We studied trace elements in soils, plants, water and stream sediments in the Gisuma–Kibilira catchment of the
Gatumba area of westernRwanda which has a long tradition of artisanal to small-scale tin–tantalummining from
rare-metal pegmatites. The geochemical fingerprint of soil, plant, water (springs and surface water in dry and
rainy seasons) and stream sediment samples reveals elevated concentrations of Li, Rb, Cr, and Cs, but low As
and U abundances at or below the global average. Trace element contents of soils and most plant materials are
belowinternationally accepted guideline values. Allwater samples analyzedmeet theWorld Health Organization
(WHO) drinking water guidelines, and the stream sediments are below critical values of Dutch environmental
standards. These data provide a baseline for environmental impact studies for rare-metal mining projects in
the Central Africa Region.