Rwanda and the United States are committed to creating a direct tin supply chain, a strategic agreement aimed at securing U.S. supplies of the mineral.

Rwandan mining company Trinity Metals and US-based Nathan Trotter have signed a letter of intent to establish a new tin supply route from Rwanda to the United States.

The U.S. Bureau of Energy Resources welcomed the agreement, highlighting its support for U.S. industrial relocation and strengthening national security. This initiative follows a $3,86 million grant awarded to Trinity Metals by the U.S. Department of Energy and Climate Change (DFC) in June 2024 for socially and environmentally impactful projects at its tin and tungsten mines.

Trinity Metals, which operates Rwanda's two largest tin mines (Rutongo and Musha) as well as the Nyakabingo tungsten mine, recently hosted high-level U.S. officials, reflecting growing U.S. interest in Rwanda's natural resources.

These moves come as Rwanda seeks to diversify its mining exports, a key sector that generated $1,7 billion in revenue in 2024, representing nearly 70% of the country's total exports.

This collaboration between Kigali and Washington positions Rwanda as an increasingly important player in the production and processing of 3T metals. (tin, tungsten, tantalum), while offering the United States an alternative to secure its tin supply in the face of Chinese domination in the African mining sector.