Australian miner BHP Billiton has announced its production results for the third quarter and the first nine months ended March 31, 2014, lifting its iron ore production guidance for the financial year 2013-14 by five million mt to 217 million mt.
In the third quarter, BHP Billiton produced 49.5 million mt of iron ore, rising 23 percent compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The iron ore production for the first nine months amounted to 147.4 million mt, increasing by 21 percent year on year, underpinned by a strong operating performance, the relatively limited impact of the wet season and the continued ramp-up of the Jimblebar mine.
In the March quarter, BHP's metallurgical coal production increased by 28 percent year on year to 11.5 million mt. During the first nine months, the miner produced 33.2 million mt of metallurgical coal, up 24 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.
According to BHP Billiton, during the March quarter the fourth pellet plant at Samarco achieved first production, while commissioning at Caval Ridge metallurgical coal mine with an initial capacity of 5.5 million mt per year commenced ahead of schedule.