Rio - Production of iron ore at the Vale do Rio Doce Company (CVRD) reached 51,516,000 tons in the second quarter, an increase of 9.3% over the same period in 2003, and 10.7% over the first quarter of this year. According to CVRD spokesmen, it was a quarterly production record, which is seen as the result of rising worldwide demand for minerals and metals.

Iron ore production for the first half reached slightly over 98 million tons, compared to 90.5 million tons during the first half of 2003, up over 8.2%..

CVRD production of other products also rose. Pellets and ingots were up 36.3% and 28.8%, respectively, in the first half, compared to the same period last year. And 30% and 12.1%, respectively, in the second quarter, compared to the first quarter.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Alana Gandra
Translator: Allen Bennett
08/05/2004