Peru's Gold, Copper, Silver, Zinc Production Falls In June

LIMA, Aug 03, 2011 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- Production of Peru's gold, copper, silver and zinc fell in June, continuing a trend of lower output this year, the government said.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy said Wednesday that output of gold totaled 13,776 kilograms, down 5.03% compared to the same month a year earlier.

Silver production in Peru, the world's largest producer of that precious metal, fell 22.34% in June to 252,331 kilograms, compared to the prior year's period.

This was due to lower output at various mines, including Compania Minera Antamina and Volcan Compania Minera SAA (VOLCABC1.VL).

Copper production decreased 6.43% to 101,562 metric tons in June on declines at Southern Copper Corp. (SCCO), Antamina and Xstrata PLC's (XTA.LN) Tintaya mine.

Zinc production was 104,498 tons in June, down 22.57% from the year-earlier period.

Among some other minerals, the government said molybdenum output declined 7.44% in June to 1,682 tons.

Lead output was 16.98% lower at 18,885 tons in June.

Iron output rose 35.65% to 798,761 tons, while tin output fell 16.83% in June to 2,587 tons.