Newly released official data shows that Bolivia’s tin production rose last year despite the slump in prices in the final quarter. Mine production of tin-in-concentrate rose by 8.4% from 15,972 tonnes in 2007 to 17,320 tonnes in 2008. Most of the increase came from small mines and co-operatives, who contributed 6,700 tonnes to the total. Production from Comibol’s Huanuni mine rose slightly to 7,875 tonnes while medium-scale private miners (principally Sinchi Wayra) produced 2,655 tonnes.
Refined metal output grew by 3.4% year-on-year to 12,666 tonnes. The state controlled Vinto smelter registered a marginal increase in production to 9,544 tonnes, while privately-owned OMSA produced 3,122 tonnes.
