DJ Zambian Mopani Copper Mine '06 Output Seen 203,000 Tons
By DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
Zambia's second largest copper and cobalt producer, Mopani Copper Mines,
aims to produce up to 203,000 metric tons of copper in 2006 when the upgrade
program at its facilities is completed, an industry official told Dow Jones
Newswires Tuesday.
An official at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development said that
the company, in a report to the Zambian government forecasts its 2006 copper
output will rise to 203,000 tons from 140,000 tons this year.
Mopani copper Mines is currently in the process of installing a new
smelting technology known as ISASMELT that will increase its smelter capacity
to 850,000 metric tons of copper concentrate a year from 650,000 tons a year.
The company is also in the final stages of rebuilding its Mufulira
smelter, which will boost capacity to 650,000 tons of copper concentrate a
year from the current 410,000 tons. A new sulfuric acid plant, an oxygen plant
and a matte-settling furnace will also be installed at the Mufulira complex.
According to Tim Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of the company, these
instalations are expected to increase the company's annual copper output to
240,000 metric tons by the end of 2007.
Mopani Copper Mines is owned by Switzerland's Glencore International AG
(GNC.YY), Canada's First Quantum (FM.T) and the Zambian government's ZCCM
Investment Holdings PLC (ZCCM.ZM).
The company produced 161,000 metric tons of copper in 2004. -By Nicholas
Bariyo, Dow Jones Newswires; 256-75-624615; bariyonic@yahoo.co.uk
(END) Dow Jones Newswires |
