Energy Resources Australia 2Q Output 632 Tons; Keeps Fiscal Year Guidance

   By Ross Kelly 
 

SYDNEY--Energy Resources of Australia Ltd. (ERA.AU) said Wednesday that second-quarter uranium output rose 3% from the first quarter, as it remains on track to cease mining at its Ranger pit by the end of 2012.

Uranium oxide production for the three months to June 30, at 632 metric tons, was significantly higher than a year earlier, when operations were shut due to flooding, and brings output for the first half to 1,244 tons.

A company spokeswoman said ERA's annual production guidance of 3,200-3,700 tons, most recently reiterated during a June 19 investor presentation, was unchanged.

The company, majority-owned by Rio Tinto Ltd. (RIO.AU), will switch to selling stockpiled ore when mining ceases at Ranger in Australia's Northern Territory. The company is currently studying the feasibility of a new underground mine in the Ranger area and hopes to make a final investment decision in 2014.

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