Glencore's metals production heats up

Swiss commodities giant Glencore said on Thursday that its metal production, particularly gold, soared in the nine months ending September compared to a year ago. The commodity group's production of zinc was up 19 percent, while output of copper soared 40 percent and gold jumped 45 percent from a year ago. Coal extraction was also up 18 percent compared to the first nine months in 2010. "Despite the financial market uncertainty and some weather and equipment-driven disruptions, Glencore's overall healthy operational and financial performance has continued through Q3 2011," said the group, although it did not divulge earnings data. The group is scheduled to report its full year earnings on March 5, 2012.