Glencore/Xstrata’s first-quarter nickel production was 25,500 mt compared to 24,600 mt in the first quarter of 2012. The Nikkelverk refinery in Norway produced 22,300 mt roughly the same as in the first quarter of 2012. Ferronickel output from Falcondo rose 3% over the 2012 first quarter to 3,700 mt due to greater volumes of ore mined and improved nickel head grades. Australian nickel operations produced 8,700 mt of nickel metal (6,300 mt in the first quarter of 2012) and 1,400 mt (3,600 mt) of nickel in concentrates, which meant that total nickel output was roughly the same in the first quarters of 2012 and 2013. Production of nickel metal at Murrin Murrin rose 38% because the acid plant was shut during the first quarter last year. Australian nickel in concentrate production fell 61% because the Cosmos mine was placed on care and maintenance in the third quarter of 2012 and the Sinclair mine is reaching the end of its mine life with production expected to cease on May 15.