Rwanda and Rio Tinto Expand Lithium Exploration with New Agreement
Rwanda has signed a new mineral exploration deal with Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration (RTX) Ltd, following the discovery of significant mineral potential in the country. The partnership aims to continue exploring Rwanda's lithium reserves, expanding upon previous efforts in collaboration with local and international partners.
The new agreement, approved during a recent cabinet meeting, extends Rio Tinto’s exploration activities in Rwanda for another two years. Since last year, a partnership involving RTX, the Rwandan government, Kinunga Mining Ltd (a local company), and Aterian PLC (a British company involved in mineral exploration in Rwanda since 2019) has undertaken extensive lithium exploration across the country. Aterian's Executive Chairman, Charles Bray, described the joint venture as a promising development after significant lithium potential was identified.
“Following Aterian's introduction of Rwanda's mineral potential to RTX, the exploration team determined that the country holds tremendous potential for lithium deposits,” Bray said, highlighting that Rwanda's mining efforts had previously focused on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals like coltan and cassiterite. This has led to other valuable mineral resources, such as lithium, being largely overlooked.
Rwanda is home to abundant lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites, which Aterian theorized could have resulted in lithium naturally leaching into the bedrock. The new partnership will involve advanced exploration techniques to locate and assess these potential deposits. Previously, 19 pegmatite zones for lithium, cesium, and tantalum were identified across 2,750 hectares in Southern Province, with Rio Tinto holding an option to invest $7.5 million in two stages to earn up to a 75% interest in the exploration license.
The latest agreement is also set to expand the exploration to western parts of Rwanda, building on previous progress made in lithium discovery. Advanced core-drilling efforts are expected to be undertaken soon, despite minor delays due to the late arrival of equipment. Core drilling is a critical phase of mineral exploration, where cylindrical samples are extracted to assess mineral presence and concentration.
This exploration comes at a time when the demand for lithium is growing worldwide, driven by its critical role in energy storage and renewable technologies. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy systems, making the mineral essential for the energy transition.
The first lithium core-drilling activities in Rwanda were carried out by Trinity Metals in 2023, marking a significant step forward for the country’s mining sector. The current exploration plan involves drilling to depths of 3,000 to 5,000 meters, creating about ten drill holes to better assess lithium reserves.
With Rwanda aiming to transition from small-scale mining to more substantial and modern mining operations, the partnership with Rio Tinto is a key element of this evolution. By leveraging global expertise and technology, Rwanda seeks to become a notable player in the supply of critical minerals needed for renewable energy solutions.
