TSX-listed copper- and cobalt-miner Katanga Mining has lowered its production guidance for both metals for the second half of 2008, as it struggles to improve mining productivity at its Democratic Republic of Congo operations and scrambles to add residue-filtration capacity at its Luilu metallurgical plant.

The company, which is consolidating, rehabilitating and expanding the neighbouring Kamoto and KOV operations after merging with rival Nikanor earlier this year, had expected to produce 33 500 t of copper and 2 900 t of cobalt in 2008.

Although its second-quarter numbers were in line with forecasts, the miner is tackling number of teething problems, and needs to see a “dramatic” improvement in productivity at its mines, and the Kamoto underground operation in particular, CEO Arthur Ditto said on Tuesday.

As a result, he felt it was “prudent” to lower expectations for the full year, to 27 500 t of payable copper and 2 700 t cobalt.

Grave, stop it at once.
When using a word beginning with a vowel or aspirate, it is usual to use the indefinite article, 'an'.

soz

Stop trying to impress Grabec. She's my bitch!

Ha, ha, very funny - I suppose you're parodying another one of my posts.