Mining giant Anglo American Plc (AAL.L, AAUKY.PK) Friday said its first-quarter production from Kumba Iron Ore in South Africa rose 2 percent from last year, reflecting higher production at Kolomela.
In an interim management statement, the company said quarterly production from Kumba Iron Ore totaled 10.3 million tonnes. Kolomela, which is on track to produce at annual design capacity of 9 million tonnes in 2013, produced 2.7 million tonnes for the quarter, an increase of 77 percent.
Export sales volumes for the quarter decreased 2 percent as a result of lower stockpiles due to the unprotected strike in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Metallurgical Coal had quarterly production of 7.2 million tonnes, helped by export metallurgical coal production which advanced 23 percent to 4.6 million tonnes, as productivity improvements more than offset an impact of excessive rainfall. Export thermal coal production climbed 52 percent from a year earlier.
Export thermal coal production in South Africa increased 6 percent to 3.9 million tonnes, reflecting mainly higher production at Zibulo. Domestic thermal coal production rose 4 percent from the preceding year.
Copper production was up 1 percent to 170,400 tonnes, with increased production at Los Bronces, offset by lower production at Collahuasi due to a planned shutdown.
Nickel production fell 48 percent to 6,200 tonnes, mainly due to permanent cessation of production and mining activities at Loma de Níquel at the end of 2012 and stoppages at Barro Alto.
Platinum equivalent refined production decreased 2 percent to 583,000 ounces, due to a strike at underground mines in South Africa, lower production at Unki in Zimbabwe and suspension of non-managed pooled and shared Marikana operation in the 2012 second quarter.
Anglo American's diamond production grew 3 percent to 6.4 million carats, benefited by a favorable ore grade, offset by lower production from Orapa due to maintenance.
In the fourth quarter, the company had reported a 19 percent drop in iron ore output at Kumba in South Africa, citing the illegal strike at Sishen mine.
Earlier this week, BHP Billiton Ltd (BHP, BBL, BLT.L, BHP.AX) had reported a 6 percent increase in iron ore production for the third quarter from last year and maintained its fiscal 2013 production guidance for the three major divisions of iron ore, copper and petroleum.
Another miner, Rio Tinto Plc (RTNTF.PK, RIO, RIO.L, RTPPF.PK) reported higher iron ore production and shipments in the first quarter, recovering rapidly from the seasonal weather disruptions.
The company is scheduled to announce its interim results for the six months to June 30, on July 26.
In London, Anglo American shares are currently trading at 1,599 pence, up 37 pence or 2.37 percent, on a volume of 266,540 shares.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com