Canadian output of silver, refined base metals climbs

Canadian production of copper, silver and refined nickel, lead and zinc increased between September 1997 and September 1998.

However, output of gold and primary nickel, lead and zinc was down, as were production figures for iron ore and asbestos.

The statistics shown below were compiled by Natural Resources Canada (NRC) and are included in the September 1998 issue of Production of Canada’s Leading Minerals.

To order a copy, contact Jacqueline Paquette of NRC at (613) 992-9005.

NRC’s address on the world wide web is:

http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/efab/msd

September 1997September 1998

NON-FERROUS

Primary copper55,596 tonnes58,563 tonnes

Refined copper41,691 tonnes48,243 tonnes

Primary nickel16,158 tonnes16,080 tonnes

Refined nickel11,759 tonnes13,137 tonnes

Gold15.7 million grams13.8 million grams

Silver96,732 kg84,953 kg

Primary lead25,422 tonnes24,367 tonnes

Refined lead9,055 tonnes11,602 tonnes

Primary zinc126,422 tonnes112,384 tonnes

Refined zinc60,431 tonnes62,108 tonnes

NON-METALLICS

Iron ore3.8 million tonnes2.9 million tonnes

Asbestos37,295 tonnes25,828 tonnes