World copper mine production rose by 21% in the past ten years, according to latest findings from the International Copper Study Group (ICSG).

The study, which looked at production between 1999 and 2008, found production increased by 21% to 15.5 million metric tonnes in 2008 from 12.8 million in 1999.

ICSG also found that the use of refined copper increased by 26% of the ten-year period outstripping production, which only increased by 25%.

Tokyo, April 22, 2009 - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) completed production of its 3,000th inboard flap set for the Boeing Next-Generation 737, Boeing's single-aisle twin-jet engine airplane family. As delivery of the first flap for the Next-Generation 737 took place in 1996, MHI has achieved this milestone in a span of 13 years. To commemorate the event, MHI held a ceremony at the Tobishima Plant of its Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works in Aichi Prefecture.

Flaps are hinged surfaces on the trailing edge of an airplane's wings that serve to enhance the aircraft's lift force. The increased lift generated by the flaps provides complementary lift at slow speeds during takeoff and landing and allows the aircraft to obtain sufficient lift to prevent stalling.