Trinity Metals to supply tungsten concentrate from Rwanda to the US

Trinity Metals has signed a commercial agreement with Global Tungsten and Powders (GTP) and offtake partner Traxys to deliver tungsten concentrate produced from its Nyakabingo mine in Rwanda to the US.

GTP, based in Towanda, Pennsylvania, is the largest tungsten processor in the US. It is part of Austria’s Plansee Group, a world-leading manufacturer of tungsten-made components used in aerospace, defense and industrial applications.

Tungsten is listed by the US government as a critical mineral needed to support the economy and enhance national security. The country has not mined tungsten domestically since 2015, while its chief rival China accounts for about 83% of global supply.

Trinity chairman Shawn McCormick said this agreement marks the first time that a reliable supply of high-grade tungsten from the Great Lakes region of Africa will flow into the US.

“As the largest producer of tungsten on the continent, we are very pleased to be working with both Traxys and America’s largest tungsten refiner, GTP,” he stated in a press release.

Eric Rowe, Plansee’s director of global raw materials, said the deal strengthens American supply chains with responsibly produced material.

Commodity trader Traxys will handle deliveries, with CEO Mark Kristoff noting the long-term partnership between the companies.

Trinity, formed in 2022, operates the Nyakabingo mine as well as the Rutongo and Musha tin mines in Rwanda.