CIS iron ore output ups in two months

Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan in January-February 2006 in total produced 30.41 million tons of iron ore, which is 1 percent higher then the level of the same period of last year. Ukraine increased iron ore output 0.5 percent to 11.16 million tons. Kazakhstan, on the other hand decreased iron ore production 12.6 percent to 2.88 million tons. In January-February 2006 Russia ups iron ore output 4.3 percent to 16.37 million tons in comparison with the same period of 2005. The output of iron ore concentrate increased 3.2 percent to 15.69 million tons, and iron ore pellets output rose 2.4 percent to 6.19 million tons. Thus, Lebedinsk GOK for the given period decreased output of concentrate 4.6 percent, Karelsk Pellet raised the output of iron ore 12.7 percent, Mikhailovks GOK 7.6 percent and Stolensk GOK 4.8 percent.