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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anglo American Plc | LSE:AAL | London | Ordinary Share | GB00B1XZS820 | ORD USD0.54945 |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.50 | 0.69% | 2,537.50 | 2,537.50 | 2,538.50 | 2,551.50 | 2,504.50 | 2,526.50 | 455,448 | 10:52:09 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miscellaneous Metal Ores,nec | 30.84B | 283M | 0.2116 | 120.46 | 34.09B |
TIDMAAL
RNS Number : 6444I
Anglo American PLC
27 July 2012
27 July 2012 Anglo American announces EBITDA(1) of $4.9 billion for the half year
Financial results impacted by weaker prices
-- Group operating profit(2) of $3.7 billion -- Underlying earnings(3) of $1.7 billion and underlying EPS of $1.38 -- Profit attributable to equity shareholders(4) of $1.2 billion -- Net debt(5) of $3.1 billion at 30 June 2012 (pro forma net debt of $10.0 billion)(6)
Strong operational and strategic delivery
-- Strong production performance across iron ore, metallurgical coal, thermal coal, copper and nickel through successful project execution and asset optimisation
-- Kumba Iron Ore - record production of 21.6 Mt and record export sales of 20.7 Mt, up 13% -- Metallurgical Coal - record production of export metallurgical coal of 8.6 Mt, up 40%
-- De Beers acquisition has met all regulatory approvals and the transaction is expected to complete in Q3 2012
-- Increased shareholding in Kumba Iron Ore by 4.5% to 69.7% for $948 million
-- Agreed to acquire 58.9% interest in Revuboe high quality metallurgical coal resource in Mozambique for $555 million
Projects delivered and ramping up to drive high quality production growth
-- Kolomela iron ore - 3.3 Mt produced in H1 2012; on schedule to produce at least 6 Mt in 2012 and full capacity of 9 Mt in 2013
-- Los Bronces copper - 92% of design capacity achieved; on track to complete ramp-up by Q4 2012
-- Barro Alto nickel - H1 2012 production of 12 kt; targeting full production in early 2013 -- Zibulo thermal coal - ramp-up on track to full capacity of 6.6 Mtpa
Projects in execution progressing
-- Minas-Rio 26.5 Mtpa iron ore project - licensing and construction progress hindered by legal actions
-- Grosvenor 5 Mtpa metallurgical coal project - engineering work 50% complete as of July 2012; earthworks under way
Disciplined capital allocation delivering shareholder value
-- Target to maintain a strong investment grade rating
-- Committed to return cash to shareholders on a sustainable basis - interim dividend increased by 14% to US 32 cents per share
-- Sequencing investment in line with resulting funding capacity to focus on the most value accretive and lowest risk growth options
Safety
-- 7 employees lost their lives in work related incidents - safety programmes continuing to drive for zero harm
Hot Features
Premium
-- 37% improvement in lost time injury frequency rates since 2007
6 months 6 months
HIGHLIGHTS ended ended
30 June 30 June
US$ million, except per share amounts 2012 2011 Change
---------------------------------------------- --------- -------- --------
Group revenue including associates(7) 16,408 18,294 (10)%
Operating profit including associates
before special items and remeasurements(2) 3,724 6,024 (38)%
Underlying earnings(3) 1,691 3,120 (46)%
EBITDA(1) 4,942 7,112 (31)%
Net cash inflows from operating activities 2,478 3,986 (38)%
Profit before tax(4) 2,942 6,571 (55)%
Profit for the financial period attributable
to equity shareholders(4) 1,207 3,988 (70)%
Earnings per share (US$):
Basic earnings per share(4) 0.98 3.30 (70)%
Underlying earnings per share(3) 1.38 2.58 (47)%
Dividend per share 0.32 0.28 14%
---------------------------------------------- --------- -------- --------
(1) Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
(EBITDA) is operating profit before special items, remeasurements,
depreciation and amortisation in subsidiaries and joint ventures
and includes the attributable share of EBITDA of associates. See
note 5 to the Condensed financial statements.
(2) Operating profit includes attributable share of associates'
operating profit (before attributable share of associates' interest,
tax and non-controlling interests) and is before special items and
remeasurements, unless otherwise stated. See notes 2 and 3 to the
Condensed financial statements. For the definition of special items
and remeasurements see note 4 to the Condensed financial statements.
(3) See note 9 to the Condensed financial statements for basis of
calculation of underlying earnings.
(4) Stated after special items and remeasurements. See note 4 to
the Condensed financial statements.
(5) Net debt includes related hedges and net debt in disposal groups.
See note 12 to the Condensed financial statements.
(6) Pro forma net debt is net debt adjusted for the estimated effect
of the acquisition of an additional 40% interest in De Beers ($6.3
billion including De Beers net debt as at 30 June 2012) and the
acquisition, announced on 24 July 2012, of a 58.9% interest in the
Revuboe metallurgical coal project in Mozambique ($0.6 billion).
(7) Includes the Group's attributable share of associates' revenue
of $2,730 million (six months ended 30 June 2011: $3,057 million).
See note 2 to the Condensed financial statements.
Cynthia Carroll,Chief Executive, said: "Anglo American has continued its strong operational performance of 2011 into the first half of 2012, delivering increased volumes of thermal coal, copper and nickel and record volumes of iron ore from Kumba in South Africa and export metallurgical coal from Australia and Canada. As a result of markedly weaker commodity prices experienced during the first half of the year, in addition to ongoing input cost pressures across the portfolio, Anglo American reported an operating profit of $3.7 billion, a 38% decrease. EBITDA decreased by 31% to $4.9 billion and underlying earnings decreased by 46% to $1.7 billion.
Successful project execution, from the three new mining operations delivered and commissioned during 2011, contributed to production growth and generated more than $650 million of operating profit. Growth projects delivered in 2011 continue to ramp up well, with Los Bronces expansion achieving 92% of nameplate capacity during the second quarter, while Kumba's Kolomela mine has exceeded expectations by producing in excess of 6 Mt on an annualised basis during the first half of the year - both considerable achievements and ahead of schedule.
Beyond organic growth, we have simplified our minority ownership of De Beers through the acquisition of the Oppenheimer family's 40% interest, for which we have now received all the regulatory approvals. Our partner in De Beers and in Debswana, the Government of the Republic of Botswana (GRB), has the opportunity to decide whether or not to increase its interest in De Beers. Irrespective of its decision, the GRB is firmly committed to De Beers and our interests in the continuing success of the world's leading diamond company are well aligned. We have also chosen to increase our shareholding in Kumba Iron Ore, lifting our ownership by 4.5% to 69.7%, reflecting our view on the quality of the business and its highly attractive performance and growth profile.
To ensure that we continue to deliver shareholder value and returns through the cycle, we will maintain our prudent and disciplined approach to managing our businesses and allocating capital. Despite the macroeconomic uncertainty and likely sustained higher capital and operating cost environment for the industry, we are committed to returning cash to shareholders and have increased our interim dividend by 14% to US 32 cents per share.
We continue to work through all our projects in the construction phase, including Minas-Rio. Minas-Rio is one of the largest and most complex projects in the world, and certainly in Brazil. We have been working to secure permits and licences required for the project in a challenging and changing regulatory environment. Despite being granted further major licences during the period, we continue to face legal challenges to those licences awarded by the various regulatory bodies. We have deployed additional resources to strengthen the project management and permitting teams to resolve these issues but, until they are cleared, we cannot as yet with confidence determine the date for first production. As a guide, however, if we clear all the current impediments by the end of 2012 and experience no additional major unexpected interventions, we anticipate being in a position to ship our first ore in the second half of 2014. Minas-Rio is a high quality iron ore resource with very significant expansion potential and, despite current challenges, will prove to be a major contributor to the Group for many decades to come.
We are sequencing investment by prioritising capital to commodities with the most attractive market dynamics and projects with the lowest execution risks. The 5 Mtpa Grosvenor metallurgical coal project in Australia is well under way, with engineering work now 50% complete as of July 2012 and earthworks have begun. I am also delighted that we have reached a successful and mutually beneficial conclusion to our community dialogue process with the local community at our Quellaveco copper project in southern Peru. This is a clear demonstration of the value we place on engagement and the development of sustainable communities as a prerequisite to our social licence to operate; we look forward to gaining our outstanding permits prior to the Board's review of the project. In Platinum, we are progressing with our review of the shape and scale of the business in order that we achieve satisfactory returns over the long term. As previously stated, we expect to complete the review by the end of the year.
Our safety performance is my absolute priority and the efforts that we have made across our safety related programmes continue to have a positive effect. We still, however, have a long way to go in order to sustain the progress we have made since 2007, both in terms of lives lost and lost time injuries sustained. I am deeply saddened that seven of our colleagues have lost their lives between January and June, all at our Platinum and Thermal Coal businesses.
Short term prospects for the world economy have deteriorated in recent months. Alongside continuing structural problems in the euro zone, economic growth has slowed in the US and major emerging economies, such as China, India and Brazil, albeit from high levels. Yet we see more resilient trends in the medium to longer term. Long term supply constraints across many commodities, combined with continuing industrialisation and urbanisation trends in key growth markets should provide considerable support for prices."
Review of the six months ended 30 June 2012
Financial results
Anglo American's underlying earnings for the first half of 2012 were $1.7 billion, 46% lower than the same period in 2011, with an operating profit of $3.7 billion, down 38% from $6.0 billion. Weakening global economic growth negatively impacted the majority of commodity prices during the period which, when coupled with increasing unit costs in most of the Group's operations, compressed margins.
Iron Ore and Manganese recorded an operating profit of $1,779 million, 28% lower than the corresponding period in 2011. This was driven by lower iron ore prices, which decreased by 21% at Kumba Iron Ore (Kumba), together with cost increases which were partly offset by a 13% increase in export sales volumes.
Metallurgical Coal delivered an operating profit of $159 million, a 68% decrease on the first half of 2011, primarily due to the impact of lower realised export prices, partly offset by higher sales volumes.
Thermal Coal's operating profit of $433 million was 17% lower than the equivalent period in 2011 as a result of decreasing realised prices partly offset by higher sales volumes, supported by record half year production at Cerrejon.
Copper delivered an operating profit of $978 million, 30% lower than the first half of 2011, underpinned by a 12% lower realised average copper price combined with lower grades. Sales volumes increased by 14% following the ramp-up of the Los Bronces expansion project.
Nickel reported an operating profit of $58 million, 38% lower than the first half of 2011. Operating profit includes a self insurance recovery of $57 million and was significantly impacted by a 28% decrease in prices coupled with high inflation in Venezuela. Profit from Barro Alto project continues to be capitalised during ramp-up.
Platinum generated an operating profit of $84 million, 85% lower than the corresponding period in 2011, following lower prices and sales volume. A positive stock adjustment of $172 million relating to the annual physical count contributed to the operating profit.
Diamonds recorded an attributable operating profit of $250 million, 44% lower than the first half of 2011 due to lower average prices, reflecting lower demand and changing product requirements from customers.
Other Mining and Industrial's operating profit was $180 million, 32% higher than the first half of 2011 attributable to the increase in Amapa's operating profit which is now included as part of Other Mining and Industrial. Amapa generated an operating profit of $112 million compared to $45 million in 2011 due to the reversal of penalty provisions, which were in place at the end of 2011, as a result of contract re-negotiations. Copebras' operating profit was 46% lower owing to lower international fertiliser prices, while Catalao increased operating profit by $24 million due to increased production. Tarmac's operating loss of $24 million and Scaw South Africa's operating profit of $28 million were both in line with the same period in 2011.
Production
Production across most of the Group's operations increased compared to the same period in 2011. Successful project execution and asset optimisation delivered volume growth in iron ore, metallurgical coal, thermal coal, copper and nickel. Total Group iron ore production increased by 15% to 24.6 Mt due to the ramp-up of the Kolomela mine and production improvements at Amapa. The Group's Metallurgical Coal production increased by 40% to 8.6 Mt, benefiting from both productivity improvements and a reduction in weather related stoppages.
Copper production increased by 14% to 329,500 tonnes, driven by the ramp-up at the Los Bronces expansion project, partly offset by expected lower ore grades at Collahuasi. Nickel production increased by 80% to 22,900 tonnes due to the ramp-up from Barro Alto. Platinum equivalent refined production was marginally ahead of 2011 following shorter and more localised safety-related stoppages during the first half of the year. Production at De Beers decreased by 13% to 13.4 million carats. In light of prevailing rough diamond market trends, and in keeping with De Beers' stated production strategy from the fourth quarter of 2011, operations continued to focus on maintenance and waste stripping backlogs.
Capital structure
Net debt, including related hedges, of $3,124 million was $1,750 million higher than at 31 December 2011, and $3,670 million lower than at 30 June 2011.
During the period, the Group issued corporate bonds with a US$ equivalent value of $2.8 billion in the US, European and South African markets. In addition, 99% of the Group's $1.7 billion convertible bonds were converted into equity, resulting in the issue of 62.5 million new shares, a reduction in net debt of $1.5 billion, and an aggregate interest saving of $0.3 billion compared to the cost of holding the bonds to maturity.
Dividends
An interim dividend of 32 US cents per share (30 June 2011: 28 US cents per share) has been declared, signalling the Board's commitment to have a disciplined balance between the maintenance of an investment grade rating, returns to shareholders and sequencing of future investment in line with resulting funding capacity.
Anglo American's dividend policy is to provide a base dividend that will be maintained or increased through the cycle.
Project delivery to continue to drive high quality production growth
Anglo American's extensive portfolio of undeveloped world class resources and pipeline of growth opportunities projects spans its chosen core commodities. It offers considerable options for sequencing of investment in line with the Group's view of market dynamics and the geopolitical environment. Capital will be prioritised to focus on the most value accretive and lowest risk growth options, taking into consideration the Group's resulting funding capacity.
Anglo American commissioned three major new mining operations on or ahead of schedule during 2011 - the Kolomela iron ore mine in South Africa, the Los Bronces copper expansion in Chile and the Barro Alto nickel operation in Brazil. These three new operations are ramping up successfully and have contributed to the Group's strong production performance during the first half of 2012.
Beyond the near term, the Group has a number of projects in the execution phase, as summarised below, and is progressing towards approval decisions in relation to the development of further high quality growth projects, including the 225 ktpa Quellaveco greenfield copper project in Peru.
Anglo American has a clear strategy of deploying its capital in those commodities with strong fundamentals and the most attractive risk-return profiles that deliver long term, through-the-cycle returns for its shareholders. The Group has developed a portfolio of world class operating assets and development projects with the benefits of scale, expansion potential and attractive cost position and capital intensity. Anglo American's project management systems and processes ensure close collaboration between the Group's technical and project teams to execute projects effectively.
Minas-Rio
The Minas-Rio iron ore project in Brazil is expected to produce 26.5 Mtpa of iron ore in its first phase of development. Project progress has been affected by ongoing licensing challenges which have impacted the completion of the project. Subject to resolving the existing licensing challenges and not encountering additional unexpected interventions, first ore on ship is now anticipated to be in the second half of 2014.
Pre-feasibility studies for the expansion phases of the Minas-Rio iron ore project commenced during 2011, supported by an estimated resource base of 5.8 billion tonnes, as detailed in our annual resource statement.
Cerrejon P500 expansion - on track
In Colombia, the first phase of the brownfield expansion project, P500 Phase 1, aims to maximise value by increasing export thermal coal production capacity by 8 Mtpa to 40 Mtpa (100% basis), through additional mining equipment and the de-bottlenecking of key logistics infrastructure along the coal chain. The project was approved by Cerrejon'sshareholders in the third quarter of 2011. The project is progressing well and is expected to be delivered on schedule and on budget. First coal is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2013, with full production by the end of 2015. Further expansion opportunities, in the form of P500 Phase 2, are currently under investigation.
Grosvenor - on track
The brownfield Grosvenor metallurgical coal project is situated immediately to the south of Anglo American's Moranbah North metallurgical coal mine in the Bowen Basin of Queensland, Australia. The mine is expected to produce 5 Mtpa of high quality metallurgical coal from its underground longwall operation over a projected life of 26 years and to benefit from operating costs in the lower half of the cost curve.
Grosvenor forms a major part of the Group's strategy of tripling production of metallurgical coal from its Australian assets by 2020, equivalent to a 12% compound annual growth rate from 2010, using a standard longwall and coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) design model. In its first phase of development, Grosvenor will consist of a single new underground longwall mine, targeting the same well understood Goonyella Middle coal seam as Moranbah North, and will process its coal through the existing Moranbah North CHPP and train loading facilities. A pre-feasibility study for expansion by adding a second longwall at Grosvenor is under way.
The Grosvenor expansion project is currently in execution, with engineering work approximately 50% complete as the first half of 2012, while earthworks commenced on the site in June 2012. Construction of the drifts (tunnels) is expected to begin in August 2012.
Quellaveco - successful conclusion to community dialogue process
Quellaveco is a greenfield copper project in the Moquegua region of southern Peru which has the potential to produce 225 ktpa of copper from an open pit over a mine life of more than 30 years. The project is expected to operate in the lower half of the cash operating cost curve, benefiting from attractive ore grades, low waste stripping and molybdenum by-product production. Anglo American completed the feasibility study for the project in late 2010 and took the decision to suspend progress in order to engage more actively with the local communities through a formal dialogue table process, following requests from local stakeholders. The dialogue process reached agreement in early July 2012 in relation to water usage, environmental responsibility and Anglo American's social contribution over the life of the mine, and has been held up as a model for stakeholder engagement in Peru. The project will be put forward for review by the Board once outstanding permits are received.
M&A update
De Beers
In November 2011, Anglo American agreed to acquire the Oppenheimer family's 40% interest in De Beers for $5.1 billion, subject to adjustment as provided for in the agreement and pending regulatory and government approvals, increasing Anglo American's current 45% shareholding to up to 85%.
This transaction is a unique opportunity for Anglo American to consolidate control of the world's leading diamond company, marking the Group's commitment to an industry with highly attractive long term supply and demand fundamentals. Underpinned by the security of supply offered by a new 10-year sales agreement with the Government of the Republic of Botswana (GRB), this forms a compelling proposition.
The benefits brought by Anglo American's scale, technical, operational and exploration expertise and financial resources, combined with the unquestionable leadership of De Beers' business and iconic brand, will enable De Beers to enhance its position across the diamond pipeline and capture the potential presented by a rapidly evolving diamond market.
In July 2012, Anglo American announced that all conditions precedent had been fulfilled and all required regulatory approvals had been obtained. The GRB has a pre-emption right in respect of the De Beers interests to be sold by CHL, and its affiliates, enabling it to participate in the transaction and increase its interest in De Beers, on a pro rata basis, to 25%.
In the event that the GRB exercises its pre-emption rights in full, Anglo American would acquire an incremental 30% interest in De Beers, taking its total interest to 75%, and the consideration payable by Anglo American would be reduced proportionately. Cash consideration will be paid on completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur during the third quarter of 2012.
Anglo American Sur
In November 2011, entirely in accordance with its rights, Anglo American announced the completion of the sale of a 24.5% stake in Anglo American Sur (AA Sur), comprising a number of the Group's copper assets in Chile, to Mitsubishi Corporation LLC (Mitsubishi) for $5.4 billion in cash. This transaction highlighted the inherent value of AA Sur as a world class, tier one copper business with extensive reserves and resources and significant further growth options from its exploration discoveries, valuing AA Sur at $22 billion on a 100% basis.
Litigation between Anglo American and Codelco in respect of the option agreement between them relating to AA Sur (described fully in Note 15 to the Condensed financial statements) is currently suspended to allow Anglo American and Codelco to explore the possibility of negotiating an agreement in relation to Anglo American Sur. Should this prove successful, it will enable the two parties to overcome their legal dispute.
Revuboe
On 24 July 2012, Anglo American announced that it had agreed to acquire a 58.9% interest in the Revuboe metallurgical coal project in Mozambique from the Talbot Estate for a total cash consideration of A$540 million (approximately US$555 million). The Revuboe project is a joint venture partnership and includes Nippon Steel Corporation (33.3% interest), and POSCO (7.8% interest). Revuboe has a reported JORC resource of 1.4 billion tonnes of hard coking and thermal coal suitable for open cut mining, with the potential to support the export of six to nine million tonnes per annum on a 100% basis.
The acquisition of a majority interest in Revuboe is in line with Anglo American's strategic commitment to grow its global metallurgical coal business to supply customers from each of the key metallurgical coal supply regions of Australia, Canada and Mozambique. Revuboe is located in the most attractive area of Mozambique's Moatize coal basin and has a number of infrastructure development options. The transaction is subject to a number of conditions and is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2012.
Update on divestment programme
Subject to regulatory approvals, Anglo American's divestment programme, as set out in October 2009, has been completed, raising $3.8 billion of cumulative proceeds on a debt- and cash-free basis.
In April 2012, Anglo American announced the final stage of the $1.4 billion Scaw Metals Group (Scaw) divestment with the sale of Scaw South Africa (Pty) Ltd (Scaw South Africa), a leading South Africa-based integrated steel maker, to an investment consortium led by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) and Anglo American's partners in Scaw South Africa, being Izingwe Holdings (Pty) Limited, Shanduka Resources (Pty) Limited and the Southern Palace Group of Companies (Pty) Limited, for a total consideration of R3.4 billion ($440 million) on a debt- and cash-free basis. This transaction follows the sale of Scaw's international businesses, Moly-Cop and AltaSteel, to OneSteel in December 2010 for a total consideration of $932 million on a debt- and cash-free basis. In aggregate, the total consideration achieved from the sale of all Scaw's businesses has amounted to $1.4 billion on a debt- and cash-free basis.
On 18 February 2011, Anglo American and Lafarge announced their agreement to combine their cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, asphalt and contracting businesses in the United Kingdom; Tarmac Limited, Lafarge Cement UK, Lafarge Aggregates and Concrete UK. The 50:50 joint venture will create a leading UK construction materials company, with a portfolio of high quality assets drawing on the complementary geographical distribution of operations and assets, the skills of two experienced management teams and a portfolio of well-known and innovative brands. This transaction continues to progress through the regulatory clearance processes.
On 1 May 2012, the UK Competition Commission approved the proposed joint venture subject to a number of prior conditions. These conditions include the need to divest certain cement, aggregates, asphalt and ready-mixed concrete sites of both businesses. Both parties will work with the regulators to implement the required divestments and establish the proposed joint venture as soon as practicable.
Outlook
The short term outlook for the world economy has deteriorated in recent months. The eurozone crisis has intensified, adding to economic uncertainty both inside and outside the euro zone. After a promising start to the year, the US economy has weakened in response to greater fiscal uncertainty. The major emerging economies - notably China, India and Brazil - have also slowed. Significant policy easing, however, should underpin a recovery.
We continue to see more sustainable growth in the medium to longer term despite significant volatility in the short term. The rapid 'catch-up' in living standards, notably in China and India, combined with a medium term need for infrastructure replacement in the developed countries, presents an attractive proposition for the early cycle commodities. Over time the considerable scope for an expanding middle class in many emerging economies should boost consumption, which positions Anglo American well due to its late cycle exposure through platinum and diamonds. Long term prices for Anglo American's products are expected to be supported by widespread supply constraints and the challenges producers face in bringing new supply into production, leading to increasing capital intensity and tight market fundamentals. In addition, economic uncertainty is likely to lead to a reduction in capital investment further restraining future supply.
For further information, please contact:
Media Investors UK UK James Wyatt-Tilby Leng Lau Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 8759 Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 8540 Emily Blyth Caroline Crampton Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 8481 Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 2192 South Africa South Africa Pranill Ramchander Nicholas Gordon Tel: +27 (0)11 638 2592 Tel: +27 (0)11 638 3262
Anglo American is one of the world's largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Anglo American's portfolio of mining businesses spans bulk commodities - iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal; base metals - copper and nickel; and precious metals and minerals - in which it is a global leader in both platinum and diamonds. Anglo American is committed to the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all its businesses and geographies and to making a sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations. The company's mining operations, extensive pipeline of growth projects and exploration activities span southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America, Asia and Europe. www.angloamerican.com
Webcast of presentation:
A live webcast of the results presentation, starting at 9.00am UK time on 27 July, can be accessed through the Anglo American website at www.angloamerican.com.
Note: Throughout this results announcement, '$' denotes United States dollars and 'cents' refers to United States cents; operating profit includes attributable share of associates' operating profit and is before special items and remeasurements, unless otherwise stated; special items and remeasurements are defined in note 4 to the Condensed financial statements. Underlying earnings, unless otherwise stated, is calculated as set out in note 9 to the Condensed financial statements. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is operating profit before special items and remeasurements, depreciation and amortisation in subsidiaries and joint ventures and includes attributable share of EBITDA of associates. EBITDA is reconciled to 'Total profit from operations and associates' and to 'Cash flows from operations' in note 5 to the Condensed financial statements. Tonnes are metric tons, 'Mt' denotes million tonnes and 'kt' denotes thousand tonnes, unless otherwise stated.
Forward-looking statements
This announcement includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement, including, without limitation, those regarding Anglo American's financial position, business and acquisition strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including development plans and objectives relating to Anglo American's products, production forecasts and reserve and resource positions), are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Anglo American, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Anglo American's present and future business strategies and the environment in which Anglo American will operate in the future. Important factors that could cause Anglo American's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, levels of actual production during any period, levels of global demand and commodity market prices, mineral resource exploration and development capabilities, recovery rates and other operational capabilities, the availability of mining and processing equipment, the ability to produce and transport products profitably, the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on market prices and operating costs, the availability of sufficient credit, the effects of inflation, political uncertainty and economic conditions in relevant areas of the world, the actions of competitors, activities by governmental authorities such as changes in taxation or safety, health, environmental or other types of regulation in the countries where Anglo American operates, conflicts over land and resource ownership rights and such other risk factors identified in Anglo American's most recent Annual Report. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such risk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Anglo American expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking (except as required by applicable law, the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Takeover Code"), the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority, the Listings Requirements of the securities exchange of the JSE Limited in South Africa, the SWX Swiss Exchange, the Botswana Stock Exchange and the Namibian Stock Exchange and any other applicable regulations) to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Anglo American's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Nothing in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that future earnings per share of Anglo American will necessarily match or exceed its historical published earnings per share.
Certain statistical and other information about Anglo American included in this announcement is sourced from publicly available third party sources. As such, it presents the views of those third parties, though these may not necessarily correspond to the views held by Anglo American.
Financial review of Group results
6 months 6 months
Operating profit ended ended
$ million 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
-------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Iron Ore and Manganese 1,779 2,462
Metallurgical Coal 159 501
Thermal Coal 433 521
Copper 978 1,401
Nickel 58 93
Platinum 84 542
Diamonds 250 450
Other Mining and Industrial 180 136
Exploration (72) (46)
Corporate Activities and Unallocated costs (125) (36)
-------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Operating profit including associates
before special items and remeasurements 3,724 6,024
-------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Group operating profit for the first half of 2012 was $3,724 million, 38% lower than the first half of 2011. This reduction in operating profit was primarily driven by decreases in the realised prices of commodities. These included a 24% decrease in achieved Australian export metallurgical coal prices, a 21% decrease in achieved FOB iron ore prices, an 18% decrease in realised South African export thermal coal prices, a 12% decrease in realised copper prices and a 13% decrease in realised platinum prices. In addition, mining cost pressures affecting the industry resulted in higher unit costs of production across the Group. The decrease in operating profit was partly offset by the increase in production across the Group's operations, mainly due to the ramp-up of the Los Bronces, Kolomela and Zibulo projects and through asset optimisation.
Corporate costs for the first half of 2012 were $125 million, $89 million higher than the first half of 2011. This increase was driven by a $90 million increase in the self insurance captive loss, mainly due to one-off events in previous years at our Nickel and Copper operations being settled in 2012.
Exploration costs for the first half of 2012 were $72 million, 57% higher than the first half of 2011. This is mainly driven by increased metres drilled due to favourable weather conditions in Australia and Chile, and a ramp-up in drilling activities at the Sakatti polymetallic project in Finland.
Geographic diversity in both the Group's production and customer base drives material exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations. For the first half of 2012, the Group recognised a favourable variance of $527 million in foreign exchange, primarily driven by the appreciation of the US dollar against the South African rand.
Group underlying earnings were $1,691 million, a 46% decrease on the first half of 2011. Group underlying earnings per share were $1.38 compared with $2.58 in the first half of 2011.
6 months 6 months
Summary income statement ended ended
$ million 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
-------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Operating profit from subsidiaries and
joint ventures before special items and
remeasurements 3,241 5,180
Operating special items (368) (25)
Operating remeasurements (84) 328
Operating profit from subsidiaries and
joint ventures 2,789 5,483
Non-operating special items (39) 417
Share of net income from associates (see
reconciliation below) 315 605
-------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Total profit from operations and associates 3,065 6,505
Net finance (costs)/income before remeasurements (138) 20
Financing remeasurements 15 46
Profit before tax 2,942 6,571
Income tax expense (1,008) (1,556)
-------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Profit for the financial period 1,934 5,015
Non-controlling interests (727) (1,027)
-------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Profit for the financial period attributable
to equity shareholders of the Company 1,207 3,988
Basic earnings per share ($) 0.98 3.30
-------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Group operating profit including associates
before special items and remeasurements(1) 3,724 6,024
-------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Operating profit from associates before
special items and remeasurements 483 844
Operating special items and remeasurements (12) 8
Non operating special items - 6
Net finance costs (before special items
and remeasurements) (35) (26)
Financing special items and remeasurements 1 3
Income tax expense (after special items
and remeasurements) (118) (221)
Non-controlling interests (after special
items and remeasurements) (4) (9)
-------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Share of net income from associates 315 605
-------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Reconciliation of profit for the period 6 months 6 months
to underlying earnings(2) ended ended
$ million 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Profit for the financial period attributable
to equity shareholders of the Company 1,207 3,988
Operating special items 384 25
Operating remeasurements 80 (336)
Non-operating special items 39 (423)
Financing remeasurements (16) (49)
Special items and remeasurements tax 51 (136)
Non-controlling interests on special items
and remeasurements (54) 51
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Underlying earnings 1,691 3,120
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Underlying earnings per share ($) 1.38 2.58
---------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
(1) Operating profit before special items and remeasurements from subsidiaries and joint ventures was $3,241 million (six months ended 30 June 2011: $5,180 million) and the attributable share from associates was $483 million (six months ended 30 June 2011: $844 million). For special items and remeasurements, see note 4 to the Condensed financial statements.
(2) Amounts shown include the Group's attributable share of the equivalent items in associates.
Special items and remeasurements
6 months ended 30 June 2012 6 months ended 30 June 2011
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries
and joint and joint
$ million ventures Associates Total ventures Associates Total
--------------------- ------------- ------------ ------- ------------- ------------ -------
Operating
special items (368) (16) (384) (25) - (25)
Operating
remeasurements (84) 4 (80) 328 8 336
--------------------- ------------- ------------ ------- ------------- ------------ -------
Operating
special items
and remeasurements (452) (12) (464) 303 8 311
--------------------- ------------- ------------ ------- ------------- ------------ -------
Non-operating
special items (39) - (39) 417 6 423
--------------------- ------------- ------------ ------- ------------- ------------ -------
Financing
remeasurements 15 1 16 46 3 49
--------------------- ------------- ------------ ------- ------------- ------------ -------
Special items
and remeasurements
tax (54) 3 (51) 140 (4) 136
--------------------- ------------- ------------ ------- ------------- ------------ -------
Operating special items and remeasurements, including associates, amounted to a loss of $464 million, principally in respect of impairment and related charges of $384 million in the six months ended 30 June 2012 (six months ended 30 June 2011: $15 million) and net losses on non-hedge derivatives related to capital expenditure in Iron Ore Brazil. Derivatives which have been realised during the period resulted in a net operating remeasurement gain since their inception of $13 million (six months ended 30 June 2011: gain of $224 million).
The Kumba Envision Trust charge of $39 million relates to Kumba's broad based employee share scheme provided solely for the benefit of non-managerial Historically Disadvantaged South African employees who do not participate in other Kumba share schemes.
There were no gains or losses on disposals of businesses in the six months ended 30 June 2012 (six months ended 30 June 2011: gain of $423 million).
Financing remeasurements, including associates, reflect a net gain of $16 million relating to fair value movements on interest rate swaps and other derivatives.
Special items and remeasurements tax, including associates, amounted to a charge of $51 million relating to a tax remeasurement charge of $152 million partially offset by a tax credit on special items and remeasurements of $83 million and a credit for one-off tax items of $18 million.
Net finance costs
Net finance costs, before remeasurements, excluding associates, were $138 million (compared to income of $20 million in the six months ended 30 June 2011). This reflected foreign exchange losses on net debt of $73 million compared to gains of $32 million in 2011, lower interest income and lower capitalised interest.
Tax
6 months ended 30 June
6 months ended 30 June 2012 2011
----------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Associates' Associates'
$ million Before special tax and Before special tax and
(unless otherwise items and non-controlling Including items and non-controlling Including
stated) remeasurements interests associates remeasurements interests associates
-------------------- --------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------------- -----------
Profit before
tax 3,427 124 3,551 5,793 225 6,018
-------------------- --------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------------- -----------
Tax (954) (121) (1,075) (1,696) (217) (1,913)
-------------------- --------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------------- -----------
Profit for
the financial
period 2,473 3 2,476 4,097 8 4,105
-------------------- --------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------------- -----------
Effective tax
rate including
associates
(%) 30.3 31.8
-------------------- --------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ----------------- -----------
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements requires income from associates to be presented net of tax on the face of the income statement. Associates' tax is therefore not included within the Group's income tax expense. Associates' tax included within 'Share of net income from associates' for the six months ended 30 June 2012 is $118 million. Excluding special items and remeasurements, this becomes $121 million.
The effective rate of tax before special items and remeasurements including attributable share of associates' tax for the six months ended 30 June 2012 was 30.3%. This was lower than the equivalent effective rate of 31.8% in the six months ended 30 June 2011 due to the further recognition of previously unrecognised losses. In future periods it is expected that the effective tax rate, including associates' tax, will remain above the United Kingdom statutory tax rate.
Balance sheet
Equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company was $40,628 million at 30 June 2012, up from $39,092 million at 31 December 2011, reflecting the profit for the period of $1,207 million and the issue of shares on conversion of convertible bonds ($1,507 million), offset by the payment of the 2011 final dividend of $559 million and other movements in equity. Following the agreement to sell the Group's interest in Scaw South Africa, it was classified as a disposal group and its assets and liabilities are presented as held for sale on the balance sheet.
Cash flow
Net cash inflows from operating activities were $2,478 million compared with $3,986 million in the six months ended 30 June 2011. EBITDA was $4,942 million, a decrease of 31% from $7,112 million in the prior period, reflecting decreasing prices across the Group's core commodities.
Net cash used in investing activities of $2,121 million was higher compared to the amount in the six months ended 30 June 2011 of $1,682 million, primarily due to disposal proceeds of $505 million received in 2011 (mainly relating to Zinc asset disposals).
Net cash used in financing activities was $767 million compared with $1,909 million in the six months ended 30 June 2011. This includes the payment of $1,015 million in tax relating to the sale of 24.5% of Anglo American Sur to Mitsubishi in 2011, dividend payments to Company shareholders and non-controlling interests totalling $1,312 million and other financing activities, offset by cash inflows relating to net additional borrowings of $2,771 million, largely due to corporate bond issuances in the period.
Liquidity and funding
Net debt, including related hedges, was $3,124 million, an increase of $1,750 million from $1,374 million at 31 December 2011. The increase reflects net cash outflows of $3,293 million before receipts and borrowings, partly offset by non-cash movements including a $1,507 million reduction due to the conversion of the convertible bond.
Net debt at 30 June 2012 comprised $14,048 million of debt, offset by $11,290 million of cash and cash equivalents, and the current position of derivative liabilities related to net debt of $366 million. Net debt to total capital at 30 June 2012 was 6.5%, compared with 3.1% at 31 December 2011.
At 30 June 2012, the Group had undrawn bank facilities of $8.0 billion.
The Group's forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, indicate the Group's ability to operate within the level of its current facilities for the foreseeable future.
Group corporate cost allocation
Corporate costs which are considered to be value adding to the business units are allocated to each business unit and costs reported externally as Group corporate costs only comprise costs associated with parental or direct shareholder related activities.
Dividends
An interim dividend of 32 US cents per share (30 June 2011: 28 US cents per share) has been declared.
Related party transactions
Related party transactions are disclosed in note 16 to the Condensed financial statements.
Principal risks and uncertainties
Anglo American is exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties which may have a financial, operational or reputational impact on the Group and which may also have an impact on the achievement of social, economic and environmental objectives.
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group at the year end were set out in detail in the operating and financial review section of the Annual Report 2011, and remain appropriate in 2012. Key headline risks relate to the following:
-- Commodity prices -- Liquidity risk -- Counterparty risk -- Currency risk -- Inflation -- Health and safety -- Environment -- Exploration -- Political, legal and regulatory -- Climate change -- Supply risk -- Ore reserves and mineral resources -- Operational performance and project delivery -- Event risk -- Employees -- Contractors -- Business integrity -- Joint ventures -- Acquisitions and divestments -- Infrastructure -- Community relations
The Group is exposed to changes in the economic environment, as with any other business.
Details of any key risks and uncertainties specific to the period are covered in the operations review section.
The Annual Report 2011 is available on the Group's website www.angloamerican.com.
Operations review for the six months ended 30 June 2012
In the operations review on the following pages, operating profit includes the attributable share of associates' operating profit and is before special items and remeasurements unless otherwise stated. Capital expenditure relates to cash expenditure on property, plant and equipment (net of related derivatives).
IRON ORE AND MANGANESE
6 months 6 months
$ million ended ended
(unless otherwise stated) 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Operating profit 1,779 2,462
-------------- --------------
Kumba Iron Ore 1,840 2,437
Iron Ore Brazil(1) (81) (81)
Samancor 20 106
EBITDA 1,912 2,554
Net operating assets 13,315 12,212
Capital expenditure 784 563
Share of Group operating profit 48% 41%
Share of Group net operating assets 29% 26%
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
(1) In 2012 Amapa has been reclassified from Iron Ore and Manganese to Other Mining and Industrial, to align with internal management reporting. Comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation.
Operating profit decreased by 28% from $2,462 million to $1,779 million, principally due to substantially weaker iron ore export prices and cost increases which were partially offset by higher export sales volumes.
Markets
Global crude steel production increased marginally to 775 Mt for the first half of 2012 compared to 772 Mt for the same period in 2011. China's crude steel production for the first half of the year of 355 Mt was up 1% year on year. At current production run rates it is anticipated that Chinese crude steel production could increase by 4% year on year to around 715 Mt for 2012, supporting a 2% increase in global crude steel production. Seaborne iron ore supply of some 533 Mt for the first half of 2012 was impacted by adverse weather conditions in Australia and Brazil during the first quarter, but saw a substantial rebound during the second quarter. Iron ore index prices traded in a range between $130/t and $150/t, with a high of approximately $150/t (CFR China 62% Fe) during April 2012, and averaged $142/t during the first six months (30 June 2011: $179/t). Index prices declined steadily from these levels to just above $130/t towards the end of May as Chinese steel mills reduced their offtake. Iron ore prices have since stabilised to around $135/t as Chinese steel mills returned to the market to replenish stockpiles.
Operating performance
Kumba Iron Ore
Total tonnes mined at Sishen mine increased by 16% from 76.7 Mt in the first half of 2011 to 88.9 Mt, of which waste mined was 68.8 Mt, an increase of 33% over the first six months of 2011. Total production at Sishen mine decreased by 4% from 18.6 Mt in 2011 to 17.9 Mt. Production was impacted by the availability of material supplied to the mine's dense media separation plant and jig plant. This was as expected given a currently constrained pit, and is being addressed through the planned increase in waste stripping. This position was further impacted by wet pit conditions resulting from heavy rainfall, and poor operator attendance during the first quarter of 2012. Production run rates recovered in the second quarter of 2012 as the ramp-up in waste mining continued to improve, resulting in a 12% increase from 8.5 Mt in the first quarter of 2012.
Following successful commissioning in 2011, Kolomela mine continues to ramp up well with 3.3 Mt produced during the six months, a substantial increase on the 1.2 Mt produced in the fourth quarter of 2011. Should the current ramp-up performance be sustained, the mine should exceed the 4 to 5 Mt production guidance for 2012, increasing to 9 Mtpa design capacity in 2013. Total tonnes mined at Kolomela mine increased by 25% from 15.3 Mt in 2011 to 19.1 Mt, of which waste mined was 15.6 Mt, an increase of 6% over the first six months of 2011.
Total sales volumes for Kumba for the half year were a record at 23.4 Mt, a 6% increase compared to the 22 Mt in 2011. Export sales volumes for the half year increased 13% from 18.4 Mt in 2011 to 20.7 Mt. Kumba's export sales volumes to China totalled 71% of total export volumes for the six months, against 69% during the first half of 2011.
Iron Ore Brazil
Iron Ore Brazil generated an operating loss of $81 million, largely reflecting the pre-operational state of the Minas-Rio project.
Samancor
Operating profit of $20 million was $86 million lower than the prior period, driven by lower prices and lower alloy volumes, offset by strong ore sales volumes.
Production of ore increased by 31% from 1.3 Mt to record 1.6 Mt (attributable basis) due to consistently strong operating performance and improved plant availability at both GEMCO in Australia and Hotazel in South Africa.
Production of alloy decreased by 41% from 144,900 tonnes to 85,200 tonnes (attributable basis) due to termination of energy-intensive silica-manganese production at the Metalloys plant in South Africa and the temporary suspension of production at TEMCO in Australia during the first quarter of the current year. TEMCO is expected to return to full capacity by the end of the third quarter in 2012.
A general oversupply in the industry as a result of a slowdown in steel production and high stock levels in China continue to weigh heavily on ore and alloy prices. Despite recent reductions in Chinese imports, low short term demand expectations are slowing the rate at which stocks can reach normal levels.
Projects
Iron Ore Brazil
Construction is under way at the first phase of the 26.5 Mtpa Minas-Rio iron ore project, with significant progress made. Earthworks continue in order to support civil work activities at the beneficiation plant site and land access at the tailings dam area continues to be obtained. Progress on the pipeline route continues and by the end of June 2012, 216 km or 41% of the pipeline had been completed. At the port, most off-shore civil works have been concluded while on- and off-shore mechanical erection has commenced.
While progress is being made, legal challenges have affected construction activities at the beneficiation plant and along the pipeline. The heavy rains at the beginning of the year, together with the various legal challenges and consequent stoppages, the unresolved cave 3 radius reduction and the outstanding land access at the pipeline route, are impacting the completion of the project. Taking these issues into account, a detailed review of the Minas-Rio schedule has been commissioned and completed. The outcome of this review is that subject to obtaining the outstanding licences; resolving current legal challenges; and not being impacted by any further unexpected disruptions, first ore on ship is anticipated to be in the second half of 2014. The financial impact of the delay in the completion date is being assessed.
Samancor
Following on from its approval in 2011, the $279 million GEEP2 project (Anglo American's 40% share: $112 million) will increase GEMCO's beneficiated product capacity from 4.2 Mtpa to 4.8 Mtpa through the introduction of a dense media circuit by-pass facility. The project is expected to be completed in late 2013. The expansion will also address infrastructure constraints by increasing road and port capacity to 5.9 Mtpa, creating 1.1 Mtpa of latent capacity for future expansions.
The addition of the high carbon ferro-manganese furnace, M14, at the Metalloys smelter in Meyerton, South Africa will add an additional 75,000 tonnes of per annum capacity. The cost of project is $90 million (on a 100% basis) and is scheduled for completion, on budget, in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Outlook
Kumba Iron Ore
Although China's annualised crude steel production rate remains above 700 Mtpa, underlying steel demand remains weak, resulting in depressed steel prices. Iron ore prices, however, are expected to trade in a similar range as seen during the first half of the year, supported by high-cost Chinese domestic iron ore production. The recently announced monetary policy stimulus of an interest rate cut in China should support demand for steel, but the effect of it remains to be seen especially in light of economic uncertainty emanating from Europe.
The ramp-up in waste mining at Sishen mine continues, which will support an improvement in production rates at the mine during the second half of 2012. Production at Sishen mine for the full year is anticipated to be in line with 2011 levels. The ramp-up of Kolomela remains on track and will support export sales volume growth of 3 Mt to 4 Mt in 2012.
Samancor
The downward pressure on ore pricing is expected to ease during the second half of 2012, with the speed of the recovery being determined by continued supply curtailments.
On 23 February 2012, Samancor announced a 90-day suspension of operations at its TEMCO manganese alloy facility in Tasmania, Australia, to review the economic viability of continuing operations. With that review now complete, significant cost reduction opportunities have been identified which should allow TEMCO to return to a globally competitive cost position. The planned safe and full restart of the operation has commenced. The company's intention is to have all four furnaces operating by the end of August 2012.
METALLURGICAL COAL
6 months 6 months
$ million ended ended
(unless otherwise stated) 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Operating profit 159 501
EBITDA 379 683
Net operating assets 4,796 4,683
Capital expenditure 370 222
Share of Group operating profit 4% 8%
Share of Group net operating assets 11% 10%
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Metallurgical Coal recorded an operating profit of $159 million, a 68% decrease, due to the reduction in realised export prices partly offset by higher sales volumes. Average realised metallurgical coal prices were 24% lower than prices achieved in the first half of last year. Productivity improvements at the open cut operations and a reduction in weather related stoppages supported by the rigorous preparation for seasonal rains led to a significant increase in metallurgical coal production and sales.
Markets
6 months
Anglo American weighted average achieved 6 months ended
sales prices ended 30 June
($/tonne) 30 June 2012 2011
------------------------------------------ -------------- ---------
Export metallurgical coal (FOB) 191 251
Export thermal coal (FOB Australia) 103 103
Domestic thermal coal 37 35
------------------------------------------ -------------- ---------
6 months
6 months ended
Attributable sales volumes ended 30 June
('000 tonnes) 30 June 2012 2011
---------------------------- -------------- ---------
Export metallurgical coal 8,602 6,252
Export thermal coal 2,748 2,547
Domestic thermal coal 3,183 3,759
---------------------------- -------------- ---------
Despite subdued demand sentiment, the seaborne metallurgical coal market showed a price recovery towards the end of the second quarter of 2012. Continued industrial action in Queensland has limited the availability of premium quality hard coking coal, supporting price increases over recent months.
Semi-soft and PCI prices, however, experienced downward pricing pressure as a result of subdued global steel demand impacting the consumption of metallurgical coal and in particular PCI. In addition, falling thermal coal prices, which increased availability of lower grade coking coals from the US, have resulted in a widening price differential between premium quality and lower grade coking coals.
Operating performance
6 months
6 months ended
Attributable production ended 30 June
('000 tonnes) 30 June 2012 2011
--------------------------- -------------- ---------
Export metallurgical coal 8,589 6,114
Thermal coal 5,857 6,090
--------------------------- -------------- ---------
Export metallurgical coal production increased by 40% to 8.6 Mt, a record half-year total, while thermal coal production decreased by 4% to 5.9 Mt. Production at Queensland operations benefited from a reduction in weather-related stoppages, supported by rain mitigation initiatives implemented during 2011 and asset optimisation across key mines. Peace River Coal in Canada, for example, lifted its coal production by a substantial 42% following a combination of improved management systems, productivity improvements and upgrades to the coal handling and preparation plant. Thermal coal production was impacted by wet weather in the New South Wales Hunter Valley and industrial action in the first quarter at Drayton.
Projects
In June 2012, the Queensland Government granted Anglo American the mining lease for the $1.7 billion Grosvenor project. The Grosvenor project is 100% owned by Anglo American, and was approved by the Board in December 2011. This forms a major part of the Group's strategy to triple metallurgical coal production by 2020. Grosvenor will consist of a single new underground longwall mine targeting the same well understood Goonyella Middle coal seam as Moranbah North mine.
In addition, studies for the next phase of our investment programme in high margin hard coking coal continue, aligned with our expectations of growing seaborne demand. This includes Grosvenor Phase 2, a 6 Mtpa second longwall for the Grosvenor project; and Moranbah South, a 50% 12 Mtpa joint venture comprising two longwalls.
Anglo American is continuing to evaluate long term port expansion opportunities to support Queensland growth projects, as well as medium term port capacity options, to meet the export requirements for the initial years of production from the Grosvenor project.
Outlook
Overall global demand for seaborne metallurgical coal remained relatively stable in the first half of 2012. In the near term, demand is expected to be impacted by global economic uncertainty. Supply disruptions owing to industrial actions in Australia have recently subsided. Pricing differentiation between the premium and lower quality product is expected to remain with continued supply from US.
In the second half of 2012, Anglo American production of high margin export products is expected to increase, supported by productivity improvements at both open cut and underground operations.
THERMAL COAL
6 months 6 months
$ million ended ended
(unless otherwise stated) 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Operating profit 433 521
-------------- --------------
South Africa 235 319
Colombia 214 212
Projects and corporate (16) (10)
-------------- --------------
EBITDA 522 611
Net operating assets 1,742 2,080
Capital expenditure 101 31
Share of Group operating profit 12% 9%
Share of Group net operating assets 4% 5%
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Thermal Coal generated an operating profit of $433 million, a 17% decrease on the equivalent period of 2011, driven by lower average export thermal coal prices and above-inflation cost pressures. This was partly offset by a weaker South African rand and increased sales volumes, supported by record half year production at Cerrejon.
Markets
6 months 6 months
Anglo American weighted average achieved ended ended
sales prices ($/tonne) 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
------------------------------------------ -------------- --------------
South Africa export thermal coal (FOB) 99 120
South Africa domestic thermal coal 21 22
Colombia export thermal coal (FOB) 92 101
------------------------------------------ -------------- --------------
6 months 6 months
Attributable sales volumes ended ended
('000 tonnes) 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
South Africa export thermal coal(1) 8,239 6,781
South Africa domestic thermal coal(1) (2) 19,357 19,392
Colombia export thermal coal 5,594 5,000
------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
(1) Zibulo commended commercial production on 1 October 2011. Six months ended 30 June 2011 includes capitalised sales from Zibulo mine of 879,000 tonnes export thermal coal and 356,000 tonnes Eskom coal.
(2) Includes domestic metallurgical coal of 92,000 tonnes for the six months ended 30 June 2012 (six months ended 30 June 2011: 172,000).
Seaborne thermal coal prices have weakened in the first half of 2012. Low US gas prices have displaced a significant volume of domestic US thermal coal, resulting in higher US thermal coal exports. Prices were further impacted by increased coal supply from South Africa, Colombia, Indonesia and Australia as production and logistics infrastructure continued to ramp up in these regions.
Demand in the Asia Pacific region remains relatively robust, as higher cost domestic supply is substituted for lower cost seaborne imports. At the same time, consumers continued to hold back on purchases in light of comfortable stock levels and the anticipation of a further reduction in price. High cost producers within the Appalachian basin in the US have cut production as prices eased. International seaborne prices have declined, with API 4 dropping from $106/t in January to $85/t in June.
South African thermal coal exports have seen a dramatic change in their destination markets, with India and Asia now accounting for around two-thirds of shipments. Within Asia, Taiwan, South Korea and Malaysia have picked up a share of India's imports from last year. The continued improved performance by Transnet Freight and Rail (TFR) saw South African coal exports 4.7 Mt, or 17%, higher at 32.1 Mt for the first six months of 2012 (first six months of 2011: 27.4 Mt).
Operating performance
6 months 6 months
Attributable production ended ended
('000 tonnes) 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
------------------------------------------ -------------- --------------
South Africa export thermal coal (1) (2) 7,918 7,945
Colombia export thermal coal 6,058 5,147
South Africa Eskom coal (1) 16,089 17,058
South Africa domestic other (2) 3,168 2,562
------------------------------------------ -------------- --------------
(1) Zibulo commended commercial production on 1 October 2011. Six months ended 30 June 2011 includes capitalised production from Zibulo mine of 936,400 tonnes thermal coal and 396,900 tonnes Eskom coal.
(2) Includes domestic metallurgical coal of 74,100 tonnes for the six months ended 30 June 2012 (six months ended 30 June 2011: 163,300).
South Africa
Operating profit from South African operations decreased by 26% to $235 million, driven by lower average export thermal coal prices and above-inflation cost increases, in labour, power and fuel. This was partly offset by a weaker South African rand and higher sales volumes, supported by the improved TFR rail performance relative to the first half of 2011.
Export production for the first half was in line with the prior period as Zibulo's continued ramp-up was offset by the planned closure of high-cost sections at Goedehoop, Greenside and Kleinkopje, as well as industrial actions in the first quarter of the year at most operations.
Colombia
At Cerrejon, operating profit of $214 million was broadly in line with the prior period, driven by strong production, which was up 18%, partly offset by lower thermal coal prices.
Projects
Feasibility studies on the New Largo project have been completed. There are two elements to this project: a new opencast mine and a conveyor which will run from an existing coal plant to an Eskom power station. The planned commencement date for coal on conveyor is the third quarter of 2014, with first coal production for New Largo currently expected in the fourth quarter of 2015. Anglo American will contribute a minority portion of the establishment capital.
In Colombia, the Cerrejon P500 Phase 1 expansion project to increase production by 8 Mtpa was approved by its shareholders in the third quarter of 2011. First coal is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2013, with the project expected to achieve full production by the end of 2015.
Outlook
Current industry oversupply, coupled with lacklustre demand in the Atlantic and delayed procurement in the Asia region, continues to weigh on thermal coal prices. Pricing pressure is expected to remain for the rest of 2012, though the Chinese domestic market price and the high US break-even price for producers should act as a natural floor to the seaborne price.
Current prices are expected to trigger supply-side response, with US producers already announcing 76 Mt of production cuts to date and demand in China and India expected to remain robust driven by seasonal power generation in the fourth quarter. This should rebalance the market in the final quarter of 2012.
COPPER
6 months 6 months
$ million ended ended
(unless otherwise stated) 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Operating profit 978 1,401
EBITDA 1,210 1,527
Net operating assets 8,062 7,050
Capital expenditure 488 831
Share of Group operating profit 26% 23%
Share of Group net operating assets 18% 15%
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Copper generated an operating profit of $978 million, a decrease of 30% as a result of a lower average copper price, declining grade profile and lower recoveries compared to the six months ended 30 June 2011. This was partially offset by higher sales volumes from the strong ramp-up of the Los Bronces expansion project.
Markets
6 months 6 months
ended ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011
-------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Average market prices (c/lb) 367 426
-------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Average realised prices (c/lb) 370 422
-------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Copper prices were stable during the first four months of the year before easing in the second quarter on the back of increased global economic uncertainty. The market continues to forecast a small deficit globally for the full year, despite further deterioration in Europe and slower economic growth in China impacting demand. Supply continues to disappoint due to grade declines and various disruptions.
The LME copper price ended the half year period at 345 c/lb, averaging 367 c/lb for the first six months, a 14% decrease compared with the same period in 2011. A net positive provisional pricing adjustment of $20 million was recorded in the first half of 2012 compared to a negative price adjustment of $36 million in 2011, resulting in a realised price of 370 c/lb versus 422 c/lb for the prior period.
Operating performance
6 months 6 months
ended ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011
----------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Attributable copper production (tonnes) 329,500 289,100
----------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Total copper production of 329,500 tonnes was 14% higher than the same period in 2011.
Los Bronces' production was 80% higher at 183,000 tonnes, with the Los Bronces expansion project contributing 93,100 tonnes of production. The new processing plant is ramping up strongly, with mill throughput of 92% of design capacity achieved during the quarter. Production performance at Los Bronces was impacted by lower ore grades.
El Soldado's output was 46% higher at 26,100 tonnes due to improved plant performance, higher ore grades and better recovery. Mantos Blancos' production of 26,200 tonnes was 27% lower, impacted by an incident which resulted in a lower ore grade area being mined. Mantoverde's production of 30,300 tonnes was in line with the prior year.
Collahuasi's attributable production of 63,900 tonnes was 38% lower, partially due to expected lower grades during 2012. This was exacerbated by lower recoveries, adverse weather conditions, safety stoppages and a ball mill failure. In response to poor performance at Collahuasi, the joint venture partners have put in place a business improvement plan, including assigning joint CEOs from Anglo American and Xstrata and a team of 30 specialists seconded from the three partners to draw up and implement an action plan.
Projects
At Collahuasi, the expansion project to increase concentrator plant throughput to 160,000 tonnes of ore per day equivalent to an annual average production increment of 20,000 tonnes per year of copper over the estimated life of mine, remains on schedule for 2013. The pre-feasibility study for the next phase of expansion at Collahuasi is expected to be completed in the second half of 2012, with options to substantially increase annual production from the current levels.
In Peru, the focus continues to be on obtaining the permits required to take the Quellaveco project forward for Board approval. Community engagement has continued through a dialogue table process, with agreement being reached in early June in relation to water usage, environmental responsibility and Anglo American's social contribution over the life of mine. The concept level study for the Michiquillay project was completed in the period and is under review.
Activity at the Pebble project in Alaska continues, with the focus on completing a pre-feasibility study. The draft Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment was released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in May 2012. The EPA has estimated that the report will be finalised by the end of the year.
Outlook
Full year copper production for 2012 is expected to be higher than 2011, driven by the continued ramp-up to design capacity of the Los Bronces expansion project in the second half. Production at Los Bronces will, however, be impacted by increased waste stripping and lower ore grades. In addition, lower grade and recoveries and repair of the ball mill at Collahuasi will have a negative impact into the second half of the year. Production is expected to continue to increase in 2013, as the Los Bronces expansion project reaches full capacity for the year, and through improved operating performance and ore grades at Collahuasi.
Challenges remain in managing industry-wide input cost pressures, although these will be partially mitigated by the expanded Los Bronces operation's increased production.
Ongoing market concerns arising from uncertainties over the near term outlook for the global economy may lead to short term volatility in the copper price. However, the medium to long term fundamentals for copper remain strong, predominantly driven by robust demand from the emerging economies, ageing mines with ongoing grade decline and a lack of new supply.
NICKEL
6 months
6 months ended
$ million ended 30 June
(unless otherwise stated) 30 June 2012 2011
------------------------------------- -------------- ---------
Operating profit 58 93
EBITDA 72 106
Net operating assets 2,642 2,526
Capital expenditure 89 177
Share of Group operating profit 2% 2%
Share of Group net operating assets 6% 5%
------------------------------------- -------------- ---------
Nickel generated an operating profit of $58 million, 38% lower than the first half of 2011. Operating profit includes a self insurance recovery of $57 million but was significantly impacted by a 28% decline in the LME nickel price and inflationary pressures in Venezuela. This was in part offset by a weaker Brazilian real. Operating profit for Barro Alto is capitalised whilst ramp-up continues.
Markets
6 months 6 months
ended ended
30 June 2012 30 June 2011
-------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Average market prices (c/lb) 836 1,159
Average realised prices (c/lb) 798 1,105
-------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Despite LME price strengthening at the start of 2012, reaching 983 c/lb at the end of January, prices in the first half of the year were lower due to the worsening macroeconomic environment which negatively affected stainless steel production and nickel demand. In combination with the ramp-up of new nickel supply, market fundamentals have worsened during the first half of 2012.
Operating performance
6 months
6 months ended
ended 30 June
30 June 2012 2011
----------------------------------------- -------------- ---------
Attributable nickel production (tonnes) 22,900 12,700
----------------------------------------- -------------- ---------
Nickel production increased by 80% to 22,900 tonnes owing to the ramp-up of Barro Alto, which produced first metal in March of 2011.
Barro Alto produced 12,000 tonnes during the first half of 2012, including the impact of a one month, Line 1 shutdown in June 2012. Line 1 has ramped up well achieving average feed rates of almost 80% of nominal capacity in the period since the shutdown. In addition, recovery continues to improve and delivery of full capacity rates in early 2013 continues to be targeted.
Loma de Niquel's three remaining concessions (after the cancellation of 13 other concessions) are due to expire in November 2012 and consistent with the prior year, the operation is reflected in the Group's results
as if it will close in November. However, discussions with the authorities regarding Anglo American's possible continued operation of the asset are ongoing.
Projects
Jacare and Morro Sem Bone, both promising unapproved nickel projects in Brazil, continue to be under study. The Jacare pre-feasibility study commenced in 2012 and exploration is ongoing at Morro Sem Bone.
Outlook
Production of nickel during the second half of the year is expected to be higher as Barro Alto continues to ramp up.
With slower demand than previously expected due to the economic situation and the ramp-up of new production facilities, global nickel supply is expected to increase faster than demand in 2012, leading to an increase in the surplus of supply over demand. On the supply side, however, the delivery of new projects has been slower than expected. In addition, lower nickel prices are leading to production stoppages at some nickel pig iron producers in China which will also lower supply. Most experts forecast the supply surplus to reduce in 2013 due to better demand and lower supply growth. This is expected to lead to a tighter market and moderate improvement in prices. PLATINUM
6 months 6 months
$ million ended ended
(unless otherwise stated) 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Operating profit 84 542
EBITDA 439 931
Net operating assets 11,668 13,258
Capital expenditure 356 410
Share of Group operating profit 2% 9%
Share of Group net operating assets 26% 29%
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Platinum recorded an operating profit of $84 million, an 85% decrease, primarily driven by lower sales volumes and weaker realised prices. The operating profit of $84 million also reflects the recognition of the inventory revaluation following the annual physical count. On a month to month basis, and in line with industry practice, Platinum's metal inventory is estimated, with an annual physical stocktake undertaken each year in February to validate theoretical inventory levels. In 2012, Platinum recorded a pre-tax gain of $172 million compared to theoretical stock levels, in contrast to a gain of $61 million in 2011.
Refined platinum production and sales volume decreased by 13% and 21% respectively. This was partially offset by a weaker average rand against the dollar. Cash operating costs per equivalent refined platinum ounce increased by 11% compared with the first half of 2011, primarily due to increases in the costs of labour, electricity and electrical components, diesel and reagents.
Markets
Global demand for platinum during the first half of 2012 was marginally weaker than expected. Firmer jewellery demand stimulated by current depressed price levels was unable to offset weak autocatalyst and investment demand. Industrial demand for platinum remained flat as expected.
Labour and safety related stoppages in South Africa reduced planned supply of refined platinum from South Africa in the first half of 2012, as did production curtailment at a number of unprofitable mines. Despite the reduction in supply forecasts for 2012, platinum metal investment sentiment and prices remain poor.
Palladium demand remained firm as growth in demand for gasoline vehicles continues and expectations of a deficit market provided price support. Rhodium demand remained weak, and a reversal of substitution implemented during periods of historic high prices remains unlikely.
Autocatalysts
Ongoing economic uncertainty in Europe continued to impact demand for new vehicles, with sales approximately 7% below those in the first half of 2011. European autocatalyst demand represents approximately 47% of global demand, and platinum loading per catalyst, particularly in light duty diesel vehicles in Europe, continues to increase ahead of the Euro 6 emissions limits commencing in September 2014.
Supply of platinum and palladium from recycled autocatalysts increased at a slower rate than in 2011 as the distortions that resulted from scrappage incentive schemes have largely worked their way out of the supply system.
Industrial
Gross platinum demand for industrial applications is not expected to increase in 2012. The record demand in 2011, driven by delayed consumption, is unlikely to be repeated. Indications in 2012 are that industrial demand is flat, with potential for further weakness in the second half.
Jewellery
Jewellery demand remained firm during the first half of the year with China benefiting most from the current low price as strong demand from manufacturers on price dips continues. Platinum jewellery demand continues to benefit from platinum trading at a discount, of over $100/oz, to gold. Improved confidence in platinum jewellery by Chinese and Hong Kong retail brands has resulted in increased platinum stock levels in both existing and newly opened stores.
Investment
Platinum investment demand in the first half of 2012 remained muted as ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty maintained negative investor sentiment. Reduced participation in non-visible or over-the-counter metal trade continues to depress prices which, in turn, reduces demand for Exchange Traded Funds.
Operating performance
Equivalent refined platinum production(1) for the first half of 2012 was 1.18 million ounces, an increase of 1% when compared to the first half of 2011.
Own mines, including Western Limb Tailings Retreatment, produced 802,600 equivalent refined platinum ounces, an increase of 5% compared with the first half of 2011. The Rustenburg Complex mines increased output by 42,900 ounces or 17%. Increases in output were also recorded at Dishaba, Union South and Unki mines. This improvement in underground mines performance was as a result of a reduction in the scope and duration of regulator imposed safety stoppages, successful ramp-up of Khuseleka 2 shaft and productivity improvements. Mogalakwena mine output was 160,200 platinum ounces, 9% higher than the first half of 2011 due to improved concentrator recoveries. The increased production was partly offset by lower volumes from Union North, Thembelani and Tumela mines.
Refined platinum production decreased by 13% to 1.03 million ounces in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 despite higher output from mining operations. This was due to planned annual maintenance at the converter plant in Rustenburg, completed by the end of March 2012, experiencing operational and equipment related difficulties upon restart. These difficulties, however, have been resolved and the furnace matte converter in June 2012 exceeded the previous monthly record by 5%. Delayed production is expected to be processed during the third quarter of 2012 as the converter plant reached steady state operating level shortly after the completion of maintenance.
Five employees lost their lives during the period and Platinum extends its sincere condolences to their families, friends and colleagues. The causes of the fatalities include falls of ground, tramming and transport related incidents. Loss of life in the workplace is unacceptable. Our safety performance has improved since 2007, and we have reduced fatalities and the lost-time-injury frequency rate by 72% and 42% respectively. While our safety strategy is still sound, we continue to review and adjust it in the pursuit of zero harm, to ensure that we specifically target the major causes of injuries and fatalities. We continue to work relentlessly with our partners in government and our workforce to implement more effective means of addressing major risks and non-compliance with standards. The journey to zero harm remains our key strategic objective.
Projects
Capital expenditure for the first half of 2012 amounted to $356 million, a 13% decrease (flat in rand terms) on the comparative period in 2011. An amount of $171 million was spent on projects, $146 million on stay-in-business capital and $39 million on waste stripping at Mogalakwena Mine.
The majority of project capital expenditure for the first half of 2012 was invested on the Twickenham mine ($45 million excluding pre-production costs), Unki mine ($12 million) and the Khuseleka ore replacement project ($11 million).
The Bathopele 5 and slag cleaning furnace 2 projects have recently entered implementation phase and are progressing on schedule. The Thembelani 2 project has been stopped and a co-extraction project study of the resource is currently under way, with a scheduled completion period of three years.
____________________
(1() Equivalent ounces are mined ounces expressed as refined ounces.
Outlook
The main objective of the strategic review announced in February 2012 is to establish a long term portfolio with sustainable competitive advantage that will deliver through the cycle value for shareholders and stakeholders. The review covers the entire value chain, from overhead and indirect costs, resources to mining to processing, marketing and commercial strategy, as well as the shape and size of portfolio which will leverage Platinum's industry leading resource base. The portfolio review is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Since the start of the year, the operating environment has deteriorated further. The rand basket price is under pressure due to the weaker global economic environment, mining inflation has remained above the South African consumer price index and labour unrest has increased across the industry presenting additional challenges.
We have taken swift and disciplined measures to preserve Platinum's balance sheet position and support ongoing operations.
-- Platinum, together with its joint venture partner, has suspended production at Marikana mine and placed the operation on care and maintenance. Other joint venture operations are under review. We are also considering the selective and opportunistic exit from some marginal assets.
-- The Platinum project portfolio is under review to ensure effective capital allocation and appropriate prioritisation of projects. In February, we announced a cut in our 2012 capital expenditure target from $1.2 billion to $1.0 billion. In light of the continued market volatility and uncertainty, this is being further reduced by $100 million to an estimated $900 million for the full year. We will also continue to focus on asset optimisation and supply chain management and increasing production from lower cost mines like Mogalakwena.
-- To conserve cash further, Platinum has also embarked on a programme to review overhead costs. Significant cuts will be made to overhead costs over the next 12 to 18 months. As well as reducing costs, the review is intended to position the organisation appropriately ahead of any portfolio changes and to simplify current ways of working.
-- Platinum is also reviewing its marketing and commercial strategy, having identified a number of opportunities to match its product offering better to the needs of current and potential customers and improve its market intelligence and market development initiatives. We expect to see incremental benefits develop over the next two years.
Under the auspices of the tripartite Mining Industry Growth Development and Employment Task Team (MIGDETT), the stakeholders in the South African Platinum Group Metals mining industry have established a Platinum Task Team to investigate and action proposals on how to assist the sector weather the short term challenges that the industry faces and, in parallel, develop a common strategy for promoting the sustainable growth and transformation of the sector in the long term.
As a result of further market deterioration, we are now planning on total refined production of between 2.4 and 2.5 million platinum ounces for 2012, but will continue to monitor market conditions closely with a view to reacting to further soft market demand or to take advantage of any upturns in demand in the short term. Given the fixed-cost nature of the business and ongoing input cost inflation, offset by the significant cost-cutting efforts by management highlighted above, we believe that unit costs for the full year will be able to be contained to R15,000 per equivalent refined platinum ounce.
DIAMONDS
6 months 6 months
$ million ended ended
(unless otherwise stated) 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
--------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Share of associate's operating profit 250 450
EBITDA 306 517
Group's associate investment in De Beers(1) 2,382 2,234
Share of Group operating profit 7% 7%
--------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
(1) Excludes shareholder loans of $309 million (30 June 2011: $315 million)
Anglo American's recorded share of operating profit from De Beers of $250 million, was 44% lower than the first half of 2011 as prices moderated from record levels achieved previously. De Beers continues to focus on scheduled maintenance and waste stripping activities in light of lower demand.
All regulatory consents have been granted in relation to Anglo American's proposed acquisition of Central Holdings Ltd's (representing the Oppenheimer family interests) 40% interest in De Beers. The Government of the Republic of Botswana is expected to indicate its intention regarding its pre-emption rights within the third quarter of 2012 and accordingly it is anticipated that the transaction will close during the same quarter.
Markets
De Beers Group sales (including the sales of rough diamonds by the Diamond Trading Company (DTC)) for the first half of 2012 decreased from $3.9 billion in 2011 to $3.3 billion, primarily as a result of lower demand for rough diamonds and changing product requirements from Sightholders. After a very strong first half of 2011, the difficult trading conditions experienced during the fourth quarter in 2011 continued, as expected, during the first half of 2012. While consumer demand for polished diamonds remained relatively healthy, Sightholder demand was impacted by increased stock in the cutting centres, tightening liquidity and challenging conditions in India. However, early indications are that the US market continued to perform well, and the Chinese market, while slowing considerably, still showed strong positive growth.
Operating performance
De Beers continued to have some success in the first half of 2012 in reducing its lost-time-injury frequency rate. However, safety remains the first priority and, subsequent to a slope failure at Debswana's Jwaneng mine, management suspended all operations in the pit to conduct a comprehensive review of procedures and risks; pit operations have now resumed, albeit slowly.
In the first half of 2012, De Beers' production decreased by 13% to 13.4 million carats. In light of prevailing rough diamond market trends, and in keeping with the company's stated production strategy from the fourth quarter of 2011, operations continued to focus on maintenance and waste stripping backlogs. This strategy has enabled De Beers to meet Sightholder demand for rough diamonds while gradually positioning the mines for future increases in demand.
In downstream activities, Forevermark (the diamond brand owned by the De Beers family of companies) continues to grow, particularly in the core markets of China, Japan, India and the US. The brand has also launched in South Africa, Canada and the UAE this year, and is on track for the ambitious growth targets planned.
De Beers Diamond Jewellers saw growth in its core jewellery market but saw a decline in the high-end market, reflecting overall retail trends. De Beers' retail network expansion continues with plans to open three new stores in China before the end of the year.
Projects
Debswana's Jwaneng mine Cut-8 extension project is progressing satisfactorily, on schedule and on budget, with infrastructure construction 98% complete.
In South Africa, De Beers Consolidated Mines' (DBCM) Venetia Underground Project is progressing through the final approvals and regulatory assurances.
In Namibia, Namdeb is now ramping up production at Elizabeth Bay mine.
In Canada, the Gahcho Kue project permitting process is on schedule.
Outlook
De Beers expects trading conditions in the mid-stream to remain challenging during the second half of 2012. De Beers will continue to produce in line with Sightholder demand and invest in stimulating and capturing consumer demand growth.
Provided there are no unforeseen economic shocks, De Beers expects to see moderately positive growth in global diamond jewellery sales for the full year 2012 - albeit at relatively modest levels, especially when compared to the exceptional growth levels seen in 2011. In the short term, the US, China, the Gulf and Japan are expected to contribute the bulk of the growth, while India and Europe are expected to remain weak.
In the long term, the fundamentals of the diamond industry remain strong as demand will continue to outstrip supply.
OTHER MINING AND INDUSTRIAL
6 months 6 months
$ million ended ended
(unless otherwise stated) 30 June 2012 30 June 2011
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Operating profit 180 136
-------------- --------------
Copebras 29 54
Catalao 45 21
Amapa(1) 112 45
Tarmac (24) (22)
Scaw Metals 28 27
Zinc - 20
Projects and corporate (10) (9)
EBITDA 278 247
Net operating assets 3,504 4,293
Capital expenditure 109 88
Share of Group operating profit 5% 2%
Share of Group net operating assets 8% 9%
------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
(1) In 2012 Amapa has been reclassified from Iron Ore and Manganese to Other Mining and Industrial to align with internal management reporting. Comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation.
Other Mining and Industrial - Copebras and Catalao
Markets
Copebras
Fertiliser demand is expected to increase in 2012 reflecting the favourable exchange ratios between fertiliser and commodity prices and the higher product availability supported by higher year-end inventories in 2011. Dicalcium phosphate sales are expected to be higher as customers build their stocks.
Catalao
A deteriorating macroeconomic environment in Europe and Japan is suppressing niobium demand in these regions and, in turn, prices. This decrease in demand has been partially offset by spot sales in other regions, such as South Korea and India. China, however, remains the main driver of demand globally and is likely to drive near term pricing. In spite of the increased competition and pressure on prices, Catalao has managed to allocate all produced tonnages profitably.
Operating performance
Copebras
Operating profit decreased to $29 million, 46% down on the previous year. This was primarily due to lower international fertiliser prices combined with the weakening of the Brazilian real, and increased labour costs (reflecting new union agreements).
Catalao
Catalao generated an operating profit of $45 million, a 114% increase on the previous year. Sales volumes of niobium were also 31% higher. This was primarily attributable to an increase in production due to better performance at the tailings plant and improvements in the concentration process at the Boa Vista mine. Production costs have improved due to lower aluminium and power prices and more efficient use of consumables, combined with the impact of higher production.
Projects
Catalao
The Boa Vista Fresh Rock (BVFR) project continued to progress with an additional tranche of capital expenditure approved in June 2012. The existing plant will be adapted to process new rock instead of oxide ore, leading to an increase in production capacity to approximately 6,500 tonnes of niobium per year from 3,900 tonnes produced in 2011.
Outlook
Copebras
The continuing healthy prices for grain encouraged farmers to bring forward fertiliser purchases during the first half of the year. These positive prices are expected to be sustained during the second half of 2012, stimulating fertiliser demand worldwide. International fertiliser prices started to recover from May as a consequence of strong demand in Brazil and the beginning of demand in the US and India for summer crops.
Catalao
Production is expected to decline in the second half of 2012 as a result of lower grade and recovery due to lower quality ore from the Boa Vista mine. In addition, tailings production is expected to decrease as a result of lower niobium grade contained within the phosphate tailings.
The niobium market is expected to remain under pressure due to a decrease in demand impacting price as well as sales volumes.
Other Mining and Industrial - Amapa, Tarmac and Scaw
Amapa
Amapa generated an operating profit of $112 million, an increase of $67 million on the first half of 2011. The higher profit was primarily due to the reversal of penalty provisions, which were in place at the end of 2011, as a result of contract re-negotiations.
Production increased significantly, mainly due to higher mass recovery in the beneficiation plant as a result of improved stability of the plant. In addition to improved production, higher sales were achieved as a result of lower delays associated with transportable moisture limits.
The favourable impact of improved production and sales, however, was more than offset by a sharp decrease in sales prices during 2012 compared to the same period last year. Tight cost control and improved operating efficiencies are in place to mitigate the effect of the decrease in selling prices.
Anglo American has transformed the operational performance of Amapa since it acquired the asset in 2008, increasing production from 1.2 Mt in 2008 to 4.8 Mt in 2011 and an expected 5.5 Mt in 2012 (first six months 2012: 3.0 Mt). As part of our regular evaluation of our portfolio of assets in order to maximise shareholder value, however, we are currently exploring the possibility of divesting of our stake in the Amapa system - an asset that we have always maintained we do not envisage holding over the long term.
Tarmac
Tarmac reported an operating loss of $24 million, compared to a loss of $22 million in the first half of 2011. Tarmac's EBITDA was positive at $37 million, 21% lower than the same period last year.
Quarry Materials
Price increases, and further improvements in the use of recycled asphalt material in the UK Quarry Materials business, have mitigated the impact that increased oil costs had in the first half on bitumen used in asphalt. Cement production levels have also been held up through maximisingoperational efficiencies. The market continues to decline, however, with weak private sector demand reducing concrete and aggregates volumes in the first half and reduced public spend on road building and repairs adversely affecting asphalt volumes.
The business continues to identify performance improvements, despite the challenging outlook for 2012, which is characterised by weaker than expected private sector growth and reduced public sector spending.
Building Products
An improvement in performance has been driven by strong volume growth in aircrete blocks, an increase in premium product sales on bagged aggregates, and the production of sleepers to service the Network Rail contract. Additional improvements in financial performance have arisen from actions taken in 2011 which include the closure of the Precast businesses and the asset impairment review.
However, performance has been eroded by wet weather during the second quarter of 2012 which has caused disruption in building activity and a reduction in retail sales affecting sales volumes.
The general market remains weak which is resulting in a very competitive pricing environment to secure the limited sales volumes available. Cost reduction projects and improvements in operating efficiencies are high on the agenda to mitigate the impact of lower sales.
Although a number of initiatives are in progress to improve performance, the short term market outlook remains difficult.
Scaw Metals
Scaw Metals generated an operating profit of $28 million, a 4% increase on prior year, largely as a result of improved trading conditions in the foundry businesses partly offset by weaker trading conditions within grinding media. The rolled products business continues to suffer from weak demand and low margins. The effect of cost containment and internal sales has seen a reduction in rolled products loss compared to the first six months of 2011.
Cast products showed a marked improvement, owing to increased demand and market pricing, assisted by a weaker rand. Margins widened as the benefits of the turnaround strategy started to be realised. Grinding media showed a decrease in operating profit compared to prior year due to lower demand from the mining sector owing to decreased activity as a result of strike actions. Wire rod products' performance decreased from the prior year on the back of weak market conditions in the mining and construction sector. Total production of steel products was 319,100 tonnes, a decrease of 10% over the prior year.
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This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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