In the first trade of tin market in history tin was used mainly by potters for ceramic purposes, subsequently passed in use for tinplating, collapsible tin tubes, weaponry and foil. As an allotropic metal tin is available in two forms – white and grey but only the white version offers metallic properties with specific anti-corrosion advantage.

The use of tin throughout history was relatively popular, notably when properties this nonferrous metal was discovered during wars. Commodities of tin marked out trade routes in several places around the world in the past serving in the military or ceramic art. Tin for industry is extracted from the mineral cassiterite and the best deposits currently are placed in a belt running from Chinese Yunnan through Laos, Burma, Thailand, and Malaysia to the coast of Sumatra and south of Singapore. The second location of tin ore lie in the Latin America in the countries like Bolivia, where primary tin mining areas are in the departments of Potosí and Oruro. The city of Potosí, historically known for its silver mines, is also significant for tin. Soft allotropic metal also appears in Brazil concentrated in the states of Rondônia, Amazonas, and Pará and Peru provides jobs for thousands of workers in these countries.

Due to increasing electronic industry and considering that all devices for robotics, AI and data need soldered components and semiconductors, investments in tin should be considered in the coming years. A self-propelled armed and technological race automatically drives the demand for this metal.

Current Uses of Tin:

• Organ pipes

• Window glass production

• Alloyed for bronze and pewter production

• Solder

• Superconductive wire

• Electrically conductive coatings for frost-free windshields and panel lighting

The increasing production of electric vehicles (EVs) and solar panels which will be a main direction for Chinese economy strategy is expected to boost the demand for tin, particularly for use in batteries or connectors and wires for solar panel systems. Additionally, compounds of tin are found in cement and fire retardants. Also noteworthy is the telecommunications sector with the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution and the gradual increase in the importance of the Internet of Things on the market.

Internet of Things (IoT) is a socio-technical complex comprised of human, technical, physical and organization components incorporated within a physical and socio-economic environment which streamlined the communication and flow of information.

Photo by Dan Cristian Pădureț: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-and-yellow-phone-modules-1476321/

The tin market is known for its price volatility due to geopolitical factors, changes in stringent mining regulations, and fluctuations in demand. New environmental regulations between BRICS+ countries may impact production levels, particularly in regions with significant environmental concerns. Issues such as soil erosion, water contamination, and deforestation impact ecological footprints. Moreover, leading mining companies must expect an increase in their expenses to adopt new, sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to promote corporate responsibility in a time of unstable and conflict-ridden present. What is important the BRICS+ nations shape supply chain sector – considerable influence for pricing.

Companies that adopt sustainable mining practices may be better positioned for long-term growth, aligning with increasing global emphasis on environmental responsibility. Noteworthy is the company that has made a spectacular renewal as a pure-play mining company - BHP Group Limited (NYSE: BHP). The company strongly rely on tin and can boasts a long 170-year history in the metal market. Furthermore, it also deals with mining silver, uranium, zinc, copper, iron ore, molybdenum and coal.

The rival Indonesian Timah (PT Timah Tbk (OTCMKTS: PTTMF) company has integrated smelting and refining facilities to produce high-purity tin ingots. PT Timah is one of the top global producers of tin, competing with major companies like Yunnan Tin and Malaysia Smelting Corporation. PT Timah is listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) under the ticker symbol TINS. Timah is focused also on construction, agricultural trading, real estate, transportation, and engineering services. The stock has improved over the past four months but pays small or no dividends to shareholders.

Operating in a difficult region located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Alphamin Resources Corp concentrates on high-grade tin complex and the company is investing in production technology improvement and exploration. In June 2024 provides information about 28% boost in tin production.

Another option to invest in tin are companies involved in renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and electric vehicles, which are major consumers of tin. Investing in these companies can provide indirect exposure to the tin market. Examples include:

• Tesla (electric vehicles)

• First Solar (solar panels)

• Enphase Energy (solar inverters)

• SunPower Corporation (solar panels)

With growing environmental concerns, companies that prioritize ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors are likely to perform better in the long run. For example, company Minsur is known for its commitment to sustainable mining practices. The company focuses on reducing its environmental footprint through efficient water management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and implementing land rehabilitation programs. Minsur invests in local communities by providing education, healthcare, and infrastructure development also emphasizes strong corporate governance practices, including transparency, ethical business practices, and robust risk management frameworks.

Investing in the tin market during the growth of renewable energy requires a multifaceted approach. By combining direct investments in mining companies, commodity trading, and investments in renewable energy technologies, you can leverage the increasing demand for tin driven by the renewable energy sector. Diversification, ongoing research, and monitoring market trends are key to making informed investment decisions.