Sources of tin. Tin is relatively rare, making up only about 2 parts per million of the Earth's crust, according to the U.S. Geologic Survey. Tin is extracted from various ores, chiefly from Cassiterite (SnO 2). The metal is produced from reducing the oxide ore with coal in a furnace.Very little tin has been found in the United States, much of it in Alaska and California. According to Los Alamos National Laboratory, the metal is mainly produced in Malaya, Bolivia, Indonesia, Zaire, Thailand and Nigeria.ery little tin has been found in the United States, much of it in Alaska and California. According to Los Alamos National Laboratory, the metal is mainly produced in Malaya, Bolivia, Indonesia, Zaire, Thailand and Nigeria.