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.
-Write to Ross Kelly at Ross.Kelly@dowjones.com