Toronto stocks plummeted at open Tuesday amid a global sell-off after Japan warned of further radiation leaks. The S&P/TSX Composite Index was down 272.12 points or 2.00 percent to 13,347.07.

The Energy Index lost close to 4 percent. Pacific Rubiales Energy (PRE.TO) shed nearly 10 percent and Baytex Energy Corp. (BTE.TO) was down over 5 percent.

Among base-metals stocks, First Quantum Minerals (FM.TO) surrendered over 6 percent and Teck Resources (TCK_B.TO) moved down close to 4 percent.

Base-metals miner Capstone Mining (CS.TO) lost over 7 percent even after it swung to profit in full-year 2010.

Uranium miners First Uranium Corp.(FIU.TO) lost over 12 percent and Cameco Corp. (CCO.TO) was down 7 percent.

In the gold space, Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM.TO) was down over 1 percent and Detour Gold (DGC.TO) slipped close to 6 percent.

Meanwhile, commercial forest plantation operator Sino-Forest (TRE.TO) edged up 0.60 percent after reporting improved fourth-quarter net income.