The Alumina and Aluminum, and Energy Divisions in Kazakhstan operated at effective full available capacity for the quarter, while the Ferroalloys and Iron Ore Divisions operated at below full capacity due to unscheduled equipment repairs. Alumina volumes were higher in the quarter than in the comparable period in 2010 owing to the completion of the alumina refinery expansion to targeted capacity of 7 million tonnes per annum in July 2011. Cobalt contained production was broadly in line with the Q4 2010 level, while production of copper contained showed exceptionally strong growth against the corresponding period.
Ferroalloys Division
Volumes for most ferroalloy products decreased versus Q4 2010, with the exception of an approximately 5% increase for low carbon ferrochrome and ferrosilicochrome and stable medium carbon ferrochrome saleable production. Total saleable ferroalloys production for the year decreased 2.9% against 2010.
Iron Ore Division
Iron ore extraction and primary concentrate production decreased 3.3% and 3.8% respectively against the comparable period in 2010. Total saleable product decreased 6.6% against Q4 2010. Total saleable product for the year decreased 5.0% against 2010.
Alumina and Aluminum Division
Bauxite extraction increased 8.5% whilst alumina production increased 3.6% against Q4 2010. The Division produced 63000 tonnes of aluminum, 1.6% higher than in Q4 2010. Total alumina and aluminum production increased 1.8% and 9.8% YoY.
Other Non ferrous Division
Production of saleable copper in Q4 2011 was 8,080 tonnes, a 61.9% increase versus Q4 2010. At 2,853 tonnes, saleable cobalt production remained steady compared to Q4 2010. Full year copper and cobalt production increased 46.1% and 18.4% respectively against 2010.
Energy Division
Coal extraction was flat and electricity generation increased 3.8% compared to Q4 2010. Total electricity generation for the full year increased 2.1% and electricity sales to third parties increased 14.3% compared with 2010.
Logistics Division
The volume of goods transported by rail decreased 7.1% as compared to Q4 2010. The proportion of volumes attributable to third parties increased by 4.1% in Q4 2010
Mr Felix Vulis CEO of ENRC said that "Strong production in our Alumina and Aluminum, Other Non ferrous and Energy Divisions was partly offset by lower production in our Ferroalloys and Iron Ore Divisions due to unforeseen maintenance. Swift action was taken and I would like to thank my colleagues for their hard work and dedication to bring capacity back on line. Having overcome production issues in the fourth quarter, we anticipate a consistently strong operational performance across our diversified range of commodities in 2012."
