As the M3 rebels and their Rwandan allies keep gaining ground in the region, Alphamin Resources has temporarily halted operations at its Bisie tin mine in Walikale territory, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The firm announced the shutdown on March 13, 2025.
"On March 9, 2025, these groups occupied the town of Nyabiondo, the capital of the Osso-Banyungu sector, located some 110 kilometers northwest of Goma. On March 12, they continued their advance and took the locality of Kashebere, located 13 kilometers west of Nyabiondo (ed.note: and 172 kilometers from the mining site)," Alphamin Resources indicated.
Given the highly volatile context, Alphamin evacuated operational staff from the mine while retaining a small team to ensure the maintenance and security of the facilities.
The company said it hopes the coming peace talks in Angola on March 18 will be fruitful, enabling a quick resumption of operations. Meanwhile, the suspension has already sent ripples through the global tin market.
Tin prices surged following Alphamin's announcement. On the London Metal Exchange (LME), prices jumped 3.3% to $34,530 per metric ton, peaking at $34,815 the highest since July. Analysts from the International Tin Association (ITA) noted that three-month delivery prices reached nearly $36,000 per tonne, a peak not seen since June 2022.
Alphamin’s decision further strains a market already grappling with supply challenges, including difficulties at Myanmar’s Man Maw mine which barely resumed operations.
Alphamin’s Bisie tin mine is a critical player in global supply chains. Producing over 17,000 tonnes in 2024—6% of global tin output—the mine’s closure exacerbates concerns about shortages. In 2024, DRC and Myanmar accounted for 66% of China’s tin concentrate imports. The ITA highlighted that investment funds are increasingly bullish on tin prices as markets anticipate further upward pressure.
This article was initially published in French by Timothée Manoke (intern)
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
