The value of Bolivia's mining production grew 62% year-on-year in first quarter 2008 from US$310million to US$504million, according to local press reports quoted by Business News Americas. Tin contributed US$70 million to the total, up 44% on the first quarter of 2007.

In the case of tin the value increase was largely due to higher prices. Mine production of tin-in-concentrate was reported to have only increased by 2.5% to 3,933 tonnes. However lead, zinc and silver volumes were boosted by the start-up of Apex Silver Mines’ large San Cristobal project in the second half of last year. Zinc concentrates are Bolivia’s most important non-ferrous metal exports.

Bolivia's mining sector expects to receive investments of roughly US$410million in 2008, according to BN Americas. “The private sector will pay out nearly US$244million. The state will cement investments of US$112million in JV contracts and US$53million in ventures of its own,” a spokesperson from the mining and metallurgy ministry said.