OREANDA-NEWS. May 13, 2011. The Kazakhmys Group announced its operating results from the 1st quarter 2011, reported the press-centre of KASE.

Output of copper and by-products keeps up with the Y2011 projections. 74 thousand tons of copper in the cathode equivalent were produced from own concentrate. Set targets were matched in production of incidental metals: 36 thousand of zinc concentrate, 2,332 thousand ounces of silver, and 19.3 thousand ounces of gold. Gold and silver produce reflects an increase in the work in progress due to be completed in the 2nd quarter 2011.

Ekibastuz GRES-1 keeps delivering excellent performance. Electricity output increased by 22% when compared with the 1st quarter last year. The reason was sustainable growth of demand in Kazakhstan and Russia, tariffs rise and increased ratio of reliability of the company's main and auxiliary equipment after repair works.

The Group's development strategy seeking optimization of existing assets and implementation of new projects has been carried out on schedule. The Company has been increasingly active in social projects with Kazakhstan's towns updating their infrastructure as a result. Kazakhmys invests massively in work safety focusing on prevention of key risks and removal of reasons for possible traumas and injuries. Also the top-management is eager to create an ambience at the enterprises promoting higher risk awareness of employees.

Oleg Novachuk, General Managing Director of the Kazakhmys Group says: "All enterprises of the Group did very well in the first three months despite the  harsh weather and we are quite sure of being able to keep the production at the planned level throughout the year. Positive dynamics on the world markets and sustainable demand from our clients lets us do reliable forecasts for 2011".