Tin in the News

Source:  ITRI 16 April 2010

Indonesian exports fall in March (13 Apr 2010)

According to Indonesian trade ministry data a total of 6,576 tonnes of tin was checked prior to export in March.  This was 6% lower than the quantity checked in February and 41% less than the 11,086 tonnes checked in March 2008.  The low quantity reflects the extended monsoon season this year which continued to restrict production throughout last month.

However, improving weather conditions and firm tin prices are now boosting supplies.  Small-scale mining activity has also been stimulated by higher prices and a temporary relaxation of police activity against illegal operations.

Tin production at Vinto (13 Apr 2010)

The GM of Bolivia’s Vinto smelter has forecast a total tin production of 13,000 tonnes for 2010 based on the current installed capacity at the plant.  The Ausmelt project which will push the capacity to 18,000 t/y, and subsequently 22,000 t/y is now 40% completed.

China Tin reports good Q1 performance (12 Apr 2010)

China Tin group’s Laibin smelter produced 3,154 tonnes of tin metal in Q1, 26% ahead of target.  However, maintenance shutdown of its largest furnace from March will result in lower output for one to two months.  The Number One reverberatory furnace had just set a production record of 51 month’s continuous operation, producing some 33,000 tonnes during that period.  A project to install an Ausmelt furnace has just commenced and is due to be completed in 2011-2012.