Hind Copper Q3 Ore Output Up 8% To 11.7 Lakh Tonne

Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) has recorded 11.70 lakh tonne of ore production during October-December 1997, eight per cent higher than the corresponding period last year.

Production of ore milling and metal concentrate by the company during this period was 11.51 lakh tonne and 10,441 tonne respectively, showing a growth of 1.5 per cent and 3.4 per cent respectively compared with the same period in 1996.

While ore production and ore milling were above the target set for the period, metal concentrate production was two per cent below the target, an official statement said.

Blister copper and refined copper (cathode) production during the third quarter was 10,688 tonne and 9,478 tonne respectively which was 92 per cent and 82 per cent of the respective targets.

During December 1997, the company registered blister copper production of 4,535 tonne, the highest so far in the currentfinancial year.

And 15 per cent higher than the record best achieved in July 1997.

Wire rod and gold sale of 3,204 tonne and 90 kg respectively was also highest in the December compared with the last eight months of the current fiscal.

The company despatched 2,308 tonne of cathodes.