Alphamin Resources

Pedal to the Metal

Alphamin Resources’ exploration strategy brings hope for tin production.

The drive for electrification and the resulting rise in demand for metals, such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, showcase how green technologies have impacted positively on battery materials and related markets. However, one metal that often skirts the spotlight is Tin. Tin may be considered less significant compared to the aforementioned metals, however, it has a huge future, which is reflected in tin’s recent price points. In April 2022, Tin was priced at 42991.11 USD per metric ton, up 51.76% from April of the previous year. “Around half of all tin used globally goes into soldering circuit-boards, the hidden drivers of the electronic world, meaning it is everywhere but nowhere to be seen. The metal may not grab the headlines in the same way as cobalt or lithium, but electric vehicles aren’t leaving the garage without it.” - Reuters (19 May 2021)

In 2019, the International Tin Association issued a report on tin’s use in lithium-ion batteries. The report predicted that demand for tin would surge up to 60 000 tons a year by 2030. The global demand for tin is fast outstripping supply. Fortunately, companies primed for tin production, such as Alphamin Resources, are ideally positioned to capitalize on the current market conditions.

Alphamin Resources is a low-cost tin concentrate producer, from its high-grade deposit at Mpama North in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Mpama North accounts for approximately 4% of the world’s mined tin supply and is the world’s highest-grade tin resource at a grade of approximately 4.5%, around four times higher than the average operating tin mine. In addition to its mining license for Mpama North, Alphamin Resources has five exploration licenses covering a total of 1270km2 in the North Kivu Province of the DRC.

Alphamin Resources

Exploration reaps reward

Besides the rise of autonomous and electric vehicles, tin demand is also rising due to technological developments in other areas, such as advanced robotics, renewable energy, and the Internet of Things. In short, tin is vital to power next-generation technology as it acts as the “glue” for many of these technologies’ components.

Ahead of the curve, Alphamin has made strides in order to facilitate supply for this integral resource. The organization places heavy emphasis on exploration activity with expansionary and infill drilling of approximately USD 20 million planned for 2022. The tin concentrate producer aims to maximize annual tin production and life of mine by establishing more mines within their area of licensing as well as incremental production from Mpama South.

Mpama South, located just 1km from the mining company’s high-grade deposit at Mpama North, appears to show just as much promise in terms of tin production as its northern counterpart. The mining company has drilled 16 diamond core holes in the southern region with encouraging results. At this time, approximately 85% of the drill holes completed during exploration revealed visual tin mineralization.

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Boltec M10 and E10

The benchmark in underground rock reinforcement

Increased productivity and bolt installation quality + Improved operator ergonomics + Flexibility and compatibility with different bolt types

For more information: www.epiroc.com/boltecm10e10

Epiroc launches the next generation multirole face drill rig: the Boomer M20

With protected hydraulics, sensors and cables, Epiroc’s new Boomer M20 is designed and built to minimize unplanned stops and maximize uptime and performance in highly demanding operations. This is the next generation in underground mining.

A challenging part of underground work is the everyday wear and tear on hydraulic hoses. Falling rocks and debris and the continuous wear against tunnel floor and walls means constant hose repairs. The Boomer M20´s heavy duty hose-less boom design minimizes unplanned stops for hose repairs, which keeps the rig up and running even in the toughest conditions.

“The Boomer M20 has been developed in close collaboration with key customers and is the result of extensive research and real-world testing. This is the perfect choice for mining houses and contractors that want to out-drill the competition through innovation”, says Niklas Berggren, Global Product Manager Face Drilling Equipment at Epiroc.

Automated features for higher performance, reliability and quality

High precision and performance are ensured thanks to on-board automation features, tele-remote capabilities and digital drill plans which give higher reliability and quality of the full drill cycle. By utilizing High Performance Development, the Boomer M20 allows the operator to adjust and download drill plans directly at the face which eliminates the need for adjustments on the surface.

“With digital drill plan handling, drill rounds will be longer, more precise and give far less overbreak. We have seen total cost savings of up to 25% and up to 40% productivity increase”, says Berggren.

Safer work environment

The Boomer M20 is designed with safety in mind; thanks to several features the rig secures a safe working environment for operators.

“Safety has been with us since day one. It’s our top priority and we have made great efforts in improving safety for operators with this rig,” Berggren says.

Through teleremote capabilities, operators can drill from a safe distance away from hazardous areas at the tunnel face and keep production going also over shift changes.

Thanks to the multi-functional joysticks operators can keep their eyes on the task at all times. The unique cabin is designed to give optimum visibility and thanks to noise and vibration dampening materials the noise level is kept as low as just 65 decibels. The safe bolting platforms are another great advantage because this avoids any operation under an unsupported rock.

Battery driveline option

Epiroc continues the charge towards electrification in underground mining and the new Boomer M20 comes with a battery-electric driveline option. A battery-powered Boomer M20 brings additional savings on health, maintenance, ventilation and cooling.

“With the on-board charger, the operator does not need to plan for charging, as it automatically takes place while connected to the grid for drilling. Thanks to the high-capacity battery, Boomer M20 has a fantastic driving range, and there is nothing to disturb the drift cycle”, says Berggren.

Mining from a new perspective

To really highlight the fantastic innovation, a spectacular campaign video has been produced, with a scenic backdrop that will take your breath away. The Boomer M20 is balancing on its innovative, robust booms, on a mountain top. Breathtaking without a doubt. Epiroc´s President and CEO, Helena Hedblom, is fronting the new innovation in the campaign video.

“We are in this for the thrill of solving the real problem. For the adventure and energy found in new perspectives. The Boomer M20 is another great example of how we make a difference through innovation”, says Helena Hedblom.

Visit the Boomer M20 campaign website to learn more: www.epiroc.com/boomerm20

Alphamin Resources

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Responsible tin practices

Alphamin has not only made progress with exploration. The company has also contributed to the transformation of tin production practices in the region. The mine is situated in a remote forested area in the Walikale Territory of the North Kivu province where, between 2002 and 2012, 2000 artisanal miners exploited shallow Bisie deposits. The output from this illegal mining helped to fund widespread conflict across the region. Fortunately, the USA’s Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 resulted in illicit mining operations becoming economically unviable. This led to Alphamin being established as the first formal operating mining company in the province.

Later, when the Dodd-Frank regulations were repealed in 2017, Alphamin continued to uphold compliance and supports a full traceability system for its tin concentrate production. The mining company adheres to stipulations and guidelines set out by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the European Union. In doing so, the mine minimizes environmental impact and actively improves the lifestyles and well-being of its surrounding communities.

In terms of sustainability, the Mpama North mine requires little power and consumables for its operations. Alphamin is a primary source of economic activity for the region and a substantial portion of royalties go to the local communities, in accordance with the DRC’s Mining Code. The mine’s establishment also paved the way for the development of much-needed infrastructure.

The mine recruited 600 locals to develop a road through the jungle, which created jobs and provided locals with another means of travel. The large-scale mine also contributes to other forms of infrastructure such as banking and telecommunications, which has led to multiple successful small businesses, better security and governance, as well as increased educational opportunities.

Forecast: supply deficit and tin price

According to Alphamin (2022), dwindling mine reserves suggest that global supply may struggle to meet future demand. Forecasters predict that tin supply will enter a deficit during 2022 and remain there unless new production is introduced to the market. Additionally, the market landscape continues to be affected by the ongoing trade war.

“The current price of tin has been affected by the ongoing trade war between the USA and China, and between Japan and Korea. China and Korea are the world’s primary semiconductor manufacturers, hence significant users of tin. The current economic uncertainty has seen users of tin reducing their inventories rather than procuring tin, with the associated knock-on effect on the price of tin. However, the long-term fundamentals remain strong, and the rich grade of Mpama North provides us with a robust buffer from market fluctuations. “Alphamin is already making good profits. With an established footprint, significant production from the Mpama North mine, additional capacity in the current processing plant, and the potential to add production from nearby tin deposits, Alphamin is likely to follow a path of increased output at lower incremental unit costs for many years to come,” - Alphamin Resources (2022).

www.alphaminresources.com

PROJECT DIRECTED BY Gary Smith

WRITTEN BY Frew Murdoch

Manuel Valencia, Deputy Head of Communications