Rwanda Lithium Find: Aterian and Rio Tinto Uncover High-Grade Deposits at HCK Project
Aterian Plc, a UK-based critical minerals exploration company, has announced the discovery of high-grade lithium deposits in Rwanda following a drilling programme conducted in partnership with Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Ltd, the British-Australian mining giant.
The results, released on July 10, confirm significant lithium mineralisation at the HCK Project, a joint venture between the two companies launched in September 2024 in Rwanda’s Southern Province.
“The initial results confirm the presence of high-grade lithium mineralisation and demonstrate the prospectivity of the HCK Project,” Aterian said in a statement.
Drilling Yields Strong Early Results
One notable drill hole, designated MWOG0002, reached a depth of 174.6 metres and revealed a 6.9-metre section of lithium-bearing rock grading 2.11% lithium, including a higher-grade interval of 3.45 metres at 3.20% lithium.
So far, drilling has been carried out on only two of the twelve defined prospect areas identified by Rio Tinto during earlier fieldwork.
Based on the promising findings, Rio Tinto will exercise its Stage 1 earn-in rights under the joint venture agreement, acquiring a 51% interest in the HCK license. The agreement allows Rio Tinto to increase its stake to 75% by investing $7.5 million over the next three years.
Simon Rollason, CEO of Aterian, welcomed the decision:
“During this phase, only two of the twelve prospects were tested, and the potential exists to identify less weathered areas where additional lithium-rich rocks may occur.
While further work is required to fully assess the project’s scale and continuity, these early indications provide a strong foundation to build upon as we advance our exploration activities in Rwanda.”
A comprehensive technical review is underway to evaluate the project’s scale, continuity, and development potential, particularly considering the weathering profile. A joint venture decision on the next phase of exploration is expected by late 2025.
The HCK Project covers 2,750 hectares and includes 19 identified pegmatite zones containing lithium, cesium, and tantalum. The joint venture, signed in 2023, aims to explore and develop these resources to meet growing global demand for lithium — often dubbed “white gold” for its critical role in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, consumer electronics, and industrial applications.
Lithium’s Strategic Importance
Lithium is an essential component in the cathodes of all types of lithium-ion batteries used in EVs, laptops, mobile phones, and the glass and ceramics industry. Its rising demand is driven largely by the global transition to clean energy and sustainable transport.
Rwanda’s Mining Sector Outlook
As of July 2024, Rwanda’s mining sector accounted for 3% of the country’s GDP and employed more than 72,000 people. With an estimated $150 billion in revenue potential, the sector is a key pillar of Rwanda’s economic development strategy.
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