Improved mining productivity contributed to a 31% year-on-year increase in the Sishen mine’s output for the quarter ended March 31 to 7.7-million tonnes.
“Production, however, decreased 10% [year-on-year] as the fourth quarter of 2016 benefited from greater access to low strip ratio ore. “Waste removal of 34-million tonnes was hampered by higher- than-expected rainfall during the first quarter; however, mining rates improved in the latter part of the quarter,” Kumba Iron Ore said in a statement last week.
Kumba’s overall production for the quarter was up 17% to 10.47-million tonnes, compared with 8.93-million tonnes in the first quarter of 2016.
The Kolomela mine’s output increased by 3% to 2.8-million tonnes, driven by higher plant throughput.
Waste mined increased by 32% to 10.1-million tonnes in support of production growth and ongoing improvements in operational and mining efficiency.
“Going forward, waste removal is expected to improve to meet full-year guidance of 55-million tonnes.”
Export sales rose by 7% year-on-year to 10.1-million tonnes.