Peru's June Copper, Silver And Zinc Production Up From Last Year

August 02, LIMA -(Dow Jones)- Peru's copper, silver and zinc production rose in June compared to a year ago, while gold production fell.

Copper production rose 2.16% in June this year compared to last, to 108,533 metric tons, said Monday's statement from Peru's Ministry of Mines and Energy.

The statement said the increase was due to higher production at base metals mining companies Compania Minera Milpo SAA (MILPOC1.VL) and Minera Antamina. At Xstrata's (XTA.LN) Tintaya open pit copper mine production fell, however, by 28.05%.

Silver production in June rose by 2.80% to 323,829 kilograms, while zinc production was up 11.59% to 134,836 tons. Production of molybdenum was also up by 129.63% to 1,817 tons, and tungsten production rose 23.15% to 61 tons. Iron production was up 47.92% to 588,835 tons.

Gold production was down in June by 1.77% to 14,381 kilograms compared to June 2009. The statement said the drop was mainly due to lower production at three mines including Minera Yanacocha, majority owned by Newmont Mining Corp. (NEM: 55.62 ,-0.27 ,-0.48%).

Also lower was production of lead, down 10.44% to 22,572 tons, and tin which was lower by 2.87% to 3,111 tons.