Quarterly output was up 15% from the 2004 corresponding period, putting the mine on track to achieve annual production and sales target of 3 million tonnes.
Straits chief Milan Jerkovic said an exploration program at nearby deposits had resulted in a resource upgrade of 49% to 24.9Mt, effectively extending the life of the mine by three years to seven or eight years.
“Drilling is now focused on the Tanah Putih pit with two rigs currently operating. It is anticipated that further resource upgrades will result over the course of the 12-18 month program,” Jerkovic said.
