Anglo American iron ore output up 23%

22nd Apr 2010 07:23

Mining giant Anglo American reported a 23% jump in first-quarter iron ore production and a 7% rise in copper output.Iron ore production increased to 12.3 million tonnes compared with 9.9 million tonnes last time as its Sishen Mine continues to ramp up to full production. Copper production rose to 161,000 tonnes, due to higher grades and recoveries at Los Bronces and higher grades and throughput at Collahuasi. Platinum refined production increased by 11% to 447,000 ounces and is on track to meet full year target of 2.5 million ounces, with upside flexibility to meet market demand.Nickel production was up by 7% to 4,800 tonnes, while diamond production increased to 7 million carats.Results for the half year to 30 June will be announced on 30 July.Sky News reported on Wednesday that Marwyn Materials has approached Anglo American with a proposal to buy its Tarmac unit and later spin it off in a listing.