Peru copper production up 35% in May

Copper production in Peru rose nearly 35% in May compared to the same month last year, the country's ministry of energy and mines said on Monday, as Peru fights to hold onto its title as the world's No. 2 copper producer.

Production hit 234 781 metric tons in the month, the ministry said in a statement, as miners Cerro Verde, Antamina and Southern Copper pumped out more of the red metal.