Chile's Feb Copper Exports Grow To $3.37B Vs $3.08B

SANTIAGO, Mar 07, 2012 (Dow Jones) -- The value of Chile's copper exports in February rose to $3.37 billion, from $3.08 billion in the same month last year, the central bank said Wednesday.

Chile is the world's largest copper mining country, producing a third of the global supply. The Andean nation's mining industry, according to state copper commission Cochilco, represents 19% of the country's gross domestic product.

The nation's overall mining exports, including molybdenum, iron, silver, iodine and lithium, grew to $3.67 billion in February from $3.42 billion the same month last year.

In 2011, the value of Chile's copper exports rose 6% on the year to $42.63 billion, while the value of its mining exports grew 9% on the year to $48.15 billion.