Provisional official figures show that Bolivian mine production of tin-in-concentrate fell by 9.6% to 15,966 tonnes in 2007, while refined tin output by the country’s two smelters also dropped to 12,251 tonnes. The difference between the mine and refined tin production figures is accounted for by concentrate exports (partly legal, partly smuggled) and some build up in concentrate stocks.
Both mine and refined tin production is expected to recover in 2008, with the improvement linked to increased investment by Comibol in its Huanuni mine. Huanuni is targeting production of 9,600 tonnes this year, up from 7,669 tonnes in 2007. Improvements in the volume and quality of concentrate supplied from Huanuni should give a boost to the Vinto smelter, which will be embarking on a major modernization programme over the next two years.
