Honduras metals exports on the rise

Honduras' mining exports increased in April, with gold and zinc heading the rise.

Mining exports totaled US$16.7mn, up from US$11.3mn in the April 2015, according to a central bank report.

Gold shipments were US$9.9mn, up from US$8.9mn, as a result of higher volumes partly offset by lower prices.

Zinc exports were worth US$4.4mn, up from zero, with silver doubling to US$200,000. Mining exports were up from US$12.2mn in March.

JANUARY-APRIL

In January-April, mining exports were US$48.1mn, down from US$71.0mn, with gold at US$32.8mn, down from US$37.1mn, on lower volumes and prices.

Zinc exports fell to US$6.8mn from US$10.4mn, with silver slumping to US$500,000 from US$8.8mn, also as a result of volume and price declines.

Lead shipments were zero, down from US$4.7mn.

IRON

In the manufacturing sector, April exports of iron and iron products fell to US$10.3mn from US$14.0mn with January-April shipments at US$37.0mn, down from US$54.5mn, on lower volumes and prices.

Aura Minerals, which operates the San Andrés gold mine, is Honduras' main miner.