Rwanda Exports Minerals Worth US$196.3 million

{Cassiterite is one of Rwanda’s untapped minerals and contributed US$50.5mn in 2013 through exports.}

{{Rwanda’s mineral exports have increased by 72% from 2012, with coltan alone contributing to US$121.3mn worth of exports}}

Latest figures provided by the government show that the country earned US$196.3mn in Q1 to Q3 of 2013, showing an increase of 72% from 2012.

Singaporean research firm Global Reports also pointed to an increase in exports in 2013.

“Coltan went up by 161%, wolfram by 7% and cassiterite rose by 13%,” the firm said.

According to its report, Data Mining in Africa Country Investment Guide 2014, these minerals have also contributed to an increase in exports with wolfram bringing in US$24mn and cassiterite US$50.5mn.

Coltan alone contributed US$121.3mn, reportedly benefitting from an increase in price per kilogram, the company said.

Global Reports stated that there are plenty of untapped minerals in Rwanda.

It is one of the top sub-Saharan nations with an abundant supply of minerals like cassiserite, columbite-tantalite (coltan) and wolfram, among others.

If exported competently, these minerals can bring in more revenue, added the report.

Rwanda’s main minerals are predominantly mined and traded within the country.

{additional info. Africanreview}