UPDATE 2-Kazakh miner ENRC Q1 revenues up, sees strong year

(Adds quotes on Kazakhmys, acquisitions)

By Eric Onstad and Maria Golovnina

MONTE CARLO/ALMATY, May 14 (Reuters) - Kazakh mining group ENRC (ENRC.L: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Wednesday high commodity prices boosted revenue in the first quarter, laying the foundation for an expected robust performance in the full year.

The world's biggest ferrochrome producer said the strongest performances in terms of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation during the first three months of the year were in the ferrochrome and iron ore divisions.

"The very significant growth in the group's revenue was largely attributable to higher prices, particularly in the ferroalloys and iron ore divisions," it said in a statement.

ENRC added overall production also rose, up 2.5 percent for total ferroalloys and 3 percent for high-carbon ferrochrome.

"We had a very strong start to 2008," Chief Executive Johannes Sittard said.

"However, control of cost inflation continued to be a key focus for management. Overall the group is trading in line with our expectations, and I anticipate a very strong year for ENRC."

ENRC, which had been considering a possible takeover of rival Kazakh metals major Kazakhmys (KAZ.L: Quote, Profile, Research), said on Tuesday it had decided against making a formal bid ahead of a Friday deadline set by Britain's regulators. [ID:nL13212479]