The intensifying conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has forced Alphamin Resources to suspend operations at the Bisie tin mine, the world’s third-largest producer of the metal. The company announced on Friday that it had taken the “difficult decision” to halt mining due to the advance of insurgent militant groups in North Kivu Province.
“The safety of the Company’s employees and contractors remains its top priority and cannot be assured at the present time,” the US-owned firm stated, confirming the evacuation of operational personnel, with only essential staff remaining for site security and maintenance.
Bisie accounted for 17,300 tonnes of tin production in 2024, approximately six percent of global supply, according to the International Tin Association. The temporary shutdown has already impacted global markets, with tin prices surging nearly 10 percent to over $36,000 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange—the highest level since August 2022.
The M23 armed group has been waging an aggressive campaign in the resource-rich eastern DRC, seizing territory and displacing Congolese troops. The government in Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of backing M23 to gain access to valuable mineral resources, a claim Kigali denies. However, a UN report found that Rwanda has deployed around 4,000 troops in eastern DRC to assist the rebels.
Over fears of a broader regional conflict, Angola has announced it will host peace talks beginning on March 18 in an attempt to de-escalate the crisis.
