Tin production at the Vinto tin smelter in Bolivia fell from 966 tonnes in March to only 390 tonnes in April, according to Metal Bulletin. The slump in output follows the forcible nationalization of the plant in February.
A mining ministry spokesman attributed the fall to a four day strike at the Huanuni mine, which is the main supplier of ore to the plant.
Production this month has been disrupted by a strike last week at the smelter in support of demands for the payment of production bonuses from 2006 and for the re-instatement of three employers fired for opposing the nationalization in a local press article.
The strike has now been settled by a government undertaking to respond to the smelter workers’ demand within two weeks. The government also said it would discuss arrangements for the bonus payments with the plant’s previous owners, Glencore International.
"Once this information is established, Vinto will discount this sum from the compensation to be paid to the Swiss company," a statement by the state press agency said.
Meanwhile Platts reported that a second tender for Vinto tin since nationalization, for 800 tonnes, is taking place.
