Alphamin Resources has temporarily shut down operations at its Bisie tin mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province due to escalating conflict in the region.
The company announced that insurgent militant groups had advanced westward towards the mine, making it unsafe to continue operations.
“All operational mining personnel are being evacuated from mine sites, with only essential staff remaining for the care, security, and maintenance of the property,” the company said in a statement issued on Friday, March 14, 2025.
The closure of the world’s third-largest tin mine has caused a sharp drop in Alphamin’s share value. The company’s stock fell by up to 36% in early trading on Friday in Toronto and has already declined by 52% this year, according to LSEG data.
The conflict in eastern DR Congo has worsened as the M23 rebel group continues to gain ground. The group, which has been active for years, recently took control of two major cities.
The fighting is part of a long-running struggle over DR Congo’s vast mineral resources, dating back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The closure of the Bisie mine is expected to impact the global tin market, as the region is a key source of the metal used in electronics, batteries, and industrial manufacturing.
The disruption raises concerns about the stability of tin supply chains and the broader economic effects of ongoing violence in DR Congo.
With no immediate resolution in sight, Alphamin has not provided a timeline for resuming operations. The company said it would continue to monitor the security situation and prioritise the safety of its workers.
