Morocco's mining production increases by 8.1% in 3 first quarters of 2002

Morocco's mining production reached 18.6 million tons in the three first quarters of 2002, posting a 8.1% increase compared to 17.2 million tons in the same period of 2001.

The ministry of energy and mining says phosphates production alone amounted to 17.58 million tons (a 8.2% progression), while phosphoric acid reached 2.16 million tons (5.3%) and fertilizers 2.03 million tons.

According to the source, the mining sector posted sales of 15.05 billion DH (US$ 1.4 billion), compared to 14.56 billion DH last year (US$ 1.3 billion).

Exports were worth 3.78 billion DH (US$ 356.6 million), dropping by 4.9% while locale sales reaches 2.54 billion DH (US$ 239.6 million).