Mexican mining activity in April fell 10.1 percent from the year-ago month, with lower copper output offsetting sharp gains in precious metals production. The National Statistics Institute, or INEGI, said gold production in April rose 31.5 percent to 2,440 kilograms, while silver output soared 58 percent to 273,971 kilograms, both compared to the like 2001 month. Copper output, however, fell 36.4 percent to 20,914 metric tons. Grupo Mexico, the world's third largest copper producer, suffered a six-week strike at its La Caridad mining complex in northwestern Mexico. The strike ended April 17. Meanwhile Industrias Penoles, the world's biggest silver producer, has been seeking to work its mines and refineries at full capacity to take advantage of the increase in world gold and silver prices.
NSTL
