Norilsk Nickel saw its platinum output reach higher-than-expected levels in 2009, it has been confirmed.

The company revealed that production of the precious metal reached 661,000 oz, compared to an original prediction of 633,000 oz and the 2008 figure of 650,000 oz.

Detailing the results in a statement, Norilsk also noted that it is planning to produce between 690,000 oz and 695,000 oz of platinum in 2010.

Meanwhile, the firm's palladium output hit 2.805 million ounces last year, which was higher than initial expectations of 2.669 million ounces but lower that the 2.821 million ounces achieved in 2008.

The world's largest nickel and palladium producer announced that it hopes to see palladium output reach between 2.830 million ounces and 2.835 million ounces this year.

Norilsk also noted that nickel output was 282,894 tonnes in 2009, close to the previous estimate of 285,000 tonnes but down on a restated figure of 300,600 tonnes in 2008.

The data, which does not incorporate results from its Stillwater Mining Company unit, revealed that Norilsk has upped its nickel production expectation from 300,000 tonnes to between 299,000 and 309,000 tonnes.

Norilsk also has interests in copper, gold, cobalt, selenium, tellurium, silver, coal, iridium and ruthenium.

Sources:

UPDATE 1-Norilsk raises 2010 nickel output forecast (29/01/10)

Norilsk eyes $2 billion 2009 profit after loss: reports

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