Trinity Metals Targets Lithium Opportunity, Expands Mineral Output

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Strategic Expansion and Lithium Exploration: Trinity Metals Group's Ambitious Vision

Trinity Metals Group, a prominent player in mineral processing and trading, is stepping into the lithium market as global demand surges due to the rise of electric vehicles and the push for green energy. This strategic move comes at a time when lithium has become a key component in various industries, from consumer electronics to renewable energy storage systems.

The company, which currently manages three mines across the country, has initiated exploration for lithium at one of its licensed sites. Initial assessments have shown promising results, indicating potential for a significant lithium deposit. Peter Geleta, the CEO of Trinity Metals Group, shared insights with The New Times about the progress made so far. He mentioned that drilling activities began over a year ago, with the project reaching a depth of 780 meters—making it the first mining company in Rwanda to drill below 300 meters.

Geleta highlighted that the drilling program, which lasted 15 months and involved 11 holes, yielded encouraging results. The company has already invested over $4 million in this initiative, with the next phase potentially costing up to $20 million. This substantial investment underscores the company’s commitment to long-term growth and diversification. The plan includes expanding operations, investing in new processing facilities, and reskilling employees to meet the demands of the evolving industry.

Growing Demand for Lithium

Lithium’s importance is growing rapidly, driven by its role in powering everyday devices and its increasing use in emerging sectors. According to a May 2025 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), global lithium demand grew by 29.4% annually between 2021 and 2024, outpacing other energy-transition minerals. This surge is largely attributed to the production of electric vehicle batteries, grid-scale energy storage systems, and the expansion of consumer electronics.

Countries such as Australia, Brazil, China, Portugal, and Zimbabwe are actively working to boost their lithium supply capacities. In contrast, Rwanda is positioning itself as an attractive destination for investors interested in lithium extraction and processing. Early exploration efforts have identified several areas with high lithium concentrations, including Gatumba, Kabacuzi, Karongi, Nyanza, Rulindo, and Rwamagana. Rwamagana, in particular, is home to Trinity Metals Musha concession, where the company sees great potential.

Investment Plans and Future Goals

Lithium exploration is part of Trinity Metals’ broader strategy to expand its mineral processing activities and scale operations. A key component of this plan is a $100 million investment aimed at supporting these initiatives. According to Geleta, the company expects to fund half of this amount through cash flows from existing operations, while the remaining will require new capital injections.

Trinity is in discussions with potential investors, including the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which is considering an equity commitment of between $30 million and $50 million. This follows a $3.85 million technical assistance grant awarded to the company last year to support future equity financing efforts. While the process is ongoing, the outcome remains uncertain.

Positioning for Global Supply Chain Leadership

Rwanda and Trinity Metals are positioned to play a crucial role in the global supply of critical minerals, particularly as the U.S. and Western countries seek to reduce their reliance on Chinese-dominated supply chains. Geleta emphasized that Rwanda’s stable jurisdiction and visionary leadership offer a unique value proposition for Western investors.

Despite its current success in operating Rwanda’s two largest tin mines and the continent’s most significant tungsten deposit, Trinity faces challenges in modernizing its mineral-processing capabilities. Current recovery rates for tungsten ore remain low, with only around 40% efficiency. The manual processes involved in extracting and processing ore result in significant value loss.

Geleta explained that the company aims to implement a modern processing plant to improve recovery rates to 75%. This shift would not only enhance operational efficiency but also significantly boost the country’s mineral export revenues.

As Trinity Metals continues its ambitious journey into lithium exploration and mineral processing, the company stands at a pivotal moment in its development. With strategic investments and a focus on innovation, it has the potential to reshape Rwanda’s mining sector and contribute to the global transition toward sustainable energy.