About us
LuNa Smelter - industrial pioneer of Rwanda
LuNa Smelter is a leading responsible high-quality tin supplier located in Kigali, Rwanda. We also produce other semi-products obtained during the production process: tin dross, low Sn tantalum slag and tantalum concentrate. Our activities have already boosted the entire metallurgical and mining sector of East Africa with particular focus on the development of the 3t mining projects.
Company History
Our history determines our ambitions. We draw conclusions from our experience and build the future based on our knowledge.
3Q 2024
2Q 2024
2024
1Q 2024
- Plant Expansion Progress: The plant expansion project reached a significant milestone with the complete definition of design specifications. The plans address increased throughput, energy efficiency, and environmental compliance, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure and paving the way for sustainable growth.
– ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Re-accreditation: LuNa Laboratory successfully achieved re-accreditation by A2LA, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in quality and technical competence, and providing reliable, accurate testing and calibration services. - Innovation in Metal Recovery: Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to produce a tantalum-niobium alloy from slag byproducts, showcasing innovation in recovering high-value metals and optimizing resource utilization.
- Responsible Sourcing Initiatives: The implementation of the LuNa Chain of Custody (CoC) system at external mining sites began, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible sourcing and traceability in line with global sustainability standards.
- Safety and Environmental Stewardship: The Mbogo mine site achieved a remarkable milestone with zero Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) and zero environmental incidents, highlighting LuNa Smelter’s dedication to safety and environmental care.
- Operational Enhancements at Mbogo Mine: A state-of-the-art mineral processing plant was installed, along with a modernized underground hoisting system, significantly improving ore beneficiation and operational efficiency.
LuNa Smelter has recently undertaken significant initiatives to enhance its operations and maintain its commitment to ethical practices and innovation.
- The company initiated a strategic project aimed at expanding its smelting and refining capacity. This phase emphasized identifying areas for improvement, overcoming operational challenges, and integrating advanced technologies to optimize production processes. Collaborative efforts with engineering teams and key stakeholders laid the foundation for a comprehensive approach to this expansion.
- In line with its dedication to responsible practices, LuNa Smelter’s conformant status was successfully reaffirmed through the annual external audit by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI). This achievement underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and compliance with global standards for responsible mineral sourcing.
- Additionally, LuNa Smelter commissioned an onsite laboratory at Mbogo Mine, enabling efficient and accurate analysis of geological samples, further enhancing its operational efficiency and technical capabilities.
These initiatives highlight LuNa Smelter’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and responsibility in the mining and smelting industry.
At LuNa Smelter, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities we serve through various CSR initiatives:
- Environmental Sustainability: Planted 6,500 trees in Gatsibo District, contributing to reforestation and environmental conservation.
• Women Empowerment: Recognized and rewarded two high-performing girls at the district level to inspire and support educational excellence.
• Support for Genocide Survivors: Donated two cows to genocide survivors in Gatsibo District, providing sustainable livelihood support.
• Community Health Insurance: Sponsored health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) for 600 individuals in Gatsibo and Kayonza Districts, promoting access to essential healthcare.
LuNa Smelter is committed to fostering sustainable development and empowering communities for a better future.
2023
1Q 2023
2Q 2023
3Q 2023
4Q 2023
The journey towards growth and expansion commences as LuNa Smelter embarks on the development of the Mbogo Mine. Under the auspices of the license granted to LuNa Smelter, this initiative signifies a strategic step towards securing sustainable access to essential mineral resources.
Maintaining its steadfast commitment to responsible mineral sourcing, LuNa Smelter undergoes annual external audits as part of the Responsible Minerals Initiative’s (RMI) flagship program, the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP). With the reaffirmation of its conformant status, the company assures its customers of the conflict-free and ethically sourced nature of tin ingots procured from Kigali.
In a landmark achievement, LuNa Smelter extends its services beyond its borders by providing its inaugural tolling service to an external customer. Through this endeavour, delivered cassiterite undergoes smelting, producing LME specification tin ingots, all while upholding the stringent production standards of an RMI-certified tin smelter.
Pioneering innovation takes center stage as LuNa Smelter embarks on a groundbreaking R&D project. This venture focuses on the development of a low-carbon 20% Ta alloy, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable solutions and driving technological innovation in the minerals industry.
4Q 2022
3Q 2022
2Q 2022
2022
1Q 2022
Demonstrating its unwavering dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, LuNa Smelter undergoes a comprehensive air quality and noise monitoring assessment conducted by Estonteco Brila Ltd., an esteemed international environmental consulting firm. The results of the assessment validate the company’s adherence to internationally accepted guidelines for air quality and noise emissions. In a testament to its commitment, LuNa proudly publishes its inaugural ESG Report in 2022, meticulously compiled in accordance with the rigorous standards outlined by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). This report exemplifies the company’s steadfast adherence to high ESG standards and underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Underlining its unwavering commitment to quality and environmental stewardship, LuNa Smelter undergoes a rigorous on-site audit conducted by external auditors, resulting in the recertification of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. Additionally, company representatives join the esteemed Governance Board of the EPRM, further solidifying its position as a leader in responsible mineral sourcing.
2021
1Q 2021
2Q 2021
3Q 2021
4Q 2021
Embarking on a new chapter, LuNa Smelter initiates the sourcing of raw materials, including cassiterite, from neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania. This strategic move not only strengthens the company’s supply chain but also underscores its dedication to responsible mineral procurement practices.
The company’s dedication to fostering sustainable practices and securing access to environmentally responsible raw materials is further underscored by its recent membership in the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA). Through this collaboration, LuNa Smelter actively contributes to the joint development of a new roadmap aimed at ensuring the procurement of green and sustainable raw materials, thereby aligning with the overarching objectives of ERMA to promote sustainability and resilience in the raw materials sector.
3Q 2020
2Q 2020
2020
1Q 2020
3Q 2019
2Q 2018
3Q 2018
4Q 2018
2019
1Q 2019
2018
1990
1980
Reopening of the smelter by a company called ALICOM. However, it was closed again in April 1994, when the genocide began. After the Liberation War, the smelter was privatised by the Rwanda government and, until 2018, it changed hands several times.
3Q 2024
- Plant Expansion Progress: The plant expansion project reached a significant milestone with the complete definition of design specifications. The plans address increased throughput, energy efficiency, and environmental compliance, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure and paving the way for sustainable growth.
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Re-accreditation: LuNa Laboratory successfully achieved re-accreditation by A2LA, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in quality and technical competence, and providing reliable, accurate testing and calibration services.
- Innovation in Metal Recovery: Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to produce a tantalum-niobium alloy from slag byproducts, showcasing innovation in recovering high-value metals and optimizing resource utilization.
- Responsible Sourcing Initiatives: The implementation of the LuNa Chain of Custody (CoC) system at external mining sites began, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible sourcing and traceability in line with global sustainability standards.
- Safety and Environmental Stewardship: The Mbogo mine site achieved a remarkable milestone with zero Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) and zero environmental incidents, highlighting LuNa Smelter’s dedication to safety and environmental care.
- Operational Enhancements at Mbogo Mine: A state-of-the-art mineral processing plant was installed, along with a modernized underground hoisting system, significantly improving ore beneficiation and operational efficiency.
2Q 2024
LuNa Smelter has recently undertaken significant initiatives to enhance its operations and maintain its commitment to ethical practices and innovation.
- The company initiated a strategic project aimed at expanding its smelting and refining capacity. This phase emphasized identifying areas for improvement, overcoming operational challenges, and integrating advanced technologies to optimize production processes. Collaborative efforts with engineering teams and key stakeholders laid the foundation for a comprehensive approach to this expansion.
- In line with its dedication to responsible practices, LuNa Smelter’s conformant status was successfully reaffirmed through the annual external audit by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI). This achievement underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and compliance with global standards for responsible mineral sourcing.
- Additionally, LuNa Smelter commissioned an onsite laboratory at Mbogo Mine, enabling efficient and accurate analysis of geological samples, further enhancing its operational efficiency and technical capabilities.
These initiatives highlight LuNa Smelter’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and responsibility in the mining and smelting industry.
1Q 2024
At LuNa Smelter, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities we serve through various CSR initiatives:
- Environmental Sustainability: Planted 6,500 trees in Gatsibo District, contributing to reforestation and environmental conservation.
- Women Empowerment: Recognized and rewarded two high-performing girls at the district level to inspire and support educational excellence.
- Support for Genocide Survivors: Donated two cows to genocide survivors in Gatsibo District, providing sustainable livelihood support.
- Community Health Insurance: Sponsored health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé) for 600 individuals in Gatsibo and Kayonza Districts, promoting access to essential healthcare.
LuNa Smelter is committed to fostering sustainable development and empowering communities for a better future.
4Q 2023
Pioneering innovation takes center stage as LuNa Smelter embarks on a groundbreaking R&D project. This venture focuses on the development of a low-carbon 20% Ta alloy, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable solutions and driving technological innovation in the minerals industry.
3Q 2023
In a landmark achievement, LuNa Smelter extends its services beyond its borders by providing its inaugural tolling service to an external customer. Through this endeavour, delivered cassiterite undergoes smelting, producing LME specification tin ingots, all while upholding the stringent production standards of an RMI-certified tin smelter.
2Q 2023
Maintaining its steadfast commitment to responsible mineral sourcing, LuNa Smelter undergoes annual external audits as part of the Responsible Minerals Initiative’s (RMI) flagship program, the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP). With the reaffirmation of its conformant status, the company assures its customers of the conflict-free and ethically sourced nature of tin ingots procured from Kigali.
1Q 2023
The journey towards growth and expansion commences as LuNa Smelter embarks on the development of the Mbogo Mine. Under the auspices of the license granted to LuNa Smelter, this initiative signifies a strategic step towards securing sustainable access to essential mineral resources.
4Q 2022
Demonstrating its unwavering dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, LuNa Smelter undergoes a comprehensive air quality and noise monitoring assessment conducted by Estonteco Brila Ltd., an esteemed international environmental consulting firm. The results of the assessment validate the company’s adherence to internationally accepted guidelines for air quality and noise emissions. In a testament to its commitment, LuNa proudly publishes its inaugural ESG Report in 2022, meticulously compiled in accordance with the rigorous standards outlined by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). This report exemplifies the company’s steadfast adherence to high ESG standards and underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability.
3Q 2022
LuNa Smelter achieved a significant milestone by obtaining its license to provide due diligence services from the Rwanda Mining, Petroleum, and Gas Board. In tandem with this achievement, the company implements a cutting-edge blockchain-based management tool, Minespider. This innovative solution facilitates the documentation of LuNa’s Chain-of-Custody and due diligence activities, ensuring transparency and disclosure across its sourcing and production processes.
2Q 2022
Continuing its steadfast adherence to ethical mineral procurement, LuNa Smelter subjects itself to annual external audits as part of the Responsible Minerals Initiative’s (RMI) flagship program. The company’s conformant status is reaffirmed, offering assurance to customers that tin ingots sourced from Kigali meet the highest standards of responsible sourcing.
1Q 2022
Underlining its unwavering commitment to quality and environmental stewardship, LuNa Smelter undergoes a rigorous on-site audit conducted by external auditors, resulting in the recertification of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. Additionally, company representatives join the esteemed Governance Board of the EPRM, further solidifying its position as a leader in responsible mineral sourcing.
4Q 2021
A pivotal acquisition marks LuNa Smelter’s trajectory as it procures the spiral crystallizer, a cutting-edge technology facilitating the removal of impurities, including bismuth and lead. This investment not only enhances the quality of the final products but also amplifies the company’s market reach and customer satisfaction. Moreover, by expanding cassiterite sources with higher impurities, LuNa Smelter underscores its commitment to sustainable and efficient production practices.
3Q 2021
In a significant collaboration, LuNa Smelter partners with the esteemed National University of Rwanda (UR) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement aims to foster skills development and prepare talented individuals in the fields of Mining, Geology, and Metallurgy for the industry’s evolving demands.
2Q 2021
Embarking on a new chapter, LuNa Smelter initiates the sourcing of raw materials, including cassiterite, from neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania. This strategic move not only strengthens the company’s supply chain but also underscores its dedication to responsible mineral procurement practices.
The company’s dedication to fostering sustainable practices and securing access to environmentally responsible raw materials is further underscored by its recent membership in the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA). Through this collaboration, LuNa Smelter actively contributes to the joint development of a new roadmap aimed at ensuring the procurement of green and sustainable raw materials, thereby aligning with the overarching objectives of ERMA to promote sustainability and resilience in the raw materials sector.
1Q 2021
LuNa Smelter proudly announces its partnership with the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM), reinforcing its commitment to ethical mineral sourcing. The EPRM endeavours to elevate the percentage of responsibly sourced minerals from conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRA), with a particular focus on tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold.
3Q 2020
LuNa Smelter’s laboratory has been granted with the accreditation ISO 17025: 2017 by an internationally recognised certification body – A2LA. Our laboratory ensures precise tests results compliant with the highest standards, what brings us our customers’ trust.
2Q 2020
successfull recomissioning of production after COVID-19 national lockdown.
1Q 2020
Conformant Smelter Status granted by the Responsible Minerals Initiative. Beginning of the cooperation with Better Sourcing Program and the implementation of the BSP supervision at Bugarura and Kuluti mining sites.
3Q 2019
Bugarura & Kuluti exploration licences obtained by LuNa Smelter. Commencement of the exploration activities. ISO certificates granted: ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.
1Q 2019
Beginning of the project: “Rwandan multi-scale geological ranking – identification of cassiterite exploration assets for further development”.
4Q 2018
Investment into LuNa Laboratory. Further investment into Smelter infrastructure.
EIA approval awarded by REMA Rwanda Environment Management Authority.
3Q 2018
Granting of the EIA approval and all of operational licences as well as the permissions for the trading of 3T minerals. Complete traceability certification – a full ITSCI member.
2Q 2018
Modernisation, refurbishment and launching of the Smelter production – high-grade tin ingots (average grade 99.96% Sn).
2018
After having won the tender organised by the I&M Bank, Luma Holding and Ngali Holdings took over the Smelter in the first half of the year. The companies have registered a JV company in Kigali, Rwanda – Luna Smelter Ltd – established with the purpose of the development of the plant and its operations.
1990
Reopening of the smelter by a company called ALICOM. However, it was closed again in April 1994, when the genocide began. After the Liberation War, the smelter was privatised by the Rwanda government and, until 2018, it changed hands several times.
1980
The Karuruma tin smelter was built in Kigali to produce tin from concentrate coming from the “Société des Mines du Rwanda” (“SOMIRWA”). SOMIRWA managed the smelter until 1985, when it went bankrupt.
Production plant
Tin smelter
LuNa Smelter is equipped with 2 EAF furnaces with total capacity of 1000 KVA. Each furnace has three 350 mm electrodes.
Refining line includes three refining kettles for impurities separation and crystallizer.
Pure tin metal transferred from the blending kettle and then distributed to moulds for casting.
Two segregation units are used for recovering tin from intermediate products.
There is also pre-processing unit which is used for enriching of the ore using magnetic separation method.
Our products:
- tin ingots of LME Standard Sn 99,86% min
- high quality tin ingots Sn 99,96% with Pb 50 ppm max
- tin drosses
- low Sn tantalum slag
- tantalum concetrate.
Quality Management
Our Laboratory is ISO 17025 certified and provides accurate analysis of metals, minerals, exploration and mining industries.
The unit is equipped with modern instruments and employs highly skilled professionals. The team has track records in geological sample analysis, smelting of copper, lead, tin and ferroalloys, as well as hydrometallurgy, recycling and production of primary metals.
The laboratory is designed to analyse ores, concentrate and exploration samples in particular for Tin, Tantalum, Tungsten (3Ts), and Lithium.
Investors
Investors
Respektując zasoby wiedzy i kwalifikacje afrykańskich partnerów oraz bazując na doświadczeniu i globalnych kontaktach europejskich managerów, Luma Holding wraz z rwandyjskim partnerem, Ngali Holdings, wprowadziła na rynek LuNę Smelter.
Luna Smelter is a leading tin producer located in East Africa, in Kigali – the capital city of Rwanda.
The main focus of the LuNa Smelter is to create a value of the company by creation of a modern, sustainable industrial plant – unique for the Central and East Africa region. LuNa Smelter is a leading African conflict free, high quality tin supplier, as well as a producer of other minerals obtained during the production process, such as tantalum concentrate from the post production slag. With starting capacity of ca. 300 tons of tin metal per month, LuNa Smelter will conduct activities leading towards launching a second fully automatised production line, what will raise the production up to 600 tons per month. LuNa Smelter activities have already boosted the entire industrial and mining sector of East Africa, especially development of the new 3T mining projects. The company is open for cooperation with cassiterite tin suppliers from the region, who respect environmentally friendly and socially responsible conflict-free business practices.
LuNa Smelter products will be introduced to the European market by its trading company, LuNa Trading, based in Zug, Switzerland.
