Six month and yearly production records at Palmer Nickel and Cobalt Refinery

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In the first half of the 2012/13 financial year Queensland Nickel (QN) achieved the highest six month nickel production levels since records began in 1974. Cobalt production at the Refinery is also tracking at close to record levels. The total 2012 calendar year production is also a record.

The increase in production is attributed to all employees working together to continuously improve processes and lift productivity, particularly in relation to greater ore throughput and nickel recovery.

QN Managing Director Phil Collins said it was a pleasing result that reflected well on the drive and commitment of all QN employees to improve the operation of the Refinery.

“Our Operations Team, led by Ian Ferguson and David Retallick, has performed at a record level, which is helping the business balance the ongoing pressure of a flat nickel price,” Mr Collins said.

“The effort by the Maintenance Team, led by David Moloney, has also been outstanding to support this increased level of production.”

New overseas ore supply providers have also been secured, with the arrival during January of a shipment of nickel ore from a new Indonesian mine.

“QN’s technical team and regional office staff in Indonesia have done a great job over the last two years working with our suppliers,” Mr Collins said.

Other key QN improvement projects are progressing well.

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