Export metallurgical coal production increased by 31% to 6.1 million tonnes, a record quarter, primarily as a result of continuing productivity improvements.
Export thermal coal production from South Africa increased by 6% to 4.1 million tonnes. Cerrejón’s production increased by 95% reflecting the strike affected Q1 2013 period.
Copper production(2) increased by 18% to 202,000 tonnes, with improved performance from Los Bronces and Collahuasi, primarily the result of higher ore grades. Production guidance for FY 2014 has been revised upwards to 710,000 – 730,000 tonnes (previously 700,000 – 720,000 tonnes).
Nickel production(3) increased by 48% to 9,200 tonnes driven by improved operational stability at Barro Alto.
Niobium production was flat at 1,100 tonnes as higher recoveries were offset by lower ore grade.
Phosphates concentrate production was flat at 347,900 tonnes. Fertiliser production decreased by 2% due to unplanned maintenance stoppage and throughput constraints.
Platinum equivalent refined production decreased by 39% to 357,000 ounces as a result of the industrial action at Rustenburg, Amandelbult and Union mines in South Africa.
As a consequence of the ongoing industrial action FY 2014 production guidance has been revised downwards to approximately 2.1 million ounces (previously 2.3 – 2.4 million ounces).
Diamond production increased by 18% to 7.5 million carats, largely due to the impact of planned plant maintenance at Orapa in Q1 2013 and recovery from the 2012 sidewall failure at Jwaneng.
This Production Report for the first quarter ended 31 March 2014 is unaudited. Interim Results for the six months to 30 June 2014 will be announced on 25 July 2014. This report forms Anglo American plc’s Interim Management Statement for the purpose of the UK Listing Authority’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules.
