The reduction at Point Comfort is in response to decreased internal and external demand for alumina. Future production levels at Point Comfort will be based on supply commitments. Aluminium production was in line with the previous quarter at 36,096 tonnes. Nickel Major planned maintenance shutdowns at all operations led to lower production of concentrate, matte and metal during the quarter. Key components of the refinery expansion to 67,000 tonnes a year capacity were installed during the March maintenance shutdown.
Installation is scheduled to be completed and commissioning underway by mid year.
During the quarter we announced the purchase of the Yakabindie nickel project from Rio Tinto. The project adjoins our North Six Mile deposit near Mount Keith and significantly increases our nickel resources. We are considering expanding our milling capacity at Mount Keith and a prefeasibility study is underway. Incorporating the Yakabindie and North Six mile leases could increase output and increase mine life to more than 25 years. Pilot plant trials are underway to assess the potential for application of Mt Keith recovery improvements at Leinster.