Peru's March Copper, Gold, Silver, Zinc Output Rises

LIMA, May 08, 2012 (Dow Jones) -- Production of Peru's copper, gold, silver and zinc increased in March, the government said Tuesday.

The Mines and Energy Ministry said in a statement that Peru produced 108,864 tons of copper in March, up 0.9% from the year-ago month. Peru is the world's second biggest producer of copper.

Gold production in Peru increased 5.09% in March to 13,758 kilograms, the government said.

Silver production in Peru, the world's second-largest producer of the precious metal, was up 11.7% at 298,487 kilograms.

Zinc production was 108,975 tons in March, up 2.91% from the year-ago month.

Among other minerals, molybdenum output rose 25.1% to 1,955 tons in March, the government said. Lead output increased 31.9% to 21,763 tons.

Iron ore output fell 30.5% to 572,432 tons in February, while tin output was down 6.58% to 2,294 tons.