Trinity Metals, Rwanda’s leading mining company, has signed a deal with US-based Nathan Trotter to supply tin directly to the United States, marking a strategic push by Washington to cut its dependence on China for critical minerals.
The agreement, signed on May 13 at the US State Department in Washington, was witnessed by Kim Harrington, the acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Energy Resources.
“This is about onshoring industry, strengthening national security, and securing the minerals that power our economy,” Harrington said.
Peter Geleta, CEO of Trinity Metals, called the deal a breakthrough for Rwanda.
“The letter of intent Trinity has signed with Nathan Trotter to supply tin from our mines in Rwanda is an important step towards strengthening relationships with the US and securing a stable demand for our minerals,” Geleta is quoted by Rwanda's state media, The New Times, as saying.
“This is also a testament of the US government’s confidence in Trinity Metals’ responsible mining agenda.”
Founded in 2022 and majority-owned by Ireland’s Techmet, Trinity operates Rwanda’s two largest tin mines—Rutongo and Musha—as well as the Nyakabingo mine, the continent’s most significant tungsten deposit.
Over the past three years, the company has invested more than $35 million in its mines, more than tripling its production volumes. Nyakabingo is now the largest tungsten producer in Africa and ranks fourth globally.
Rwanda’s mining sector generated $1.7 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly 70 percent of national exports.
Tin, tungsten, and tantalum—known as the “3T minerals”—lead this boom, with gold remaining the top earner.
The government has projected a rise in mineral revenues to $2.2 billion in 2025.
Despite the optimism, Rwanda continues to face serious accusations over its role in regional mineral flows.
Western governments and human rights groups have accused Kigali of backing the M23 rebel group in eastern DR Congo, enabling the smuggling of conflict minerals across the border. Rwanda denies involvement.
Reports from international observers suggest that much of Rwanda’s mineral export boom cannot be explained by its domestic reserves alone.
A Wall Street Journal investigation earlier this year cited satellite imagery and interviews indicating that minerals from Congolese conflict zones are often rerouted through Rwandan supply chains.
The new US deal with Trinity comes amid efforts by Washington to untangle mineral trade from the ongoing conflict.
A US-led mediation process seeks to establish a legal export corridor between DR Congo and Rwanda, contingent on the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory and verifiable end-use tracing of exported minerals.
Geleta insists Trinity Metals operates transparently. “We are proud to be the first operating mine in Africa to receive technical assistance from the US International Development Finance Corporation,” he said, referencing the $3.85 million grant the firm secured in June 2024.
“This recognition speaks volumes about our environmental, social and governance standards.”
Trinity currently exports its tin concentrate to the Thaisarco smelter in Thailand and sends tungsten to Austria’s Wolfram Bergbau & Hütten AG.
The Nathan Trotter agreement now opens a direct line to the US, bypassing Asia and aligning with American ambitions to control more of its supply chains.
Tungsten, one of the core exports, is prized in sectors ranging from aerospace and electronics to defence and medical equipment.
With China producing more than 80 percent of the world’s tungsten, Western countries are eager to secure alternative sources.
“Given the size of the US economy and its growth trajectory, there will always be a strong demand for critical minerals,” Geleta said.
“With this, Rwanda is ideally placed to supply the US for many years to come.”