TIN
The Bisie Tin Mine is one of the world’s highest- grade and largest tin mines, contributing roughly 7% of global production.
CEO, Eoin O’Driscoll.
Key drivers of tin demand Electronics & AI: Solder, which accounts for roughly 50% of global demand, is experiencing a surge due to AI data centres, 5G infrastructure, and a robust recovery in the semiconductor industry. Energy Transition: Tin is heavily used in solar PV technology (solar ribbons) and electric vehicles (EVs), which use 2-3 times more tin than internal combustion engines.
Alphamin on aggressive exploration drive to extend LOM By Nelendhre Moodley With tin being one of the best-performing non-ferrous metals in 2026, dual-listed Alphamin Resources is basking in the rosy glow of its key commodity produced by its Bisie Tin Mine, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Speaking to Modern Mining in an exclusive interview, shortly after posting a sterling set of results for the quarter ended 31 March 2026, CEO, Eoin O’Driscoll, said that the Q1 average achieved went up by 50% y-o-y. Tin went from $30 000/ton at the beginning of 2025 and peaked at just under $58 000/ton.
T he fundamentals for tin are currently characterised by a structural long-term supply deficit, driven by surging demand from electronics and green energy sectors, contrasted with constrained, highly concentrated mining production. At a projected 3.5% increase in global demand for 2026, tin is expected to outpace the 3% production growth, leading to a supply deficit, all of which bodes well for the African tin producer. The International Tin Association (ITA) anticipates demand to outstrip supply, potentially leading to a larger deficit by 2030, with a need for increased investment in new mining projects. O’Driscoll explains that, on a global scale, the tin market is relatively small with annual mine production pegged at 300 000 tons and an additional 100 000 tons from recycling, bringing total global consumption to around 400 000 tons per year. Tin’s primary application is in solder, which accounts for roughly 50% of its use. Because solder is essential in circuit boards, tin effectively ends up in almost all electronic devices—everything
from light bulbs and computers to washing machines and consumer electronics. “In recent years, some of the most interesting demand growth has come from larger-scale technological trends. Solar energy systems are highly tin-intensive, and the rapid expansion of AI and data centres is also driving increased demand. Historically, tin demand has grown at a compound annual rate of about 1–2%, but this now appears to be accelerating toward 3–3.5%, largely due to AI-related infrastructure.” “What makes the tin market particularly compelling is the supply side, which appears increasingly constrained. Apart from China, over the past ten to 15 years, major production has come from Indonesia and Myanmar; however, both regions are struggling to maintain output levels. Significant declines have already been observed, and a return to previous production levels seems unlikely in the near term. In Myanmar, much of the tin has been sourced from alluvial deposits, with limited investment in
20 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | JULY 2026
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