Peru’s mining output dropped by 45.7pc in May, driven by lower production of iron ore, copper, zinc, lead, and molybdenum due to COVID-19 related shutdowns.
Iron ore production during the month stopped completely, declining by 100pc compared to May 2019, while zinc and lead output dropped by 75.7pc and 69.3pc, respectively, during the same period under comparison, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (Inei).
Copper production reduced by 42.2pc in May compared with the same month last year, while tin and molybdenum production decreased by 30.9pc and 1.6pc, respectively, Inei indicated without disclosing the volumes impacted for any of the metals.
Some miners resumed operations after, the Peruvian government approved a four-stage resumption for mining operations in early May.
The mining industry is one of the most important economic activities in Peru, representing about 9pc of the country’s GDP and 60pc of Peru’s exports. Copper and Gold are the most important metals exported by value.