Minsur Tin output from Brazilian operations rises in 2015

By Carolina Curiel (ScrapMonster Author)

March 09, 2016 06:11:09 AM

SAO PAULO (Scrap Monster): Minsur has reported sharp rise tin-in-concentrate production at its Brazilian mines during 2015. However, the yearly output is in line with the production guidance for 2015, it noted.

The company’s tin-in-concentrate output from the Brazilian Pitinga mine rose nearly 2% to 5,744 tonnes during the entire year 2015. This is when matched with the previous year. Also, refined tin production from Taboca’s Pirapora smelter surged higher significantly by 10% to 5,525 tonnes during the year.

The rise in Pitinga mine output is attributed to higher tin recovery rate of 53%. Meantime, treated ore volumes fell by 4% and average tin grade dropped marginally by 2% in 2015. The reduced volume is on account of the maintenance activities at the hydro electric plants during August last year. Consequently, Q4 mined tin output had witnessed a sharp drop of 14% when compared with the same quarter a year before.

The refined tin output by Brazilian operations in 2015 has fallen well in line with the company’s guidance. Minsur had given guidance of 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes for 2015. Also, the Pitinga mine production has touched the highest levels in 2015, ever since its acquisition in 2008. Meantime, the company has lifted the production guidance for 2016 of 6,000 to 7,000 tonnes.

Minsur’s combined production from its Brazilian and Peruvian operations totaled 25,729 tonnes of refined tin in 2015. It must be noted that Minsur had reported sharp drop in refined Tin production at its Peruvian mines during 2015. The company’s refined Tin output from Peruvian operations had dropped nearly 17% to 20,224 tonnes during the year.