PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Diversified major BHP Billiton has reported record production for four of its commodities, at ten operations, during the nine months ended March, and increased its full-year iron-ore and metallurgical coal production expectations.
“Our productivity agenda continues to deliver outstanding results, underpinning a 10% increase in production so far this year,” said BHP CEO Andrew Mackenzie.
“Having achieved record iron-ore and metallurgical coal production during the first nine months of the year, we have raised full-year guidance for both commodities.”
The miner told shareholders on Wednesday that iron-ore production for the year-to-date had increased by 21%, to 147.3-million tonnes, while production for the three months to March was up 23% on the previous corresponding period, to 49.5-million tonnes.
The Australian operations achieved record production for the nine months under review, underpinned by strong operating performances and the continued ramp-up of the Jimblebar mine.
As a result of the strong operating performance at the miner’s Pilbara operations, BHP has lifted its full-year production guidance by a further five-million tonnes, to 217-million tonnes.
Metallurgical coal production for the nine months to March was up 24% on the previous corresponding period, to 33.1-million tonnes, while quarterly production was up 28% quarter-on-quarter, to 11.4-million tonnes.
BHP reported that the Queensland coal operations achieved record annualised production of 69-million tonnes during the quarter, on the back of continued productivity improvements and the successful ramp-up of the Duania mine, which has also resulted in the company increasing its production expectations to 43.5-million tonnes in the full year.
Mackenzie pointed out that during the period under review, BHP started commissioning at its Caval Ridge mine, ahead of schedule.
“Our newest hard coking coal mine will add to our uniquely diversified and opportunity-rich portfolio of large mining and petroleum operations,” he added.
Energy coal production for the nine months to date was up 2% to 55.1-million tonnes, and up 11% quarter-on-quarter, to 17.7-million tonnes.
Meanwhile, copper production for the nine months to March was up 2%, to 1.2-million tonnes, while production for the three months to March was down 5% on the previous corresponding quarter, to 413 900 t.
Record production was reported at the Peru-based Antamina operation during the nine months under review, underpinned by record mining and milling throughput, as well as higher average ore grades in the first half of the year.
At Escondida, in Chile, production remained steady, as an increase in mill throughput offset declining ore grades.
Petroleum liquid production during the nine months was up 16%, to 77-million barrels of oil equivalent, underpinned by a 71% increase at the Onshore operations, in the US.
Total petroleum production for the full year was expected to be 245-million barrels of oil equivalent, following the successful divestment of the Liverpool Bay project, in the UK, and the remedial activities at the Hawkville operation, in the US, which were now completed.
Meanwhile, alumina production increased by 7% in the nine months to March, to 3.8-million tonnes, while nickel production declined by 1%, to 112 300 t.