The escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has forced the closure of one of the world’s largest tin mines, its operator announced Friday.
Alphamin Resources, the US-owned company operating the Bisie tin mine in North Kivu Province, cited advancing insurgent militant groups as the reason for the shutdown.
The company stated that the safety of its employees could no longer be assured, leading to a temporary suspension of operations and the evacuation of non-essential personnel.
Bisie, the world’s third-largest tin mine, produced 17,300 tonnes in 2024, accounting for six percent of global output, according to the International Tin Association.
The DRC, a key player in global tin production, contributed around 8.3 percent of the world’s supply last year.
The closure comes as the M23 rebel group continues its rapid advance in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, displacing government forces from key areas in North and South Kivu provinces.
The fighting has fueled fears of a broader regional conflict, with the DRC government accusing Rwanda of backing the rebels—an allegation Kigali denies.
The turmoil has sent tin prices soaring, with the metal’s value surging nearly 10 percent to over $36,000 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange, marking its highest level since August 2022.
In response to the crisis, Angola has scheduled negotiations for March 18 in an attempt to mediate peace.
However, while M23 has expressed willingness to engage in direct talks, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has remained firm in his refusal to negotiate, branding the group a terrorist organization.
As the conflict rages on, the future of tin mining in the region remains uncertain, with global supply chains bracing for further disruptions.
