Bolivia's mining minister said Tuesday that a two-month halt in tin exports was not due to legal action initiated by Glencore, but rather due to administrative snags that will be worked out shortly. The minister denied media reports that Glencore had vowed to confiscate Bolivian tin exports or that it was seeking $20 million in compensation over Vinto. "We're going to initiate talks with Glencore... but I want to let you know that this is not happening, we know nothing about confiscating (exports) and nothing about the $20 million". . The minister added that he expected to exports about 1,575 tons over the next few weeks to various buyers. (Our experience in the physical business suggests that buyers will be very reluctant to contract for Bolivian tin knowing that cargos could be impounded by court orders).
