On 9 April 2025, Alphamin Resources (Alphamin) announced that it would restart mining and processing operations at its Bisie tin mine complex in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), almost four weeks after suspending operations due to security concerns.   

Alphamin made the announcement following the recent withdrawal of insurgents from the town of Walikale. The M23 rebels have retreated eastward towards Nyabiondo and Masisi, located more than 130km from the mine site. As part of its plans to restart tin production, Alphamin intends to redeploy its employees in phases while continuing to assess the security situation. This announcement comes almost four weeks after the decision by Alphamin’s board of directors to suspend mining operations as a precautionary measure, prioritising the safety of its workforce.

In a company announcement dated 13 March, Alphamin reported that the M23 rebels had occupied Nyabiondo, the capital of the Osso-Banyungu sector, on 9 March. The insurgents subsequently took control of Kashebere, located 13km west of Nyabiondo, on 12 March. Consequently, Alphamin evacuated all non-essential mining personnel from the site, retaining only essential staff to ensure the care, maintenance, and security of the property.

Following the suspension of mining operations, there were no logistical repercussions, and exports proceeded without interruption. From the beginning of the year to 8 April, Alphamin sold and exported approximately 4,500t Sn in the form of tin concentrate, with 280t Sn still in transit. Regarding Q1 production, 4,270t Sn was produced until 13 March, when Alphamin announced that operations were placed on care and maintenance.

The resumption of mining activities is particularly timely as the tin market continues to experience supply constraints. According to Project Blue, at least 16% of mine supply was offline worldwide while the mine was on care and maintenance, factoring in the disruptions to supply from Myanmar. Furthermore, it should be noted that peace talks between representatives from the DRC and the M23 rebels planned to take place on Wednesday, 9 April, in Doha have been indefinitely postponed, and the situation remains volatile.