Peru's May Copper Output Increases; Gold, Silver, Zinc Down

Jul 24, 2012 (Dow Jones) LIMA, Peru--Production of Peru's copper increased in May, while output of gold, silver and zinc declined, the government said.

The Mines and Energy Ministry said in a statement late Monday that Peru produced 106,593 tons of copper in May, up 8.04% from the year-ago month on higher output from Compania Minera Antamina.

Peru is the world's second biggest producer of copper.

Gold production in Peru decreased 0.69% in May to 14,269 kilograms, the government said.

Silver output declined 1.35% to 291,458 kilograms in May. Peru is the world's second biggest silver producer.

Zinc production was 104,550 tons in May, down 13.8% from the year-ago month.

Among other minerals, molybdenum output rose 19% to 1,548 tons in May, the government said. Lead output increased 2.17% to 20,410 tons.

Iron ore output was up 6.03% to 560,251 tons in May, while tin output declined 0.5% to 2,170 tons.