Output of gold rises over year while nickel, silver slip below earlier levels

A comparison of production figures for Canadian minerals between February 1996 and February 1995 reveals a mixed bag.

Although Canada yielded less silver, nickel, primary copper and potash over the 12-month period, production of other minerals increased. Included in the latter group are gold, lead, zinc, refined copper, asbestos and salt.

The statistics shown below were released by the Department of Natural Resources. They refer to production of nonferrous and ferrous metals, and nonmetallics.

These and other mineral production figures are included in the February 1996 issue of Production of Canada’s Leading Minerals. To order a copy, contact Jacqueline Paquette of the Department of Natural Resources at (613) 992-9005.

Canadian Mineral Production over 12-month Period

February 1996February 1995

Nonferrous

Refined copper45,840 tonnes45,238 tonnes

Primary copper49,618 tonnes56,668 tonnes

Primary nickel15,207 tonnes15,270 tonnes

Gold12,941,649 grams10,549,665 grams

Silver82,914 kg99,455 kg

Primary lead18,880 tonnes10,410 tonnes

Refined lead15,766 tonnes12,504 tonnes

Primary zinc88,311 tonnes55,621 tonnes

Refined zinc55,322 tonnes55,231 tonnes

Ferrous

Iron1,626,217 tonnes1,582,377 tonnes

Nonmetallic

Salt814,193 tonnes788,583 tonnes

Asbestos42,991 tonnes41,995 tonnes

Potash804,775 tonnes858,335 tonnes