JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Copper output at JSE-listed base-metals-miner Metorex’ joint-venture Ruashi mine, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rose 32% in the quarter ended December 31, 2009.

The mine produced 7 518 t of copper during the quarter, compared with the 5 690 t produced in the previous quarter.

Cobalt production also increased 812 t, a 22% increase on the 666 t produced in the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

CEO Terence Goodlace noted that the mine had, in December alone, produced 2 515 t of copper and 280 t of cobalt, despite seasonally heavy rainfalls.

Ruashi Mining, Metorex’s copper and cobalt business, owned 80% of Ruashni Mining Sprl, with DRC State-owned Gécamines holding the balance.

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