TIN: Myanmar authorities to lift mining ban

Authorities in the autonomous Wa region of Myanmar are preparing to announce the immediate lifting of the mining ban imposed in August 2023.
In a draft document seen by the International Tin Association, the Wa Economic Planning Committee (EPC) will announce that mining and processing can resume “as soon as possible” following discussions last weekend.
Companies wishing to mine and prospect at Man Maw will first have to apply for new licences under the new licensing scheme announced in February. It is unclear how long this process will take.
The draft document also highlights the authorities’ commitment to improving safety at Man Maw, enhancing operational efficiencies and revenue through new technologies to utilise low-grade ore, and reforming the legal framework for mining in Wa.
The EPC reaffirms that all ore, concentrate, and waste stockpiles above ground belong to the government.
As a result of the mining ban, Myanmar’s tin mine output fell by nearly 50% year-on-year in 2024 to 21,300 tonnes, supported by release of ore and concentrate stockpiles. The country’s share of Chinese ore imports also fell from 56% to 33%.
ITA understands that mining supplies such as explosives are already being transported to Man Maw.
After a nineteen-month mining ban, the market has been eagerly awaiting a restart to operations in Wa, however, we are unlikely to see exports of tin concentrates return to usual levels for at least two months after operations are permitted to restart. Companies will first have to apply for new licences, underground workings at Man Maw may need to be dewatered, and Chinese workers will need to reapply for visas to return to Wa.
Tightness in the concentrate market was expected to significantly worsen following the announcement of a temporary suspension to operations at Alphamin’s Bisie mine in eastern DR Congo, but this development will likely see an easing of supply-side pressure in the coming months.