FTSE 100-listed metal mining company Xstrata has posted strong results for its production in the 12 months to December 31st, a financial update from the company has shown.

The group, which operates in South Africa, Australia as well as the Carribean, reported record annual thermal coal production, which it said reflected the commissioning of the group's Ravensworth North, Ulan West and Ulan open cut projects in Australia.

Total consolidated coal production reached 90.4m tonnes, 7.0% more than was produced in 2011.

Productivity improvements at Cerrejon and a continued transition of the group's South African thermal coal operations were described as additional contributing factors.

Total nickel production was 106,873 tonnes, representing an increase on the record volumes the company recorded in 2011.

The increase was supported by a full year's production of 15,186 tonnes of nickel in ferronickel from Xstrata's Falconado operation in the dominican Republic.

In addition to strong coal and nickel production, the group reported that construction had been completed on Line 1 at the Koniambo ferronickel operation in New Caledonia.

Following the Line 1 furnace heat during February 2013, the group reported that it expected to be gebnerating commercial grade ferronickel by the end of March.

MF

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