Tin Market Shifts as Myanmar's Man Maw Mine Set to Reopen

The tin market is experiencing significant fluctuations as Myanmar's Wa State announces the potential reopening of the Man Maw tin mine, a crucial player in the global tin supply chain. This development comes after a year-long suspension of operations, which had severely impacted tin availability and prices.

Key Takeaways

• The Man Maw tin mine in Myanmar is set to reopen, potentially increasing global tin supply.
• The suspension of the mine since August 2023 has led to a significant drop in tin imports to China.
• Tin prices on the London Metal Exchange have reacted sharply to the news, reflecting market volatility.

Background on Man Maw Mine

The Man Maw mine, located in Myanmar's semi-autonomous Wa State, is recognized as the country's largest tin-producing asset. Myanmar ranks as the third-largest source of mined tin globally, following China and Indonesia. The mine's operations were halted in August 2023 for an audit, leading to a notable decrease in the flow of tin to Chinese smelters, which in turn constrained the production of refined tin.

Impact on Tin Supply

The announcement from the Wa authorities that they are ready to accept applications for mining and processing licenses marks a pivotal moment for the tin market. The mine's reopening is expected to alleviate some of the supply constraints that have plagued the industry over the past year. However, the recovery of tin shipments to China may take time, as the mine will require de-watering and the re-establishment of a workforce, primarily from China.

Market Reactions

The news of Man Maw's potential return has led to a sell-off in the London tin market. Prices surged to a four-month high of $33,790 per ton in late February, driven by bullish market sentiment. However, following the announcement, prices dropped to $31,050 per ton, reflecting the market's adjustment to the new supply outlook. As of this week, prices have shown some recovery, reaching $32,145 per ton.

Future Considerations

While the reopening of the Man Maw mine is a positive development for the tin market, several factors will influence the timeline and extent of its impact:

1. Licensing and Workforce: It will take time for licenses to be granted and for workers to return to the site.
2. De-watering Process: The mine will need to be de-watered before operations can resume, delaying shipments.
3. Ongoing Supply Risks: Other supply concerns, such as the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, may continue to affect the market.

Conclusion

The return of the Man Maw mine is a significant development for the tin market, but it does not eliminate the structural supply risks that have characterized the industry. As the market adjusts to this news, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the reopening process and its implications for global tin supply and pricing.

Sources

• Tin bulls in retreat as Myanmar flags return of key mine: Andy Home, Reuters.