Reuters reported that Polish miner KGHM expects to boost 2010 production above the 502,000 tonnes forecast for 2009.

The state controlled company, whose Q3 results were weighed down by hedging operations despite resurgent metal prices, expects the average copper price in its Q4 to be above USD 6,000 per tonne reported in the third and sales to top 119,000 tonnes.

On Tuesday 3 month copper price MCU3 stood at USD 6,850 per tonne, easing off 13-1/2 month high hit on Monday.

To achieve its full year goal, KGHM would have to produce 137,000 tonnes, planning also to sell part of its inventory.

Mr Herbert Wirth CEO of KGHM said that "In 2010, we plan to produce more copper than 502,000 tonnes expected in 2009."

KGHM is also looking to buy mines to expand beyond mainly domestic production, although it had to scale down its plans as copper prices recovered and the government forced it to pay a hefty dividend earlier in 2009.

(Sourced from Reuters)