Controls on illegal mining at Huanuni tightened
The Bolivian government has sent a further 250 troops to prevent “mineral theft” around Comibol’s Huanuni mine, boosting the contingent to 400. Currently some 500 ex-cooperative workers are believed to be operating on the fringes of the operation on...
Timah to cool growth in output, sales
Following 50 – 60% increases in refined tin production and sales in the first half of this year, Indonesia’s state-controlled producer PT Timah will cut output in the second half. Refined tin production in January-June 2007 rose by 54% year-on-year to...
Chinese tin prices soar
A shortage of tin concentrates and strong demand is resulting in a surge in Chinese tin prices to levels well above LME prices. Latest spot prices in the Shanghai area quoted by the Antaike research company were RMB 149,000 – 152,000/tonne (US$19,700 –...
Mixed fortunes for Brazilian tin producers
Brazilian tin production has increased sharply in the first half of this year, but tin companies there are still facing challenging issues. After falling below 10,000 tonnes for the first time since the early 1980s in 2006, Brazil’s mine production of...
Van Dieman to start first mine around year end
Van Dieman Mines plc, the London AIM market listed company with a number of tin projects in Tasmania, has announced updates on its plans in the last week. The company’s 700 tpy capacity Scotia operation will commence production “around the turn of the...
Vinto tender awards due shortly
Results of a tender for the sale of 800 tonnes of tin from the Vinto metallurgical complex (CMV) in Bolivia are due to be announced on 23 August, a mining ministry spokesman told Business News Americas. Four companies are reported to have submitted bids. The sale...
Minsur smelter shut down following earthquake
Minsur’s Funsur tin smelter near Pisco has been temporarily shut down following the major earthquake which shook southern Peru last Wednesday evening. According to a union representative speaking to Dow Jones International News, “There was practically no...
Timah to halt new tin sales – update
Indonesia’s PT Timah is to temporarily halt new spot sales of tin as a result of the recent fall in prices. "We are putting a brake on the sales of tin for new contracts and spot sales," a spokesman told Reuters on Friday. The company will halt new...
MSC announces Indonesian strategic alliance
Malaysia Smelting Corporation Bhd (MSC) yesterday announced an agreement with Metal Resources Capital Ltd (MERC) which could substantially increase its access to tin reserves on Bangka island, Indonesia. MERC is owned by an Indonesian based group principally involved...