Contained zinc in concentrate production for the quarter was again strong at 125,333t. This was largely the result of higher than planned zinc recovery and mill availability despite lower than expected feed grades. Total contained zinc production for the year was 513,571t. Contained lead in concentrate production was also similarly strong at 18,864t due to higher feed grades and recovery rates as well as improved availability from the storage dams. The ore mining transition from Stage 6 to Stage 7 occurred in the December Quarter with minimal disruption. Stage 7 is now the primary ore supply for Century for the next two years. This will assist in the smoothing of the pre-strip ramp-down, as well as optimising the machinery fleet over life of mine.
November 25, 2008
Oz reported that production of zinc would be cut by 20,000 per year following a review of capital and operating expenditures. The cut-back was restructured which would reduce production from a forecasted 515,000 tonnes of contained zinc in concentrate in 2008 to 495,000 tonnes in 2009.
October 21, 2008
OZ Minerals Ltd, the world's second largest zinc producer, is reviewing the profitability of its Century lead and zinc mine in Queensland as the operation comes under pressure from falling commodity prices.
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