Silver output in Mexico, the world's largest producer of the metal, fell to 237,777 kilograms in October, down 12.6 percent from the same month last year, the government said on Thursday. Gold output fell 13.8 percent to 1,994 kg in October from the same month in 2003. Global base and precious metal prices have soared in the past year, allowing Mexican producers like Grupo Mexico, the world's No 3 copper producer, and Industries Penoles, the No 1 silver producer, to ramp up production.

Copyright Reuters, 2005