US Establishes $100M Tin Supply Chain With Rwanda
On 13 May 2025, Nathan Trotter, the largest tin alloys manufacturer in the US, signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Trinity Metals in Rwanda. the LoI calls for the export of tin minerals to the US worth USD 100 million. The accord was signed at the US Department of State and witnessed by Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Kim Harrington.
“This type of critical minerals project supports US onshoring, strengthens our national security and advances economic prosperity.”
US Bureau of Energy Resources Communique
This breakthrough deal comes as as Rwanda is seeking to diversify its export markets for minerals and strengthen relations with the US. In 2024, Rwanda exported an estimated a total of 4,861 tonnes of cassiterite, a tin ore.
Trinity Metals operates the Rutongo and Musha tin mines in Rwanda which together output an average of 75 tonnes of tin ore each month. On the other hand, the US has halted tin mining within its territory since 1989.
So far Trinity has invested more than USD 40 million in Rwanda with three sites already in operation. The mines span a total are of 17,294 hectares and employ more than 700 people, mostly locals.
This agreement follows the visits by various US delegations to Rwanda since March 2025. In late March, US Congressman Ronnie Jackson led a delegation to Rwanda. A few weeks later, the US Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Corina Sanders also paid a visit to Rwanda.
In addition to exploring the tin potential of Rwanda, both delegations also visited the Nyakabingo mine, which is the largest tungsten mine in Africa and ranks as the world 6th largest in terms of production. The mine is also owned by Trinity Metals and produces Wolframite, a tungsten ore.
Trinity Metals was formed in 2022 through the merger of three mine owner. British investment firm Techmet supported the expansion plan of Trinity through equity financing. The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) also provided a USD 3.8 million grant to support technical assistance to Trinity.
“As Trinity is the largest producer of conflict-free and child-labor-free Critical Minerals in Rwanda, it is a distinct honor to be recognized by the US DFC with this technical assistance grant.”
Trinity Chair Shawn McCormick
Trinity Metals presents itself as an ethical, eco-friendly miner of Critical Minerals which operates within an #ESG framework. In addition to tin, it is also involved in Tungsten (Wolframite) and Coltan. In 2024, Trinity exported 2,226 tonnes of tin, tungsten and coltan and plan to double the production by 2029. The US and Rwanda are working on a larger mining cooperation framework which is expected to be formalized soon.