IGO suspends annual dividends from Tianqi JV amid market downturn
The JV experienced a build in lithium hydroxide inventory at Kwinana over recent months.
Australian 2012 first half gold output has fallen 5% year on year while Chinese production has gained 7%.
The Australian cites figures from international metals consultancy GFMS as indicating that production by Australian gold miners contracted 5% in the first half of the year, falling to 122.5 metric tonnes from 129.1 tonnes for the same period in 2011.
Recovery rates at Australia’s two largest mines – the Kalgoorlie Super Pit owned by Newmont Mining (NYSE:NEM) and Barrick Gold Corp (NYSE:ABX) and the Boddington Mine owned by Newmont, both fell significantly.
Chinese gold production surged ahead by 7%, with total output hitting 182 tonnes, despite a global backdrop of overall declines in the industry.
China and Australia are the world’s first and second largest gold producers respectively.
Industry pundits have recently predicted a decline in the output of major gold miners due to surging, burdensome costs.
