Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Limited of Japan has released their plans to produce nickel in the fiscal year of 2011 (April 2011 to March 2012).

Namely, SMM is scheduled to produce 22,300 tonnes per annum of nickel in ferronickel in the fiscal year of 2011 (consisting of 10,900 tonnes in the first half and 11,400 tonnes in the second half), which will increase by 18.6% compared with that (18,800 tonnes) estimated as produced in the preceding fiscal year of 2010. SMM completed in July of 2010 the renewal of one electric furnace and intends to produce ferronickel on a full scale in the fiscal year of 2011.

However, one of two kilns installed at the Hyuga refinery is planned to repair during May to June 2011 period, taking 23 days, and another kiln is also scheduled to repair during November to December, taking 22 days.

Also, SMM has planned to produce 41,000 tons per annum of electrolytic nickel metal in the fiscal year of 2011 (consisting of 20,400 tonnes in the first half and 20,600 tonnes in the second half), which will remain as unchanged from that (41,000 tonnes) estimated as produced in the preceding fiscal year of 2010. The facilities to produce electrolytic nickel metal are scheduled to implement its regular maintenance for 4 days in May 2011 and for another 4 days in November 2011.

(Sourced from TEX Report Limited)