Xstrata Eyes Boost to Australia Zinc-Lead Mine Output

SYDNEY, March 11 -- Global miner Xstrata wants to increase capacity at it McArthur River zinc and lead mine in Australia in order to secure the long-term future of the mine.

The $900 million plan involves an increase in mine production and also installation of new technologies at zinc and lead smelters in Spain, Germany, and potentially, Brunswick in Canada, it said.

Xstrata said it was facing a decline in the traditional international markets for the bulk zinc-lead concentrate produced by the mine, prompting the changes.