The government has received at least 73 applications to invest in 10 mining blocks unveiled in mid-2025, according to the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB). Successful companies were awarded with blocks including: Nduba, Rweru-Kimvubu, Juru, Mamfu-Rwasama, Remera, Rugarama and Rweru. The update comes as the government opens a further 10 mining blocks for investors’ field visits from February 16 to 20, 2026. “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, the RMB’s Chief Executive Officer. ALSO READ: Govt publishes list of top 10 ready-to-mine block RMB has encouraged interested investors to register for field visits to the newly published blocks, which were included in the Pitchbook released on December 3, 2025. The visits run from Monday, February 16, to Friday, February 20, 2026. Duly signed applications must be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer through the designated link by March 3. Uwase said the 10 newly available blocks include four mining blocks that have already been explored by RMB over the years and are considered among the most promising. These focus on 3Ts (tin, tantalum and tungsten), beryllium and lithium. Four other blocks are earmarked for exploration, also targeting 3Ts, while two are dedicated to gemstones, including sapphires. The new blocks open to investors include Bihembe, Rubiha, Musenyi, Nyamyumba–Kivumu, Shyorongi & Binyeri, Kanama, Minazi, Bushekeri–Rangiro and Kabagari–Kinihira. ALSO READ: RDB unveils mineral reserves seeking investors for value addition She urged investors to consider joint ventures to strengthen compliance and financial capacity, noting that technical expertise remains the most critical evaluation criterion. “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,” Uwase said, adding that RMB expects competitive bids. Overview of the new mining blocks The Binyeri block, covering 70 hectares in Kamonyi District, has potential for cassiterite, columbite-tantalite, lithium and beryllium, supported by previous drilling proposals and studies confirming tin and tantalum-bearing pegmatites. The Musenyi block, spanning 1,100 hectares in Bugesera District, is linked to Bugesera granite and shows strong potential for cassiterite, columbite-tantalite, lithium and beryllium. Earlier studies identified tin-rich pegmatites, with grades reaching 0.2 per cent. The area is considered a brownfield site, having been previously licensed. ALSO READ: Rwanda eyes $2bn in annual mineral export earnings by 2029 Rubiha, a 450-hectare block in Gatsibo District, lies within a tin-rich mineral district where cassiterite purity ranges from about 90 to 99 per cent. Mineralisation is associated with regional granites and also indicates potential for columbite-tantalite. The Minazi block, covering 700 hectares in Gakenke District, has potential for cassiterite, columbite-tantalite, gemstones, rare-metal pegmatites and gold. Previous studies recorded tantalum grades of 100–200 parts per million and estimated around 12,000 tonnes of potential tantalum resources. The site is a recognised brownfield area with a history of mining. ALSO READ: A look at 10 ways Rwanda can double mineral recovery rate Shyorongi, a 3,175-hectare block in Rulindo District, is linked to leucogranite intrusions and shows potential for niobium, tantalite, cassiterite, tungsten and gold. Sampling under earlier studies revealed tantalum grades of 100–200 ppm and similar resource estimates. The Bihembe block, also 3,175 hectares, spans parts of Rwamagana District and is associated with several leucogranites, indicating potential for cassiterite, columbite-tantalite and other rare metals. Kabagari–Kinihira, covering 1,500 hectares in Ruhango District, has potential for cassiterite, columbite-tantalite, beryllium, lithium and gemstones, based on previous stream sediment studies. Nyamyumba–Kivumu, a 875-hectare block in Rubavu District, shows promise for cassiterite, columbite-tantalite, wolframite and beryl. Bushekeri–Rangiro, spanning 1,400 hectares in Nyamasheke District, is prospective for gemstones such as sapphire, amethyst, ruby and zircon, with sapphire crystals typically measuring 2–8 millimetres. Kanama, a 1,575-hectare block in Rubavu District within the Gishwati Complex, has potential for gemstones including tourmaline, sapphire, beryl and almandine, as well as recoverable dolerite boulders from river systems. The submission deadline for all applications is March 3.
