Abu Dhabi-based International Resources Holding (IRH) has acquired a controlling 56% stake in Alphamin Resources, the company behind the Bisie tin mine in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The $367 million deal not only cements IRH’s influence over one of the world’s highest-grade tin operations but also grants it offtake rights—allowing the firm to trade a portion of the mine’s production on global markets.
This acquisition marks a strategic move by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen its position in the global critical minerals landscape. Tin, widely used in electronics, soldering, and energy technologies, is a vital component in the energy transition and digital infrastructure, making secure access to its supply increasingly valuable.
Located in North Kivu province, the Bisie tin mine is recognised as one of the most significant sources of tin globally. Alphamin has built a reputation for operating in challenging environments while maintaining consistent production levels and positive cash flows—making it an attractive asset in a high-demand sector.
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The IRH-Alphamin deal signals the UAE’s broader ambition to become a central player in the critical minerals supply chain, particularly across Africa. The investment also reflects growing Gulf interest in leveraging capital to secure long-term access to essential resources that underpin both green technologies and industrial development.
As global competition intensifies for minerals critical to future energy systems, strategic acquisitions like this one illustrate how geopolitics and resource security are increasingly intertwined.
