OREANDA-NEWS. Kumba Iron Ore production decreased by 24% to 9.5 Mt following weaker production at Sishen which was partially offset by a strong performance at Kolomela.
Export metallurgical coal production increased by 9% to a record 4.9 Mt due to continued longwall performance improvements which more than offset the planned closure at Aquila.
Export thermal coal production from South Africa decreased by 1% to 4.5 Mt. Cerrejуn production increased to 3.2 Mt, a 13% increase, as the operation maintained a strong recovery post the strike in Q1 2013.
Copper production(1) increased by 32% to 207,300 tonnes, with 22% higher production at Los Bronces and a 130% increase at Collahuasi.
Nickel production increased by 7% to 9,600 tonnes, with higher production at Barro Alto more than offsetting the permanent cessation of production at Loma de Nнquel. Production at Barro Alto increased by 51% to 7,100 tonnes.
Niobium production increased by 7% to 1,100 tonnes, reflecting operational improvements at the plants and improved grades.
Phosphates production increased by 5% to 326,300 tonnes due to performance improvements and increased plant availability.
Platinum equivalent refined production was flat at 623,000 ounces. In line with the restructuring plans, Khomanani, Khuseleka 2 and Union North Decline were placed on long term care and maintenance.
Diamond production increased by 21% to 7.7 million carats, primarily owing to the Jwaneng mine recovering fully from the slope failure in June 2012.
This Interim Management Statement for the third quarter ended 30 September 2013 is unaudited.

(1) Copper production from the Copper business unit
(2) Nickel production from the Nickel business unit