Brazilian mine production of tin fell by 16% to 9,265 tonnes in 2006, according to new figures published by its tin producer’s association SNIEE. However after a sharp fall in the first half of last year, output recovered strongly in the fourth quarter, as Paranapanema’s large Rocha Sa mine project reached first-phase capacity. Fourth quarter national production rose by 14.8% year-on-year to 2,806 tonnes.
Paranapanema’s production of tin-in-concentrates and refined tin last year fell by 2.9% to 5,538 tonnes and 9.9% to 5,047 tonnes respectively. By the last quarter successful completion and commissioning of new milling facilities at the mine had pushed up monthly production to around or above 600 tpm. The company plans to expand its production to an annual rate of over 10,000 tpy later this year, supported by Glencore.
The SNIEE data shows Brazil’s refined tin production falling by 2.3% to 8,784 tonnes in 2006, with the decline in Paranapanema’s production partly offset by increases by other producers including Cesbra, Ersa (part of steel producer CSN) and White Solder. Member company domestic market sales were almost unchanged at 3,832 tonnes while exports fell by 17% to 4,612 tonnes.
