Nickel, copper and pgm producer Inco has published its third quarter results which show that 2004 is set to be a bumper year for production.

The firm says it has adjusted net earnings of $212 million for the third quarter of 2004, a massive leap from net earnings of $20 million for the same period in 2003.

Chairman Scott Hand hailed the "significantly improved earnings", pointing to an increase in output across the board.

Inco says it has increased 2004 total production guidance for nickel, copper and pgms, after a total of 118,000 troy ounces of pgms was produced in the third quarter.

Predictions for full-year production of pgms are now set at 405,000 troy ounces, with the company confident of further growth.