TIDMS32
RNS Number : 5980L
South32 Limited
20 July 2017
South32 Limited
(Incorporated in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001
(Cth))
(ACN 093 732 597)
ASX, LSE, JSE Share Code: S32 ADR: SOUHY
ISIN: AU000000S320
20 July 2017
South32 Limited
QUARTERLY REPORT JUNE 2017
-- Record performance at Mozal Aluminium underpinned a 2%
increase in total aluminium production in FY17 as our smelters
continued to operate at their maximum technical capability.
-- Refined alumina production was largely unchanged in FY17 as
Worsley Alumina operated at its expanded capacity of 4.6Mtpa (100%
basis) in the June quarter.
-- Manganese ore production increased by 5% in FY17 as South
Africa Manganese continued to take advantage of stronger demand and
pricing by maintaining an operating rate of 3.6Mwmt pa (100% basis)
in the June quarter.
-- Cannington recorded a significant decrease in ore grades and
metal production in FY17 as high grade stope 60L was only partially
extracted in the June quarter and run-of-mine stocks were consumed
to support processing rates following a fire in April.
-- Challenging ground conditions in the new Appin Area 9
longwall block and two extended outages at the Appin colliery led
to a 15% decrease in Illawarra Metallurgical Coal production in
FY17, despite record run-of-mine performance at Dendrobium.
-- Adverse weather and an associated delay in the development of new mining areas at the Wolvekrans-Middelburg Complex (WMC) led to a 9% decrease in South Africa Energy Coal production in FY17, despite a sequential improvement in performance in the June quarter.
-- While the publication of South Africa's Mining Charter III
has created additional uncertainty, its implementation has been
suspended pending a judicial review. We remain committed to the
country's transformation agenda, with Broad-Based Black Economic
Empowerment (B-BBEE) entities having a 26%(1) equity interest in
our South Africa Manganese mines and an 8%2 equity interest in our
South Africa Energy Coal mines, which increases significantly when
historic asset transactions are taken into account.
Graham Kerr, South32 CEO, said:
"We delivered record annual production at Mozal Aluminium and
stronger aluminium volumes overall as both of our smelters
continued to operate at their maximum technical capability. While
we didn't achieve the level of consistency that we expect from our
broader portfolio, our alumina, nickel and manganese operations
finished the year on a strong note."
"Production at the Illawarra Metallurgical Coal Appin colliery
remains suspended as a comprehensive review of the operation's
systems and processes is undertaken. This in depth review has been
designed to ensure the operation restarts safely and reliably."
"We will continue to invest in high quality opportunities where
we see value, having acquired a 15% interest in Arizona Mining for
US$81M during the quarter. We also allocated US$211M towards our
share buy-back program as our balance sheet continued to
strengthen."
Production summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
South32's share FY16 FY17 YoY 4Q16 3Q17 4Q17 QoQ
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Alumina production
(kt) 5,296 5,221 (1%) 1,296 1,288 1,320 2%
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Aluminium production
(kt) 963 985 2% 238 245 248 1%
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Energy coal production
(kt) 32,988 30,289 (8%) 8,021 6,858 7,722 13%
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Metallurgical
coal production
(kt) 7,059 5,697 (19%) 2,119 1,431 1,437 0%
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Manganese ore
production (kwmt) 4,782 5,032 5% 1,231 1,285 1,314 2%
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Manganese alloy
production (kt) 224 220 (2%) 45 47 58 23%
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable nickel
production (kt) 36.8 36.5 (1%) 9.6 9.1 9.7 7%
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable silver
production (koz) 21,393 15,603 (27%) 5,037 3,548 3,326 (6%)
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable lead
production (kt) 173.2 132.1 (24%) 38.8 31.3 26.9 (14%)
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable zinc
production (kt) 79.0 70.4 (11%) 18.7 15.1 13.2 (13%)
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Unless otherwise noted: percentage variance
relates to performance during the financial
year ended June 2017 (FY17) compared with
the financial year ended June 2016 (YoY)
or the June 2017 quarter compared with the
March 2017 quarter (QoQ); production and
sales volumes are reported on an attributable
basis.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE UPDATE
-- Our metallurgical coal and manganese (ore) products continued
to be priced with reference to market indices in FY17, with no
meaningful change in product quality differentials. For
metallurgical coal, a minor discount to the premium low-volatile
hard coking coal index was achieved on a volume weighted M-1
basis4, while manganese ore of Australian origin achieved the high
grade 44% manganese lump ore index (CIF Tianjin, China) on a volume
weighted M-1 basis5. For manganese ore of South African origin, a
discount of approximately 10% to the medium grade 37% manganese
lump ore index (FOB Port Elizabeth, South Africa) was achieved on a
volume weighted M-1 basis6 as stronger demand and pricing created a
market opportunity for fine grained Wessels concentrate.
-- Consistent with prior guidance, we invested US$28.8M in
exploration (US$2.6M capitalised) in FY17, including US$15.4M at
our existing operations and US$13.4M on greenfield opportunities
(all expensed). Brownfield exploration focused on metallurgical
coal, manganese, bauxite and silver in Australia, and nickel in
Colombia, with US$2.0M directed towards our equity accounted
investments (US$1.1M capitalised). Our greenfield spend was largely
accounted for by our decision to inject US$10M into Trilogy Metals
(TSX.TMQ) to pre-fund drilling at its Bornite deposit. This
drilling program commenced on 12 June.
-- Our Underlying effective tax rate (ETR) for FY17 will reflect
the geographical distribution of the Group's pre-tax profit. The
corporate tax rates applicable to the Group include: Australia 30%;
South Africa 28%; Colombia 39%; and Brazil 34%. The ETR calculation
excludes the contribution from our equity accounted investments as
they are recorded on an after tax basis.
-- Distributions totalling US$446M (South32 share) were received
from our equity accounted investments in FY17, including
shareholder dividends and loan repayments.
-- On 16 May, we acquired a 15% interest in Arizona Mining Inc.
(TSX:AZ) for US$81M. Arizona Mining's Hermosa Project, located in
Santa Cruz County, Arizona, includes the high grade (zinc, lead and
silver) Taylor Deposit.
-- On 27 March, we announced our intention to return an
additional US$500M of capital to shareholders. Consistent with this
commitment, we commenced an on-market share buy-back program on 19
April and to 30 June had purchased shares with an aggregate
consideration of US$211M at an average price of A$2.66 per share.
We intend to continue buying our shares at a similar rate in FY18,
assuming the on-market option remains an efficient mechanism by
which to return excess capital to shareholders.
Upstream production FY16 FY17 FY17 %(a)
guidance (South32's Actual Actual Guidance
share)
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Worsley Alumina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alumina production
(kt) 3,961 3,892 3,965 (2%)
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Brazil Alumina
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alumina production
(kt) 1,335 1,329 1,320 1%
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
South Africa Energy Coal(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy coal production
(kt) 31,681 28,913 30,000 (4%)
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Domestic coal
production (kt) 16,825 16,717 17,500 (4%)
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Export coal production
(kt) 14,856 12,196 12,500 (2%)
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total coal production
(kt) 8,366 7,073 7,100 0%
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Metallurgical
coal production
(kt) 7,059 5,697 N/A N/A
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Energy coal production
(kt) 1,307 1,376 N/A N/A
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Australia Manganese
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manganese ore
production (kwmt) 3,071 2,994 3,120 (4%)
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
South Africa Manganese
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manganese ore
production(3) Subject
(kwmt) 1,711 2,038 to demand N/A
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Cerro Matoso
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable nickel
production (kt) 36.8 36.5 36.0 1%
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Cannington
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable silver
production (koz) 21,393 15,603 16,500 (5%)
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Payable lead production
(kt) 173 132 135 (2%)
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
Payable zinc production
(kt) 79 70 70 0%
------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------- ----------- -----
a) Percentage difference to latest production
guidance. South Africa Energy Coal, Illawarra
Metallurgical Coal and Cannington restated
FY17 production guidance during the 2017
financial year. FY17 guidance as at FY16
results: South Africa Energy Coal (domestic
coal 17,000kt, export coal 13,850kt), Illawarra
Metallurgical Coal (metallurgical coal 8,150kt,
energy coal 1,380kt), Cannington (payable
silver, lead and zinc 19,050koz, 163kt and
80kt, respectively).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORSLEY ALUMINA
(86% share)
4Q16 3Q17
vs vs
South32's share FY16 FY17 YoY 4Q16 3Q17 4Q17 4Q17 4Q17
------------------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ----- ---- ----- -----
Alumina production
(kt) 3,961 3,892 (2%) 960 964 988 3% 2%
------------------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ----- ---- ----- -----
Alumina sales
(kt) 3,874 3,847 (1%) 959 1,018 920 (4%) (10%)
------------------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ----- ---- ----- -----
Worsley Alumina saleable production decreased by 2% (or 69kt) to
3.9Mt in FY17 as performance was impacted by unplanned calciner
maintenance in the March quarter. The refinery finished the year on
a strong note, operating at its expanded capacity of 4.6Mtpa (100%
basis) in the June quarter. Alumina sales were 7% lower than
production in the June quarter as adverse weather led to the
deferral of one shipment.
SOUTH AFRICA ALUMINIUM
(100%)
4Q16 3Q17
vs vs
South32's share FY16 FY17 YoY 4Q16 3Q17 4Q17 4Q17 4Q17
------------------- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Alumina production
(kt) 697 714 2% 172 178 180 5% 1%
------------------- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Alumina sales
(kt) 709 713 1% 184 163 203 10% 25%
------------------- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
South Africa Aluminium saleable production increased by 2% (or
17kt) to 714kt in FY17 as the smelter continued to achieve
benchmark levels of current efficiency and pot line amperage, 22
pots were brought back online in the December quarter and there
were fewer load-shedding events. The increase in quarterly sales
reflects the scheduling of shipments between periods.
MOZAL ALUMINIUM
(47.1% share)
4Q16 3Q17
vs vs
South32's share FY16 FY17 YoY 4Q16 3Q17 4Q17 4Q17 4Q17
------------------- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Alumina production
(kt) 266 271 2% 66 67 68 3% 1%
------------------- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Alumina sales
(kt) 254 273 7% 69 66 73 6% 11%
------------------- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Mozal Aluminium achieved record performance in FY17, increasing
production by 2% (or 5kt) to 271kt. The smelter continued to
achieve benchmark levels of current efficiency and pot line
amperage, while benefitting from fewer load-shedding events.
BRAZIL ALUMINA
(36% share)
4Q16 3Q17
vs vs
South32's share FY16 FY17 YoY 4Q16 3Q17 4Q17 4Q17 4Q17
------------------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Alumina production
(kt) 1,335 1,329 (0%) 336 324 332 (1%) 2%
------------------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Alumina sales
(kt) 1,359 1,316 (3%) 338 356 322 (5%) (10%)
------------------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Brazil Alumina saleable production of 1.3Mt in FY17 remained
largely unchanged from the record rate achieved in the prior
period. The decline in alumina sales in the June quarter reflected
the timing of shipments between periods.
SOUTH AFRICA ENERGY COAL
(100%)
4Q16 3Q17
vs vs
South32's share FY16 FY17 YoY 4Q16 3Q17 4Q17 4Q17 4Q17
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Energy coal production
(kt) 31,681 28,913 (9%) 7,610 6,675 7,413 (3%) 11%
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Domestic sales
(kt) 17,169 16,922 (1%) 4,089 4,056 3,948 (3%) (3%)
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Export sales
(kt) 15,157 11,797 (22%) 3,561 2,873 3,068 (14%) 7%
----------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
South Africa Energy Coal saleable production decreased by 9% (or
2.8Mt) to 28.9Mt in FY17, despite an 11% improvement in performance
in the June quarter as throughput increased at the WMC export
plant. The impact of adverse weather and the associated delay in
the development of new mining areas at the WMC will continue to
weigh on performance in FY18. Export sales in the June quarter were
impacted by a severe storm that affected the Richards Bay Coal
Terminal and deferred shipments into FY18.
ILLAWARRA METALLURGICAL COAL
(100%)
4Q16 3Q17
vs vs
South32's share FY16 FY17 YoY 4Q16 3Q17 4Q17 4Q17 4Q17
----------------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total coal production
(kt) 8,366 7,073 (15%) 2,530 1,614 1,746 (31%) 8%
----------------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total coal sales
(kt) 8,317 7,296 (12%) 2,617 1,980 1,711 (35%) (14%)
----------------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Metallurgical
coal production
(kt) 7,059 5,697 (19%) 2,119 1,431 1,437 (32%) 0%
----------------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Metallurgical
coal sales (kt) 6,984 5,952 (15%) 2,257 1,694 1,470 (35%) (13%)
----------------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Energy coal production
(kt) 1,307 1,376 5% 411 183 309 (25%) 69%
----------------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Energy coal sales
(kt) 1,333 1,344 1% 360 286 241 (33%) (16%)
----------------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal total saleable production decreased
by 15% (or 1.3Mt) to 7.1Mt in FY17, despite record run-of-mine
performance at Dendrobium, as challenging ground conditions in the
new Appin Area 9 longwall block and two extended outages at the
Appin colliery significantly impacted performance. Metallurgical
Coal sales were 4% (or 255kt) higher than production in FY17. Our
average realised price will reflect a minor discount to the premium
low-volatile hard coking coal index on a volume weighted M-1
basis(4) as our shipping schedule was affected by our prior
declaration of force majeure and the drawdown of finished goods
inventory in the second half.
Production at the Appin colliery, which accounted for 49% of
total coal production in FY17, remains suspended as a comprehensive
review of the operation's systems and processes is undertaken. This
in-depth review has been designed to ensure the operation restarts
safely and reliably following an extended outage. Upon recommencing
underground activity we will be relocating the Appin Area 9
longwall to panel 902. Revised production guidance will be provided
when we report our FY17 results to reflect the completion of our
annual budget cycle.
AUSTRALIA MANGANESE
(60% share)
4Q16 3Q17
vs vs
South32's share FY16 FY17 YoY 4Q16 3Q17 4Q17 4Q17 4Q17
------------------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Manganese ore
production (kwmt) 3,071 2,994 (3%) 739 719 776 5% 8%
------------------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Manganese ore
sales (kwmt) 3,084 3,087 0% 775 749 838 8% 12%
------------------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Manganese alloy
production (kt) 133 147 11% 22 28 41 86% 46%
------------------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Manganese alloy
sales (kt) 150 155 3% 30 37 36 20% (3%)
------------------- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Australia Manganese saleable ore production decreased by 3% (or
77kwmt) to 3.0Mwmt in FY17, despite an 8% improvement in
performance in the June quarter as the operation recovered from the
impact of heavy rainfall and Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The Premium
Concentrate Ore (PC02) circuit operated at approximately 90% of its
500kwmt (100% share) capacity in the June quarter, contributing 6%
of total production across FY17 (FY16: 1%).
Our low cost PC02 fines product has a manganese content of
approximately 40%, which leads to both grade and product-type
discounts when referenced to the high grade 44% manganese lump ore
index. Given the contribution of the PC02 circuit to our sales
profile, our average realised price for external sales of
Australian ore in FY17 will reflect the high grade 44% manganese
lump ore index on a volume weighted M-1 basis(5) . Internal sales
continue to occur on commercial terms.
Saleable manganese alloy production increased by 11% (or 14kt)
to 147kt in FY17 as third party power supply to TEMCO was restored
and all four furnaces ramped-up to full capacity in the June
quarter.
SOUTH AFRICA MANGANESE
(60% share)
4Q16 3Q17
vs vs
South32's share FY16 FY17 YoY 4Q16 3Q17 4Q17 4Q17 4Q17
------------------- ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Manganese ore
production (kwmt) 1,711 2,038 19% 492 566 538 9% (5%)
------------------- ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Manganese ore
sales (kwmt) 1,834 2,024 10% 489 554 542 11% (2%)
------------------- ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Manganese alloy
production (kt) 91 73 (20%) 23 19 17 (26%) (11%)
------------------- ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Manganese alloy
sales (kt) 110 74 (33%) 40 14 20 (50%) 43%
------------------- ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
South Africa Manganese saleable ore production increased by 19%
(or 327kwmt) to 2.0Mwmt in FY17 as we continued to take advantage
of stronger demand and pricing by maintaining an operating rate of
3.6Mwmt pa (100% basis) in the June quarter. This strong rate of
production was supported by the sale of Wessels concentrate and the
recommencement of trucking activity.
Our fine grained Wessels concentrate product, which accounted
for 9% of sales across FY17 (FY16: 4%), receives a substantial
product discount when referenced to index prices. As a result, our
average realised price for external sales of South African ore will
reflect a discount of approximately 10% to the medium grade 37%
manganese lump ore index (FOB Port Elizabeth, South Africa) on a
volume weighted M-1 basis(6) . Internal sales continue to occur on
commercial terms.
Manganese alloy saleable production decreased by 20% (or 18kt)
to 73kt in FY17 as a result of furnace instability. Metalloys
continues to operate one of its four furnaces.
CERRO MATOSO
(99.9% share)
4Q16 3Q17
vs vs
South32's share FY16 FY17 YoY 4Q16 3Q17 4Q17 4Q17 4Q17
----------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Payable nickel
production (kt) 36.8 36.5 (1%) 9.6 9.1 9.7 1% 7%
----------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Payable nickel
sales (kt) 36.8 36.6 (1%) 10.0 9.2 9.8 (2%) 7%
----------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- -----
Cerro Matoso payable nickel production remained largely
unchanged in FY17 as a reduction in furnace availability was offset
by the delivery of first ore from the adjacent, higher grade La
Esmeralda deposit in March. Payable nickel production is expected
to increase in FY18 as La Esmeralda ramps up and contributes across
the full year.
CANNINGTON
(100%)
4Q16 3Q17
vs vs
South32's share FY16 FY17 YoY 4Q16 3Q17 4Q17 4Q17 4Q17
------------------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable silver
production (koz) 21,393 15,603 (27%) 5,037 3,548 3,326 (34%) (6%)
------------------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable silver
sales (koz) 20,852 16,270 (22%) 4,590 3,544 3,866 (16%) 9%
------------------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable lead
production (kt) 173.2 132.1 (24%) 38.8 31.3 26.9 (31%) (14%)
------------------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable lead
sales (kt) 169.7 138.1 (19%) 37.2 32.5 32.3 (13%) (1%)
------------------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable zinc
production (kt) 79.0 70.4 (11%) 18.7 15.1 13.2 (29%) (13%)
------------------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable zinc
sales (kt) 82.6 67.4 (18%) 22.8 16.8 9.8 (57%) (42%)
------------------ ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Cannington silver, lead and zinc saleable production decreased
by 27%, 24% and 11%, respectively, in FY17 as feed grades did not
recover to the extent expected in the June quarter as high grade
stope 60L was only partially extracted and run-of-mine stocks were
consumed to support processing rates following an underground fire
in April.
As previously indicated, the rate of deformation within the
existing crusher chamber has increased and it is now expected to
become inoperable in the September quarter. Commissioning of the
replacement crusher chamber is anticipated in the March quarter,
with approximately 90% of FY17 mining rates(7) to be maintained in
the intervening period as shaft haulage is replaced with additional
trucking via the decline. The stope sequence within the mine is
also being adjusted to re-establish above ground stocks and manage
geotechnical conditions. While our plans for FY18 are currently
being finalised, average silver and lead feed grades are expected
to remain largely unchanged, while the average zinc feed grade is
expected to decline. Revised production guidance will be provided
when we report our FY17 results to reflect the completion of our
annual budget cycle.
Finalisation adjustments and the provisional pricing of
Cannington concentrates will increase Underlying EBIT(8) by US$4.1M
in FY17 (-US$11M: FY16, US$0.5M: H1 FY17). Outstanding concentrate
sales (containing 2.4Moz of silver, 26.2kt of lead and 4.6kt of
zinc) were revalued at 30 June 2017. The final price of these sales
will be determined in H1 FY18.
Notes:
1. 26% of Hotazel Manganese Mines (HMM) is owned by a
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) consortium
comprising Ntsimbintle Mining (9%), NCAB Resources (7%), Iziko
Mining (5%) and HMM Education Trust (5%). The interests owned by
NCAB Resources, Iziko Mining and HMM Education Trust were acquired
using vendor finance with the loans repayable via distributions
attributable to these parties, pro rata to their share in HMM.
Until these loans are repaid, South32's interest in HMM is
accounted at 54.6%.
2. South32 has undertaken a number of historic asset
transactions where it has transferred South Africa Energy Coal
resources to historically disadvantaged entities which resulted in
additional ownership credits. These transactions were completed in
consultation with the Department of Mineral Resources to ensure
consistency with the requirements of the Mining Charter. 8% of
South Africa Energy Coal is owned by Phembani Holdings. The
interests owned by Phembani were acquired using vendor finance,
with the loans repayable to South32 via distributions attributable
to these parties, pro rata to their share in South Africa Energy
Coal. Until these loans are repaid, South32's interest in South
Africa Energy Coal is accounted at 100%.
3. Consistent with the presentation of South32's segment
information, South Africa Manganese ore production and sales have
been reported at 60%. The Group's financial statement will continue
to reflect a 54.6% interest in South Africa Manganese ore.
4. The quarterly sales volume weighted average of the premium
low-volatile hard coking coal Platts index (FOB Australia) on the
basis of a one month lag to published pricing (Month minus one or
"M-1") was US$179/t in the 2017 financial year.
5. The quarterly sales volume weighted average of the Metal
Bulletin 44% manganese lump ore index (CIF Tianjin, China) on the
basis of a one month lag to published pricing (Month minus one or
"M-1") was US$5.54/dmtu in the 2017 financial year.
6. The quarterly sales volume weighted average of the Metal
Bulletin 37% manganese lump ore index (FOB Port Elizabeth, South
Africa) on the basis of a one month lag to published pricing (Month
minus one or "M-1") was US$4.54/dmtu in the 2017 financial
year.
7. Mining rates refer to ore mined on a wet basis (moisture 3%),
whereas mill throughput is reported on a dry basis.
8. Underlying EBIT is earnings before net finance costs,
taxation and any earnings adjustments. Underlying EBIT is reported
net of South32's share of net finance costs and taxation of equity
accounted investments.
9. Figures in Italics indicate that an adjustment has been made
since the figures were previously reported.
10. The following abbreviations have been used throughout this
report: grams per tonne (g/t); tonnes (t); thousand tonnes (kt);
thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa); million tonnes (Mt); million
tonnes per annum (Mtpa); thousand ounces (koz); million ounces
(Moz); thousand wet metric tonnes (kwmt); million wet metric tonnes
(Mwmt); million wet metric tonnes per annum (Mwmt pa); thousand dry
metric tonnes (kdmt); Australian Securities Exchange (ASX); London
Stock Exchange (LSE); Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE); and
American Depositary Receipts (ADR).
operating performance
South32's share FY16 FY17 4Q16 1Q17 2Q17 3Q17 4Q17
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Worsley Alumina
(86% share)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alumina hydrate production
(kt) 3,905 3,898 946 980 966 993 959
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Alumina production
(kt) 3,961 3,892 960 967 973 964 988
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Alumina sales (kt) 3,874 3,847 959 960 949 1,018 920
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
South Africa Aluminium
(100%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aluminium production
(kt) 697 714 172 175 181 178 180
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Aluminium sales (kt) 709 713 184 178 169 163 203
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Mozal Aluminium
(47.1% share)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aluminium production
(kt) 266 271 66 68 68 67 68
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Aluminium sales (kt) 254 273 69 64 70 66 73
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Brazil Alumina
(alumina 36% share)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alumina production
(kt) 1,335 1,329 336 326 347 324 332
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Alumina sales (kt) 1,359 1,316 338 299 339 356 322
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
South Africa Energy Coal
(100%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy coal production
(kt) 31,681 28,913 7,610 7,744 7,081 6,675 7,413
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Domestic sales (kt) 17,169 16,922 4,089 4,446 4,472 4,056 3,948
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Export sales (kt) 15,157 11,797 3,561 2,904 2,952 2,873 3,068
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal
(100%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total coal production
(kt) 8,366 7,073 2,530 1,884 1,829 1,614 1,746
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total coal sales
(kt) 8,317 7,296 2,617 2,193 1,412 1,980 1,711
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Metallurgical coal
production (kt) 7,059 5,697 2,119 1,437 1,392 1,431 1,437
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Metallurgical coal
sales (kt) 6,984 5,952 2,257 1,723 1,065 1,694 1,470
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Energy coal production
(kt) 1,307 1,376 411 447 437 183 309
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Energy coal sales
(kt) 1,333 1,344 360 470 347 286 241
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Australia Manganese
(60% share)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manganese ore production
(kwmt) 3,071 2,994 739 763 736 719 776
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Manganese ore sales
(kwmt) 3,084 3,087 775 757 743 749 838
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Ore grade sold (%,
Mn) 47.3 46.2 47.0 46.7 46.1 46.0 46.2
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Manganese alloy production
(kt) 133 147 22 38 40 28 41
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Manganese alloy sales
(kt) 150 155 30 54 28 37 36
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
South Africa Manganese
(60% share)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manganese ore production
(kwmt) 1,711 2,038 492 417 517 566 538
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Manganese ore sales
(kwmt) 1,834 2,024 489 417 511 554 542
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Ore grade sold (%,
Mn) 39.9 40.1 39.2 39.7 40.8 40.1 39.8
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Manganese alloy production
(kt) 91 73 23 21 16 19 17
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Manganese alloy sales
(kt) 110 74 40 20 20 14 20
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Cerro Matoso
(99.9% share)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ore mined (kwmt) 6,009 4,447 1,480 1,238 1,109 1,044 1,056
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Ore processed (kdmt) 2,699 2,561 683 645 644 648 624
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Ore grade processed
(%, Ni) 1.54 1.59 1.55 1.52 1.55 1.60 1.69
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable nickel production
(kt) 36.8 36.5 9.6 8.7 9.0 9.1 9.7
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable nickel sales
(kt) 36.8 36.6 10.0 8.2 9.4 9.2 9.8
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Cannington
(100%)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ore mined (kwmt) 3,289 2,909 819 780 859 675 595
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Ore processed (kdmt) 3,149 3,036 819 828 841 739 628
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Silver ore grade
processed (g/t, Ag) 255 194 230 216 182 183 196
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Lead ore grade processed
(%, Pb) 6.6 5.4 5.9 5.7 5.2 5.3 5.2
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Zinc ore grade processed
(%, Zn) 3.8 3.4 3.6 3.2 4.2 3.0 3.1
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable silver production
(koz) 21,393 15,603 5,037 4,694 4,035 3,548 3,326
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable silver sales
(koz) 20,852 16,270 4,590 5,063 3,797 3,544 3,866
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable lead production
(kt) 173.2 132.1 38.8 38.4 35.5 31.3 26.9
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable lead sales
(kt) 169.7 138.1 37.2 40.1 33.2 32.5 32.3
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable zinc production
(kt) 79.0 70.4 18.7 17.7 24.4 15.1 13.2
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Payable zinc sales
(kt) 82.6 67.4 22.8 18.5 22.3 16.8 9.8
--------------------------- ------ ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Forward-looking statements
This release contains forward-looking statements, including
statements about trends in commodity prices and currency exchange
rates; demand for commodities; production forecasts; plans,
strategies and objectives of management; capital costs and
scheduling; operating costs; anticipated productive lives of
projects, mines and facilities; and provisions and contingent
liabilities. These forward-looking statements reflect expectations
at the date of this release, however they are not guarantees or
predictions of future performance. They involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond
our control, and which may cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed in the statements contained in this
release. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on
forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable laws
or regulations, the South32 Group does not undertake to publicly
update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information or future events. Past performance cannot
be relied on as a guide to future performance.
FURTHER INFORMATION
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Alex Volante Rob Ward
T +61 8 9324 9029 T +61 8 9324 9340
M +61 403 328 M +61 431 596
408 831
E Alex.Volante@south32.net E Robert.Ward@south32.net
MEDIA RELATIONS
Hayley Cardy James Clothier
T +61 8 9324 9008 T +61 8 9324 9697
M +61 409 448 M +61 413 319
288 031
E Hayley.Cardy@south32.net E James.Clothier@south32.net
20 July 2017
JSE Sponsor: UBS South Africa (Pty) Ltd
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
MSCURUVRBNABURR
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