OREANDA-NEWS. August 03, 2009. KAZAKHMYS PLC, common shares of which are present in Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) official list, provided to KASE the following press release, reported the press-centre of KASE:

Kazakhmys announced production results for six months and the second quarter of 2009.

During six months of 2009 Kazakhmys Group achieved positive indicators on production of copper and produced other metals. Copper production in cathode equivalent increased by 8 % if compared with the similar 2008 period. The production growth was facilitated by the increased production at South and Nurkazgan West mines, accumulated raw materials processing and improvement of production enterprises supply with equipment and materials.

The produced materials production has also increased. Thus, production of gold increased by 8%, silver - 10% and zinc in concentrate by 15% if compared with the similar 2008 period.

The economic activities slowdown in Kazakhstan affected power generation indicators. Thus, for six months of 2009 Kazakhmys Power generated power energy by 32% less than in the similar 2008 period. Nevertheless, generation of power energy in the second quarter increased by 11% if compared with the first quarter of 2009 due to the demand increase of customers and the Group activities on the power energy market.

In complaisance with the stated strategy for 2009 Kazakhmys Group decreased capital costs and suspended production at four costly mines. However the group managed to avoid layoffs due to temporary suspension of these production entities, transfer of employees to other enterprises and introduction flexible operating schedules.

Despite aggravated economic conditions, Kazakhmys Group continues implementing its social obligations to employees and the society in whole. Funding of social and educational programs is continuing. One of the largest social projects of this year is construction of the professional lyceum in Astana for more than 300 orphans at the cost of USD30 million.

Oleg Novachuk, Chief Executive Officer, said "We are strongly satisfied with the group performance results in the first half-year and they affirmed the appropriateness of selected strategy for 2009. We expect implementation of set for this year production objectives. For the Group is important to continue implementation of social programs and to facilitate Kazakhstan economy strengthening".