Combined Tin output in Peru and Brazil dropped during Q3 '14: Minsur

SAO PAULO (Scrap Monster): Peru-based mining firm Minsur SA stated that the combined tin production at its Peru and Brazil operations have dropped by nearly 1% during third quarter this year. The combined output totaled 6,582 tonnes during Q3 ’14, on account of lower grades at San Rafael mine, Peru.

According to the company, tin output from San Rafael mine dropped nearly 7% to 5,446 tonnes during Q3 this year, when matched with the output during the corresponding quarter last year. The ore head grade fell from 2.78% to 2.39% during this quarter. The temporary shutdown at Pisco smelter for maintenance also contributed to the drop in output. Minsur had expanded the plant capacity from 2,500tpd to 2,900tpd this year. The cost of tin production jumped higher during Q3 this year, Minsur added.

The stronger output during Q1 this year resulted in the combined tin production during Q to Q3 this year going higher by 5% to 21,644 tonnes. The tin production during Q1 through Q3 last year had totaled 20,613 tonnes. Further, decline in output during Q3 and Q4 is likely to keep the total production levels for 2014 almost unchanged when compared with 2013 levels.

According to Minsur, pre-feasibility study on tailings re-treatment is expected to complete by mid-2015. The tailings operation is expected to increase the tin output by 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes per annum. A pilot test program to this effect is already underway, it noted.

The tin output from the Pitinga tin mine in Brazil increased by nearly 33% to 1,406 tonnes during Q3 this year. The feasibility study on expansion and development of the open pit mine is currently under process. The expansion works at the mine is expected to double its capacity.

The combined exploration expenditure at its Peru and Brazil operations surged higher by 3% during third quarter this year when matched with Q3 ’13.