Andina

Peru, 2nd largest copper, zinc and silver producer in the globe

Las Bambas

Las Bambas

14:20 | Lima, Feb. 15.

Peru has become the second-largest producer of copper, zinc, and silver in the world, a United States Geological Survey's (USGS) report revealed.

Besides, the Inca country is Latin America's main producer of gold, zinc, and lead.

According to the report —titled Mineral Commodity Summaries 2018— Peru produced 12% of the world's total copper output (19.7 million metric tons) in 2017.

The study also shows that despite the fall in copper production worldwide last year, Peru registered a 1.7% growth from 2016.

This way, Peru retained its position as the only one of the world's top-five copper producing countries that increased its output levels last year.

On the other hand, the country's silver production grew 16.9% in 2017 from the previous year.

In addition, the report notes Peru produced a total of 155 metric tons of gold, equivalent to 5% of the world's output.

Silver reserves

Peru's silver reserves stand at 93,000 tons, making it the country with the largest silver reserves in the world, the report estimates.

It must be noted 18% of the world's silver reserves are in said Andean nation.

(END) MDV/MDV/JAA/RMB

Published: 2/15/2018