Australian Associated Press reported that Xstrata has increased nickel production at its Australian operations by 185% YoY during the first half of calendar 2009 as compared to the same period a year earlier.

It produced 7,734 tonnes of nickel in the 6 months to June 30th 2009, up from 2,712 tonnes for the previous corresponding period.

Xstrata said that the increase was due to greater ore production and higher head grades at its Prospero mine and the commissioning of the Sinclair mine, both in Western Australia.

(Sourced from AAP)