Xstrata’s nickel production was a record 106,873 mt in 2012 compared to the previous record of 105,925 mt in 2011. Of the total 15,186 mt of ferronickel came from the Falcondo operation in the Dominican Republic which operated 7% above its current nameplate capacity. Falcondo’s production in 2011 was 13,498 mt of ferronickel. Xstrata’s Raglan nickel mine operated at full capacity and treated 1.3-million mt of ore while generating a 5% increase in nickel in concentrate to 28,613 mt compared to 27,274 mt the year before. The Nikkelverk refinery in Norway produced 91,687 mt of nickel compared to 92,427 mt in 2011.

• [Editor:editor]