CRITICAL MINERALS
we also host a significant lithium deposit at Ntunga on the Musha concession. A Phase 2 exploration drilling programme completed in 2024 has identified potential resources estimated at between 35 and 70 mt at 1.2% Li₂O. This represents an exciting discovery, and we are ring-fencing the project as we prepare to fund a larger- scale drilling programme in the upcoming business planning cycle.” Collectively Musha and Rutongo are in the top three tin producers in Africa, currently producing 70 tons of tin concentrate per month with the potential to triple this production in the next 3-5 years. “Given the significant potential across these mine concessions, a key priority in unlocking future growth will be targeted investment in exploration. To this end, we have established an experienced exploration team and are currently developing a comprehensive exploration programme, together with the associated funding requirements,” says Geleta. Outlook for critical minerals Tungsten, tin and tantalum play essential roles in technology, defence, aerospace and energy-related supply chains. As Western economies look to diversify supply chains and reduce overdependence on China and other concentrated sources of supply, responsible producers in stable jurisdictions are receiving greater attention. “Tin prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) have strengthened recently, trading above $55 000/tonne. The softer US dollar, coupled with easing inflation expectations in anticipation of a potential deal between US and Iran have helped, together with a rosy outlook from the technology sector are expected to boost demand for tin in the medium and longer-term. Backed by these fundamentals our outlook for tin in 2026 and 2027 remains positive. We are also bullish on tungsten prices, given the current geo-economic dynamics and the various global conflicts. The high level of prices continues to incentivise increased production in Africa, Latin America and Central Asia. Output at mechanised operations in Australia, Spain and Portugal is steady, with no meaningful increases observed year-to-date. The imminent start of Sangdong Mine in South Korea has yet to happen and it is unlikely that this will influence tungsten demand.” The robust demand for its metals
Trinity Metals team onsite.
operational base from which to grow, rather than relying solely on future project development.” At the Rutongo tin operation, which has five satellite mines, the company is embarking on a similar strategy of developing declines to open new mining ground at depth aimed at facilitating mechanisation and larger scale mining. Rutongo, with its 9 600-hectare mining concession, offers significant scope for growth, with active mining currently covering only around 20% of the concession. “We are developing a comprehensive exploration programme to evaluate and advance several highly prospective targets across the broader Rutongo concession area, with the aim of defining and ultimately developing new resources. Similarly, at Musha, we are currently mining only around 20% of the 6 900-hectare concession - this offers substantial potential for further resource growth and expansion.” According to Geleta, although the Musha mine is currently producing tin, it also has a significant tantalum resource with the company seeking to capitalise on the high tantalum prices by fast tracking the conversion of its tantalum exploration into near term production. “As with our other operations, the strategy for growing tin and tantalum production at Musha is centred on opening new ground at depth through decline development, increased mechanisation, and the design and construction of modern mineral processing plants. Further to this,
In addition, an estimated 2.5–3 million tonnes of high-grade legacy stockpile material is available on surface for future processing. With these initiatives in place, the outlook for Trinity’s Nyakabingo Mine is exceptionally strong. “We are currently updating our reserve and resource confidence by undertaking a deep level drilling programme to 850 m (400 m below current production levels) to prove up the resource at depth. We are also undertaking a sonic drilling programme on the 2.5-3 million tons of accumulated stockpiled material on surface. Results from both these programmes are extremely encouraging.” The next phase of growth at Nyakabingo will focus on the development of a decline, opening up new ground at depth and enabling larger-scale mechanisation and increased mining volumes. In tandem, the company is undertaking a study into the design and construction of a dedicated mineral processing plant and tailings storage facility. Beyond doubling production over the next three to five years, these initiatives further strengthen Nyakabingo’s position as one of the world’s leading tungsten producers. “Our tin operations at Rutongo and Musha also benefit from established production, large concessions and underexplored geological potential. Many mining companies with critical minerals exposure are still at exploration or development stage; Trinity is already producing and exporting to international markets. That gives us a practical
16 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | November 2026
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