Mining-metals index up 7.3% in April

Mexico's mining-metals production index rose 7.3% in April, compared to the same month of 2002, according to the country's official statistics bureau, Inegi. The world's largest silver producer, Mexico turned out 257,749kg of the metal in April, 5.9% less than same-month 2002, said the state agency. Output of gold fell by 5.5% in April to 2,306kg, year-on-year. In contrast, copper, iron, zinc, lead and coal were among those minerals enjoying higher production in April. Copper output rose 20.9% to 25,292t compared to same-month 2002 when the country's main copper mine experienced strike action, said Inegi, without naming the operation. Production of iron increased 68.1% to 555,790t, zinc by 8.9% to 32,240t, lead by 25.0% to 12,065t, and coal by 23.1% to 576,813t in April, year-on-year. In the first four months of the year, Inegi's mining-metals production index fell 3.6% over same-period 2002, due to lower copper, coke, silver and gold output.