BOLIDEN, Sweden, April 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "The metal prices trend was favourable throughout the quarter, as is reflected in the fact that both Business Areas posted strong operating profits. This was particularly true for Mines, which achieved a new record level for a single quarter. Mines' production levels continued to be good, and Kevitsa, which was acquired last year, is developing well. Furthermore, production at the copper smelters was stable," says Lennart Evrell, President & CEO of Boliden.

The operating profit within Mines improved on the previous quarter, mainly due to rising metal prices. Production levels were healthy at the majority of the Group's mines, although it was lower than during the strong previous quarter, where stock reductions also affected earnings positively. Lower milled volumes at Tara was compensated for by higher grades, while copper and zinc production levels at Aitik and Garpenberg, respectively, fell slightly from those in the previous quarter.

Smelters' operating profit, excluding revaluation of process inventory, was down on the previous quarter, largely due to the quantity of free metals at the copper smelters falling from the high levels noted in the previous quarter. Production was stable at Rönnskär, Harjavalta and Bergsöe. At Odda, the increased design capacity of 200 ktonnes/year was achieved for extended periods, but an unplanned stoppage affected both feed volumes and zinc production towards the end of the first quarter. Measures to improve zinc recovery levels at Kokkola are ongoing.
 

For further information, please contact:
Sophie Arnius
Director Investor Relations
Tel: +46-8-610-15-23, +46-70-590-8072

Klas Nilsson
Director Group Communications
Tel: +46-70-453-65-88

Boliden is a metals company with a commitment to sustainable development. Our roots are Nordic, but our business is global. The company's core competence is within the fields of exploration, mining, smelting and metals recycling. Boliden has a total of just over 5,500 employees and a turnover of SEK 40 billion. Its share is listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, segment Large Cap 
www.boliden.com

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SOURCE Boliden