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Anglo American announces that it has delivered first production on schedule from its US$1.9 billion Barro Alto nickel project in Brazil.
The Barro Alto nickel project is the first of Anglo American’s four major strategic growth projects to begin production and will be a key contributor to Anglo American’s 50% volume growth by 2015. Walter De Simoni, CEO of Anglo American’s Nickel business, said: “We have achieved our first metal on schedule. This new nickel plant will reach its full production capacity in the second half of 2012 and will average 41,000 tonnes per year of nickel over its first five years of full production, making use of our low risk and proven technology and rotary kiln electric furnace process.” Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: “The delivery of first metal from Barro Alto is a major milestone as we develop a number of world class projects and drive 50% volume growth by 2015. Barro Alto will more than double production from our Nickel business, has a long life from its extensive resource base and a highly competitive cost position in the lower half of the cost curve. The safety performance of this project has been particularly impressive and was recognized as the safest mine in Brazil, with over 13 million LTI-free man-hours worked to September 2010.” Anglo American has the potential to increase production of nickel by an additional 66,000 tonnes per year, with further upside potential, from its unapproved projects in Brazil, Jacaré and Morro Sem Boné, leveraging the Group's considerable nickel laterite technical expertise. |
