Lundin Mining said copper production rose 10% in the fourth quarter, helped partly by strong results at its Neves-Corvo mine in Portugal.

The company produced 27 488 t of copper in the quarter, up from the 24 908 t a year ago. Zinc production rose 15% to 27 053 t.

"Copper production for the quarter from our own operations exceeded expectations while zinc and lead approximated latest guidance," Lundin Chief Executive Paul Conibear said in a statement.

Full-year copper production fell five percent to 75 877 t, mainly due to production issues at Neves-Corvo earlier in 2011.

The company's zinc plant was used to process copper ore in the fourth quarter, which helped make up for lost production.