Kinshasa, September 3, 2024 – The international market for tin, a major export mineral of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is experiencing a significant evolution. Indeed, the price of a ton of tin recently recorded an increase of 1.61%, trading at USD 32,469 last week, compared to USD 31,956 previously.
This price increase does not only concern tin, but also other mining products such as copper, zinc, gold and silver, which are also experiencing an upward trend on international markets. On the other hand, cobalt and tantalum are showing a decrease in their respective values.
This fluctuation in prices on world markets testifies to the dynamics of the Congolese mining sector, which remains a key player on the international scene. In 2022, the DRC exported nearly 32,854 tonnes of tin, confirming its position among the main producers on the African continent. However, this growth in tin exports is mainly driven by large industrial mining companies, which dominate the production and export of this mineral.
Among these major players, the mining company Alphamin stands out as the leader in the industrial production sector, with a preponderant share in tin exports. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that despite the predominance of large mining companies, the artisanal and small-scale sector continues to play a crucial role in the tin value chain in the DRC.
Recent statistics highlight a contrasting evolution in the contribution of the different Congolese provinces to tin exports. While the province of Maniema has taken the lead with a significant share of exports, other provinces such as Katanga have seen their contribution decrease significantly. This development highlights the diversity of the Congolese mining landscape and the need to promote responsible and sustainable exploitation of natural resources.
In conclusion, the evolution of tin and other mineral prices on international markets reflects the complexity and dynamics of the mining sector in the DRC. It is crucial to put in place policies and initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable exploitation of mineral resources, while promoting the economic and social development of the country as a whole.