China’s metal and concentrate imports rise
China remained a net importer of refined tin in January, and imports of both metal and tin concentrates were well above corresponding year-earlier levels. According to official customs figures reported by Reuters today, exports of unwrought tin in January were only...
Yunnan Tin plans higher production
China’s Yunnan Tin Company plans to increase output of refined tin, tin products and refined lead by 12% in 2008. In an announcement of its financial results for 2007 it said that combined production of the two refined metals and tin semis would rise from 99,950...
Ausmelt plant for Vinto
Bolivia’s Empresa Metalurgica Vinto has signed contracts with Ausmelt Ltd of Australia for the construction of a new tin smelter at EMV’s Oruro plant. Contracts worth A$3.6 million have already been signed and a further one for A$4.5 million for equipment...
Metals X focuses on Tasmania
Metals X today provided an update on its plans to re-start its Renison operation in Tasmania, but also announced the planned closure of the Collingwood mine in Queensland. The company expects to begin re-commissioning of the Renison concentrator in mid-June. For three...
Bangka police step up action
Police activity aimed at halting shipments of tin ore from illegal operations on Indonesia’s Bangka island has been stepped up this week. According to Metal Bulletin, action against ore collectors who act as middlemen between small mines and smelters started on...
Nippon Steel aims to boost tinplate demand, recycling
Japan’s largest tinplate producer, Nippon Steel, is working to win back market share from aluminium in the beverage can market, according to Japan Metal Bulletin. Nippon Steel supplies some 400,000 tpy of tin mill products (tinplate and tin-free steel) in a...
MSC profits increase
Malaysia Smelting Corporation has reported a big jump in profits in 2007, helped by a very strong fourth quarter performance. Group pre-tax profit increased by 87 % to M$ 121.0 million (US$37.6 million at current exchange rates) in 2007, despite disruptions in the...
Yunnan Tin retains top spot
China’s Yunnan Tin Company (YTC) was the world’s largest tin producer for a second year in 2007 and also reported much improved financial results. YTC produced 61,129 tonnes of refined tin, up by 17% and just ahead of a provisionally reported 58,000 tonnes...
Indonesia: more companies to ship less tin
Although two further tin export licences have been issued by Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade recently, officials expect the volume of exports to fall this year. A trade ministry official told Reuters yesterday that it had issued a 17th licence. Hartojo Agus...