Bolivia's rising zinc potential.

A combination of new investment, privatisation and increased regional zinc smelter demand has revived interest in Bolivia's traditional polymetallic mines and raised zinc output to record levels. Exports of Zn in concentrates were 146 130 tonnes in 1995 and an estimated 150 000 t in 1996, a half-year rise of 13% having been reversed by a leak and 14-week shutdown at Comsur's Porco tailings plant. Comsur's output was about 100 000 t, having risen to 98 500 t in 1995 with the reopening of the Bolivar Zn-Ag-Pb mine. The Andacaba and Don Francisco Ag-Zn-Pb mines are being refurbished and expanded by Atlas Corp. Two major zinc producers, Paranapanema and Cominco, are looking for new sources of supply in the area and junior mining companies in search of silver are likely to develop new zinc resources. Comibol, the state-owned company, still controls 2 326 properties and has yet to find a buyer for the Karachipampa smelter.
A combination of new investment, privatisation and increased regional zinc smelter demand has revived interest in Bolivia's traditional polymetallic mines and raised zinc output to record levels. Exports of Zn in concentrates were 146 130 tonnes in 1995 and an estimated 150 000 t in 1996, a half-year rise of 13% having been reversed by a leak and 14-week shutdown at Comsur's Porco tailings plant. Comsur's output was about 100 000 t, having risen to 98 500 t in 1995 with the reopening of the Bolivar Zn-Ag-Pb mine. The Andacaba and Don Francisco Ag-Zn-Pb mines are being refurbished and expanded by Atlas Corp. Two major zinc producers, Paranapanema and Cominco, are looking for new sources of supply in the area and junior mining companies in search of silver are likely to develop new zinc resources. Comibol, the state-owned company, still controls 2 326 properties and has yet to find a buyer for the Karachipampa smelter.