Eight of the top ten refined tin producers increased production in 2014, including all of the big four companies, latest data collated by ITRI shows. The companies included in the 2014 ‘top ten’ producers table remain the same as the previous year. One of two notable changes in 2014 was PT Timah rising above Minsur. They ended the year in third and fourth respectively. However, when production of 5,010 t from Minsur’s subsidiary, Taboca, is included, Minsur remains in third position. Additionally, Yunnan Chengfeng rose into fifth place to displace Thaisarco, who dropped into sixth.

All Chinese companies in the top 10 increased refined tin production in 2014, largely due to the increase in supply and availability of tin ore and concentrates from Myanmar. Yunnan Tin produced a record highest annual tonnage of refined tin for the third year running.

Indonesian export restrictions helped PT Timah reverse a long term decline in refined tin production. ITRI is currently working to obtain production information from the private Indonesian smelters, as it is likely that the largest of these should rank just inside the top 10.

Refined tin production was maintained by Minsur in 2014 by depletion of concentrate stocks. Pressure from falling grades at San Rafael should be somewhat alleviated by the development of the Bofedal II tin tailings project and increased production from Taboca, which is expanding its Pitinga mine operation.