Peru’s production of most non-ferrous metals is forecast to increase this year, according to the national mining association SNMPE.
Mine production of tin is expected to increase slightly to 39,000 tonnes, from 38,462 tonnes last year. Small increases in lead, zinc and silver production are also expected, while copper output is forecast to rise by 10%, despite the adverse effect of the recent nationwide strike.
Production by Peru’s only tin miner, Minsur SA, was 9,633 tonnes in January-March, 4.1% lower than in the same period of 2006. Operations at the company’s San Rafael mine were briefly disrupted by a walk-out by contractors workers at the start of this month, but quickly returned to normal following the settlement of the national dispute.
