Alphamin to Restart Tin Production at DRC Mine Amid Improved Security

Alphamin Mining

Bisie Mine Operations Resume as M23 Rebels Withdraw

US-based tin producer Alphamin is restarting operations at its Bisie tin mine in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company halted operations on March 13 due to advancing M23 rebel forces near the site.

However, the phased restart follows the withdrawal of rebel fighters toward Nyabiondo and Masisi, about 130km west of the mine. Alphamin confirmed that security remains under review as the area stabilizes.

During the shutdown, Alphamin still managed to sell and export 4,500 tonnes of tin between January 1 and April 8. An additional 280 tonnes remained in transit as of the latest update.

Tin Market Volatility Reflects Supply Concerns

The temporary closure of Bisie, combined with recent earthquakes in Myanmar, disrupted global tin supply. This led to a sharp rally in tin prices earlier this month.

On April 2, the LME three-month tin contract hit a three-year high of $38,175/t. However, news of Alphamin’s reopening, along with tariff-related uncertainty in the US, caused prices to correct. By today, tin prices settled at $31,000/t, down significantly but still elevated.

Tin production at the Bisie mine reached 4,270t in Q1, prior to the mid-March evacuation. Alphamin's ability to maintain logistical operations has helped stabilize exports despite the temporary halt in mining.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Alphamin’s return to production highlights how tin markets remain vulnerable to security risks in central Africa. With Myanmar also facing disruptions, the tin supply chain continues to face pressure. As geopolitical volatility becomes the norm, miners and manufacturers alike will need to build greater supply resilience.