Platinum the only laggard in Anglo’s stable



24-04-2014
Read : 101 times
BusinessDay
Source

ANGLO American’s interim management statement for the March quarter shows the group increased production across the board at its operations except for platinum where output was badly affected by the strike by members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) since late January.

In the statement issued on Thursday, Anglo American said platinum production dropped 39% to 357,000oz.

Kumba Iron Ore, however, increased production by 10% to 11.3 million tonnes (March quarter 2013: 10.3-million tonnes) following solid performances at both the Sishen and Kolomela mines.

The group increased production of export metallurgical coal by 31% to 6.1-million tonnes (4.6-million tonnes previously) which was a record quarterly result thanks mainly to continuing productivity improvements.

Export thermal coal production was 14% higher at 7.9-million tonnes (from 6.9-million tonnes), with the South African mines increasing output by 6%. Production from the Cerrejón mine in Colombia was 95% higher, reflecting the strike that took place in the first quarter of 2013.

Copper production was 18% higher at 202,000 tonnes (from 170.500 tonnes) with improved performances from both the Los Bronces and Collahuasi mines.

Nickel production rose 48% to 9,200 tonnes thanks to improved operational stability at the Barro Alto mine.

Diamond production increased 18% to 7.5-million carats largely due to the effect of planned plant maintenance at the Orapa Mine in Botswana during the first quarter of 2013 and recovery from the 2012 sidewall failure at the Jwaneng mine.

Sign up for Free Daily Building and Construction News