TABJ - July 25 - It’s a good time for U.K. mining shareholders, who today received £19.1 billion ($31 billion) in payouts for the first quarter, according to figures released by Capita Registrars.

This marks a 27 per cent soar on last year’s total of £15.1 billion, causing Capita to up its full year estimate for dividends to £66 billion; marking a rise of £9.6 billion compared with 2010.

“Shareholders have reason to cheer.  Dividends are finally flowing freely again.  Miners have taken the spotlight as they continue to make bumper profits from booming commodity prices, but growth is coming from almost all corners of the market,” Capita’s chief executive Charles Cryer told press.

The firm also notes that amongst the payouts to particularly contribute to the increase, is one worth £540 million from Antofagasta and another worth around £360 million made by Anglo American. Oil major British Petroleum (BP) also resumed payments which greatly impacted on the increase.