Mineral exports seen rising 28% this year

Colombia's mineral exports are set to grow 28% this year to US$2.47bn from US$1.93bn in 2002, the country's sector trade group Asomineros reported. In 2001 the figure stood at US$2.11bn, the association said. Coal exports will double between 2003 and 2006 from 40.8Mt to 81.8Mt, according to Asomineros. Gold exports are forecast to rise in the same period from 640,000oz to just over 2Moz thanks to the revival of the El Zancudo mine and expansions at Mineros de Antioquia, as well as a possible financial boost for Frontino Gold Mines in Segovia municipality. Total mineral exports are forecast at US$4.0bn for 2006, making mining the country's top foreign currency earner, Asomineros said.