Xstrata sees improved coal output in 2011

Wednesday, 01 February 2012 11:15:54 (GMT+2)

Australian coal producer Xstrata has announced its production results for 2011. Accordingly, Xstrata's total consolidated coal production in 2011 rose by seven percent year on year to 85.3 million mt, due to the successful commissioning of the Mangoola open-cut mine ahead of schedule and on budget in February last year.

In 2011, Xstrata's total coking coal output from its Australian operations decreased 1.2 percent to 7.6 million mt, while production from its South African thermal coal operations dropped three percent to 17.1 million mt, both on year-on-year basis.

Meanwhile, Xstrata's total nickel production in 2011 increased to 105,925 mt, up 15 percent compared to 2010. This increase was driven by the Falcondo ferronickel operations in the Dominican Republic which resumed production in February 2011. Falcondo's restart outperformed expectations, exceeding the planned nickel production by eight percent.