Xstrata achieved record annual output levels for zinc in concentrate, consolidated coal and mined nickel for the 12 months leading to 31 December 2009 as production was ramped up at its operations.
Semi-soft and coking coal, copper, platinum and chrome recorded strong volumes in the second half of 2009 and production of nearly all commodities increased in Q4 compared to Q3.
Xstrata Zinc reported a 20% increase in zinc in concentrate production for 2009 to 1,032,755t compared to 861,033t in 2008 due to restructuring and expansions at its Australian operations.
The rise in production was also attributed to higher zinc output at the Antamina copper-zinc operation, increased volumes at the Brunswick mine and the initial full-year output at the Perseverance mine.
Xstrata Coal's total consolidated coal output in 2009 stood at 95.2 million tonnes, representing an 11% rise compared to 85.5 million tonnes in 2008 due to an increase in thermal and semi-soft coal production.
Xstrata Nickel's total mined nickel production rose by 7% to 57,052t in 2009 compared to 54,523t in 2008 because of an increase in Raglan head grades and volumes and Xstrata Nickel Australasia volumes.
Xstrata Alloys, in line with escalating demand, raised output from 20% of annual capacity at the beginning of 2009 to 85% by the end of the year.
Xstrata's production of ferrochrome and ferrovanadium declined in 2009 due to 80% cutback in ferrochrome production capacity at Xstrata-Merafe Chrome Venture and suspension of production at Rhovan vanadium operation.
The company's copper and gold production decreased in 2009 due to lower output at Ernest Henry and Alumbrera operations.
