The Government of Rwanda has entered into an agreement with Almonty Industries to develop the mining and processing of wolfram. Through a joint company called Almonty Rwanda, the two parties will hold shares of 75% for Almonty Industries and 25% for the Government of Rwanda.
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Rwanda to Grant Wolfram Mining and Processing Licenses
In a statement issued on September 14, 2026, Almonty said Rwanda will grant a license to mine wolfram in the Shyorongi area of Rulindo District, covering approximately 32 square kilometers. Rwanda will also grant a license for the processing of these minerals.
Initially, Almonty Rwanda will focus on purchasing wolfram ore extracted by licensed mining operators in Rwanda, including small-scale miners. It will process the ore or export it while plans are being prepared to construct a plant that will receive and process the minerals in Rwanda.
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Almonty to Start With Existing Wolfram Production
The Chief Executive Officer of Almonty Industries, Lewis Black, said the partnership would not have to wait for the results of new exploration before beginning operations. “The first opportunity lies in the ore that is already being mined. This agreement will enable us to collect, process and export it while we prepare a plant that will receive and process the ore.”
Black said the existing production provides an opportunity for the partnership to begin operations as preparations for a processing facility continue.
Rwanda Seeks to Increase Mineral Processing
The Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), Alice Uwase, said the project would help Rwanda increase its mineral-processing capacity and train Rwandans who will work in the sector. “This partnership is in line with our vision of building a modern and sustainable mining sector that benefits Rwandans in the long term.”
The partnership is expected to contribute to Rwanda’s efforts to add more value to minerals within the country while developing skills among Rwandan workers.
Almonty Introduced to Rwanda by US Department of State
Almonty said it entered into the partnership after being introduced to Rwanda by the United States Department of State.
The construction of the processing plant is expected to take place in the next phase, after the two parties agree on additional investment agreements.
Almonty Focuses on Wolfram Mining
Almonty Industries is an international company focused on the mining, processing and trading of wolfram. It is particularly known for taking over mines or mining projects that are not producing at sufficient levels and upgrading them to improve their performance.
The company has projects in South Korea, Portugal and Spain.
The wolfram mined is used in industries that manufacture military and technological equipment.
Almonty Moves Headquarters to the United States
Almonty previously had its headquarters in Toronto, Canada, but in April 2026 it moved its headquarters to Dillon, United States.
The company’s shares are also listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, one of the world’s major financial markets.
Rwanda Has Significant Wolfram Deposits
Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is a mineral used to produce strong metals that are used in construction, aircraft, tanks, spacecraft, guns and ammunition.
The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board indicates that Rwanda exports at least 24 tonnes of wolfram per week.
Wolfram is one of the minerals in which Rwanda is rich. The country has a geological zone known as the Tungsten Belt, which starts in Mageragere in the City of Kigali, crosses Rulindo, and continues to Gifurwe and Bugarama in Burera District.
