The World Bank expects a renewed upswing in global tin prices over the next three years, a trend poised to benefit the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its leading producer, Alphamin Resources. In its latest commodities outlook, the institution projects tin prices to climb by roughly 10% in 2025, followed by moderate gains of 3% in 2026 and 2% in 2027. The forecast is driven by persistent supply constraints and strong demand from electronics, solar photovoltaics, and other energy-transition industries.
Alphamin, operator of the Bisie mine in North Kivu, stands at the center of this positive outlook. The company completed a major expansion in mid-2024, elevating its annual production capacity from approximately 12,500 tonnes in 2023 to around 20,000 tonnes. Bisie alone accounted for 6% of global tin concentrate output in 2024, underscoring its strategic importance for both the DRC and the global market.
However, the company’s operations have not been without setbacks. In March 2025, Alphamin was forced to temporarily halt production as rebel activity advanced toward the mine site. Although operations resumed in mid-April, the disruption has trimmed its 2025 production target to a maximum of 18,500 tonnes.
The World Bank notes that while some additional supply may come from countries such as Indonesia and Myanmar, new tin projects remain scarce, and geopolitical and operational risks continue to weigh on the sector. As a result, the tin market is expected to remain tight, sustaining upward pressure on prices.
For the DRC, the anticipated price rally offers an opportunity to increase export revenues—provided that security conditions stabilize and governance challenges, including artisanal mining management and smuggling, are effectively addressed.
