Alphamin Resources has agreed to supply a new United States smelter with tin concentrate from the Bisie mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, diversifying sales as Washington backs domestic minerals processing. The initial two-year deal covers up to 3,600 tonnes of contained tin a year, destined for Nathan Trotter and Co.’s $65 million Tin Ridge smelter in Henry County, Virginia, which targets first production next year.
The allocation would account for up to 18 percent of Bisie’s targeted annual output. Alphamin shares rose 6.6 percent to C$1.30 at noon on Monday, giving the company a market value of about C$1.7 billion. The Pentagon awarded Nathan Trotter $19 million in 2024 to develop domestic tin processing, and the Virginia plant is designed to process both concentrate and scrap and create an estimated 118 jobs at full capacity.
Most of Bisie’s concentrate would still go to China. Chief executive Eoin O’Driscoll told Fastmarkets last month that about 70 percent of output went to Yunnan, where competitive processing charges attracted the business. Alphamin did not disclose pricing, treatment charges or a first shipment date, and cautioned that smelter construction and commissioning delays could affect the arrangement.
Supply risk remains Congolese. Alphamin halted mining and processing at Bisie on March 13, 2025 on security concerns and resumed in phases from April 15. Bisie produced 5,030 tonnes of tin in the quarter ended September 30, consistent with annual guidance of 20,000 tonnes, and the company has mobilised extra trucks and fuel reserves ahead of the rainy season, usually its hardest logistics period. Abu Dhabi based International Resources Holding, which took a 56 percent controlling stake in July 2025, supports the United States arrangement.