From the former Big Australian:
And on iron ore:
Iron ore – Total iron ore production for the nine months ended March 2016 was broadly unchanged at 171 Mt. Production for the 2016 financial year is now expected to be approximately 229 Mt, three per cent below prior guidance, and reflects a reduction in guidance at WAIO. WAIO production for the nine months ended March 2016 increased by two per cent to a record 193 Mt (100 per cent basis) and reflected the Jimblebar mining hub operating at full capacity and improved ore handling plant utilisation at Newman. This was partially offset by one-off operational issues in the December 2015 quarter, along with the impact of adverse weather conditions and the initiation of an accelerated rail network maintenance program in the March 2016 quarter. WAIO production of approximately 260 Mt is now anticipated for the 2016 financial year, four per cent below prior guidance, however unit cost guidance remains unchanged at US$15 per tonne(3). Our WAIO business remains focused on productivity in our integrated supply chain and this is further supported by the 24 month rail renewal and maintenance program that has been initiated. These improvements in our supply chain along with the ramp-up of additional capacity at the Jimblebar mining hub, will deliver an increase in system capacity to 290 Mtpa over time. Samarco production for the nine months ended March 2016 was 11 Mt (100 per cent basis). Mining and processing operations at Samarco remain suspended following the failure of the Fundão tailings dam and Santarém water dam on 5 November 2015. Sales from the final shipment of pellets from stockpiles will be settled in the June 2016 quarter
No cessation of production there.
