Alphamin Restarts DRC Tin Production After Security Shutdown

Alphamin

Focus Keyphrase: Alphamin DRC Tin Production

Alphamin DRC tin production resumed this week following a temporary shutdown at the Bisie mine due to regional instability in eastern Congo. The phased restart began on 15 April, starting with ore stockpile processing and progressing to full underground mining later this month.

The Bisie tin mine, the largest industrial tin operation in the DRC, was evacuated in March after M23 rebels occupied nearby towns. Production halted on 13 March, and resumed only after the group withdrew from Walikale on 9 April. The evacuation led to a drop in first-quarter production to 4,720t of contained tin, down 18% from Q4 2024.

Tin Output and Sales Impacted by Security and Market Volatility

The disruption lowered Alphamin’s annual tin output target from 20,000t to 17,500t.

Sales in Q1 also dropped to 3,863t, a 22% decline compared to the previous quarter.

However, the company managed to sell 4,581t of contained tin by mid-April, showing signs of operational recovery.

Meanwhile, global tin prices remain volatile. The temporary mine closure, combined with an earthquake in Myanmar and new US tariff measures, led to large price swings.

The three-month LME tin price dropped to $30,700/t on 16 April, down from a three-year high of $38,175/t earlier in the month.

Ramp-Up Plans Underway Amid Ongoing Regional Risk

Alphamin expects full operational ramp-up within weeks. The gradual return of employees and restoration of underground mining will determine production stability in the near term. Security in eastern DRC remains a critical variable, affecting both production continuity and investor confidence.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Alphamin's quick operational recovery at Bisie highlights resilience but underscores the geopolitical risk in African mining. As tin prices remain volatile, secure and diversified supply will be key for downstream electronics and soldering markets.