Tin output from Bolivian state producer Empresa Metalúrgica Vinto (EMV) declined to 10,965 tonnes in 2011, compared to 11,516 tonnes in 2010, though sales revenue increased, Business News Americas reported, quoting local sources. Despite the lower output, the company increased export revenues from the metal from US$ 233 million in 2010 to US$ 293 million in 2011 as a result of higher prices.
The company expects output to reach 11,300 tonnes in 2012 according to the reports. EMV is due to commission a large new Ausmelt furnace this year, but will not be able to secure a significant increase in concentrate feed until the nearby Huanuni mine expansion is completed in around two years’ time.
