Helen Prins, International Tin Association (ITA) CEO, visited Beijing, China, from 22nd March to 28th March for a series of strategic engagement with key local tin stakeholders. The visit reaffirmed ITA’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration across the value chain. As China accounts for over 50% of global tin production and represents nearly half of tin consumption, it plays a pivotal role to the tin industry.
During the visit, Helen met with Yunnan Tin Co Party Committee Secretary Mr. Zhang and his team to reflect on the agenda for the upcoming ITA board meeting in Seville, Spain, in mid-May.
On 23rd March, Helen attended and addressed at the International Seminar on Green Mining and Minerals Cooperation, hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC). She signed a memorandum of understanding with CCCMC on behalf of ITA the next day.
Helen also took part in an industrial tour to Lenovo’s headquarters in Beijing, where she gained an overview of the company’s consumer profile, technological innovations, as well as its continued investment in AI and research & development.
Helen and her team in China met with Mr. Chen Xuesen, Vice President of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA), and his team. Discussions focused on low-carbon development in the tin sector and the strategic importance of recycled tin. Both parties agreed to strengthen communication on the green transition of the tin industry and research on secondary tin production.
ITA also visited China Nonferrous Mining Corporation (CNMC), parent company of Brazil’s leading tin producer and ITA Member, Mineracao Taboca. Helen held talks with Mr. Fan Wei, Vice President of CNMC, and his team. Discussions centred around development of Mineracao Taboca, as well as market, sustainability and technology topics.
CNMC acquired Taboca in 2025, marking its first step into the international tin industry.
Helen also met with trader Hongkin Metals (Beijing) Co., Ltd. to get the latest updates on the Chinese market.
In addition, she held valuable discussions with ITA’s China team, which plays an important role in bridging China and the global tin community on market intelligence, sustainability, and technology.
Through these engagements, ITA deepens its understanding of developments across China’s industrial and institutional landscape, while strengthening relationships with local stakeholders critical to the global tin value chain.
ITA thanks all the above-mentioned tin stakeholders for their warm welcome and valuable exchanges. ITA remains committed to working with partners across the supply chain to support a responsible, resilient, and sustainable future for the tin industry.
Yunnan Tin and Mineracao Taboca are Members of the International Tin Association.
