Production report for the third quarter 2005: Stable third quarter production

Boliden's mining and smelting production was stable and in line with planned production levels during the third quarter of 2005.

Product Segment Copper
Third quarter copper concentrate production levels at the Aitik mine in 2005 were considerably up on levels for the second quarter of the year, but down on figures for the third quarter of 2004. The head grades of the ores mined have successively improved throughout 2005.

The smelters at Rönnskär and Harjavalta reported good production levels for copper cathodes during the third quarter after the planned maintenance shutdowns in the second quarter. Rönnskär also processed a higher percentage of electronic scrap during the third quarter. The primary effect of this was to boost gold production whereas lead production levels fell. Harjavalta also successfully recommenced nickel smelting two weeks earlier than anticipated after the temporary stoppage caused by a shortage of nickel concentrate.

Product Segment Zinc
The combined production of zinc concentrate from the mines in the Boliden Area, Garpenberg and Tara was higher in the third quarter of 2005 than in both the second quarter of this year and the third quarter of 2004. Repairs after the breakdown in the grinding mills at Tara in the second quarter of 2005 were completed according to plan and Tara returned to full production as of mid-July.

The combined production of the Boliden Kokkola and Boliden Odda zinc smelters was consistent and stable during the third quarter of 2005, and levels were on a par with those for the second quarter of this year and the corresponding quarter in 2004.

Boliden's Interim Report for January-September 2005 will be published October 25, 2005.

Appendix 1. Metal production, exchange rates and metal prices for Q3 2005.