Russian firm Norilsk Nickel confirmed on Friday (28th November) that it experienced a slight decrease in production of nickel during the first nine months of 2008.

The world's largest nickel producer posted output of 218,474 tonnes, a figure which represents a negligible fall from the 219,000 tonnes recorded for the equivalent period last year.

In addition, the company revealed that its palladium production for the year up to 30th September was 2.124 million ounces, although it did not draw a comparison with data for 2007.

The latest figures take into account production at its Polar and Kola divisions in Russia, plus its operations in Finland, Australia, Botswana and South Africa - although data from Stillwater Mining Corporation has not been included.

Norilsk also confirmed that its copper output rose to 316,639 tonnes for the nine-month period, a small increase from the 312,000 tonnes recorded for the equivalent stretch in 2007.

Platinum production was down to 475,000 oz from 558,000 oz between January and September, although the company did not disclose any full-year production forecasts.

Source:

Norilsk 9-month nickel output 218,474 tonnes (28/11/08)
http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/11/28/afx5754471.html

Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSL168407420081201