Glencore Xstrata has reported a 3% increase in thermal and semi soft coal production in Australia to 14 million tons during the first quarter of 2014.
The increase in output was driven by productivity improvements at Bulga and production ramp up at Ravensworth mines, the company said.
On the other hand, the coking coal production in Australia dropped 17% to 1.5 million tons as the company moves away from certain high costs mines and areas to focus on thermal coal production.
During the quarter, the mining giant reported 4% increase in total coal production, compared with the same period a year ago.
In South Africa, Glencore Xstrata’s thermal coal production decreased 3% to 10.4 million tons due to delays from wet weather, unprotected industrial action at Goedgevonden and impact of mining through low yield areas at certain operations. Additionally, the Klippan and Wonderfontein underground mines were closed during the fourth quarter of 2013.
In Colombia, the company reported an increase in production at Prodeco and Cerrejón to 5.2 million tons and 2.9 million tons respectively.