Authorities in Myanmar’s autonomous Wa region have issued a new notice outlining a cost-sharing mechanism for dewatering deep mine shafts at Man Maw, marking another step toward the gradual restart of tin mining operations. 

On 27 February, the Wa State Industrial and Mineral Resources Management Bureau (IMRB) released a document formalising the process for sharing pumping costs across 11 mine portals. The measure took effect from 1 March and follows discussions held between authorities and mine operators at the end of January. 

Under the new arrangement, concentrate produced from the first batch of transported ore will be subject to a 5% fee to cover joint dewatering expenses. 

Operators had been instructed to transport previously mined ore to processing facilities before 28 February, with site inspections at mine portals and concentrators scheduled from 1 March to verify implementation. 

The Man Maw mining area is a complex of many interconnected underground mines, operated by several different companies. The highest-grade areas of the mining complex are the deepest adits, which have been flooded since operations were halted in June 2023. 

Dewatering of deeper mining areas is expected to take more than a month, according to industry participants. When combined with the existing 30% tax-in-kind, total cost burdens for mine owners are estimated at around 35%. 

Wa accounts for the majority of Myanmar’s tin concentrate exports to China. Shipments began to recover in late 2025, with exports averaging around 1,300 tonnes of contained tin per month in November–December, compared with roughly 630 tonnes per month during May–October. While January–February customs data have yet to be released, market participants expect export volumes to have remained at similar levels. 

Our view: The introduction of a formal dewatering cost-sharing mechanism indicates that authorities are prioritising a structured restart of deeper, higher-grade mining areas. As pumping progresses and more mine portals resume operations, export volumes are expected to increase from March. 

If domestic tin prices remain above RMB 350,000 per tonne in 2026 and restart momentum continues, Myanmar’s tin concentrate exports to China could approach 20,000 tonnes of contained tin this year.  

ITA continues to monitor developments in Wa closely. 

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A restart to mining in Wa region appears on the horizon as mining companies pay for mining permits under the new licensing regime.

The much-anticipated restart to mining operations in the autonomous region in northern Myanmar had been delayed after the authorities increased licensing fees. Companies had originally been reluctant to pay the increased fees, which may act as a hindrance to smaller producers re-entering the market.

The ITA understands that companies which have now paid the licensing fee have been issued mining permits and are allowed to restart extraction operations. However, progress will likely be slowed by necessary maintenance given the long mining suspension.

Our view: While the news does not guarantee a prompt resumption to mining in Wa following the almost two-year ban, it is strong progress in that direction. The timelines remain highly uncertain, however market participants expect to see an increase in China’s ore imports from Myanmar within the second half of 2025. Not only will a restart to mining in Wa alleviate the concentrate squeeze felt in China, but it will also reduce the pressure on the international concentrate market to the benefit of other Asian smelters.

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Authorities in the autonomous Wa region of Myanmar held a meeting with former Man Maw mine operators on Wednesday morning to clarify the process for companies to resume mining at the world’s largest tin mine.

On 23 April, the Wa State Industrial and Mineral Management Bureau met with other officials and investors in the companies formerly mining at Man Maw and officially released the document previously seen by the International Tin Association detailing the new licensing regime.

The meeting was originally scheduled for 01 April but had been delayed due to the earthquake in Myanmar at the end of March.

Wa accounts for the vast majority of Myanmar’s tin concentrate exports, with the country ranking as the third largest tin miner globally before the mining suspension in August 2023.

Authorities set fees for mining and processing significantly higher than previously set in a December 2023 announcement. Analysts believe that the new fee structure will have limited impact on near-surface operations, but will place major cost pressures on deeper mining operations and smaller processing plants. The smaller producers may find it difficult to restart operations, while larger enterprises with strong capital availability will have an advantage.

Applications for new mining and processing permits will be collated by Wa authorities and will be subject to final approval by the Central Economic Planning Committee (EPC). The EPC will grant permits upon payment of the licensing fees.

Our view: After a 20-month mining ban, the market remains unsteady on poor clarity of the timing of the recommencement of operations at Wa, and it is expected to take at least two months for full-scale mining to resume. The new regulations may drive resource development at Man Maw towards larger scale, more intensive operations.

With Alphamin announcing the gradual resumption of operations at its Bisie mine in eastern DR Congo, the return of supply from Wa is expected to help soften market pressure in the coming months.

ITA continues to closely monitor developments in Wa.

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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.

Our view: 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.

ITA continues to monitor the situation closely and awaits the official announcement that mining can recommence.

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Authorities in Wa State earlier this month announced a change in mining tax policy effective from 7th February 2024, with all producers now required to pay a universal 30% tax-in-kind on tin concentrate exports.

The autonomous northeastern state of Myanmar suspended all mining from 1st August 2023, and while extraction of other commodities could resume from 3rd January 2024, mining at Man Maw mine area remains banned. The Man Maw mine area accounts for almost all tin production in Wa State.

Previously, exports of concentrates grading below 20% Sn were subject to a cash tax, however, the Wa State Central Economic Planning Committee (EPC) has revised this so that all tin concentrate exports are subject to the 30% tax-in-kind regardless of grade.

In a document seen by ITA, the EPC wrote on 7th February that the changes were made with immediate effect due to factors relating to financial reserves and the future development of the mining industry in Wa State. At the end of 2023, the EPC confirmed that it had assumed ownership of all mineral rights and announced a restructured exploration permitting and mining licensing process, which were reportedly introduced to increase transparency and improve sustainable industry practices.

The effect of the mining suspension has been muted in recent months as producers stockpiled ores and concentrates ahead of the ban, and the processing of ore stockpiles was allowed from September which allowed continued concentrate exports to China. Concentrate exports to China from Myanmar in 2023 stood at 40,600 tonnes Sn, marking a 15% decrease from the previous year.

The authorities have issued no further updates regarding the tin mining suspension at Man Maw.

Our view: While local traders had predicted a resumption of mining after Spring Festival, ITA is not aware of any changes to the ongoing mining suspension. The policy change may indicate the government wishes to restore its strategic stockpile which has been drawn down by the suspension.

Continued disruption to concentrate supply in China, coupled with a refined tin supply squeeze relating to Indonesia licensing delays, paints a challenging picture for the industry in H1 2024.

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Leaders of Wa State have authorised a partial resumption of mining in the area from 3rd January 2024, although most tin mines will remain closed for now. A mining ban came into force on 1st August 2023. 

According to a document seen by ITA, on 28th December 2023 the Wa State Central Planning Committee (EPC) announced that most mining can resume in Wa State, with the notable exception of the Man Maw mine area, which accounts for almost all tin production in the autonomous region of Myanmar. 

This announcement comes almost one month after on 1st December 2023, investors in the Man Maw tin mine area submitted an application to leaders in Wa State, stating financial difficulties and hoping to restart mining soon. 

On 4th December, the Wa State Mineral Industry Administration held a meeting with investors in mines and processing plants in the Man Maw mine area. Discussions led to a successful vote to send a mine management proposal to the Wa State Central Committee for further review, which has not yet provided an update on the full proposal. 

Processing of surface ore stockpiles has been allowed since September 2023, subject to a 30% tax-in-kind to the EPC, although these are now reported to be mostly exhausted.

The new announcement reaffirms that ownership of all mineral rights now belongs to the EPC. Investors must first apply for a Mineral Exploration Permit from the Bureau of Industry and Mining, before applying for a Mineral Mining Licence to enable the resumption of mining operations. New mining licences will be valid for a maximum of ten years, while Exploration Permits are valid for three years with the option to extend the permit for a further two years. 

Our view: Optimistic forecasts estimate that tin mining in Man Maw may eventually resume after the Spring Festival in February. However, whilst progress on lifting the suspension is promising, significant obstacles remain. There are intensifying civil conflicts in neighbouring Shan State, ongoing crackdowns on telecommunications scams, and the time required to remobilise mining workforces and restart mining operations. 

SHFE stocks of refined tin have declined from a 2023 peak of 9,700 t on 12th May to 6,300 t on 29th December, although refined tin imports have increased. Even if the tin mining suspension is lifted as soon as local traders suggest, 2024 Q1 may bring some China supply tightness.

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The gross weight of China’s tin ore imports from other countries in January totalled 500 tonnes, including 394 tonnes from Laos and 84 tonnes from Brazil. The trade data also revealed that refined tin and tin alloy imports in January totalled 288 tonnes, while exports totalled 568 tonnes and tin product exports totalled 409 tonnes.

Our View: The 2018 Spring Festival in mid-February was more than half a month later than last year, so sales of concentrate stocks to pay worker salaries and fulfil debt obligations ahead of the holiday remained an important factor behind higher shipments in January. According to reports by the local suppliers, the stock of tin concentrates in Myanmar is still substantial. Therefore, although shipments to China in February were likely affected by the Spring Festival, we expect they will recover strongly in March. Shipments could decline from April as the impact of lower tin mining activity in Myanmar impacts trade. Without the discovery of new deposits this year, we strongly believe that supply from Myanmar will decline more significantly in the second half of the year. Our preliminary forecast for Myanmar’s shipments to China in 2018 is 54,000 tonnes; subject to a wide margin of error.

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In 2014, after 6 years as a net importer of refined tin, China became a net exporter of the metal due to the rapid growth of tin-concentrate imports from Myanmar which allowed China’s refined tin production to rise 10% to 175,000 tonnes in 2014 compared to the previous year.

YTC recently visited the Man Maw mining area in Myanmar’s Wa County, which has been the location of rapid growth in the countries mined tin production over the last couple of years. At the ITRI China International Tin Forum in Shanghai, YTC’s General Manager, Zhang Fu, outlined the company’s belief that Myanmar’s 2014 tin production was a peak, and that resource and grade depletion at Man Maw will result in a progressive decline in production in the following years.

Import data presented by ITRI China shows that the gross weight of tin-concentrates imported from Myanmar hit highs of some 28,000 tonnes in November 2014, with typical grades of 10% Sn for 60%-70% of the imported concentrates and 20%-35% Sn for the remainder. From December 2014 to March 2015, imports from the country into China have fallen every month. However, the imports hit record highs again in April of 33,095 tonnes, with the recovery of the tin price in China encouraging sales. The increase was partly from stocks built up over the past few months rather than increased production. It is expected that import tonnages will fall again in the next few months as the rainy season impacts production.

ITRI View: ITRI is forecasting total annual tin production in Myanmar of 35,000 tonnes in 2015, which represents a 16% increase on the 30,000 tonnes of tin that ITRI estimates was mined in the country in 2014. Both these figures include roughly 2,000 tonnes of tin from operations in Myanmar unrelated to the Man Maw mining area. However, we concur with YTC’s view that current levels of tin production from Man Maw are unsustainable and will decrease over the next few years.

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