The United States is working behind the scenes to broker a deal aimed at reopening Alphamin’s Bisie tin mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which was recently shuttered due to rebel advances, according to four sources familiar with the negotiations.
The issue featured prominently during a recent visit to Kinshasa by President Donald Trump’s top Africa adviser, Massad Boulos, though U.S. engagement reportedly began weeks earlier. The push comes amid broader U.S.-Congo discussions over a potential critical minerals partnership, after Kinshasa proposed a minerals-for-security arrangement to Washington.
Bisie, which produced 17,300 tons of tin in 2024 — about 6% of the global supply — was forced to suspend operations last month after Rwandan-backed M23 rebels captured the nearby town of Walikale and threatened the mine’s safety.
While M23 announced a withdrawal from Walikale last week as a gesture of goodwill ahead of peace talks being brokered by Qatar, sources told Reuters the move followed direct U.S. diplomatic pressure. Washington reportedly urged M23 to retreat at least 150 kilometers from the mine, while also calling on the Congolese army to hold back from launching an assault.
Both the UN and Western governments have accused Rwanda of supporting the Tutsi-led rebel group with arms and troops — allegations Kigali denies. Rwanda maintains its forces have only acted in self-defense against Congolese military operations and Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide.
Boulos, who visited Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali on Tuesday, was expected to raise the mine issue during their meeting. Speaking to reporters, he said Washington was optimistic Alphamin would “make some announcements soon” regarding the resumption of operations.
“We definitely encourage them to resume their operations, and we appreciate the dialogue that is ongoing,” Boulos added.
Alphamin has yet to comment publicly on the matter.
