Vedanta Resources announced the production of zinc, lead and silver of India for Q3 2011.

Mined zinc and lead metal production in Q3 was 209,000 tonnes, 6% lower than the corresponding prior quarter. Refined zinc production was 7% higher at 191,000 tonnes primarily due to improved throughput and operational efficiencies. Refined zinc production for the 9 months ended December 2011 was 569,000 tonnes, 10% higher than the corresponding prior period.

Lead production in Q3 was a record 29,000 tonnes, 107% higher than the 14,000 tonnes produced in the corresponding prior quarter primarily due to volumes from the new 100kt Dariba Lead Smelter which is ramping up well. The new smelter contributed 11,000 tonnes during Q3 and is expected to reach about 90% of its rated capacity by the end of the current quarter. Lead production for the 9 month period was 62,000 tonnes as compared with 46,000 tonnes during the corresponding prior period.

Silver production in Q3 was a record 1.85 million ounces, 37% higher primarily on account of higher volumes at the Sindesar Khurd Mine and contribution from the new 350tpa Silver refinery commissioned during the quarter. Silver production for the nine month period was 19% higher at 4.94 million ounces.

EBITDA in Q3 was lower at USD 265.4 million as compared with USD 332.0 million in the corresponding prior quarter mainly on account of lower LME prices, partially offset by higher contribution from silver. Ramp up of the silver rich SK mine is on track to achieve its targeted 2 million tonne per annum capacity by the end of the current quarter.