Anglo More Than Doubles 4Q Nickel Output On Brazil Investment

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 30 -- Globally diversified mining company Anglo American PLC (AAUKY, AAL.LN) said Thursday its production of nickel contained in ferronickel, a raw material used in stainless steelmaking, more than doubled in the fourth quarter after the start-up of new installations in Brazil.

Ferronickel output leapt to 9,900 metric tons in the quarter, 125% higher than a year earlier, the company said in a statement.

Anglo's Barro Alto mine and processing plant, which started production last year in Brazil's Goias state, delivered 4,100 tons of nickel in the quarter.

The company's Codemin plant, also in Goias, boosted its output 75% from a year earlier due to production line investments in late 2010, Anglo said.

The company's Venezuelan ferronickel operation, Loma de Niquel, increased output by 13%, Anglo said.