Latest official figures show Bolivia’s mine production and refined output of tin falling in the first half of this year. Mine production of tin-in-concentrate in January-June fell by 4.3% year-on-year to 9,482 tonnes, while refined metal production was 6,714 tonnes, down 5.7% compared to the same period last year.

Compared to last year, the biggest fall in mine production has been at Comibol’s Huanuni operation, where there was a drop of over 10%. Meanwhile growth in production in the Medium Mines sector – mainly consisting of the Colquiri zinc-tin mine – came to an abrupt half in Q2 following its occupation by militant miners and subsequent nationalisation. Production by co-operatives and small mines also fell, although this may reflect an increase in unreported production and exports. Production at both of Bolivia’s two smelters, Vinto and OMSA , has fallen in the year to date.