Finland-based base metals producer Talviaara Mining Company has announced that it has reduced its nickel output estimates for the full year 2011 due to current market conditions.
Talviaara has now set its minimum nickel output target for 2011 at 16,000 mt, focusing on optimizing profitability over output volumes in the short term. This target was estimated between 22,000 mt and 28,000 mt in April.
The company's third quarter production was negatively affected by the unplanned plant stoppage due to problems in hydrogen sulphide generators. In the given period, nickel output was 3,153 mt. As of the beginning of October, approximately half of the hydrogen sulphide capacity was again in operation, and full capacity is expected to be reached during the second week of the month.
On the other hand, Talviaara faces a strike warning from The Finnish Metal Workers Union and the Trade Union Pro. If the two-week strike is declared, it will have an impact on production.