Honduras' iron, mining exports slip

Honduras' iron and mining exports declined in January.

STEEL

The country exported US$11.1mn of iron and iron products in the month, down from US$13.5mn in the same month last year, according to a central bank report.

The figure was impacted by lower volumes of 17,465t, down from 19,731t, and weaker average prices of US$0.64/kg compared with US$0.69/kg.

Iron and iron product exports were US$152mn in 2015.

MINING

Mining exports fell 29.5% in January to US$8.4mn, down from US$11.9mn, with gold at US$6.8mn compared with US$9.1mn.

Gold exports were impacted by lower volume, at 6,200oz from 7,300oz, and by weaker prices of US$1,094/oz, down from US$1,241/oz.

Silver exports were flat at US$100,000, with no lead or zinc shipments, and iron oxide exports were US$20,000, compared with zero in January 2015.

Mining exports totaled US$171mn in 2015. Honduras' total exports in January were US$309mn, down from US$327mn a year before.

Aura Minerals is the country's main gold producer with the San Andrés mine, while Five Star Mining operates the Monte Redondo iron ore mine.