Rwanda is edging closer to completing a state-of-the-art mineral testing laboratory in Nyarugunga, Kicukiro District, marking a strategic leap in its mining and export infrastructure. The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) confirmed that the facility is set to be fully operational by the 2026/27 fiscal year.
Developed at a total projected cost of Rwf7.2 billion, the laboratory will deliver essential services including mineral composition testing, certification for exports, and support for exploration and environmental management. RMB officials say these capabilities will bolster investor confidence and reinforce government oversight on mineral exploitation and taxation.
Since its inception in 2019, approximately Rwf3.8 billion has been invested into the facility, with a remaining Rwf3.4 billion earmarked under the current national budget to finalize the project. Deputy CEO Alice Uwase told members of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that budget delays had previously hindered progress, a concern also noted in the 2023/24 Auditor General’s report.
“The government allocated Rwf3 billion in this fiscal year to purchase key mechanical equipment required for mineral crushing,” Uwase said, confirming that procurement is underway and installation is scheduled for April 2026.
The lab—equipped with advanced instruments such as the Zetium XRF for elemental analysis—will handle up to 20,000 samples annually, according to RMB. Once in full swing, the facility is expected to become financially self-sustaining within two years, generating revenue through testing services and certifications.
“We envision the lab becoming a hub for mineral analytics in the region,” Uwase said. “Further expansions will be driven by internally generated funds rather than future government allocations.”
The development of this laboratory positions Rwanda to enhance transparency and reliability in its minerals sector, a move likely to attract international investment and elevate environmental accountability.
