MURRIN MURRIN

Minara Resources reported recorded a profit after tax of $48.5 million (2008: $19.8 million loss) for the 12 months ended December 31, 2009. The company remains debt free and has a strong balance sheet with cash on hand at December 31, 2009 of $247.1 million (2008: $142.5 million). Annual production at Murrin Murrin was 32,977 tonnes of nickel (2008: 30,514 tonnes), and 2,350 tonnes of cobalt (2008: 2,018 tonnes).

Total production of 7,836 tonnes of packaged nickel and 506 tonnes of packaged cobalt was achieved. Autoclave feed for the quarter was 584,199 tonnes grading 1.46% nickel. The quarter’s major activities at Murrin Murrin included the construction and commissioning of an upgrade to the refinery which has increased metal powder drying capacity. Another significant activity was the commencement of in-pit deposition of tailings in December following appropriate regulatory approvals. The benefits of the new in-pit facility are increased tailings storage capacity, additional drying and consolidation of tailings at the existing facility and an opportunity to reduce surface area disturbance by filling a mining void which will eventually be rehabilitated

Minara Resources Ltd, Australia's second largest nickel producer, says the outlook for the steel hardening agent is positive after posting a rise in output for the third quarter, reports Australian Associated Press.