Pgm miner Inco has announced that it expects to see strong production figures for the second quarter of 2006.

The Canadian miner currently expects its second quarter net earnings to be the highest in the company's 104-year history.

It also suggested that it expects continued strong performance for the second half of the year as well.

"Everything is coming together to deliver an outstanding quarter – a great market, strong production from our operations, and lower than expected costs," said chairman and chief executive Scott Hand.

The company currently estimates that its adjusted diluted net earnings for the second quarter 2006 will be approximately $1.70 to $1.75 per share, 21 per cent above the current estimate.

The company currently expects to meet or exceed the guidance it provided in April 2006 for second quarter 2006 production of pgms.

The company expects that production ramp-up at its new Voisey's Bay operation will be felt in the second half of 2006.

"With more Voisey's Bay concentrate reaching our Canadian processing facilities, the second half of the year should look even better," Mr Hand said.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd