TIDMS32
RNS Number : 4887N
South32 Limited
23 January 2023
QUARTERLY REPORT
December 2022
-- Group copper equivalent production(1) increased by 12% in H1
FY23, as our recent investments in copper
and low-carbon aluminium capacity(2) delivered strong growth
-- H1 FY23 Operating unit costs expected to be in-line or below
FY23 guidance at the majority of our operations
-- We are well positioned to capture the benefit of improved market
conditions, with further expected production growth in H2 FY23
and our ongoing focus on cost management to mitigate inflationary
pressures
-- Worsley Alumina and Brazil Alumina operated above nameplate capacity
in the December 2022 quarter, delivering an 8% increase in quarterly
alumina volumes
-- Aluminium production increased by 15% in the December 2022 half
year, with a 50% uplift in low-carbon aluminium, following our
acquisition of an additional shareholding in Mozal Aluminium and
restart of the Brazil Aluminium smelter
-- Sierra Gorda realised sequentially higher copper grades, delivering
45kt of payable copper equivalent production(3) in the December
2022 half year
-- Cerro Matoso commissioned the Ore Sorting and Mechanical Ore Concentration
project in the December 2022 quarter, underpinning a 15 year extension
to the mining contract, and supporting higher expected nickel
production in H2 FY23
-- Australia Manganese achieved record half year production, supporting
a 7% increase in total manganese production
-- Illawarra Metallurgical Coal delivered a 17% increase in quarterly
metallurgical coal production, with improved volumes and labour
productivity as we finalised a new industrial agreement at Appin
-- FY23 production guidance at Cannington revised lower by 11% due
to lower mill throughput and labour availability impacting mining
rates, and at Brazil Aluminium by 25kt (or 25%) due to a slower
ramp-up to nameplate capacity
-- Work completed on Hermosa's Clark selection phase pre-feasibility
study confirmed the opportunity to produce high-purity manganese
sulphate monohydrate for the growing North American electric vehicle
supply chain
South32 Chief Executive Officer, Graham Kerr: "In November 2022,
we were devastated by the loss of two of our colleagues who were
fatally injured in an incident at Mozal Aluminium. Our thoughts and
deepest sympathies remain with their families, and we provided them
with our support following the incident. We are committed to
improving our safety performance. Through our Safety Improvement
Program, we are undertaking a significant amount of work to achieve
the necessary step-change.
"Group copper equivalent production increased by 12 per cent in
the December half year, as we benefitted from transactions that
have repositioned our portfolio toward metals critical for a
low-carbon future. Australia Manganese also achieved record half
year production, while Cerro Matoso successfully commissioned the
Ore Sorting and Mechanical Ore Concentration project, underpinning
a 15 year extension to the mining contract.
"Despite industry wide inflationary pressures, we expect
Operating unit costs for the first half to be in-line with or below
guidance for the 2023 financial year at the majority of our
operations. We remain focused on delivering safe and stable
operational performance, and efficiencies to mitigate cost
pressures and capture higher margins as markets improve.
"We returned US$927 million to shareholders during the period,
paying record fully-franked dividends in respect of the
June 2022 half year and continuing our on-market share buy-back.
We have returned US$2.2 billion under our capital management
program since inception, with US$108 million remaining to be
returned to shareholders ahead of its extension or expiry in
September 2023.
"Looking forward, our capital management framework and
disciplined approach to capital allocation is designed to reward
shareholders as we grow our production and realise the benefits of
improving market conditions.
At the same time, we continue to reshape our portfolio toward
metals critical for a low-carbon future, advancing construction
work, studies and exploration at our high-quality development
options."
Production summary
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 QoQ
=============================== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Alumina production (kt) 2,610 2,613 0% 1,332 1,257 1,356 8%
=============================== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Aluminium production
(kt) 494 568 15% 246 279 289 4%
=============================== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Payable copper production
(kt) - - 37.9 N/A - - 19.0 18.9 (1%)
=============================== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Payable silver production
(koz) 6,710 5,812 (13%) 3,217 2,748 3,064 11%
=============================== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Payable lead production
(kt) 60.2 52.4 (13%) 28.3 24.6 27.8 13%
=============================== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Payable zinc production
(kt) 32.7 30.4 (7%) 17.3 14.0 16.4 17%
=============================== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Payable nickel production
(kt) 20.3 20.4 0% 10.7 9.6 10.8 13%
=============================== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Metallurgical coal production
(kt) 2,767 2,753 (1%) 1,192 1,270 1,483 17%
=============================== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Manganese ore production
(kwmt) 2,757 2,937 7% 1,252 1,460 1,477 1%
=============================== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Unless otherwise noted: percentage variance relates to performance
during the half year ended December 2022 compared with the half year
ended December 2021 (HoH), or the December 2022 quarter compared with
the September 2022 quarter (QoQ); production and sales volumes are
reported on an attributable basis.
========================================================================================
Corporate Update
-- On 7 November 2022, two of our colleagues, Mr Cristovão Alberto
Tonela and Mr Alfredo Francisco Domingos João, were fatally
injured in an incident at Mozal Aluminium. Our deepest sympathies
are with the families and colleagues of the deceased to whom we
have provided our support and counselling. The incident occurred
during maintenance work on a raising girder. Production operations
were temporarily suspended while an investigation was completed.
Key learnings from the incident are being shared across our organisation
and with industry. As an immediate step, additional controls were
put in place for all raising girders at Mozal Aluminium and Hillside
Aluminium.
-- A non-binding advisory resolution in relation to our Climate Change
Action Plan (CCAP) was passed by shareholders at our Annual General
Meeting on 27 October 2022, with 89.6% of the votes received in
favour of the resolution. Our CCAP included a new goal(4) of net
zero Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a commitment
not to develop or invest in greenfield metallurgical coal projects.
-- Consistent with our focus on securing low-carbon energy, Sierra
Gorda's electricity supply will transition to cost efficient, fully
renewable sources from January 2023 under an agreement to December
2039. Electricity supplied to the operation will be from solar,
wind and hydroelectric power sources, sustainably reducing Sierra
Gorda's greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.
-- During the December 2022 quarter, we satisfied the conditions to
extend the mining contract at Cerro Matoso by 15 years from 2029
to 2044. As part of this extension, we received third-party certification
of the expanded processing capacity(5) delivered by the Ore Sorting
and Mechanical Ore Concentration (OSMOC) project and paid US$43M
to the National Mining Agency in the December 2022 quarter.
-- We made a final investment decision to install additional ventilation
capacity at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal's Appin mine to enable
mining in the current Area 7 until at least 2039(6) . This US$260M
investment is expected to be completed by H1 FY26, with our guidance
for FY23 and FY24 safe and reliable capital expenditure already
reflecting this activity.
-- We expect to record a build in working capital of approximately
US$100M in the December 2022 half year, primarily related to an
increase in inventories. This impact is most acute in our aluminium
value chain in Southern Africa due to ongoing shipping delays.
-- During the December 2022 quarter, we returned a record US$784M
in fully-franked ordinary and special dividends in respect of the
June 2022 half year.
-- We also returned US$143M via our on-market share buy-back during
the December 2022 half year, purchasing a further 56M shares at
an average price of A$3.86. To 31 December 2022, our US$2.3B capital
management program was 95% complete with US$108M remaining to be
returned ahead of its extension or expiry on 1 September 2023(7)
.
-- We received net distributions(8) of US$60M (South32 share) from
our manganese equity accounted investments (EAI) in the December
2022 half year, following the payment of income tax (US$94M, 100%
basis), and royalties at Australia Manganese (US$82M, 100% basis).
We did not receive a distribution from our Sierra Gorda EAI in
the December 2022 half year.
-- We made tax payments of US$347M in the December 2022 half year,
which included US$111M in relation to our acquisition of Sierra
Gorda. Of this amount, EUR92M (US$94M at the payment date) relates
to pre-closing tax liabilities which we intend to seek to recover
from the vendors.
-- Our Group Underlying effective tax rate (ETR) for the December
2022 half year is expected to be approximately 35%, reflecting
the corporate tax rates of the jurisdictions in which we operate(9)
and our geographical earnings mix, including our manganese and
Sierra Gorda EAIs which are proportionally consolidated in our
Underlying results. Separately, the Underlying ETR of our manganese
business is expected to be in a range of approximately 55 to 60%,
including the royalty related tax for Australia Manganese(10) and
the derecognition of certain deferred tax assets.
-- We extended our undrawn sustainability-linked revolving credit
facility during the December 2022 quarter, retaining available
capacity of US$1.4B to December 2026 and US$1.2B to December 2027.
-- Reflecting our strong balance sheet and continued disciplined approach
to capital allocation, our current BBB+/Baa1 credit ratings were
re-affirmed by S&P Global Ratings and Moody's, respectively.
Development and Exploration Update
Hermosa project
-- We invested US$96M at Hermosa in the December 2022 half year as
we continued critical path dewatering activity and study work for
the Taylor zinc-lead-silver deposit and the Clark battery-grade
manganese-zinc-silver deposit.
-- We completed drilling of the first two dewatering wells during the
December 2022 half year, with a total of six dewatering wells expected
to be completed during FY23. The second water treatment plant remains
on-track to be commissioned in the June 2023 quarter.
-- We progressed the Taylor feasibility study which remains on-track
to support a planned final investment decision in mid CY23.
-- We completed work on the selection phase of the Clark pre-feasibility
study during the December 2022 quarter. While this study remains
subject to independent review, work to date has confirmed the opportunity
to produce high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate for the growing
North American electric vehicle supply chain.
-- In parallel, we progressed metallurgical test work and continued
our drilling program at Clark to collect bulk samples that will
support initial pilot plant production from mid CY23.
-- We directed US$6M to capitalised exploration in the December 2022
half year, as we continued our planned exploration programs including
at the copper-lead-zinc-silver Peake prospect(11) . We expect to
commence exploration drilling at the Flux prospect(12) during CY23,
following the receipt of approvals.
Ambler Metals project
-- At our Ambler Metals joint venture, the CY22 summer exploration
program was completed and the joint venture progressed work on
the pre-feasibility study for the Arctic deposit. Our share of
capitalised exploration was US$8M in the December 2022 half year.
-- Activity in CY23 is expected to focus on consolidating our geological
knowledge and advancing engineering studies, while we monitor progress
on approvals for the Ambler Access Project.
Greenfield exploration
-- We invested US$19M during the December 2022 half year in our greenfield
exploration opportunities, with multiple programs targeting base
metals underway in Australia, USA, Canada, Argentina, Peru and
Ireland.
Other exploration
-- We invested US$30M (US$20M capitalised) in exploration programs
at our existing operations and development options in the December
2022 half year, including US$6M at the Hermosa project (noted above,
all capitalised), US$8M at Ambler Metals (noted above, all capitalised),
US$2M for our manganese EAI (US$1M capitalised) and US$3M for our
Sierra Gorda EAI (US$1M capitalised).
Production Summary
Production guidance FY22 1H23 FY23e(a) Guidance comments
(South32 share)
Worsley Alumina
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Alumina production (kt) 3,991 1,922 4,000
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Brazil Alumina (non-operated)
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Alumina production (kt) 1,297 691 1,395
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Brazil Aluminium (non-operated)
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Aluminium production (kt) 0.3 23.7 75 Guidance reduced by 25kt (from 100kt) due
to a slower than expected ramp-up to
nameplate capacity
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Hillside Aluminium(13)
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Aluminium production (kt) 714 362 720
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Mozal Aluminium(13) (,14)
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Aluminium production (kt) 278 182 370
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Sierra Gorda (non-operated)
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Payable copper equivalent production (3)
(kt) 30.6 44.9 89.0
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Payable copper production (kt) 25.3 37.9 71.8
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Payable molybdenum production (kt) 0.4 0.4 1.5
============================================= ======= ====== =========
Payable gold production (koz) 9.6 15.3 29.9
============================================= ======= ====== =========
Payable silver production (koz) 253 338 582
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Cannington
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Payable zinc equivalent production(15) (kt) 2 24.2 98.8 209.4 Guidance reduced by 11% (from 236.1kt
payable zinc equivalent) with lower
H1 FY23 mill throughput and labour
availability impacting mining rates
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Payable silver production (koz) 12,946 5,474 12,000
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Payable lead production (kt) 120.6 52.4 108.5
============================================= ======= ====== =========
Payable zinc production (kt) 64.5 30.4 63.5
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Cerro Matoso
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Payable nickel production (kt) 41.7 20.4 43.5 OSMOC project expected to support higher
volumes in
H2 FY23
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Improved labour productivity expected
Total coal production (kt) 6,509 3,331 7,000 in H2 FY23
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Metallurgical coal production (kt) 5,712 2,753 6,000
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Energy coal production (kt) 797 578 1,000
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Australia Manganese
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Manganese ore production (kwmt) 3,363 1,844 3,400 Production tracking ahead of guidance,
prior to the wet season
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
South Africa Manganese
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
Manganese ore production (kwmt) 2,069 1,093 2,000 Subject to demand and our continued use of
higher cost trucking
============================================= ======= ====== ========= ===========================================
a. The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year.
All guidance is subject to further potential impacts from
COVID-19.
marketing Update
Commodity prices were broadly lower in the December 2022 half
year as we saw a moderation in demand and sentiment following
record conditions for many markets in the prior period.
The average realised prices achieved for our commodities are
summarised below. Outstanding concentrate sales were revalued at 31
December 2022 with the final price of these to be determined in the
June 2023 half year.
1H23 1H23
vs vs
Realised prices(16) 1H22 2H22 1H23 1H22 2H22
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Worsley Alumina
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Alumina (US$/t) 389 428 354 (9%) (17%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Brazil Alumina (non-operated)(a)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Alumina (US$/t) 387 419 364 (6%) (13%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Brazil Aluminium (non-operated)(a)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Aluminium (US$/t) - - 2,423 N/A N/A
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Hillside Aluminium
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Aluminium (US$/t) 2,952 3,347 2,555 (13%) (24%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Mozal Aluminium
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Aluminium (US$/t) 3,041 3,591 2,723 (10%) (24%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Sierra Gorda (non-operated)17(a)(b)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Payable copper (US$/lb) - 3.50 3.41 N/A (3%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Payable molybdenum (US$/lb) - 18.48 20.78 N/A 12%
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Payable gold (US$/oz) - 1,934 1,688 N/A (13%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Payable silver (US$/oz) - 23.5 17.4 N/A (26%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Cannington(18)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Payable silver (US$/oz) 21.0 21.0 20.1 (4%) (4%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Payable lead (US$/t) 2,180 1,902 2,008 (8%) 6%
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Payable zinc (US$/t) 2,988 3,473 2,436 (18%) (30%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Cerro Matoso(19)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Payable nickel (US$/lb) 8.39 11.64 9.05 8% (22%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Metallurgical coal (US$/t) 303 457 268 (12%) (41%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Energy coal (US$/t) 108 200 164 52% (18%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Australia Manganese(20)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Manganese ore (US$/dmtu, FOB) 4.59 6.05 4.57 0% (24%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
South Africa Manganese(20)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Manganese ore (US$/dmtu, FOB) 3.47 4.39 3.57 3% (19%)
---------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
a. While Brazil Alumina and Brazil Aluminium are non-operated, South32 owns the marketing rights
for our share of production. While Sierra Gorda is also non-operated, the Joint Venture is
responsible for marketing our share of production.
b. Published 2H22 realised sales prices and Operating unit costs reflect the period 1 March 2022
to 30 June 2022. Whereas production and sales numbers, and all Income Statement items reflect
the period from first ownership (22 February 2022).
OPERATING UNIT COST UPDATE
We expect to report H1 FY23 Operating unit costs in-line or
below current FY23 guidance at the majority of our operations, with
a combination of cost efficiencies and weaker producer currencies
partially offsetting industry-wide cost inflation. Looking forward,
we remain focused on delivering safe and stable operational
performance and further efficiencies to mitigate cost pressures.
Further, Operating unit costs in H2 FY23 are expected to benefit
from higher production volumes as we realise the benefit of prior
investments, embedded improvement projects and maintenance
completed in H1 FY23.
The below commentary reflects our current expectations for H1
FY23 Operating unit costs. We will report H1 FY23 Operating unit
costs and provide updated FY23 guidance with our financial results
announcement for the December 2022 half year.
Operating unit cost(a)
----------------------------------- ------------ -----------------------------------------------
Guidance H1 FY23 Operating unit costs commentary
FY23e(b)(c)
Worsley Alumina
(US$/t) 296 Expected to be 2.5% below current
FY23 guidance, with a weaker Australian
dollar and lower caustic soda costs
to more than offset higher energy
prices
----------------------------------- ------------ -----------------------------------------------
Brazil Alumina (non-operated)
Not Expected to be 17.5% above H2 FY22
provided Operating unit costs (US$312/t),
as raw material input and energy
prices remain elevated, and we incurred
higher contractor costs
----------------------------------- ------------ -----------------------------------------------
Brazil Aluminium (non-operated)
Not Gross operating costs of US$120M
provided expected as we invest to support
the smelter's ramp-up to nameplate
capacity
----------------------------------- ------------ -----------------------------------------------
Hillside Aluminium Not
provided
------------
Mozal Aluminium The cost profile of our Southern
African aluminium smelters is heavily
influenced by the South African rand,
and the price of raw materials and
energy.
We expect to report a modest reduction
in Operating unit costs in
H1 FY23 relative to H2 FY22, with
the benefit of a weaker South African
rand, while smelter raw material
prices (pitch, coke and aluminium
tri-fluoride) remained elevated.
H1 FY23 Operating unit costs for
Hillside Aluminium are expected to
be 2.5% lower (H2 FY22: US$2,318/t)
and at Mozal Aluminium 7.5% lower
(H2 FY22: $2,429/t).
-----------------------------------------------
Sierra Gorda (non-operated)
(US$/t)(d) 14.8 Expect to be 12.5% above current
FY23 guidance, with higher coal price-linked
energy costs and lower ore processed
----------------------------------- ------------ -----------------------------------------------
Cannington
(US$/t)(d) 129 Expect to be 5% above current FY23
guidance, with a weaker Australian
dollar and lower price-linked royalties,
to be more than offset by lower ore
processed
----------------------------------- ------------ -----------------------------------------------
Cerro Matoso
(US$/lb) 4.97 Expected to be in-line with current
FY23 guidance, with a weaker Colombian
peso and lower price-linked royalties,
expected to offset lower volumes
----------------------------------- ------------ -----------------------------------------------
Illawarra Metallurgical
Coal
(US$/t) 116 Expected to be 7.5% above current
FY23 guidance, with a weaker Australian
dollar and lower price-linked royalties,
to be more than offset by lower volumes
----------------------------------- ------------ -----------------------------------------------
Australia Manganese (FOB)
(US$/dmtu) 2.08 Expected to be 15% below current
FY23 guidance, benefitting from higher
volumes, together with a weaker Australian
dollar and lower
price-linked royalties
----------------------------------- ------------ -----------------------------------------------
South Africa Manganese (FOB)
(US$/dmtu) 2.66 Expected to be in-line with current
guidance, with a weaker South African
rand partially offset by the use
of higher cost trucking
----------------------------------- ------------ -----------------------------------------------
a. Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA, excluding
third party sales, divided by sales volumes. Operating cost is
Revenue less Underlying EBITDA excluding third party sales.
b. FY23e Operating unit cost guidance includes royalties (where appropriate)
and commodity price and foreign exchange rate forward curves or
our internal expectations (refer to footnote 21).
c. The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year. All
guidance is subject to further potential impacts from COVID-19.
d. US dollar per tonne of ore processed. Periodic movements in finished
product inventory may impact Operating unit costs.
Worsley Alumina (86% share)
2Q23 2Q23
vs vs
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 2Q22 1Q23
Alumina production (kt) 1,979 1,922 (3%) 973 920 1,002 3% 9%
======================== ===== ===== ==== ===== ==== ===== ===== =====
Alumina sales (kt) 1,946 1,861 (4%) 1,022 885 976 (5%) 10%
======================== ===== ===== ==== ===== ==== ===== ===== =====
Worsley Alumina saleable production decreased by 3% (or 57kt) to
1,922kt in the December 2022 half year, while saleable production
improved by 9% (or 82kt) in the December 2022 quarter following the
completion of planned calciner maintenance in the September 2022
quarter. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 4,000kt with
the expectation that nameplate production rates (4.6Mtpa, 100%
basis) are achieved following planned calciner maintenance in the
March 2023 quarter.
During the December 2022 quarter, we imported approximately 58kt
of low-calorific coal to supplement our domestic coal supply. While
we have no current plans to import further coal, we will continue
to monitor the performance of our domestic third-party coal
suppliers and respond accordingly.
Brazil Alumina (36% share)
2Q23 2Q23
vs vs
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 2Q22 1Q23
Alumina production (kt) 631 691 10% 359 337 354 (1%) 5%
======================== ==== ==== === ==== ==== ==== ===== =====
Alumina sales (kt) 626 678 8% 379 313 365 (4%) 17%
======================== ==== ==== === ==== ==== ==== ===== =====
Brazil Alumina saleable production increased by 10% (or 60kt) to
691 kt in the December 2022 half year, as the refinery operated at
nameplate capacity (3.86Mtpa, 100% basis), following the bauxite
ship unloader outage in the prior period. FY23 production guidance
remains unchanged at 1,395kt.
Brazil AluminIUM (40% share)
2Q23 2Q23
vs vs
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 2Q22 1Q23
Aluminium production (kt) - 23.7 N/A - 8.3 15.4 N/A 86%
========================== ==== ==== === ==== ==== ==== ===== =====
Aluminium sales (kt) - 19.4 N/A - 3.3 16.1 N/A 388%
========================== ==== ==== === ==== ==== ==== ===== =====
Brazil Aluminium saleable production was 23.7kt in the December
2022 half year, following the successful restart of the smelter in
the June 2022 quarter. Production increased by 86% (or 7.1kt) in
the December 2022 quarter as potlines one and two continued to
ramp-up towards capacity and potline three was restarted in
November 2022.
During the December 2022 quarter, the smelter experienced
temporary challenges with its alumina feeding systems and higher
than expected pot failure rates. As a result, fewer pots are in
operation than planned, and the ramp-up to nameplate capacity
(179ktpa, 40% basis) is delayed to the September 2023 quarter.
Accordingly, we have reduced FY23 production by 25kt (or 25%) to
75kt and FY24 production guidance by 31kt (or 17%) to 148kt.
Hillside Aluminium (100% SHARE)
2Q23 2Q23
vs vs
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 2Q22 1Q23
Aluminium production (kt) 358 362 1% 178 179 183 3% 2%
========================== ==== ==== === ==== ==== ==== ===== =====
Aluminium sales (kt) 336 337 0% 176 162 175 (1%) 8%
========================== ==== ==== === ==== ==== ==== ===== =====
Hillside Aluminium saleable production increased by 1% (or 4kt)
to 362kt in the December 2022 half year as the smelter continued to
test its maximum technical capacity despite the impact of elevated
load-shedding. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 720kt
(13) .
While sales increased by 8% in the December 2022 quarter,
inventory remained above target levels as two shipments were
delayed to January 2023 due to shipping delays at Richards Bay.
Mozal Aluminium (63.7%(14) share)
2Q23 2Q23
vs vs
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 2Q22 1Q23
Aluminium production (kt) 136 182 34% 68 92 90 32% (2%)
========================== ==== ==== === ==== ==== ==== ===== =====
Aluminium sales (kt) 122 177 45% 67 87 90 34% 3%
========================== ==== ==== === ==== ==== ==== ===== =====
Mozal Aluminium saleable production increased by 34% (or 46kt)
to 182kt in the December 2022 half year, reflecting our increased
ownership of the smelter(14) . Production decreased by 2% (or 2kt)
in the December 2022 quarter as operations in Potroom A were
temporarily suspended as we responded to the fatal incident on 7
November 2022. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 370kt
(13) , with the smelter having subsequently returned to full
production and continued to test its maximum technical capacity
despite the impact of elevated load-shedding.
SIERRA GORDA (45% share)
2Q23 2Q23
vs vs
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 2Q22 1Q23
=========================== ===== ===== ==== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Payable copper equivalent
production (3) (kt) - 44.9 N/A - 22.6 22.3 N/A (1%)
=========================== ===== ===== ==== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Payable copper production
(kt) - 37.9 N/A - 19.0 18.9 N/A (1%)
=========================== ===== ===== ==== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Payable copper sales (kt) - 38.4 N/A - 19.2 19.2 N/A 0%
=========================== ===== ===== ==== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Sierra Gorda payable copper equivalent production(3) was 44.9kt
in the December 2022 half year, as the operation realised
sequentially higher average copper grades (H1 FY23: 0.45%, H2 FY22:
0.42%) and delivered plant throughput at an annualised rate of 48Mt
(100% basis). FY23 payable copper equivalent production(3) guidance
of 89.0kt remains unchanged (copper 71.8kt, molybdenum 1.5kt, gold
29.9koz and silver 582koz).
Sierra Gorda progressed work on the plant de-bottlenecking
project during the December 2022 quarter, completing planned
conveyor upgrades, while commissioning of the third tailings
thickener is delayed to the March 2023 quarter. Based on recent
performance of the grinding circuit, we now expect annual plant
throughput to be in a range of 48 to 49Mtpa (100% basis) following
the completion of de-bottlenecking work. In parallel, feasibility
study work continues on a potential fourth grinding line, designed
to sustainably lift plant throughput above 50Mtpa (100% basis). The
feasibility study is expected to be completed in H1 FY24.
We will provide FY24 production guidance with our financial
results announcement for the December 2022 half year.
Cannington (100% share)
2Q23 2Q23
vs vs
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 2Q22 1Q23
============================ ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Payable zinc equivalent
production (15) (kt) 114.0 98.8 (13%) 55.9 46.1 52.7 (6%) 14%
============================ ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Payable silver production
(koz) 6,710 5,474 (18%) 3,217 2,568 2,906 (10%) 13%
============================ ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Payable silver sales (koz) 6,718 5,083 (24%) 4,000 1,704 3,379 (16%) 98%
============================ ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Payable lead production
(kt) 60.2 52.4 (13%) 28.3 24.6 27.8 (2%) 13%
============================ ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Payable lead sales (kt) 63.3 51.3 (19%) 38.0 18.7 32.6 (14%) 74%
============================ ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Payable zinc production
(kt) 32.7 30.4 (7%) 17.3 14.0 16.4 (5%) 17%
============================ ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Payable zinc sales (kt) 32.8 27.5 (16%) 18.5 14.9 12.6 (32%) (15%)
============================ ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Cannington payable zinc equivalent production(15) decreased by
13% (or 15.2kt) to 98.8 kt in the December 2022 half year with mill
throughput below plan due to lower than expected performance of
temporary mobile crushers deployed to support the transition to
truck haulage. Ore mined volumes also declined with lower operator
availability due to skilled labour shortages and further COVID-19
absenteeism.
While the transition to truck haulage was completed at the end
of the December 2022 quarter and is expected to bring forward
higher-grade material in the mine plan, the ability to recover
production volumes in H2 FY23 is expected to be constrained with
near-term labour availability challenges expected to impact mining
rates. Accordingly, we have reduced FY23 production guidance by 11%
to 209.4kt payable zinc equivalent(15) (ore processed 2,450kdmt,
silver 12,000koz, lead 108.5kt and zinc 63.5kt).
Sales volumes in the December 2022 quarter reflected the timing
of shipments, including carry-over shipments of silver and lead
from the prior quarter. Our realised zinc price of US$2,436/t in
the December 2022 half year is net of treatment and refining
charges that have widened in the current market.
Cerro Matoso (99.9% share)
2Q23 2Q23
vs vs
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 2Q22 1Q23
=========================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Payable nickel production
(kt) 20.3 20.4 0% 10.7 9.6 10.8 1% 13%
=========================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Payable nickel sales (kt) 20.1 19.8 (1%) 9.7 9.0 10.8 11% 20%
=========================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Cerro Matoso payable nickel production was largely unchanged at
20.4kt in the December 2022 half year. Production improved by 13%
(or 1.2kt) in the December 2022 quarter as mill throughput returned
to normalised rates following the completion of a planned shut,
while the OSMOC project was commissioned. FY23 production guidance
remains unchanged at 43.5kt, with the OSMOC project expected to
support higher production volumes in H2 FY23.
Sales increased by 20% in the December 2022 quarter, which
reflected improved product availability. Our ferronickel product
typically attracts a discount to the LME Nickel price index on a
volume weighted M or M+1 basis, with this discount further widening
to 16% in the December 2022 half year (H2 FY22: 8%).
Following a change in tax legislation, we expect Cerro Matoso's
effective tax rate to increase in future periods, with the
Colombian dividend withholding tax increasing from 10% to 20% and
income tax deductions no longer available for royalty payments(22)
from January 2023.
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (100% sHARE)
2Q23 2Q23
vs vs
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 2Q22 1Q23
Total coal production (kt) 3,145 3,331 6% 1,257 1,595 1,736 38% 9%
=============================== ====== ====== ===== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Total coal sales (23) (kt) 3,255 3,185 (2%) 1,547 1,390 1,795 16% 29%
=============================== ====== ====== ===== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Metallurgical coal production
(kt) 2,767 2,753 (1%) 1,192 1,270 1,483 24% 17%
=============================== ====== ====== ===== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Metallurgical coal sales
(kt) 2,877 2,678 (7%) 1,387 1,193 1,485 7% 24%
=============================== ====== ====== ===== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Energy coal production (kt) 378 578 53% 65 325 253 289% (22%)
=============================== ====== ====== ===== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Energy coal sales (kt) 378 507 34% 160 197 310 94% 57%
=============================== ====== ====== ===== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal saleable production increased by 6%
(or 186kt) to 3,331kt in the December 2022 half year. Metallurgical
coal production increased by 17% (or 213kt) in the December 2022
quarter, with improved labour productivity at the Appin mine
following the successful negotiation in October 2022 of a new
Enterprise Agreement, which has a four year term to 2026. The
benefit to production of improved labour productivity following the
conclusion of protected industrial action was partially offset by a
temporary outage in the December 2022 quarter. Energy coal
production decreased by 22% (or 72kt) during the December 2022
quarter, due to maintenance and water management activity at the
Dendrobium mine.
FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 7.0Mt
(metallurgical coal 6.0Mt and energy coal 1.0Mt) with the complex
expected to deliver higher volumes over the remainder of FY23,
benefitting from an expected improvement in labour
productivity.
Australia Manganese (60% share)
2Q23 2Q23
vs vs
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 2Q22 1Q23
============================ ====== ====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Manganese ore production
(kwmt) 1,704 1,844 8% 807 898 946 17% 5%
============================ ====== ====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Manganese ore sales (kwmt) 1,737 1,652 (5%) 831 779 873 5% 12%
============================ ====== ====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Australia Manganese saleable production increased by 8% (or
140kwmt) to a record of 1,844 kwmt in the December 2022 half year
as improved yields supported higher primary concentrator output.
Separately, our low-cost PC02 circuit continued to operate above
its design capacity, delivering approximately 10% of production
(FY22: 11%). FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at
3,400kwmt, with production volumes tracking ahead of plan prior to
the commencement of the wet season.
South Africa Manganese (ore 54.6% share)
2Q23 2Q23
vs vs
South32 share 1H22 1H23 HoH 2Q22 1Q23 2Q23 2Q22 1Q23
============================ ====== ====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Manganese ore production
(kwmt) 1,053 1,093 4% 445 562 531 19% (6%)
============================ ====== ====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
Manganese ore sales (kwmt) 1,094 1,032 (6%) 579 473 559 (3%) 18%
============================ ====== ====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ====== ======
South Africa Manganese saleable production increased by 4% (or
40kwmt) to 1,093kwmt in the December 2022 half year, as improved
mining performance was partially offset by planned maintenance in
the December 2022 quarter. FY23 production guidance remains
unchanged at 2,000kwmt, subject to market conditions and our
continued use of higher cost trucking.
Sales increased by 18% in the December 2022 quarter as
third-party rail and port availability progressively improved after
Transnet's industrial action was resolved in October 2022.
Notwithstanding this strong quarterly performance, we did see a
build in working capital during the December 2022 half year as a
result of this disruption.
Notes
1. Group payable copper equivalent production calculated by applying
H1 FY23 production volumes and FY22 realised prices for all operations
(except for Brazil Aluminium which is based on FY22 average index
prices for aluminium). The 12% increase in H1 FY23 Group payable
copper equivalent production is calculated relative to H1 FY22
production volumes and FY22 realised prices for all operations
(except for Brazil Aluminium which is based on FY22 average index
prices for aluminium).
2. Refers to aluminium produced using renewable power.
3. Payable copper equivalent production (kt) was calculated by aggregating
revenues from payable copper, molybdenum, gold and silver, and
dividing the total Revenue by the price of copper. FY22 realised
prices for copper (US$3.50/lb), molybdenum (US$18.48/lb), gold
(US$1,934/oz) and silver (US$23.5/oz) have been used for FY22,
H1 FY23 and FY23e.
4. Goal is defined as an ambition to seek an outcome for which there
is no current pathway(s), but for which efforts will be pursued
towards addressing that challenge, subject to certain assumptions
or conditions. Target is defined as an intended outcome in relation
to which we have identified one or more pathways for delivery of
that outcome, subject to certain assumptions or conditions.
5. The information in this report that relates to the production target
is based on Proved (75%) and Probable (25%) Ore Reserves for Cerro
Matoso. Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve estimates for Cerro Matoso
was declared as part of South32's Annual Resource and Reserve declaration
in the Annual Report 2022 (www.south32.net) issued on 9 September
2022 and prepared by I Espitia (MAusIMM) and N Monterroza (MAusIMM)
in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code. South32 confirms
that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially
affects the information included in the original announcement.
All material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning
the estimates in the relevant market announcement continue to apply
and have not materially changed. South32 confirms that the form
and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented
have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.
Payable nickel is calculated using long-term consensus metal prices
and relative metallurgical recoveries.
6. Refer to market release "Dendrobium Next Domain Update" dated 23
August 2022 (market release). The information in the market release
that refers to the Production Target and forecast financial information
for the Appin mine at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal is based on
Proved (14%) and Probable (86%) Coal Reserves from Bulli. The Coal
Reserves estimates underpinning the Production Target have been
prepared by M Rose (Competent Person) and reported in accordance
with the JORC Code. The Coal Reserves estimates are available to
view in South32's FY22 Annual Report (http://www.south32.net) published
on 9 September 2022. The stated Production Target is based on South32's
current expectations of future results or events and should not
be solely relied upon by investors when making investment decisions.
Further evaluation work and appropriate studies are required to
establish sufficient confidence that this target will be met.
7. Since inception, US$1.6B has been allocated to the on-market share
buy-back (752M shares at an average price of A$3.00 per share)
and US$525M returned in the form of special dividends.
8. Net distributions from our material equity accounted investments
(manganese and Sierra Gorda) includes net debt movements and dividends,
which are unaudited and should not be considered as an indication
of or alternative to an IFRS measure of profitability, financial
performance or liquidity.
9. The corporate tax rates of the geographies where the Group operates
include: Australia 30%, South Africa 27%, Colombia 35%, Mozambique
0%,
Brazil 34% and Chile 27%. The South African corporate tax rate
reduced from 28% to 27% from 1 July 2022. The Mozambique operations
are subject to a royalty on revenues instead of income tax. Sierra
Gorda is subject to a royalty related tax based on the amount of
copper sold and the mining operating margin, the rate is between
5% and 14% for annual sales over 50kt of refined copper. This royalty
is included in tax expense.
10. Australia Manganese is subject to a royalty related tax equal to
20% of adjusted EBIT which is included in tax expense.
11. Peake Prospect Exploration Target: The information in this announcement
that relates to the Exploration Target for Peake Prospect is extracted
from "Hermosa Project Update" published on 17 January 2022 and
is available to view on www.south32.net. The information was prepared
by
D Bertuch (Competent Person) in accordance with the requirements
of the JORC Code. South32 confirms that it is not aware of any
new information or data that materially affects the information
included in the original market announcement. South32 confirms
that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings
are presented have not been materially changed from the original
market announcement.
12. Flux Exploration Target: The information in this announcement that
relates to the Exploration Target for Flux is extracted from "South32
Strategy and Business Update" published on 18 May 2021 and is available
to view on www.south32.net. The information was prepared by D Bertuch
(Competent Person) in accordance with the requirements of the JORC
Code. South32 confirms that it is not aware of any new information
or data that materially affects the information included in the
original market announcement. South32 confirms that the form and
context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented
have not been materially changed from the original market announcement.
13. Production guidance for Hillside Aluminium and Mozal Aluminium
does not assume any load-shedding impact on production.
14. Refer to market release "South32 completes acquisition of additional
shareholding in Mozal Aluminium" dated 31 May 2022. Historical
production and sales figures have not been restated for our increased
ownership (presented on a 47.1% basis to 31 May 2022).
15. Payable zinc equivalent production (kt) was calculated by aggregating
revenues from payable silver, lead and zinc, and dividing the total
Revenue by the price of zinc. FY22 realised prices for zinc (US$3,248/t),
lead (US$2,046/t) and silver (US$21.0/oz) have been used for FY22,
H1 FY23 and FY23e.
16. Realised prices are unaudited. Volumes and prices do not include
any third party trading that may be undertaken independently of
equity production. Realised sales price is calculated as sales
Revenue divided by sales volume unless otherwise stated.
17. Realised prices for Sierra Gorda are net of treatment and refining
charges.
18. Realised prices for Cannington are net of treatment and refining
charges.
19. Realised nickel sales prices are inclusive of by-products.
20. Realised ore prices are calculated as external sales Revenue less
freight and marketing costs, divided by external sales volume.
21. FY23 Operating unit cost guidance includes royalties (where appropriate)
and the influence of exchange rates, and includes various assumptions
for FY23, including: an alumina price of US$364/t; an average blended
coal price of US$265/t for Illawarra Metallurgical Coal; a manganese
ore price of US$6.40/dmtu for 44% manganese product; a nickel price
of US$9.94/lb; a silver price of US$22.11/troy oz; a lead price
of US$2,059/t (gross of treatment and refining charges); a zinc
price of US$3,480/t (gross of treatment and refining charges);
a copper price of US$4.07/lb (gross of treatment and refining charges);
a molybdenum price of US$16.95/lb (gross of treatment and refining
charges); a gold price of US$1,860/troy oz; an AUD:USD exchange
rate of 0.69; a USD:ZAR exchange rate of 16.62; a USD:COP exchange
rate of 3,851; USD:CLP exchange rate of 814; and a reference price
for caustic soda; which reflect forward markets as at June 2022
or our internal expectations.
22. Cerro Matoso is subject to a royalty related tax equal to 13.5%
of mine gate value which is included in operating cost.
23. Illawarra Metallurgical Coal sales are adjusted for moisture and
will not reconcile directly to Illawarra Metallurgical Coal production.
The following abbreviations have been used throughout this
report: US$ million (US$M); US$ billion (US$B); EUR (Euro); grams
per tonne (g/t); tonnes (t);
thousand tonnes (kt); thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa); million
tonnes (Mt); million tonnes per annum (Mtpa); ounces (oz); thousand
ounces (koz);
million ounces (Moz); thousand wet metric tonnes (kwmt); million
wet metric tonnes (Mwmt); million wet metric tonnes per annum (Mwmt
pa); dry metric tonne unit (dmtu); thousand dry metric tonnes
(kdmt).
Figures in Italics indicate that an adjustment has been made
since the figures were previously reported. The denotation (e)
refers to an estimate or forecast year.
Operating Performance
South32 share 1H22 1H23 2Q22 3Q22 4Q22 1Q23 2Q23
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Worsley Alumina (86% share)
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Alumina hydrate production (kt) 1,994 1,955 997 972 1,014 957 998
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Alumina production (kt) 1,979 1,922 973 982 1,030 920 1,002
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Alumina sales (kt) 1,946 1,861 1,022 910 1,118 885 976
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Brazil Alumina (36% share)
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Alumina production (kt) 631 691 359 335 331 337 354
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Alumina sales (kt) 626 678 379 306 367 313 365
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Brazil Aluminium (40% share)
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Aluminium production (kt) - 23.7 - - 0.3 8.3 15.4
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Aluminium sales (kt) - 19.4 - - - 3.3 16.1
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Hillside Aluminium (100% share)
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Aluminium production (kt) 358 362 178 177 179 179 183
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Aluminium sales (kt) 336 337 176 179 198 162 175
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Mozal Aluminium (63.7% (14)
share)
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Aluminium production (kt) 136 182 68 66 76 92 90
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Aluminium sales (kt) 122 177 67 66 88 87 90
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Sierra Gorda (45% share)
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Ore mined (Mt) - 15.4 - 4.7 9.0 8.8 6.6
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Ore processed (Mt) - 10.7 - 2.3 5.2 5.4 5.3
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Copper ore grade processed (%,
Cu) - 0.45 - 0.45 0.40 0.45 0.44
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable copper equivalent production
(3) (kt) - 44.9 - 10.3 20.3 22.6 22.3
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable copper production (kt) - 37.9 - 8.4 16.9 19.0 18.9
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable copper sales (kt) - 38.4 - 11.1 16.6 19.2 19.2
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable molybdenum production
(kt) - 0.4 - 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable molybdenum sales (kt) - 0.8 - 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.5
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable gold production (koz) - 15.3 - 2.3 7.3 7.8 7.5
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable gold sales (koz) - 15.4 - 3.0 6.9 7.7 7.7
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable silver production (koz) - 338 - 85 168 180 158
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable silver sales (koz) - 345 - 111 171 179 166
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Cannington (100%)
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Ore mined (kwmt) 1,475 1,123 725 637 641 639 484
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Ore processed (kdmt) 1,385 1,142 698 681 552 518 624
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Silver ore grade processed (g/t,
Ag) 177 175 169 188 177 179 171
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Lead ore grade processed (%,
Pb) 5.2 5.5 4.9 5.9 5.5 5.6 5.4
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Zinc ore grade processed (%,
Zn) 3.4 3.6 3.6 3.4 3.8 3.7 3.6
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable zinc equivalent production
(15) (kt) 114.0 98.8 55.9 61.3 48.9 46.1 52.7
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable silver production (koz) 6,710 5,474 3,217 3,568 2,668 2,568 2,906
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable silver sales (koz) 6,718 5,083 4,000 2,818 3,362 1,704 3,379
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable lead production (kt) 60.2 52.4 28.3 34.6 25.8 24.6 27.8
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable lead sales (kt) 63.3 51.3 38.0 27.9 31.0 18.7 32.6
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable zinc production (kt) 32.7 30.4 17.3 16.4 15.4 14.0 16.4
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable zinc sales (kt) 32.8 27.5 18.5 17.3 16.1 14.9 12.6
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Cerro Matoso (99.9% share)
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Ore mined (kwmt) 2,416 2,752 1,358 1,310 1,141 1,332 1,420
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Ore processed (kdmt) 1,335 1,392 715 690 678 666 726
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Ore grade processed (%, Ni) 1.73 1.64 1.71 1.73 1.71 1.63 1.65
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable nickel production (kt) 20.3 20.4 10.7 10.6 10.8 9.6 10.8
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Payable nickel sales (kt) 20.1 19.8 9.7 9.8 11.9 9.0 10.8
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal
(100%)
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Total coal production (kt) 3,145 3,331 1,257 1,781 1,583 1,595 1,736
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Total coal sales (23) (kt) 3,255 3,185 1,547 1,465 1,886 1,390 1,795
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Metallurgical coal production
(kt) 2,767 2,753 1,192 1,565 1,380 1,270 1,483
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Metallurgical coal sales (kt) 2,877 2,678 1,387 1,358 1,588 1,193 1,485
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Energy coal production (kt) 378 578 65 216 203 325 253
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Energy coal sales (kt) 378 507 160 107 298 197 310
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Australia Manganese (60% share)
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Manganese ore production (kwmt) 1,704 1,844 807 815 844 898 946
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Manganese ore sales (kwmt) 1,737 1,652 831 775 860 779 873
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Ore grade sold (%, Mn) 44.2 44.2 44.2 44.1 44.2 44.3 44.1
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
South Africa Manganese (54.6%
share)
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Manganese ore production (kwmt) 1,053 1,093 445 391 625 562 531
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Manganese ore sales (kwmt) 1,094 1,032 579 495 581 473 559
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Ore grade sold (%, Mn) 39.5 39.2 38.7 40.5 39.4 38.5 39.8
===================================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
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. South32 cautions
against reliance on any forward looking statements or guidance,
particularly in light of the current economic climate and the
significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption arising in
connection with COVID-19.
Further information
INVESTOR RELATIONS MEDIA RELATIONS
Ben Baker Jamie Macdonald Miles Godfrey
M +61 403 763 086 M +61 408 925 140 M +61 415 325 906
E Ben.Baker@south32.net E Jamie.Macdonald@south32.net E Miles.Godrey@south32.net
Approved for release to the market by Graham Kerr, Chief
Executive Officer
JSE Sponsor: The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
23 January 2023
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
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