The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) generated $409 million from tin concentrate exports between January and September 2024, according to a report from the Technical Unit for Coordination and Mining Planning (CTCPM) under the Ministry of Mines.
Industrial Mining Leads the Way
In Q3 2024, industrial mining dominated tin exports, accounting for 65% of total shipments and bringing in approximately $178.4 million. This reflects strong international demand and the sector’s growing contribution to the economy.
Artisanal Mining’s Contribution
Meanwhile, artisanal tin exports played a crucial role, with major contributions from:
- Haut-Lomami (48%)
- Maniema (26%)
- South Kivu (17%)
- Tanganyika (6%)
- North Kivu (3%)
These small-scale mining operations collectively generated over $43 million in revenue, highlighting their significance in the supply chain.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
The DRC’s tin sector is benefitting from rising global prices, which have boosted export earnings. Alphamin, one of the country’s largest tin producers, forecasts output growth to 17,000-18,000 tonnes in 2024, up from the previous year.
This positive momentum is further supported by supply constraints from major tin-producing nations like Indonesia and Myanmar, creating strong market conditions for Congolese exports.
With sustained demand and favorable pricing trends, the DRC is well-positioned to expand its tin sector and strengthen its role in the global market in the coming years.
