Vedanta Reported Record Zinc Production in Fourth Quarter

The sequential increase was due to higher ore grades while the y-o-y decrease was driven primarily by decline in overall ore grades due to mine mix. Integrated zinc metal production was 206,000 tonnes, 3% higher q-o-q and 4% lower y-o-y in line with availability of mined metal. 

The Company recorded highest ever lead and silver metal production during the quarter. Integrated lead metal production was at 50,000 tonnes, 9% higher q-o-q and 11% higher y-o-y on account of higher smelter efficiency. Integrated silver production was at 5.5 million ounces (170 tonnes), up 28% sequentially on higher silver grades and conversion of inventory and up 22% y-o-y in line with higher production from Sindesar Khurd mine. 

The underground production at Rampura Agucha continues to ramp up strongly and it achieved an ore production run-rate of 3.0 mtpa during the quarter. The south ventilation shaft system was commissioned during the quarter. Off shaft development is on track and production is expected to start in Q3 FY2019. 

During the quarter, Sindesar Khurd’s main shaft was equipped and winder installation work commenced. Production from the shaft is expected to start as per schedule in Q3 FY2019. Civil and structure erection for the new 1.5 mtpa mill is ongoing and is expected to Vedanta Resources plc Page 5 of 14 Production Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year ended 31st March 2018 be commissioned in Q2 FY2019. During the quarter, orders were placed for paste fill plants for both Rampura Agucha and Sindesar Khurd mines. 

MoEF has given environmental clearance for expansion of ore production at Kayad mine from 1.0 to 1.2 mtpa. At Zawar mine, civil construction work for the new 2.0 mtpa mill is progressing well with commissioning expected by Q4 FY2019. 

The Fumer project is progressing as per schedule and expected to commission in mid-FY2019. The company is on track for ramp up of mined metal production to 1.2 mt by FY2020. Financial Year 2018 vs. Financial Year 2017 The production of mined metal and refined metal for the year were the highest ever and in line with guidance provided at the beginning of the year. Mined metal production for FY2018 was 947,000 tonnes, 4% higher y-o-y. 

This was driven by higher ore production from underground mines, partly offset by lower opencast mine production and ore grades. Integrated zinc, lead and silver production were higher by 18% y-o-y, 21% y-o-y and 23% y-o-y respectively, in line with consistent availability of mined metal.