Rwanda's Nyakabingo tungsten mine, operated by Trinity Metals, has become a key supplier of critical minerals to the United States. The mine is the first and only in Africa to directly supply tungsten concentrate to the U.S., and it now accounts for up to 20% of the primary tungsten concentrate processed in the U.S. This development is part of Washington's strategy to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and diversify sources, given tungsten's strategic importance in industrial manufacturing, defense, and high-performance applications. The U.S. relies heavily on imports for this mineral, with China controlling over 80% of global supply and tightening export controls.
Trinity Metals, formed in 2022 from a merger of several Rwandan mines, began shipping tungsten concentrate to the U.S. in 2025. By June 2026, more than 320 tonnes had been shipped, processed in Pennsylvania into tungsten powders. The supply agreement involves Trinity Metals, Global Tungsten & Powders (GTP), and Traxys, the New York-based trading firm. Shawn McCormick, chairman of Trinity Metals, highlighted the growing U.S. demand for tungsten in defense and industrial applications and the increasing importance of alternative suppliers due to China's restrictions.
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has supported Trinity Metals with $3.685 million in direct technical assistance. This funding supports environmental and social management, skills development, and mining operation expansion. The company plans to invest between $45 million and $60 million in a tungsten processing plant at Nyakabingo to improve recovery rates and add value. Trinity Metals emphasizes its commitment to conflict-free, child labor-free, and fully traceable production, adhering to OECD due-diligence guidance.
Peter Geleta, CEO of Trinity Metals, described the U.S. supply agreement as historic, positioning Rwanda as a reliable alternative source of high-quality tungsten. Rwanda ranks among the world’s top six tungsten producers and fourth in quality and export volumes. The Nyakabingo concession is estimated to contain over 30,000 tonnes of recoverable tungsten, with current production exceeding 100 tonnes of wolframite per month under a 25-year license. The company employs over 6,500 workers, 99% of whom are Rwandan nationals, and reported a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate of 0.16 in 2025.
This partnership signifies a growing U.S.-Rwanda cooperation on critical minerals, with Trinity Metals seeing an opportunity for a broader U.S.-Rwanda Strategic Partnership Agreement on Critical Minerals. The increased supply from Rwanda helps address the U.S.'s negligible domestic tungsten production and the volatility caused by global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks, which have seen tungsten prices rise by approximately 80% in the past year.
