Rwanda
Legislation
- Law No. 072/2024 on Mining and Quarry Operations
- Law No. 48/2018 on the Environment
Regulatory Risk Rating
Regulatory Risk
Regulatory Corruption Risk
Regulatory Corruption Risk
Corruption Exposure Risk
Corruption Exposure Risk
| Regulatory Risk Rating Factors | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| First Come / First Serve | Subscribe |
| Application Criteria | Subscribe |
| Duration | Subscribe |
| Right to Renew | Subscribe |
| Competing Licences | Subscribe |
| Mineral Coverage | Subscribe |
| Right to Mine | Subscribe |
| Criteria for Mining Rights | Subscribe |
| Tenure | Subscribe |
| Surface Rights | Subscribe |
| Government Take | Subscribe |
| Transfer Rights | Subscribe |
| Change of Control | Subscribe |
| EIA Process | Subscribe |
| Power to Revoke | Subscribe |
| Age of Legislation | Subscribe |
| Other Factors | Subscribe |
Rwanda has set a goal of attracting additional foreign investment into its mining sector in order to grow and develop this part of the country’s economy. The 2024 mining law has been implemented as part of the strategic process to meet this goal, however on the face of it the legislation falls short from the perspective of investment risk. Whilst it might be possible to negotiate a mining agreement which addresses some of the critical risk issues, the law in its present form exposes an investor to incredibly high levels of government discretion, with very little to guarantee the security of their investment.
Note that the regulations applicable under the previous mining law have been used for the purpose of this analysis. It is unclear if updated regulations will be issued under the new law. There are some inconsistencies between the law and the prior regulation which have been highlighted where possible.
Contents
Legislation
- Law No. 072/2024 on Mining and Quarry Operations
- Law No. 48/2018 on the Environment
Regulatory Risk Rating
Regulatory Risk
Regulatory Corruption Risk
Regulatory Corruption Risk
Corruption Exposure Risk
Corruption Exposure Risk
Overview
Rwanda’s mining sector is a significant economic contributor – contributing around 3% of the country’s GDP. The country is a key producer of the 3Ts – tin, tantalum and tungsten, which are amongst Rwanda’s main exports. There is also significant activity in gold mining, though this is primarily artisanal and small-scale. The Rwandan government is of the view that there is much potential for growth in its mining sector. Increased foreign investment has been highlighted as a key objective and Rwanda’s Vision 2050 includes mining sector growth as an important economic target. As part of this, the country has implemented a new mining law in 2024, replacing the previous legislation which was itself only enacted in 2018. Challenges for the mining sector include environmental impacts, including water pollution, deforestation and soil erosion – often arising from artisanal mining activities. In recent years the government has taken steps to improve environmental monitoring and management standards, as well as launch various sustainability initiatives. Infrastructure is also a key consideration, with remote areas lacking developed roads and power supplies. For the country more generally, conflicts in the eastern DRC involving rebel group M23 – which is backed by Rwanda – increase the risk of wider regional conflict and heighten security risks in those border areas.
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