UPDATE 1-ENRC Q4 ferrochrome output jumps 57 pct

* Ferrochrome output 351,000 tonnes vs 224,000

* Ferrochrome most profitable product

(Adds details, background)

LONDON, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Kazakh mining group ENRC (ENRC.L) posted a 57 percent jump in fourth-quarter output of its most important product, ferrochrome, in a rebound after slashing production in late 2008 during the global downturn.

"The strength of its businesses and their low cost advantage allowed the group to achieve a strong recovery from the downturn at the end of 2008. Going forward, we remain focused on managing production levels in response to market demand," Chief Executive Felix Vulis said.

Output of ferrochrome, a key component in stainless steel, increased to 351,000 tonnes during the three months to the end of December from 224,000 tonnes in the same period the previous year, the firm said in a statement on Wednesday.

The London-listed firm said in November that production volumes had returned to normal levels at the end of September and output in 2010 would return to 2008 levels. [ID:nLC405642]

Wednesday's statement did not update its outlook for 2010.

Ferroalloys are ENRC's most profitable unit, accounting for 62 percent of operating profit in the first half, with iron ore making up 31 percent.

Saleable iron ore pellet production rose 104 percent to 2.3 million tonnes and aluminium output gained 16 percent to 36,000 tonnes.

Kazakh rival Kazakhmys (KAZ.L) is the group's biggest shareholder with a 26 percent holding.

(Reporting by Eric Onstad; editing by Julie Crust)