives is still challenging due to high transportation costs and delays, which hinder mining operations.

"Therefore, local production of these explosives would be an indispensable golden investment opportunity.”

3. Sensor-based sorting

Sensor-based sorting, which will be encouraged, can improve mineral recovery, especially for complex ore types that are difficult to treat using traditional methods.

Sensor-based sorting in mining refers to the use of advanced sensors and technologies to separate valuable minerals from waste materials in an ore body or after the initial stages of processing.

4. Green and recycling technologies for mining businesses

According to the mining board, the industry is seeking investors in recycling technologies as sustainability becomes a top priority.

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"By recovering valuable minerals from waste materials, advanced recycling techniques may reduce the demand for new mining operations.”

5. Geosciences laboratory operationalisation

To support mineral exploration and sector regulation through evidence-based analysis, there is a need for the operationalisation of geosciences laboratories.

This involves the establishment, management, and utilisation of laboratory facilities and processes dedicated to analyzing geological, geophysical, geochemical, and mineralogical data to support mining operations.

These laboratories play a critical role in ensuring accurate resource identification, optimizing mining methods, and assessing environmental and safety concerns.

6. Delineating and quantifying mineral resources in prospective target areas

The government of Rwanda, through RMB and in partnership with Rio Tinto, is working on intensive, up-to-date, and detailed mineral exploration in the recently identified Prospective Target Areas (PTAs) to delineate and quantify their mineral resources.

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7. Value addition

Opportunities exist for establishing additional processing plants for tungsten, lithium, and gemstone cutting and polishing, open to private investors, according to RMB.

The government is working to become a mineral value-addition hub in the region.

Some of Rwanda’s mineral ores produced in the country are exported as raw mineral concentrates, rather than as metals.

According to the mining board, Rwanda boasts three state-of-the-art value-addition facilities, including Tin Smelter by LuNa Smelter, Gold Refinery by Gasabo Gold Refinery and Tantalum Refinery by Power X.

8. Engaging the private sector

The private sector plays a significant role in the mining industry, one of the country’s key economic sectors.

The government has actively encouraged private investment in mining through several initiatives, including policies and regulations aimed at improving the business environment, enhancing transparency, and promoting sustainable mining development.

Some of the ways the private sector is engaged in the mining sector include working on investment opportunities. The government has created opportunities for private sector investment in mining, with a focus on attracting foreign direct investment. The private sector is heavily involved in the mineral business across the entire mineral value chain.

9. Efficient water management

Efficient water management plays a vital role in mineral recovery. Optimising water usage, reducing contamination, and improving water recycling can lead to more stable processing conditions, which in turn enhances recovery.

The right balance of flotation reagents and their efficient use helps increase selectivity and recovery rates.

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The private sector is increasingly involved in ensuring that mining activities are sustainable.

"Companies are encouraged to adopt responsible mining practices that minimise environmental impact and promote social benefits, such as community development and local development,” the mining board stated.

Private sector companies are encouraged to comply with mining laws and regulations.

The government has worked to formalise the sector by reducing informality, promoting traceability, and implementing programs aimed at improving transparency and compliance with international standards.

10. Professionalisation and improving geological knowledge

In the mining sector, geological knowledge refers to the understanding of the Earth's materials, processes, and structures that are essential for the exploration, extraction, and processing of minerals and resources.

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This knowledge plays a crucial role in identifying, mapping, and surveying viable mineral deposits, assessing their quantity and quality, and ensuring the efficiency and safety of mining operations.

Around 75,000 workers in the mining sector also need to acquire the skills and qualifications necessary to work in mines.