Kumba's Iron ore output and exports to rise in 2009 - CEO

The group said it will produce 38m tones of the steel making ingredient

SISHEN MINE, South Africa (Reuters) - 

Kumba Iron Ore (KIOJ.J:Quote), a unit of Anglo American Plc (AAL.L: Quote), said on Tuesday it would produce 38 million tonnes of the steel-making ingredient this year, and boost exports of the commodity.

During a visit to the company's Sishen South mine, which is undergoing expansion, Chief Executive Chris Griffith said South Africa's Kumba, the continent's biggest producer of iron ore, was keen to grow its exports in north Africa.

"We will produce this year close to 38 million tonnes, exports will be about 34 million tonnes," Griffith's told a media presentation near the mine.

Kumba produced 36.6 million tonnes of iron ore, and exported 24 million tonnes or iron ore last year.

Kumba said it 8.5 billion rand ($1.13 billion) expansion of the Sishen South mine is on target.

The mine will lift the group's output by 9 million tonnes per year when complete. It is expected to start producing in the first half of 2012 and to peak by 2013. (Reporting by Shapi Shacinda)

© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved

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