Tin: a key metal for the future energy transition

CKNews, Tin, an often overlooked metal, is vital to sustainable development. In recent years, as tin prices have recovered, there has been a renewed

 appreciation of its value. Long-term structural changes have elevated tin's importance, and global shortages and strong demand have highlighted

 the need to develop new mines. An ancient metal, tin is widely used in modern life, where its softness and low melting point facilitate processing.

 Half of all tin is used in solder, a key material for connecting electrical components. Tin is closely associated with electronics, PCBs, semiconductors

 and renewable energy systems. It is used in small but extremely critical quantities in our everyday equipment.

Tin, a key new metallic material, plays an indispensable role in several fields. Its chemical stabiliser containing up to 20% tin significantly prevents heat

 damage in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride and plastics, making it the second most important area of application. Tinplate, a staple in food and 

beverage packaging, represents the third most important use of tin. Although used in lesser quantities in the manufacture of batteries, copper alloys 

and glass, the presence of tin is still vital. Whether it is in enhancing the corrosion resistance, performance and charging capacity of lead-acid or 

lithium-ion batteries, in the production of high-strength, corrosion-resistant and easy-to-machine bronze alloys, or in the manufacture of flat glass

 for architectural and automotive applications, tin plays a central role. Tin is therefore seen as one of the key materials for the energy transition.

With the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry, tin is increasingly used in solar energy equipment. Currently, 8 per cent of global tin 

consumption is used to manufacture key components such as solar cell connecting strips. The demand for tin is expected to rise significantly 

with the growth of new installed capacity by 2024. The rapid development of the photovoltaic industry signals a huge market potential for tin,

and its status as an important material for new energy cannot be ignored.