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KCM records 35,000 tonnes cathode output

KCM records 35,000 tonnes cathode output
Written by Nchima Nchito Jr

VEDANTA Resources has revealed that cathode production at its Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) venture was at 35,000 tonnes during the March quarter of this year.

According to Mining Weekly, Vedanta stated that cathode production for the full year was 133, 000 tonnes, 11.3 per cent lower compared with the previous year, primarily owing to teething issues during the commissioning of the new Nchanga smelter.

“We produced 20, 000 tonnes and 81,000 tonnes of mined metal in the fourth quarter of 2009 and for the full year 2009, up 33.3 per cent and 6.6 per cent respectively compared with the corresponding prior periods, reflecting better open-pit management during monsoons and higher through-put recoveries in the tailings leach plant,” the company stated.

Vedanta added that following the commissioning of the 300,000 tonnes Nchanga smelter, it had begun to derive improved cost efficiencies through better recoveries of copper, sulphur and cobalt.

In early April, there was a furnace leak at the Nchanga smelter causing a production disruption.

“Based on our initial assessment, production is expected to be resumed in a three to four week timeframe. The incident did not cause any human injury. As part of our measures to reduce costs, we have shut down the Nkana smelter and reduced manpower at this operation by 700 people,” the company stated.

Vedanta also stated that construction activity at the Konkola Deep’s mine expansion project was on course for the mid-shaft commissioning by mid-2010.

Labels: COPPER, KCM

posted by MrK @ 5:10 AM