Conflict in Eastern Congo (DRC) Halts World’s Third-Largest Tin Mine, Sparking Surge in Tin Prices

Persistent fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has forced Alphamin Mining to ​temporarily shut down its Bisie tin mine. The immediate impact: Tin ore prices rose nearly ​10% on London’s raw materials market, hitting a ​**$36,315 per ton** high on Friday—the highest level since August 2022.

Key Points:

1. ​Mine Closure Details
   • Alphamin, headquartered in Mauritius, announced the suspension on March 13 due to rebel groups ​advancing toward the mine site.
   • “Employee safety is our top priority,” the company stated. “All personnel are evacuating, except for critical staff maintaining site security.”
2. ​Global Impact
   • The Bisie mine, operated by Alphamin, produced ​17,300 metric tons of tin concentrate in 2024—6% of global tin supply and ranking as the world’s third-largest tin source.
   • The closure comes amid rising demand for tin, driven by electronics and renewable energy sectors.
3. ​Conflict Background
   • The ​M23 rebels, active since 2021 and backed by Rwanda’s military, have seized key cities like Goma and Bukavu in North/South Kivu provinces.
   • Recent advances brought them closer to Bisie, with fighters now ​110 km from Goma (provincial capital) and ​100 km from Walikale, where Alphamin’s Mpama-North and Mpama-South mines operate.
4. ​Market Tightness
   • Analysts note ​缅甸’s recent tin export ban and ​DRC’s production drop (8.3% of global output in 2024) are worsening shortages.
   • “Demand is strong, but tin’s use in semiconductors is limited, so price spikes may not ripple through consumer goods,” said Alastair Munro of Marex.
5. ​Negotiation Efforts
   • Angola, mediating talks, announced direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23 in Luanda on March 18.
   • President Félix Tshisekedi, who previously rejected dialogue, has remained silent since the offer. M23 demands he ​publicly commit to negotiations.