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Published on November 13, 2007

Investor relations senior manager Woratip Rerkpiboon said the price rose to US$4,500 (Bt152,500) a tonne last year before declining to $2,700.

The average price in the third quarter was down 13 per cent compared with last year, thanks to the baht's appreciation against the US dollar.

The company temporarily suspended work at its Mae Sot mine because its licence expired on October 24.

It has been importing silicate from Peru and elsewhere.

In the third quarter, the mine contributed around 29 per cent of total ore feed of 27,800 tonnes.

Managing director Bernard Tonnon said it expected the Primary Industry and Mines Department would extend the licence for another 15 years before the end of 2007.

The company will continue to import zinc if the licence is delayed, shrinking margins.

It said domestic consumption would continue to slow until the end of the year and hence the company will export more within Southeast Asia.

Demand for zinc at home will increase in the long term because of the building of galvanised-steel plants to meet demand from the automotive industry.

The company's consolidated income last quarter was Bt2.874 billion, an increase of 14 per cent from the same period last year. Net profit increased 56 per cent from Bt232 million in the third quarter last year.

It reported revenue of Bt9.474 billion in the first nine months, up 29 per cent year on year. However, profit was Bt966 million, declining 22 per cent.

Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul

 The Nation