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Kenmare says Moma production is rising

Tuesday, January 26 15:45:03

Irish-based mining company Kenmare has reported strong increases in production at its titanium minerals mine in Moma in Mozambique in the final three months of 2009.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, production of heavy mineral concentrate at the Company's Moma Titanium Minerals Mine increased by 22pc (from 230,000 tonnes to 280,200 tonnes) compared to the previous quarter. Production of heavy mineral concentrate is now at full design level.

Processing of this concentrate resulted in a 13pc increase in production of finished ilmenite (from 130,000 tonnes to 147,100 tonnes) compared to the previous quarter. Zircon production in the fourth quarter was at similar levels to the previous quarter at 5,400 tonnes, mainly as a result of disruptions to zircon production associated with the implementation of further metallurgical optimisation projects. Since year end, additional equipment has been commissioned in the zircon circuit and zircon production has improved significantly.

Tonnage of finished products delivered to customers' vessels was up 6pc in the fourth quarter (from 131,000 tonnes to 139,000 tonnes) compared to the previous quarter, continuing the upward trend in production and shipments shown in previous quarters.

In the second half of 2009, production of heavy mineral concentrate increased by 61pc to 510,200 tonnes compared to the first half of 2009; ilmenite production increased by 39pc to 276,358 tonnes compared to the first half of 2009; and tonnes of finished products shipped increased by 83pc to 270,000 tonnes compared to the first half of 2009.