SINGAPORE, May 31 -- Japan's zinc production in April rose 4% from a month earlier to 43,690 metric tons, according to preliminary data released Monday by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Production was up 2% from April 2009.

Shipments from Japanese zinc smelters were up 1% on month and 20% on year at 47,305 tons in April.

Zinc inventories fell 15% on month and were down 56% on year at 17,917 tons in April.

At 0200 GMT London Metal Exchange three-month zinc was at $1,929/ton, down $6 since Friday's kerb.