OREANDA-NEWS. May 06, 2009. KAZAKHMYS PLC, common shares of which are listed on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE), provided KASE with a press release, reported the press-centre of KASE:

Kazakhmys Group (Kazakhmys PLC) announced Q1 2009 production results.

The company achieved positive results in copper production in Q1 2009. Thus, Kazakhmys Group produced 82 kt copper cathode equivalent. Cathode output benefited from the processing of previously mined ore.

The Group is continuing its investment programs, including modernization of the main and auxiliary equipment of Ekibastuz GRES-1. Installation of electrostatic collectors began on the GRES at power block No. 5, which will allow for reducing emissions by 99.6 %.

Despite of the current economical conditions, the Group management is continuing to actively accomplish tasks set earlier regarding preservation of staff through re-training and transfer to other sites. At the time being a large production optimization program is being implemented to boost operation of the Group.

Oleg Novachuk, Chief Executive Officer, said "At the end of 2008 we stated that we would reduce output in 2009, by suspending production at some higher cost mines, and this is reflected in these results.  Pricing and demand for copper in the first few months of this year have been encouraging, but we will continue to focus on cash preservation and preserving the strength of the business until it is clear that international financial and commodity markets have stabilised.

Production and sales of our main metals in the first quarter have been positive, assisted by several timing factors.  We continue to anticipate that output of copper cathode equivalent in 2009 will be around 300 kt."