21st Jul 2025 03:30
(Alliance News) - South32 Ltd on Sunday announced that it exceeded full-year production guidance, driven by greater output of copper and aluminium across its various operations.
The Perth, Australia-based diversified mining company said it beat production guidance by 2% in the financial year ended June 30, with annual production growth of 20% for copper and 6% for aluminium. This increase in output helped drive total sales volumes up 21% quarter-on-quarter during the final three months of the year.
South32's share of Worsley alumina production fell 1.3% to 3.7 million tonnes in financial 2025 from 3.8 million tonnes a year earlier. However, production increased 2.2% to 936,000 tonnes in the fourth quarter from 916,000 tonnes in the same quarter a year before.
Brazil alumina production grew 4.2% annually to 1.34 million tonnes from 1.29 million tonnes, with fourth quarter production 0.3% higher at 334,000 tonnes from 333,000 tonnes.
Brazil aluminium production surged 33% to 138,000 tonnes from 104,000 tonnes annually, while fourth quarter production grew 36% to 38,000 tonnes from 28,000 tonnes.
Hillside aluminium production fell 0.3% to 718,000 tonnes annually from 720,000 tonnes, and in the fourth quarter output edged up 0.6% to 181,000 tonnes from 180,000 tonnes.
Meanwhile, Mozal aluminium production increased 13% annually to 355,000 tonnes from 314,000 tonnes, with a 17% rise in the fourth quarter to 90,000 tonnes from 77,000 tonnes.
Payable copper equivalent production at Sierra Gorda jumped 20% annually to 88,100 tonnes from 73,500 tonnes, with a 19% increase in the fourth quarter to 21,900 tonnes from 18,400 tonnes.
At Cannington, payable zinc equivalent production declined 20% annually to 241,900 tonnes from 302,500 tonnes, while fourth quarter production dropped 20% to 61,800 tonnes from 77,300 tonnes.
Payable nickel production at Cerro Matoso fell 8.6% annually to 37,100 tonnes from 40,600 tonnes, with a decline of 16% to 9,700 tonnes from 11,500 tonnes reported in the fourth quarter.
Australia manganese ore production reduced by 52% annually to 1.1 million wet metric tonnes from 2.3 million wet metric tonnes. Fourth quarter production stood at 467,000 wet metric tonnes, compared to zero output a year earlier.
Chief Executive Officer Graham Kerr said: "Australia Manganese successfully resumed export shipments during the quarter, marking a significant recovery from the impacts caused by Tropical Cyclone Megan."
In South Africa, the company further reported a 1.1% decline in annual manganese production to 2.15 million wet metric tonnes from 2.18 million wet metric tonnes previously. Output, however, rose 11% to 593,000 wet metric tonnes in the fourth quarter from 534,000 wet metric tonnes previously.
"With operating momentum, an upgraded portfolio, and a strong balance sheet, we are well positioned to deliver growth and returns," CEO Kerr added.
South32 shares were 2.8% higher at AUD2.97 each in Sydney on Monday morning.
By Elijah Dale, Alliance News senior reporter Asia-Pacific
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