Energy output on the rise, mining and industry slow down

Energy production recorded a 4% increase in the third quarter of 2000 while mining and industry slowed down with a slump of 8% and 2% respectively, the statistic department said.

The latest release of the department's newsletter says the rise in energy output is mainly accounted for by electric power activity ("15%) and that the trend goes on for the last quarter.

The sharp fall in mining production is blamed on phosphates but the trend is being reversed in the last quarter for stabilization. As to industry, the fall is mainly felt in production of tea, sugar, yeast and garments, the bulletin says.