Nickel laterites were found in the Musongati area in 1972 during a joint exploration program by the government of Burundi and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

[3][a] It was expected that nickel would account for 39% of the mine's revenue, iron for 34%, cobalt for 7%, platinum-group metals (PGMs) for 6%, copper for 6%,and gold ores for 3%.

In November 2015 Kermas, which had spent nearly US$95 million on the project, had no workers at the Musongati site and did not plan to make any payments to the government that year.

[6] At a press briefing in April 2016 Côme Manirakiza, Minister of Mines, said Burundi was facing a fall in world prices for minerals.

[11] On 3 March 2022 the government of Burundi revoked BMM International's nickel mining license by presidential decree, giving no reason.

[5] On 25 March 2022 Burundi signed an MOU with the East African Region Group company to replace BMM in exploiting the Musongati nickel mine.

The government spokesperson said Burundi had taken measures to protect itself, including requiring deposit of a sum of guarantee with the central bank, and would not lose as it had with BMM, where it had been forced to break the MOU.

[12] In February 2023 Burundi's council of ministers said they were looking for an experienced foreign firm or consortium to develop nickel and associated minerals in Rutana province.