KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 16): Malaysia Smelting Corp Bhd (MSC) expects to see an additional 15% in overall smelting capacity, with the addition of a sixth fuel-fired reverberatory furnace.  

"The additional capacity will enable the smelter to have a more effective flow-sheet, providing opportunities for smelting of additional feedstock, reduction of intermediate stocks and enhancing its byproduct stream," the company said in a statement this evening.  

The new furnace was built at a cost of about RM3.5 million.  

MSC's current annual refined tin production is about 35,000 tonnes, representing about 10% of the world’s production of refined tin.

MSC said the expansion was in line with its strategy to consolidate its position as the largest and most cost-effective custom tin smelter in the world. It also demonstrates its continued confidence in the tin industry, going forward.

MSC shares ended the day 1.92% or five sen higher at RM2.65, with a market capitalisation of RM256 million.