An advanced overview of recent developments in tantalum, tin, and tungsten production in Rwanda

With the proliferation of advancements in high-tech devices, the availability and sustainable supply of tantalum, tin, and tungsten (3T) as raw materials may play a crucial role. There have been controversial arguments about the origin of Rwandan 3Ts. The authors believe that it is necessary to investigate their origins by concentrating on the geology, mining, and reforms that drive 3T massive production. The findings revealed that Rwanda became the world’s largest tantalum producer with 51% between 2011 and 2015, and has remained in the top three worldwide producers since 2008. The exploitation of an abundance of rock-bearing 3T mineral deposits, mining sector reforms, and the successful implementation of supply chain regulations are primarily attributed to this expansion. Their consistent output is thought to be linked to the privatisation of the mining sector, which brought about modernisation and industrialisation, which contributed to the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and built the capacity of local miners. Copyright © 2023 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.