By: The new times

Experts at Rwanda Mining Week in Kigali affirmed that critical minerals are fundamentally shaping the future of technology, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. For a resource-rich country like Rwanda, this represents a significant economic opportunity. However, this potential is tempered by a critical challenge within the global market, where the immense value of these minerals is not fully realized at their source.

A primary issue highlighted was the stark disparity in the tantalum supply chain. Israeli scientist Anatoly Agulyansk explained that while tantalum is irreplaceable in advanced electronics and microchips, its price is inflated by processors and refiners outside Africa. He argued that even if African nations reduced or eliminated the cost of raw tantalite ore, the savings would not be passed down the chain, but would instead simply increase profits for intermediaries, discouraging end-use and limiting benefits for producing countries.

To overcome this systemic barrier and capture greater value, the panel prescribed a shift towards local processing and capacity building. Developing domestic refining capabilities for minerals like tantalum was presented as a crucial strategy to retain more economic benefits within Rwanda. Additionally, addressing the high cost and risk of mineral exploration is essential to prevent concession holders from selling rights prematurely and to ensure the nation can properly assess and develop its own resources.

Ultimately, securing a sustainable future in the sector requires parallel investment in human capital. Experts emphasized that Rwanda must continue to cultivate a skilled workforce through specialized education, such as the University of Rwanda's programs in mining and geology, and through practical training offered by technology companies. This dual focus on industrial upgrading and education is seen as vital for Rwanda to transition from a raw material supplier to a knowledgeable participant in the global technology value chain.