Float Bath Tin (refined tin metal)

World's largest refined tin producer (SHEX: 000960); headquartered in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. Produced 80,100 metric tons of refined tin in 2023 (+4% YoY), representing ~25% of global refined tin supply. Controls ~38% of Chinese domestic tin market. Operates advanced refining facilities in Kunming plus 5 major distribution centers. The Myanmar Wa State mining ban (August 2023) forced Yunnan Tin to diversify ore procurement from Indonesia, Peru, and Bolivia; Chinese workers previously operating in Wa State require visa reapplication. YTC's dominance in refined tin production means both float glass bath tin and electronics solder depend significantly on a single Yunnan Province operation.

Peruvian mining company; operates San Rafael tin mine in Puno Region (Eastern Andes, 4,500-5,200m elevation) — one of the world's largest underground tin mines. Produced ~8,390 tonnes tin-in-concentrate in Q2 2025; ranks as world's 3rd largest tin producer by ore volume at ~12% global share. Ore grade: ~2.13% average. Notable: first and (as of 2024) only tin producer to offer a fully traceable supply chain (since 2019, scaled 2023) — a growing requirement for conflict-mineral-conscious glass and electronics buyers. Minsur is owned by the Breca Group (Peru's largest private business group).

Indonesian state-controlled tin mining and smelting company (IDX: TINS); operates on Bangka-Belitung Islands — historically one of the world's largest tin mining regions. World's 5th largest refined tin producer at ~8% global share. Indonesia imposed tin ore export restrictions in 2014-2016 and periodically since, creating supply disruptions. PT Timah is the dominant Indonesian producer; Indonesia's Bangka Island tin deposits are facing grade decline after centuries of mining.

Canadian-listed (TSXV: AFM, JSE: APH) mining company operating the Bisie tin mine in Mpama North, North Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. World's highest-grade tin deposit: 4.5% tin at Mpama North (vs. global average ~2%). Resources: 4.67 Mt ore @ 3.58% Sn = 167,300 tonnes tin. Produced 17,300 tonnes tin ore in 2024 (~6% global supply). CRITICAL DISRUPTION: Bisie mine suspended March 2025 as M23 rebels advanced to within 13km of the mine; phased resumption signaled April 2025 following insurgent withdrawal. Mine is in an active conflict zone — North Kivu is the epicenter of eastern DRC's multi-decade armed conflict.

Bolivian state-owned tin smelter in Oruro, Bolivia; nationalized in 2007 from Glencore. Produces ~11,000-13,000 tonnes refined tin annually (~2,890 tonnes Q1 2020, ~73% of Bolivia's refined output). Processes ore from Huanuni and Colquiri state tin mines. Bolivia has significant tin deposits but Vinto's refining capacity limits output. EM Vinto provides a South American alternative to Chinese refined tin for float glass bath supply.

Europe's primary secondary tin smelter; acquired by Aurubis AG from private equity in 2020 (previously known as Metallo Group / Metallo-Chimique). Processes ~350,000 MT/year of complex low-grade metallic and oxidic scrap; produces ~10,000 MT refined tin/year as a co-product alongside copper, lead, nickel oxide, and zinc oxide. Feedstock is nearly 100% secondary (scrap) — functions as the world's largest recycled tin producer. Located in Beerse, Antwerp province, Belgium.