Production overview
In 2014, manganese ore production was slightly lower and the output of ferroalloys was 2.6% lower than in 2013.
Production of manganese ore, on a quarter-on- quarter basis, reached 723,000 t in 4Q14, the best performance for a fourth quarter since 4Q04.
Manganese ore production
Output from the Carajás Azul manganese mine increased by 6.6% when compared to 3Q14, reaching 513,000 t in 4Q14, as a result of the recovery of ore from the tailing dams.
In 4Q14, output from Urucum reached the record of 177,000 t, 12.0% higher than in 3Q14 and 51.1% higher than in 4Q13, mostly driven by operational improvements carried out in its beneficiation plant in 4Q13.
Since 4Q13, we have been processing dumped ore due to the geological conditions in the north section of Morro da Mina. We expect to return to normal levels of production during 1H15 by exploring the south section of the mine.
Ferroalloys production
Production of ferroalloys was in line with 3Q14 and 18.5% lower than in 4Q13 due to a decision to shut down furnaces and sell energy.
Ferroalloy quarterly production was comprised of
21,000 t of ferrosilicon manganese alloys
(FeSiMn), 15,100 t of high-carbon manganese alloys (FeMnHc) and 4,800 t of medium-carbon manganese alloys (FeMnMC).
- [Editor:Sophie]
Tell Us What You Think