BNamericas reported that Peru boosted export revenue from the metal by 1.3% to USD 779 million in June as an increase in shipments offset slumping prices.

Total metals export revenue fell 16% to USD 1.72 billion in June spurring a trade deficit of USD 114 million as total exports dropped 19% to USD 3.1 billion. Peru shipped 118,900 tonne of copper at USD 2.974 per lb compared with 107,400 tonne a year earlier.

Gold shipments totaling 373,600oz netted USD 502 million, a 30% decline as the price of gold fell to USD 1,342.40 per oz from USD 1,599.20 in June 2012. Peru is the world's sixth largest gold producer.

Lead export revenue plunged 35% to USD 166 million while iron ore, tin and molybdenum all fell on lower shipments and prices. Iron ore exports fell 47.6% to USD 49 million while tin dropped 30% to USD 27 million and molybdenum fell 21% to USD 30 million.

Zinc gained 3.6% to USD 122 million and silver nearly tripled to USD 43 million as silver shipments nearly quadrupled outpacing the 23% drop in price.