Experts from International Tin Supply Chain Initiative-ITSCI, an organisation which traces the origin of minerals, has dispelled rumours that Rwanda lacks mineral deposits.

The experts visited wolfram mines in Gifurwe, Burera district, on Tuesday, to guarantee the traceability of minerals in the area. They are also expected to make recommendations on the processing.

Kay Nimmo, the Manager of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, from the Tin Association-ITRI said: "There is a good potential for minerals in Rwanda.”
Nimmo added that traceability scheme is important to compete on the world market and get buyers.

"We are here to implement the traceability scheme. Buyers want to know if minerals are really produced from Rwanda. It helps to show that minerals are coming from conflict free mines and taken to the market place,’’ she added.

The experts, who toured the wolfram mining sites, the treatment plant and observed the working procedures, will also visit Rutongo Tin Mine in Rulindo District and the Tantalite Coltan-mine in Muhanga District.

Jean Malic Kalima, the Regional Director, Wolfram Company, said that whereas research is still being carried out to establish the actual quantities of minerals, the visit was critical in dispelling claims that minerals being exported from Rwanda are not mined from the country.

"We have shown the tagging process, the minerals (Wolfram), storage and treatment,” Kalima said.
Gifurwe Wolfram Company occupies over 802 hectares and employees over 900 workers.

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