Overview
Solid increases in production of export metallurgical coal, copper, export thermal coal from South Africa, iron ore from Kolomela and diamonds
Export metallurgical coal production increased by 13% to 4.6 million tonnes, with a 5% increase in the coking coal share of product to 74% versus Q3 2012
Copper production from Los Bronces increased by 31% with the mine's expansion contributing 54,100 tonnes. Total copper production increased by 2% to 172,900 tonnes
Export thermal coal production from South Africa increased by 5% to 4.7 million tonnes reflecting the ramp up of Zibulo and increased production of lower calorific coal. Cerrejón achieved record production of 11.5 million tonnes in 2012
Diamond production increased by 24% to 8.1 million carats reflecting the resumption of mining operations at Jwaneng in September 2012
Kumba Iron Ore production decreased by 19% due to the illegal strike at Sishen mine. This action and subsequent recovery time has resulted in a loss of production of around 5 million tonnes. Kolomela exceeded monthly design capacity and contributed 2.8 million tonnes for the quarter and 8.5 million tonnes for the year, significantly in excess of its ramp up schedule
Equivalent refined platinum production decreased by 29% due to the illegal strike at the Rustenburg, Amandelbult and Union mines. 272,590 ounces of platinum production were lost during the quarter as a result of this action and subsequent ramp up
Nickel production decreased by 25% to 7,400 tonnes, largely due to the expiry of Loma de Níquel mining concessions in Venezuela in November 2012
Preliminary Results for the full year to 31 December 2012 will be announced on 15 February 2013
