Tin production from Myanmar likely to witness slowdown, says YTC

Author: Paul Ploumis02 Jun 2015 Last updated at 06:21:12 GMT

SANTIAGO (Scrap Monster): The tin output from Myanmar is likely to decline over the forthcoming years, predicts Yunnan Tin Group Company- the largest tin producer ans exporter in China. According to YTC estimates, Myanmar had produced 24,000 tonnes of mined tin during 2014. The output is likely to see sharp decline in the next few years, it said.

During 2014, Chinese imports of tin concentrates from Myanmar grew significantly. This enabled China to become a net exporter of tin during the year. It is after a gap of six years that the country has turned out to become net exporter of the metal. The Chinese refined tin output rose sharply by nearly 10% during the year to total 175,000 tonnes.

According to YTC, Man Maw mining region in Wa County is likely to witness resource and grade depletion over the coming years. The production by Myanmar may fail to touch the peak production recorded during last year. The mining region is expected to report declining production levels henceforth. YTC’s forecast is based on the recent visit by company delegates to Man Maw mining area.

The imports have witnessed considerable decline during recent months when compared with Q4 2014. The tin concentrate imports by China had totaled 28,000 tonnes during the month of November last year. Grades of 10% Sn constituted 60%-70% of the total imports whereas 20%-35% Sn grades accounted for the balance. Since Nov ’14, the Chinese imports from Myanmar have witnessed progressive decline, on account of declining tin prices and escalating smelter charges.

According to YTC, tin concentrate imports are likely to remain weak as production is likely to be hit by monsoon season.