China Jinchuan plans higher metals output in 2009

Published: 05 Jan 2009 00:34:27 PST

SHANGHAI, Jan 5 - Jinchuan Group Ltd, China's top nickel producer, said it plans to increase output of nickel, copper and cobalt in 2009, despite a weakening global economy.

Jinchuan expects to produce 125,000 tonnes of nickel this year, up nearly 20 percent from 104,600 tonnes in 2008, a statement on the company's website (www.jnmc.com) said.

It also plans to produce 400,000 tonnes of copper, one third higher than in 2008, and 7,800 tonnes of cobalt, 22 percent higher than the previous year.

The company plans to lower costs by expanding production, the statement said.

Tumbling prices of nickel and falling demand from the stainless steel industry had forced Jinchuan to cut nickel output in 2008 by nearly 20,000 tonnes.