Mexico’s mining production decreased by 4.4pc in March compared to the same month in 2019, driven by lower demand for coke and iron ore pellets.
Coke production fell by 34.1pc in March to 60,437mt from 91,771mt produced in the same month last year, while iron ore pellets output decreased by 26.1pc to 483,846mt from 655,011mt during the same period, according to the latest National Statistic Agency (Inegi) data.
Non-coking coal production declined in March by 22.3pc to 445,330mt from 573,430mt during the same month last year, and sulfur production fell by 12.4pc to 28,808mt from 32,892mt during the same period under consideration.
On the other hand, copper output rose by 3.2pc to 42,041mt in March from 40,738mt produced in the same month in 2019.Zinc output also increased by 1.6pc to 36,078mt in March from 35,508mt in the same month last year, and lead production jumped by 16.2pc to 15,444mt from 13,293mt during the same period.
Mining production was affected over the past two months due to the COVID 19 related shutdowns. On March 31, 2020, the Ministry of Health issued a decree requiring non-essential businesses, including mining, to temporarily suspend activities until April 30, 2020.
Mexico’s automotive, mining and construction industries have permission to restart production before June 1, provided they comply with health and safety protocols to protect its employees from COVID-19 pandemic.