The Key Minerals of Africa: U.S. Demand for "Non-Chinese Tungsten" Elevates Rwanda's Status

¬ The export volume from Rwanda’s Nyakabingo mine currently accounts for 20% of the U.S.’s monthly average demand for primary tungsten concentrate.

¬ This growth stems from a supply agreement with U.S. refiner Global Tungsten and Powders, reflecting Washington’s broader efforts to reduce dependency on China.

¬ Trinity Metals plans to double output at the Nyakabingo mine by 2027 through a $50 million expansion project.

According to the latest data released by mining operator Trinity Metals on June 17, the export volume from Rwanda’s Nyakabingo tungsten mine now represents 20% of the U.S.’s monthly average consumption of primary tungsten concentrate. This figure underscores Rwanda’s growing role in supplying this strategically vital mineral, increasingly important to the United States.

The U.S. government classifies tungsten as a critical mineral due to its wide-ranging applications in defense. Its high density and resistance to high temperatures make tungsten an indispensable raw material for a range of military and industrial products.

Between 2021 and 2024, U.S. buyers primarily relied on Chinese supply for tungsten. According to U.S. Geological Survey data, during this period, China accounted for 26% of U.S. tungsten supply—surpassing Germany (14%), Bolivia (8%), and Vietnam (8%). In rankings covering ores, concentrates, and processed tungsten products, Rwanda did not appear among the identified suppliers.

Trinity Metals’ latest data indicates this situation is changing. Less than a year ago, the company signed an agreement with U.S. refiner Global Tungsten and Powders to supply concentrates from the Nyakabingo mine to the American market. Since the agreement was signed, over 320 tons of concentrate have been shipped. Shipments have doubled compared to the previous month, enabling the company to achieve what it claims is a 20% market share.

Benefiting from U.S. Search for New Suppliers

Trinity Metals’ growing influence in the U.S. market reflects broader shifts across global supply chains.

The U.S. is seeking to reduce reliance on China, which controls more than 80% of global tungsten supply. Concerns over this concentration have intensified following Beijing’s imposition of restrictions on exports of dual-use tungsten products. As U.S. manufacturers seek alternative sources, new suppliers are finding opportunities.

"Demand for tungsten in the U.S. is growing rapidly, both in defense and industrial applications. As demand increases, so does import need—but domestic tungsten production in the U.S. remains zero. While China controls over 80% of global tungsten supply, it has restricted exports of dual-use tungsten products. This makes the tungsten supply provided by Trinity Metals from Rwanda increasingly crucial to U.S. national security and that of its allies," said Sean McCormick, President of Trinity Metals.

Nyakabingo still has significant room for expansion. The company plans to double its output by building a new $50 million processing plant, expected to come online by 2027. Trinity Metals CEO Peter Greta confirmed the project in a May interview with Reuters.

To raise capital for expansion, the company plans to go public on the New York Stock Exchange within the next 12 to 18 months, aiming to raise between $100 million and $200 million in its initial funding round.

Whether these ambitious goals will quickly translate into higher production remains to be seen. Although Trinity Metals claims to be Rwanda’s largest mineral producer and exporter, the Nyakabingo mine is not the country’s only tungsten mine. Currently producing around 50 tons per month, the mine’s output is part of a projected total Rwandan tungsten production of 1,300 tons by 2025, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Source: ecofinagency

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868460028533760/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.