Anglo American's nickel production up 1% in 2019

SHANGHAI, Feb 14 (SMM) – Global mining company Anglo American has achieved its full-year production target across the business, according to its production report for the fourth quarter 2019. 

Nickel production stood at 11,700 mt in the fourth quarter, 3% higher from a year earlier, pointing to an improvement in production stability. 

The company produced 42,600 mt of nickel in 2019, up 1% on the year. Production guidance for 2020 is unchanged at 42,000-44,000 mt.

2020 Production Guidance

Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said that production was up 4% for the quarter led by the continued successful ramp-up at Minas-Rio in Brazil. 

“Increased production at Metallurgical Coal in Australia was offset by the drought in Chile impacting water availability at Los Bronces, as well as the anticipated lower production from De Beers as Venetia transitions to underground in South Africa and Victor reached the end of its mine life in Canada.” 

As planned, the company received the operating license for the tailings dam raise at Minas-Rio before the end of 2019.