Canadian tin mining company Alphamin Resources has announced a phased resumption of operations at its Bisie tin mine, located in the Walikale District of North Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The decision follows the withdrawal of insurgents from the surrounding area, enabling a secure environment for the mine’s activities.
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The mine temporarily ceased operations in mid-March due to the proximity of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, causing security concerns.
All operational mining staff were evacuated from the mine site, with only essential personnel remaining for the care, maintenance and security of the property.
Despite the operational halt, Alphamin continued to export tin concentrate and maintain the site.
The mine produced 4,270 tonnes (t) of contained tin in the first quarter, prior to the mining suspension on 13 March.
From 1 January to 8 April 2025, approximately 4,500t of contained tin were sold, with around 280t still in transit.
Alphamin produced more than 17,000t of tin last year. The Bisie mine contributes around 6% of the annual global tin supply.
Tin prices saw a significant drop on the London Metal Exchange following the announcement of the mine’s reopening.
Tin prices fell by 8.3% to $29,910/t, their lowest point since early February, reported Reuters.
The security and future of the Bisie mine had been a topic of high-level discussions, as evidenced during the recent visit to Kinshasa by US President Donald Trump’s senior Africa adviser, according to the report.
In November 2024, United Arab Emirates-based International Resources Holding was in negotiations to purchase an indirect stake in Alphamin Resources.
