Kaz Minerals, one of the largest copper producers in Kazakhstan, reported a 2pc drop in copper output in H1 (Jan-June) at 150,300mt from a year ago. Zinc in concentrate production also dipped to 21,800mt, down by 8pc from a year ago. In H1 copper production was higher at Aktogay and lower at Bozshakol in the East Region & Bozymchak division.
Kaz Mineral’s copper production in Q2 was marginally flat at 77,900mt down 1pc from a year ago and 8pc above the prior quarter. Q2 copper production increased by 8pc to due to higher ore processed volumes at Bozshakol and East Region & Bozymchak and increased cathode output at Aktogay. Zinc production fell 18pc to 12,200mt from a year ago rose 27pc from the prior quarter.
Sales
Copper sales in Q2 were reported at 69,200mt, 11pc down from a year ago. Sales rose 2pc in Q2 from the prior quarter. Zinc concentrates sales were almost flat in Q2 at 13,800mt, 1pc down from the prior year. Zinc concentrates sales jumped 66pc in Q2 compared to Q1.
Copper sales in H1 dropped by 7pc to 137,000mt and zinc in concentrate sales remained flat at 22,100mt from a year ago period. Copper sales fell by 9pc below production as capacity limitations imposed at the Kazakhstan-China border associated with Covid-19 hygiene measures resulted in a build-up of finished goods inventory, said the company. Limitations on monthly shipments to China have continued in the second half of the year.
Sales of zinc in concentrate have remained in line with production in H1 as a greater proportion of material has been sold domestically, within Kazakhstan compared with H1 2020.