A mineral taken from cassiterite that has about 78.6%, Tin is a shiny white metal. Its
chemical symbol is “Sn,” and it has the atomic number 50. This metal is known for not
rusting easily and has a low melting point of 231. 9 °C, which makes it easy to handle.
In ancient times, tin was highly valued during the Bronze Age. Its combination with copper, to form bronze, improved the durability of tools and weapons. It is primarily sourced from the mineral cassiterite (SnO2), which can be found in both alluvial stores and difficult rock formations. The production process includes crushing the metal, followed by gravity partition to concentrate this mineral, and then refining it to get immaculate metal.
Nowadays, “Sn” is primarily used in solder, which is crucial for electrical connections and
electronics. Additionally, it is protective for metals to prevent oxidization and rust,
particularly in food packaging, such as “Sn” cans. It is also used in glassmaking and as a
colouring.
Several African countries are known for their tin deposits. These include Nigeria,
Rwanda Namibia, and Tanzania where the Democratic Republic of Congo stands out as
one of the largest producers of tin on the continent. Additionally, China, Indonesia, and
Peru are leading Tin production in the world.
