Kazakh Kazakhmys ups copper production in 2013

Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 30

By Elena Kosolapova - Trend: Kazakhstan's Metallurgical Corporation Kazakhmys increased copper in concentrate production from 303,700 tonnes in 2012 to 314,600 tonnes in 2013, the company reported on Jan 30.

"In 2013, the output of copper in concentrate from own material increased by 4 percent from the prior year to 314,600 tons. The higher level of copper in ore mined was partially offset by an increase in stockpiles during the year and a lower contribution from the reprocessing of waste material," the company said.

During the year, 640,000 tonnes of ore extracted from Akbastau mine was stockpiled, containing approximately 8,000 tonnes of copper, which is unlikely to be processed in the near future.

In 2013, 31,500 tonnes of copper cathode equivalent was sold as concentrate, following the suspension of the Zhezkazgan smelter in the third quarter in 2013.
In 2014, it is likely that concentrate sales will account for around 40 percent of total copper output.

In 2013, copper cathode equivalent production from own concentrate of 294,000 tonnes was at the top end of market guidance and in line with the prior year. The higher level of copper in concentrate produced in 2013 was offset by a greater release of work in progress in 2012. Copper cathode output in 2013 also benefited from a 7,700 tonnes release of work in progress at the Zhezkazgan smelter, due to its suspension.

Kazakhmys increased ore output by 4 percent to 39.191 million tones in the reporting period.

"The rise in ore output is led by increase the Central Region with the ramp up of output from Konyrat and Nurkazgan mines. The increase more than offset a reduction in ore output in the Zhezkazgan Region, where activity was reduced in high cost areas and as production ceased at some sections of Annensky mine due to depletion in 2012," the company said.

Zinc in concentrate output reduced by 12 percent to 134,100 tonnes, due to a corresponding 13 percent reduction in zinc processing at the concentrators.

Silver output increased from 12.643 millions ounces in 2012 to 14.348 million ounces in 2013.

"Silver output increased in 2013, benefiting from a reduction of work in progress, reversing an increase during 2012," the company said.

Gold production decreased from 129,000 ounces in 2012 to 107,000 ounces in 2013, impacted by stripping work at Abyz mine, in the Central Region, which restarted mining at the end of the third quarter of 2013.

Kazakhmys PLC is a leading international natural resources group with significant interests in copper, gold, zinc, silver and power generation.
It is the largest copper producer in Kazakhstan and one of the top worldwide with 16 operating mines, 8 concentrators and a copper smelter. Kazakhmys Mining's operations are fully integrated from mining ore through to the production of finished copper cathode and rod. Kazakhmys Mining produces significant volumes of other metals, including zinc, silver and gold.