Production of gold, silver, and copper in Peru increased during 2009, while output of other base metals declined, according to Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Gold production in Peru increased 1.41% to 6.4 million ounces. Meanwhile, Peruvian silver production increased 4.56% to 136 million ounces, and copper output rose 0.54% to 45 million pounds.
Peru is the world’s top producer of silver and ranks as the third largest copper producer and sixth largest gold producer. Other base metal production fell in Peru last year. Below is a table with annual metal production data from Peru:
| Metal | 2009 Production | Change from 2008 |
| Gold | 6.4 million ounces | +1.41% |
| Silver | 136 million ounces | +4.56% |
| Copper | 2.8 billion pounds | +0.54% |
| Zinc | 3.3 billion pounds | -5.85% |
| Lead | 667 million pounds | -12.37% |
| Tin | 83 million pounds | -3.93% |
| Iron | 9.7 billion pounds | -14.38% |
| Molybdenum | 27 million pounds | -26.47% |
As the Peruvian mining industry continues to expand, there will be a growing need for more energy. My colleague, Sam Hopkins, recently returned from the country where he got a first hand look at Peru’s growing wind energy projects. To learn about Sam’s Peruvian adventure — and two wind energy companies he believes will return expect upwards of 60% in short order — check out his latest report.
Luke BurgessEditor, Wealth Daily
Investment Director, Hard Money Millionaire
