As spring transitions into summer, marked by the exchange of ideas and the blending of wisdom, the two-day 2025 Tin Forum, hosted by Asian Metal and co-sponsored by Hunan Xianghualing Tin Co., Ltd., concluded successfully. Under the theme “Unlocking Resource Potentials with Technology and Envisioning Industrial Blueprints with Green Development,” the forum attracted nearly 150 delegates from various regions, including China, Africa, Europe, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Australia. Participants gathered in Kunming to explore the global tin industry’s development trends, cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable practices.

Throughout the forum, experts and business representatives shared their valuable experiences and insights, contributing to the industry's growth and advancement. Special thanks are extended to Hunan Xianghualing Tin Co., Ltd. for their generous support, which played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth preparation and successful execution of the event.

Together, let us continue to drive the progress of the tin industry, guided by the principles of technological innovation and green development, and achieve new successes in our respective fields.

At 8:50 AM on April 25, Mr. Jiawei Jiang, Content Director of Asian Metal and the host of the forum, officially declared the conference open, extending a warm welcome and expressing sincere gratitude to all attendees.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Jiawei Jiang invited Mr. Jinguang Jiang, Chairman of Hunan Xianghualing Tin Industry Co., Ltd., the sponsor of the conference, to deliver the opening address. Mr. Jinguang Jiang warmly welcomed all participants and extended his congratulations on the successful convening of the conference.

He emphasized that the tin industry is currently facing both new opportunities and challenges. The new energy revolution has significantly increased demand for tin-based new materials, while the rise of intelligent technologies has driven advancements in precision solder. At the same time, he noted that the uneven and limited distribution of resources—both internationally and domestically—along with major shifts in supply and demand, severe environmental challenges, and the complexities of international trade, are all exerting profound pressures on the sustainable development of the tin industry.

In light of these challenges, Mr. Jiang stressed the critical importance of deepening industry exchanges and cooperation. He highlighted the need for the industry to collectively explore strategies for addressing these challenges and seizing emerging opportunities. He believes that this forum serves as a platform for the integration of industry, academia, research, and practical application, bringing together global expertise and injecting fresh vitality into the development of the tin industry.

Subsequently, Mr. Jiawei Yang, Secretary of the Board of Directors of Yunnan Tin Industry Co., Ltd., a distinguished guest and representative of the world’s leading tin industry enterprise, delivered the opening address. He warmly welcomed all attendees and congratulated them on the opening of the conference.

Reflecting on the industry's development, Mr. Yang highlighted that, despite the complex international environment and the challenging tasks of maintaining stability and fostering growth, China's tin industry has effectively withstood pressures such as global inflation, geopolitical conflicts, and supply-demand volatility. As a result, the industry has shown signs of overall stabilization and recovery. He attributed this progress to the collective efforts of industry peers, which have created a valuable window of opportunity.

Looking ahead to 2025, Mr. Yang expressed his hope that the tin industry will achieve significant advancements in areas such as resource security, technological innovation, industrial structure optimization, green and low-carbon development, and the integration of digital and intelligent technologies. He emphasized that, through these efforts, China's tin industry can set a global benchmark and present a new, dynamic image to the world.

Following the opening remarks, Ms. Yue Xie, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Green Technology International Ltd., presented a report entitled “Introduction of Tin Mines in Australia.” The report provided a succinct overview of Australia’s tin mining history and its current status in the industry.

Ms. Xie focused particularly on the Renison Mine and its tailings reprocessing project, detailing the mine's location, reserves, output, grade, and potential. She also discussed the safety assessment associated with the mine's operations. In addition to the Renison Mine, Ms. Xie highlighted the progress of other significant mining projects across Australia. The report concluded with an analysis of Australia's current investment policies, along with key considerations and precautions for those seeking to invest in the Australian mining sector.

Next, Ms. Vu Thi Thuy Tien, Vice President of Vietnam VQB Mining Trading Group Co., Ltd., delivered a report entitled “Vietnam's Investment Policy and the Raw Materials Situation in Southeast Asia.” The presentation opened with a series of questions about Vietnam, fostering engaging interaction with the audience.

Ms. Vu emphasized that Vietnam is among the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, drawing substantial international investment owing to its strategic geographical position and investor-friendly environment. Despite the country’s long-standing history in tin mining, she noted that resource depletion is becoming a pressing issue, particularly in provinces such as Thai Nguyen and Yen Bai. Currently, tin production in Vietnam is in decline, with some enterprises producing as little as 150 to 300 tonnes of tin ingot at a minimum purity of 99.75%.

Nonetheless, Ms. Vu expressed strong confidence in Vietnam’s economic outlook and resource development potential. She underscored her belief that, despite current challenges, Vietnam remains one of the most promising investment destinations in the Southeast Asian region.

Following the tea break, Mr. Sunday Bulus Ndaka, Chief Executive Officer of Global Land System Consults Ltd., delivered a presentation entitled “Development Prospect of Tin Ore in Plateau State.” Mr. Ndaka began by introducing the background and business scope of his company. Registered in Nigeria and headquartered in Jos, Plateau State—widely known as the “Tin City” due to its rich tin mining heritage—the company specializes in the trade of solid minerals. With over a decade of experience in the local market, its operations encompass the procurement of ores from miners, ore processing, and domestic sales. Although the company holds a valid license for solid mineral exports, it has yet to fully explore international markets.

Mr. Ndaka then provided an overview of tin mineral resources in Plateau State, highlighting key mining areas such as Barkin Ladi, Kwall, and Fobur. He detailed the region's investment environment and cooperation models, emphasizing the competitive advantages offered by these mining zones.

In conclusion, Mr. Ndaka expressed his aspiration to establish partnerships with Chinese enterprises and welcomed collaboration opportunities made possible through this forum.

Subsequently, Mr. Zewei Fu, Vice President of Yunnan Tin New Materials Co., Ltd., delivered a report entitled “Application of Tin-Based Composite Flame Retardants in Polymer Materials.” The presentation provided a comprehensive analysis of the flame retardant industry, covering key topics such as industry landscape, mechanisms of flame retardancy, product specifications, and representative application cases.

Mr. Fu elaborated on the properties and technical specifications of tin-based and composite flame retardants, and introduced their application scenarios across various sectors. He highlighted that China has emerged as one of the world’s leading producers and consumers of flame retardant materials. While organic flame retardants currently dominate the domestic market in terms of both production and consumption, inorganic flame retardants—though representing a smaller share—are exhibiting strong development momentum and hold considerable market potential.

Notably, Mr. Fu emphasized the promising outlook for tin-based flame retardant products. With their superior performance in synergistic flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and the reduction of smoke toxicity, these materials are well-positioned to achieve wider adoption in a range of flame retardant applications.

The final report was presented by Mr. U Zaw Weit, Chairman of Yatanarpon Pan Myanmar Co., Ltd. and Vice Chairman of the Myanmar-China Friendship Association. His presentation, entitled “Overview of Tin Mineral Resources in Myanmar,” offered a comprehensive overview of the country’s tin resource landscape.

As the sole authorized tin mine operator in Myanmar's Tanintharyi Province, Mr. U Zaw Weit provided an in-depth introduction to tin deposits throughout the country, emphasizing that Tanintharyi Province holds the highest-quality and most abundant tin reserves in Myanmar. He proceeded to outline the geological formation conditions of the Yatanarpon Mine and elaborated on the ongoing exploration and mining preparation efforts.

Utilizing professional charts and detailed data, Mr. U Zaw Weit presented the fundamental geological and operational information of the mining area. He underscored that, with full legal permits for both mining and export, the company has established a solid foundation for the lawful export of Myanmar’s mineral resources to China. This, he noted, contributes to the sustainable supply of tin and supports further integration into China's mining and industrial ecosystem.

In closing, Mr. U Zaw Weit extended a warm invitation to all colleagues and industry partners to visit Myanmar for on-site inspections and deeper engagement.

At 2:30 PM, the conference resumed with a presentation by Mr. Jinxiang Zhang, Chairman of Suzhou Zhongxi Jinchang New Materials Co., Ltd. His report, entitled “The Market of Tin Anodes for Electroplating and the Application Prospects of High-Purity Tin Balls,” provided a detailed overview of this specialized sector.

Mr. Zhang noted that the demand for electroplating tin anodes in the surface treatment of electronic components in China is approximately 30,000 tonnes. Compared with other sectors characterized by larger tin consumption and greater visibility, the electroplating tin anode market remains relatively niche and fragmented, with limited attention from industry experts and specialized enterprises. Although production capacity for electroplating tin anodes has increased since 2013, the use of tin ingots as the raw material has remained largely unchanged.

Mr. Zhang highlighted the development and market success of Zhongxi Jinchang’s independently produced high-purity tin balls. These products have been well received by customers for their slag-free electroplating performance and high anode efficiency. They are now widely applied in various electronic component sectors, including semiconductor chip packaging, circuit boards, terminal connectors, and pure tin electroplating applications. The presentation also included a comprehensive introduction to the company’s product portfolio and competitive advantages.

The final presentation was delivered by Mr. Chun’ou Li, General Manager of Alicoco Mineral Technology Co., who presented a report entitled “Development Status and Prospects of Spiral Chute Separation Technology.” Since 2003, Alicoco has been dedicated to the research and development of spiral chute technology, pioneering a segmented, injection-molded splicing assembly process, for which the company has been granted a national invention patent. This innovative technology has been well-received in the market for its effectiveness and reliability.

In his presentation, Mr. Li showcased a case study on the processing of associated tin minerals using spiral chute technology. He further highlighted the outcomes of re-selection tests conducted on floated tin concentrates utilizing the FG7-type spiral mineral processing machine. These results underscored the company's technical expertise and competitive advantage in the field of mineral processing equipment.

Following the conclusion of the reporting session, a tea break preceded the commencement of the luncheon discussion segment. This session was moderated by Mr. Wei Sang, Head of the Tin Department at China Minmetals Co., and featured a distinguished panel of discussion guests, including Mr. Xiongjun Chen, Deputy General Manager of Yunnan Tin Industry Co., Ltd.; Mr. Zuoming Qin, General Manager of the Marketing Center at China Tin Group Co.; Mrs. Yue Xie, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Green Technology International Ltd.; Mrs. Lin Cui, General Manager of Hong Kin Metals (Beijing) Co.; and Mr. Jinlong Li, General Manager of Gejiu Hongning Mining Co.

The discussion focused on a range of critical and timely topics, including forecasts for tin price trends, evolving market demand and emerging sectors, the interaction between price volatility and broader macroeconomic conditions, supply chain resilience challenges, risks associated with resource-country policies, capacity expansion and technological advancement, the transition toward green production, industrial restructuring, responses to global trade policies, market competition dynamics, and strategies for product differentiation. The panelists engaged in a dynamic and insightful exchange of perspectives, offering valuable observations and forward-looking analysis on these pressing industry matters.

At ?6:30 PM?, under glittering lights and a celebratory ambiance, the ?Asian Metal 2025 Tin Forum Gala Dinner? officially commenced. ?Mr. Alex Guo?, the Tin Market Analyst of Asian Metal, delivered a sincere expression of gratitude to all attendees on behalf of the organizing committee. The venue was filled with esteemed guests who engaged in warm exchanges, shared laughter, and raised toasts in a convivial and dignified atmosphere. The evening reached a highlight with ?traditional Yunnan-inspired cultural performances?, which imbued the event with a rich sense of regional heritage.

The Forum has once again demonstrated its value as a ?distinguished platform? for international industry collaboration. Within the elegant setting of the gala, participants fostered stronger professional ties and enhanced mutual understanding. Numerous enterprises reached ?preliminary agreements for future cooperation?, laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts in ?technological research and development, market expansion, and resource integration?. These initiatives are expected to infuse renewed momentum into the global tin industry.

As the evening drew to a close, it marked the ?successful conclusion? of the Forum’s official proceedings. However, this conclusion represents not an end, but the commencement of a new chapter. The knowledge exchanged, relationships cultivated, and cooperative frameworks established during the Forum will serve as ?foundations? for the continued advancement of the international tin sector.

We are confident that each participant departed with ?valuable insights and lasting impressions?, and we look forward to welcoming all attendees once again at the ?2026 Tin Forum?, as we collectively continue to shape the future of the industry.