Glencore (LSE: GLEN) released an interim management statement this morning covering the third quarter, which told investors of a rise in production.
Own sourced coal production rose by 7% to111.4 million tonnes,mainly related to higher production in Australia, despite the price of coal plunging to a five-year low. Meanwhile, attributable own-sourced ferrochrome production was up 5% to 939,000 tonnes, reflecting the higher operating capacity and a ramp-up in production from the Lion 2expansion project in South Africa.
Elsewhere, own sourced copper production lifted by 8%,to 1,149,000 tonnes. This was mainly driven by a 48% increase in production at the Mutanda open-pit mine inthe Democratic Republic of the Congo, of which Glencore owns 40%.
Glencore also saw results with oil, producing 5.1 million barrels for a 50% increase, which reflectedthe commencement of production at Alen (EG) and Badila (Chad) during 2013.
These rises in production more than offset the 6% fall in own sourced zinc production (relating to the closure of the Perseverance and Brunswick mines in June 2013), and own sourced nickel production, which fell 1% after theFalcondo, Cosmos and Sinclair mines were placed into care and maintenance in 2013 (the latter has since had a sale agreed, subject to customary approvals).
Glencores strategy of placingitself as a lower-cost producer has seen it stay ahead of many rivals, despite obvious industry headwinds. While no mention of further takeover approaches for Rio Tinto were mentioned in todays update, whispers keep circulating around the City.
If your investing style revolves around income, though,then I highly recommend this special free report from The Motley Fool, which we’ve named “How To Create Dividends For Life“.
The report gives youfive golden rules for building your portfolioand comes without any obligations whatsoever. So don’t delay —click hereto receive it now, while it remains available!
Sam Robson has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
