Iron ore production 69.2 mln tons, up 6% (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Sydney, 17 Jul - Australian miner BHP said that in the fourth quarter ended in June it produced 504,900 tons of copper, up a quarterly 8% and an annual 6%, bringing the total for the year to 1.865 million tons, up 9% and towards the higher end of the 1.72-1.91 million guidance.

For the current fiscal year guidance is of 1.845-2.045 million tons.

Iron ore production rose a quarterly 13% and an annual 6% to 69.2 million tons for a total in the year to 259.1 million tons, compared with guidance of 254-264.5 million tons. For the current fiscal year it sees output of 255-265.5 million tons.

BHP said it saw record production at WAIO (Western Australia Iron Ore), Spence, and Carrapateena and the highest production in four years at Escondida.

It said average realised prices for copper and iron ore were higher in the fiscal year, while metallurgical coal prices remained relatively stable, and nickel and energy coal prices were lower. Unit cost guidance for FY24 is expected to be met at Escondida, WAIO, and Spence, and revised unit cost guidance is expected to be met at BMA.

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(RADIOCOR) 17-07-24 10:00:18 (0222) 5 NNNN