Alphamin temporarily halts tin mining in Congo's east as rebels advance

JOHANNESBURG, March 13 (Reuters) - Alphamin Resources AFM.V said Thursday its temporarily halting its tin mine in Democratic Republic of Congo's volatile eastern region as rebels advance toward the operations.

The miner said activities at Bisie tin mine in Congo's North Kivu had been halted "after insurgent militant groups have recently advanced westward in the direction of the mine's location in the DRC occupying the towns of Nyabiondo," the company said in a statement.

"All operational mining personnel are being evacuated from the mine site with only essential personnel to remain for the care, maintenance and security of the property," Alphamin said in the statement.