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S32 South32 Limited

172.20
-5.40 (-3.04%)
Last Updated: 08:01:25
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
South32 Limited LSE:S32 London Ordinary Share AU000000S320 ORD NPV (DI)
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -5.40 -3.04% 172.20 172.30 172.50 172.50 171.60 172.00 33,453 08:01:25
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Miscellaneous Metal Ores,nec 7.77B -173M -0.0376 -87.77 15.17B

South32 Limited Financial Results & Outlook Half Year 31 Dec 2016 (0230X)

16/02/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMS32

RNS Number : 0230X

South32 Limited

16 February 2017

16 February 2017

South32 Limited

(Incorporated in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth))

(ACN 093 732 597)

ASX / LSE / JSE Share Code: S32

ISIN: AU000000S320

South32 Limited

South32 delivers strong financial results and announces first interim dividend

"The disciplined application of our strategy and stronger commodity prices underpinned a significant improvement in financial performance. We generated free cash flow of US$626M for a net cash position of US$859M as we further optimised our operations and benefitted from our operating leverage.

"We continue to unlock value through the accelerated development of La Esmeralda, the progression of the Klipspruit Life Extension project towards a final investment decision, the completion of the West Marradong mining access agreement and the commencement of exploration in the Southern Areas at GEMCO.

"The proposed US$200M acquisition of the Metropolitan Colliery is expected to create additional value and realise unique synergies with Illawarra Metallurgical Coal.

"Our strong balance sheet and simple capital management framework is designed to reward shareholders as financial performance improves. We have declared our first interim dividend of US$192M and will continue to manage our financial position to ensure we retain the right balance of flexibility and efficiency."

Graham Kerr, South32 CEO

 
 Financial highlights 
 US$M                                      H1 FY17   H1 FY16   % Change 
                                                              ========= 
 Revenue(1)                                  3,221     2,981         8% 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 Profit/(loss) from continuing 
  operations                                   857   (1,587)        N/A 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 Profit/(loss) after taxation                  620   (1,749)        N/A 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 Basic earnings per share (US cents)(2)       11.7    (32.9)        N/A 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 Ordinary dividend per share (US               3.6         -        N/A 
  cents)(3) 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 Other financial measures 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 Underlying EBITDA(4)                        1,064       542        96% 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 Underlying EBITDA margin(5)                 36.7%     20.1%        83% 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 Underlying EBIT(4)                            691       141       390% 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 Underlying EBIT margin(6)                   23.7%      5.2%       356% 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 Underlying earnings(4)                        479        26     1,742% 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 Basic Underlying earnings per 
  share (US cents)(2)                          9.0       0.5     1,699% 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 ROIC(7)                                      9.2%      1.4%       557% 
========================================  ========  ========  ========= 
 

December 2016 half year SUMMARY

SAFETY

Our vision is to create a safe working environment where we can guarantee that everyone goes home safe and well every day. Tragically, we lost a colleague at work in the Africa Region in the half year. We are committed to investing time, energy and leadership to make a sustainable and lasting change to our safety performance. Through the implementation of our Care Strategy, we are building an inclusive workplace with a strong culture of care and accountability, where work is well-designed and we continuously improve and learn. Our Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF) declined from 7.9 to 5.3 per million hours worked in the period.

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

The disciplined application of our strategy and stronger commodity prices underpinned a significant improvement in financial performance. Specific highlights included:

-- Our response to favourable market conditions as we restarted 22 pots at South Africa Aluminium and opportunistically increased manganese ore production;

-- A substantial 197% improvement in free cash flow to US$626M, including distributions from equity accounted investments, as we continued to optimise our operations and benefit from our operating leverage;

-- The further strengthening of our Balance Sheet with an increase in our net cash position to US$859M, despite a temporary build in working capital;

-- The unlocking of additional value with the accelerated development of La Esmeralda (Cerro Matoso), the progression of the Klipspruit Life Extension project towards a final investment decision, the completion of the access agreement for the West Marradong mining area (Worsley Alumina), and the commencement of exploration for high grade manganese ore in the Southern Areas at GEMCO and Cu-Ni-PGE mineralisation at Huckleberry in Canada;

-- The creation of value beyond our existing portfolio with the proposed acquisition of the Metropolitan Colliery(8) and potential realisation of unique synergies with Illawarra Metallurgical Coal; and

   --      Our first interim dividend of US 3.6 cents per share to shareholders (US$192M). 

Production guidance for FY17 is unchanged for all operations and is predicated on a strong finish to the financial year. We continue to pursue our cost saving targets, which have been revised to reflect changes in foreign exchange rates and price-linked royalties.

EARNINGS

The Group's statutory profit was US$620M in H1 FY17. The corresponding period's loss was impacted by the recognition of impairment charges totalling US$1.7B (post tax US$1.7B).

Consistent with our accounting policy, various items are excluded from the Group's statutory profit result to derive Underlying earnings including: exchange rate losses associated with the restatement of monetary items (US$20M pre-tax); fair value gains on derivative instruments (US$189M pre-tax); exchange rate gains associated with the Group's non US dollar denominated net debt (US$11M pre-tax); exchange rate gains on tax balances (US$13M) and the tax expense for all pre-tax earnings adjustments (US$49M). Further information on these earnings adjustments is included on page 13.

Underlying EBITDA increased by US$522M to US$1.1B in H1 FY17 as higher prices for the majority of our commodities offset lower volumes, giving rise to an increase in sales revenue of US$240M. This, combined with our continued focus on costs, resulted in an increase in our operating margin from 20% to 37%.

Underlying EBIT increased by US$550M to US$691M, benefitting from a reduction in depreciation and amortisation following the recognition of non-cash impairment charges in H1 FY16. The half year run-rate for depreciation and amortisation did, however, exceed annual guidance which is revised on page 11. Detailed earnings analysis is included on pages 14 through 15.

 
 Profit/(loss) from continuing operations 
  to Underlying EBITDA reconciliation 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 US$M                                         H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Profit/(loss) from continuing operations         857   (1,587) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Earnings adjustments to derive Underlying 
  EBIT                                          (166)     1,728 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT                                  691       141 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Depreciation and amortisation                    373       401 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying EBITDA                              1,064       542 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 
 Profit/(loss) after taxation to Underlying 
  earnings reconciliation 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 US$M                                          H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Profit/(loss) after taxation                      620   (1,749) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Earnings adjustments to derive Underlying 
  EBIT                                           (166)     1,728 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Earnings adjustments to derive Underlying 
  net finance cost                                (11)      (26) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Earnings adjustments to derive Underlying 
  income tax expense                                36        73 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying earnings                               479        26 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

CASH FLOW

An increase in the average realised price of our commodities and the continued optimisation of our operations generated a 155% increase in free cash flow from operations, excluding equity accounted investments, to US$489M. The significant increase in free cash flow was achieved despite a temporary build in working capital as a number of shipments rolled into January and trade and other receivables increased as a result of rising commodity prices.

Capital expenditure, excluding equity accounted investments, declined by 37% to US$150M and included:

-- Sustaining capital expenditure, comprising Stay-in-business, Minor discretionary and Deferred stripping (including underground development) of US$142M; and

   --      Major project capital expenditure of US$8M. 

Major project capital expenditure includes study costs associated with the Klipspruit Life Extension project, which remains subject to approval and is currently the Group's only major capital project. The purchase of intangibles and the capitalisation of exploration accounted for a further US$2M of expenditure.

Capital expenditure associated with equity accounted investments of US$19M included the second phase of the Central Block development project at the Wessels underground mine (South Africa Manganese). This will enable mining activity to relocate closer to critical infrastructure, thereby reducing cycle times. Commissioning is expected in the March 2017 quarter. A further US$1M in capitalised exploration expenditure was spent in H1 FY17 in equity accounted investments (GEMCO).

Total capital expenditure(9) , including equity accounted investments, was US$172M in H1 FY17.

 
 Free cash flow of operations, excluding 
  equity accounted investments 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 US$M                                         H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Profit/(loss) from continuing operations         857   (1,587) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Non-cash items                                   207     1,868 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 (Profit)/loss from equity accounted 
  investments                                   (164)       356 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Change in working capital                      (203)     (211) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Cash generated from continuing operations        697       426 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total capital expenditure, excluding 
  equity accounted investments, including 
  intangibles and capitalised exploration       (152)     (253) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Operating cash flows from continuing 
  operations before financing activities 
  and tax, and after capital expenditure          545       173 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Interest (paid)/received                        (17)      (18) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Income tax (paid)/received                      (39)        37 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Free cash flow of operations, excluding 
  equity accounted investments                    489       192 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

In addition to free cash flow of US$489M, distributions totalling US$137M were received from equity accounted investments during H1 FY17, comprising US$41M in dividends and US$96M from the repayment of a shareholder loan.

Balance sheet

As at 31 December 2016, the Group's net cash position was US$859M, an increase of US$547M from 30 June 2016. The further strengthening of our financial position ensures we are well placed to fund the proposed acquisition of the Metropolitan Colliery for US$200M and the payment of our interim dividend (US$192M). While these commitments will consume a significant proportion of the free cash flow generated in H1 FY17, a release of working capital and additional distributions from our equity accounted investments are expected in the March 2017 quarter. We will continue to manage our financial position to ensure we retain the right balance of flexibility and efficiency.

 
 Net cash/(debt) 
------------------------------------  --------  ------ 
 US$M                                  H1 FY17    FY16 
------------------------------------  --------  ------ 
 Cash and cash equivalents               1,901   1,225 
------------------------------------  --------  ------ 
 Finance leases                          (581)   (602) 
------------------------------------  --------  ------ 
 Other interest bearing liabilities      (461)   (311) 
------------------------------------  --------  ------ 
 Net cash/ (debt)                          859     312 
------------------------------------  --------  ------ 
 

The increase in interest bearing liabilities recorded in H1 FY17 is a result of the cash management activities that the Group undertakes on behalf of the manganese joint venture and is offset by a commensurate increase in cash and cash equivalents. The US$21M reduction in finance leases is primarily associated with the weaker Australian dollar at the end of H1 FY17.

Standard and Poor's and Moody's reaffirmed the Group's BBB+ and Baa1 credit ratings respectively, following their annual reviews in H1 FY17.

dividendS

The Board has resolved to pay an interim dividend of US 3.6 cents per share in respect of H1 FY17. While it is our intention to distribute dividends with the maximum practicable franking credits for the purposes of the Australian dividend imputation system, this dividend will not be franked for Australian taxation purposes as South32 Limited did not generate franking credits during the period as it paid no Australian income tax.

This dividend is paid in line with our policy to distribute a minimum 40% of Underlying earnings as dividends to its shareholders following each six-month reporting period, having regard to our first two priorities for cash flow, being a commitment to maintain safe and reliable operations and an investment grade credit rating through the cycle.

 
 Dividend timetable                             Date 
-----------------------------------------  --------- 
 Announce currency conversion into Rand      3 March 
                                                2017 
-----------------------------------------  --------- 
 Last day to trade cum dividend on the       7 March 
  Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)             2017 
-----------------------------------------  --------- 
 Ex-dividend date on the JSE                 8 March 
                                                2017 
-----------------------------------------  --------- 
 Ex-dividend date on the ASX and London      9 March 
  Stock Exchange (LSE)                          2017 
-----------------------------------------  --------- 
 Record date (including currency election   10 March 
  date for ASX)                                 2017 
-----------------------------------------  --------- 
 Payment date                                6 April 
                                                2017 
-----------------------------------------  --------- 
 

South32 Limited shareholders registered on the South African branch register will not be able to dematerialise or rematerialise their shareholdings between 8 March and 10 March (both dates inclusive), nor will transfers to/from the South African branch register be permitted between 3 March and 10 March (both dates inclusive).

Details of the currency exchange rates applicable for the dividend will be announced to the relevant stock exchanges. Further dividend information is available on our website (www.south32.net).

South32 American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) each represent five fully paid ordinary shares in South32 and ADR holders will receive dividends accordingly, subject to the terms of the Depositary Agreement.

Outlook

Information in this section does not reflect the proposed acquisition of the Metropolitan Colliery.

Production

Production guidance for FY17 is unchanged for our upstream operations.

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal saleable production guidance was revised in December 2016 to 7.9Mt as a result of challenging ground conditions at Appin Area 9 and a moderation of mining rates at Appin Area 7 to ensure gas concentrations were maintained at safe levels. With the completion of the 901 panel and associated release of ground stresses, longwall availability and cutting rates are anticipated to improve in FY18. The lower production rate in FY17 has, however, impacted the timing of longwall panel extraction and production guidance for FY18 has been revised accordingly.

Worsley Alumina saleable alumina production guidance is unchanged with the refinery expected to produce at its nameplate capacity of 4.6Mtpa (100% basis) across FY17 and FY18. Similarly, Brazil Alumina saleable production guidance for FY17 is unchanged at 1.32Mt with a small increase in production anticipated in FY18.

At South Africa Energy Coal, total coal production guidance for FY17 and FY18 is unchanged and will benefit from additional capital investment at the Wolvekrans Middelburg Complex to open up new mining areas.

Payable nickel production guidance for Cerro Matoso remains unchanged at approximately 36kt for FY17 before the accelerated development of the higher grade La Esmeralda Mineral Resource increases production by 16% in FY18 to approximately 42kt. Production from La Esmeralda is now expected to commence in the June 2017 quarter.

Production guidance for Australia Manganese of 3.1Mwmt in FY17 and FY18 remains unchanged, albeit with a greater proportion of Premium Concentrate ore (PC02) product. Guidance is not provided for South Africa Manganese as our plans will continue to be adjusted to reflect market demand given our focus on value over volume.

The optimised longer term mine plan at Cannington seeks to maximise total silver, lead and zinc extraction across the remaining years of the underground operation and reduce geotechnical risk by sequencing stope design. FY17 production guidance (silver 19.05Moz, lead 163kt, zinc 80kt) remains predicated on the extraction of the higher grade (silver/lead) 60L stope that is in close proximity to the existing underground crusher, while the development of the replacement underground crusher is expected to be commissioned in the March 2018 quarter. Guidance will be revised should geotechnical conditions dictate a change to the current stope sequence and the extraction of the 60L stope be deferred, albeit with no net loss of metal production in the forward plan.

 
  Upstream production guidance 
   (South32 share)(10) 
------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
                                FY16     FY17e(a)     FY18e(a) 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Worsley Alumina 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Alumina production 
  (kt)                         3,961        3,965        3,965 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Brazil Alumina 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Alumina production 
  (kt)                         1,335        1,320        1,350 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 South Africa Energy 
  Coal(11) 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Domestic coal production 
  (kt)                        16,825       17,000       17,000 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Export coal production 
  (kt)                        14,856       13,850       12,800 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Illawarra Metallurgical 
  Coal 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Metallurgical coal                                    Revised 
  production (kt)              7,059        6,360        7,550 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Energy coal production                                Revised 
  (kt)                         1,307        1,540        1,450 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
  Australia Manganese 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Manganese ore production 
  (kwmt)                       3,071        3,120        3,125 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 South Africa Manganese 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Manganese ore production      1,711      Subject      Subject 
  (kwmt)                                to demand    to demand 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Cerro Matoso 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Payable nickel production                             Revised 
  (kt)                          36.8         36.0         41.6 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Cannington 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Payable silver production 
  (koz)                       21,393       19,050       16,550 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Payable lead production 
  (kt)                           173          163          147 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 Payable zinc production 
  (kt)                            79           80           72 
---------------------------  -------  -----------  ----------- 
 
   (a)    The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year. 

Our African aluminium smelters continue to operate at benchmark levels of current efficiency and are experiencing fewer load-shedding events. During H1 FY17, we restarted production in the 22 pots (equivalent to 3% of total production) that were taken offline at South Africa Aluminium in September 2015.

At Metalloys (South Africa Manganese), we continue to operate one of four furnaces, whereas all four furnaces at TEMCO (Australia Manganese) are expected to return to full capacity once scheduled maintenance is completed in the March 2017 quarter.

Costs and Capital expenditure

When compared with H1 FY16, we reduced controllable costs by US$239M and capital expenditure by US$116M.

Cost targets

In FY16, we announced major restructuring initiatives at our operations and we continue to pursue our cost saving targets. New guidance primarily reflects the movement of foreign exchange rates and price-linked royalties.

 
 Operating unit costs, including Sustaining 
  capital expenditure by upstream operation((12) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------- 
                                Units   H1 FY16   H1 FY17        H1 FY17           FY17               FY17 
                                                             adjusted(a)          Prior    New guidance(c) 
                                                                            guidance(b) 
-------------------------  ----------  --------  --------  -------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 Worsley Alumina                US$/t       239       210            204            204                218 
-------------------------  ----------  --------  --------  -------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 Illawarra Metallurgical 
  Coal                          US$/t        85        88             83             83                 90 
-------------------------  ----------  --------  --------  -------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 Australia Manganese 
  ore (FOB)                  US$/dmtu      1.91      1.64           1.54           1.66               1.72 
-------------------------  ----------  --------  --------  -------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 South Africa 
  Manganese ore 
  (FOB)                      US$/dmtu      2.44      2.07           1.70           1.71               2.20 
-------------------------  ----------  --------  --------  -------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 Cerro Matoso                  US$/lb      4.74      3.92           3.81           3.87               3.98 
-------------------------  ----------  --------  --------  -------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 South Africa 
  Energy Coal                   US$/t        27        28             24             26                 30 
-------------------------  ----------  --------  --------  -------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 Cannington(d)                  US$/t       155       141            134            138                141 
-------------------------  ----------  --------  --------  -------------  -------------  ----------------- 
 

(a) Adjusted H1 FY17 Operating unit costs, including Sustaining capital expenditure, are restated to reflect price and foreign exchange rate assumptions used for prior FY17 guidance (refer to footnote 13 on page 27).

(b) Prior FY17 Operating unit cost targets, including Sustaining capital expenditure, were predicated on commodity price and foreign exchange rate assumptions (refer to footnote 13 on page 27). Prior guidance for South Africa Manganese reflected the previously expected H2 FY17 run-rate as activity was reprioritised following a fatality at the Wessels underground mine in June 2016.

(c) New FY17 Operating unit cost targets, including Sustaining capital expenditure, are predicated on commodity price and foreign exchange rate forward curves or our internal expectations for H2 FY17, as at January 2017 (refer to footnote 14 on page 27). New guidance for South Africa Manganese reflects the expected FY17 run-rate.

(d) US dollar per tonne of ore processed. Periodic movements in finished product inventory may impact operating unit costs as related marketing costs and treatment and refining charges may change.

Capital expenditure

Guidance for FY17 capital expenditure, including equity accounted investments, remains unchanged at approximately US$450M(15) as the spend profile is skewed to H2 FY17 for a number of projects. This guidance includes capital expenditure associated with equity accounted investments of US$50M and major project expenditure of US$35M. Major project capital expenditure primarily reflects study costs and the acquisition of land in preparation for our Klipspruit Life Extension project. A final investment decision for the Klipspruit Life Extension project is scheduled for the June 2017 quarter.

Exploration expenditure

Exploration expenditure of approximately US$16M is expected within our existing footprint, including US$4M for our equity accounted investments following the commencement of exploration within the Southern Areas of Groote Eylandt for high grade manganese ore. As part of our agreement with Northern Shield Resources, we will fund US$1M of exploration for Cu-Ni-PGE mineralisation at Huckleberry, in the Labrador Trough, Canada in FY17. We continue to actively pursue additional greenfield exploration opportunities which could lead to an increase in expenditure.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation and amortisation, excluding equity accounted investments, of US$760M is now expected in FY17. The US$40M increase in guidance primarily results from an adjustment to the useful life of specific assets, the accelerated depreciation of the Group's information technology systems and the appreciation of the South African rand given its impact on the depreciation profile of projects scheduled for completion in FY17. Depreciation and amortisation for equity accounted investments is also expected to increase by US$10M to US$80M in FY17.

Tax expense

The Group's Underlying effective tax rate (Underlying ETR), which excludes taxation associated with equity accounted investments, largely reflects the geographic distribution of the Group's profit. The corporate tax rates applicable to the Group include: Australia 30%; South Africa 28%; Colombia 40%; and Brazil 34%. It should also be recognised that permanent differences have a disproportionate effect on the Group's Underlying ETR(16) when commodity prices and profit margins are compressed.

While South32 Limited currently maintains a zero franking credit balance, the Group is expected to generate a positive franking credit balance in FY17, based on current projections. South32 Limited did not generate franking credits during the period as it paid no Australian income tax.

December 2016 half year FINANCIAL RESULTS

To provide insight into the underlying performance of the South32 Group, we present internal earnings measures utilised by management. These internal measures include Underlying EBITDA, Underlying EBIT and Underlying earnings.

 
 Income statement 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 US$M                                         H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Revenue                                        3,221     2,981 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Other income                                     142       167 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Expenses excluding net finance cost          (2,670)   (4,379) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Share of profit/(loss) of equity 
  accounted investments                           164     (356) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Profit/(loss) from continuing operations         857   (1,587) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Net finance cost                                (60)      (45) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Taxation expense                               (177)     (117) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Profit/(loss) after taxation                     620   (1,749) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Basic earnings per share (US cents)             11.7    (32.9) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Other financial information 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Profit/(loss) from continuing operations         857   (1,587) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Earnings adjustments to derive Underlying 
  EBIT                                          (166)     1,728 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT                                  691       141 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Depreciation and amortisation                    373       401 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying EBITDA                              1,064       542 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Profit/(loss) after taxation                     620   (1,749) 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Earnings adjustments after taxation            (141)     1,775 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying earnings                              479        26 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Basic Underlying earnings per share 
  (US cents)                                      9.0       0.5 
-------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Earnings Adjustments

The following table notes the various Earnings adjustments that are excluded from the Group's Underlying measures.

 
 Earnings adjustments 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 US$M                                       H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Adjustments to Underlying EBIT 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Significant items                                -        92 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Exchange rate (gains)/losses on 
  restatement of monetary items(a)               20      (87) 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Impairment losses(a)(b)                          4     1,384 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Fair value (gains)/losses on derivative 
  instruments(a)                              (189)        36 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Major corporate restructures(a)                  2         5 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Impairment losses included in operating 
  profit/(loss) of equity accounted 
  investments(c)                                  -       287 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Earnings adjustments included in 
  operating profit/(loss) of equity 
  accounted investments(c)                      (3)        11 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total adjustments to Underlying 
  EBIT                                        (166)     1,728 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Adjustments to net finance cost 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Exchange rate variations on net 
  debt                                         (11)      (26) 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total adjustments to net finance 
  cost                                         (11)      (26) 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Adjustments to income tax expense 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Significant items                                -        39 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Tax effect of earnings adjustments 
  to Underlying EBIT                             45     (152) 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Tax effect of earnings adjustments 
  to net finance cost                             4         8 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Exchange rate variations on tax 
  balances                                     (13)       178 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total adjustments to income tax 
  expense                                        36        73 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total earnings adjustments                   (141)     1,775 
-----------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   (a)    Recognised in expenses excluding net finance cost in the consolidated income statement. 

(b) In the half year ended 31 December 2015, the South32 Group recognised impairments as a result of significant and continuing weakening of commodity markets. For detailed disclosure of the impairments refer to the financial statements released for the period ending 31 December 2015.

(c) Recognised in share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments in the consolidated income statement.

Earnings Analysis

The following key factors influenced Underlying earnings in H1 FY17, relative to H1 FY16.

Reconciliation of movements in Underlying earnings (US$M)(17)(18)

 
 H1 FY16 Underlying EBIT        141 
-----------------------------  ------ 
 Sales price                    661 
 Price-linked costs             47 
 Foreign exchange               (12) 
 Inflation                      (51) 
 Sales volume                   (243) 
 Controllable costs             239 
 Other                          (19) 
 Interest & tax (equity 
  accounted investments)        (72) 
-----------------------------  ------ 
 H1 FY17 Underlying EBIT        691 
-----------------------------  ------ 
 Underlying net finance 
  cost                          (71) 
 Underlying taxation expense    (141) 
-----------------------------  ------ 
 H1 FY17 Underlying earnings    479 
-----------------------------  ------ 
 

Prices, foreign exchange and inflation

An increase in average realised prices for our commodities increased revenue by US$661M. Metallurgical and energy coal, and manganese ore and alloy were the main contributors, increasing revenue by US$313M and US$230M respectively. Higher averaged realised silver, lead and zinc prices increased sales revenue by a further US$93M. Conversely, lower average realised prices for alumina reduced revenue by US$39M.

Despite the increase in commodity prices, price-linked costs decreased by US$47M, attributable to lower raw material prices at our alumina and aluminium operations and a reduction in treatment and refining charges for Cannington concentrates. This was offset by general inflation which increased costs by US$51M. The inflationary impact was most pronounced at our African operations which accounted for 65% of the total variance.

The cumulative impact of changes in foreign exchange rate markets reduced Underlying EBIT by a net US$12M as a stronger Australian dollar was partially offset by a weaker South African rand.

Volume

The US$243M volume related impact in revenue reflects a decline in processed ore grades and metal production at Cannington (US$104M) and lower production at South Africa Energy Coal (US$103M) following the suspension of the North Plant at the Wolvekrans Middelburg Complex, scheduled maintenance and the repositioning of draglines. The revenue impact of lower production volumes at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (US$20M) was mitigated by a net reduction in inventory.

Controllable cost reduction

Controllable costs were US$239M lower than the corresponding period as we continued to benefit from the major restructuring initiatives undertaken in H2 FY16. An increase in controllable costs is anticipated in H2 FY17 as working capital unwinds.

Group and Unallocated costs of US$70M are expected in FY17, as planned.

Other items

Other items reduced Underlying EBIT by US$19M in H1 FY17. Depreciation and amortisation, including equity accounted investments, declined by US$72M as a result of impairments recorded in H1 FY16. Conversely, the net effect of a reduction in power sales in Brazil (US$57M) and the prior US$29M reversal of a rehabilitation provision that benefitted South Africa Energy Coal in H1 FY16 reduced Underlying EBIT by a combined US$86M.

Interest and tax associated with equity accounted investments

The Group's manganese operations are jointly controlled by South32 (60% share) and Anglo American (40% share). The Underlying interest and taxation expense associated with these equity accounted investments increased by US$72M to US$91M in H1 FY17 as higher prices led to a significant increase in profitability.

Net finance costs

The Group's Underlying net finance costs, excluding equity accounted investments, were US$71M in H1 FY17 and largely reflect the unwinding of the discount applied to our restoration and rehabilitation provisions (US$48M) and finance lease charges (US$26M), primarily at Worsley Alumina.

 
 Underlying net finance cost reconciliation 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 US$M                                          H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Unwind of discount applied to closure 
  and rehabilitation provisions                   (48)      (49) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Finance lease charges                            (26)      (25) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Other                                               3         3 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying net finance cost                      (71)      (71) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Add back earnings adjustment for exchange 
  rate variations on net debt                       11        26 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Net finance cost                                 (60)      (45) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

Taxation expense

The Group's underlying income tax expense, which excludes taxation associated with equity accounted investments, was US$141M for an Underlying effective tax rate (ETR) of 30.7%. The tax expense for equity accounted investments was US$76M, including royalty related taxation. The recognition of the GEMCO (Australia Manganese) Northern Territory royalty as a profits-based tax gives rise to a royalty related taxation expense of US$14M in equity accounted investments.

 
 Underlying income tax expense reconciliation 
  and Underlying ETR 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 US$M                                            H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT                                     691       141 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
  Include: Underlying net finance 
   cost                                             (71)      (71) 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
  Remove: Share of profit/(loss) of 
   equity accounted investments                    (161)        58 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying Profit/(loss) before taxation            459       128 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Income tax expense                                  177       117 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
  Tax effect of earnings adjustments 
   to Underlying EBIT                               (45)       152 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
  Tax effect of earnings adjustments 
   to net finance cost                               (4)       (8) 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
  Exchange rate variations on tax 
   balances                                           13     (178) 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
  Tax on significant items                             -      (39) 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying income tax expense                       141        44 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying effective tax rate                     30.7%     34.4% 
----------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

operations Analysis

A summary of the Underlying performance of the Group's operations is presented below.

 
 Operations table 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
                                               Revenue                 Underlying EBIT 
---------------------------  ---------------------------  ----------------------------------------- 
 US$M                              H1 FY17       H1 FY16   H1 FY17                          H1 FY16 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 Worsley Alumina                       492           540        26                               33 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 South Africa Aluminium                601           596        90                               21 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 Mozal Aluminium                       238           208        25                             (10) 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 Brazil Alumina                        164           186        10                               74 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 South Africa Energy 
  Coal                                 539           542       128                               46 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 Illawarra Metallurgical 
  Coal                                 471           284       109                             (37) 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 Australia Manganese(a)                390           226       207                               10 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 South Africa Manganese(a)             175           114        46                             (51) 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 Cerro Matoso                          188           166       (4)                             (48) 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 Cannington                            412           423       165                              153 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 Third party products(19)              349           291        11                                - 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 Inter-segment / Group 
  and Unallocated                    (232)         (254)      (31)                             (31) 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 Total                               3,787         3,322       782                              160 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 Equity accounting 
  adjustment(b)                      (566)         (341)      (91)                             (19) 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 South32 Group                       3,221         2,981       691                              141 
---------------------------  -------------  ------------  --------  ------------------------------- 
 

(a) Revenue and Underlying EBIT reflect South32's proportionally consolidated interest in the manganese joint venture operations.

(b) The equity accounting adjustment reconciles the proportional consolidation of the South32 manganese operations to the treatment of the manganese operations on an equity accounted basis.

Note: Detailed operational analysis is presented on pages 17 to 26. Unless otherwise stated:

   --      All metrics reflect South32's share; 

-- Operating unit costs, including Sustaining capital expenditure, is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA plus Sustaining capital expenditure. Additional manganese disclosures are included on pages 23 and 24; and

-- New FY17 Operating unit cost guidance, including Sustaining capital expenditure, and Sustaining capital expenditure guidance, include royalties (where appropriate) and the influence of exchange rates, and are predicated on various assumptions for H2 FY17, including: an alumina price of US$316/t; an average blended coal price of US$146/t for Illawarra Metallurgical Coal; a manganese ore price of US$6.79/dmtu for 44% manganese product; a nickel price of US$4.65/lb; a thermal coal price of US$84/t (API4) for South Africa Energy Coal; a silver price of US$17.04/troy oz; a lead price of US$2,267/t; a zinc price of US$2,746/t; an AUD:USD exchange rate of 0.75; a USD:ZAR exchange rate of 14.20; and a USD:COP exchange rate of 2,943; all of which reflected forward markets as at January 2017 or our internal expectations.

Worsley Alumina

(86% SHARE)

Volumes

Worsley Alumina saleable production decreased by 3% (or 53kt) to 1.9Mt in H1 FY17. Hydrate production remained at an annualised rate of 4.5Mt (100% basis) and FY17 saleable alumina production guidance remains unchanged at 4.0Mt.

FY18 saleable alumina production guidance is unchanged with the refinery expected to produce at its nameplate capacity of 4.6Mt (100% basis).

Costs

Operating unit costs decreased by 12% to US$200/t in H1 FY17 despite a stronger Australian dollar. Reduced employee and contractor numbers and procurement savings, including lower energy costs and contractor rates, contributed to the improvement in unit costs.

We have restated FY17 Operating unit costs, including Sustaining capital expenditure guidance to US$218/t in FY17 (FY16: US$221/t) to reflect updated exchange rate and price-linked royalty assumptions and a minor increase in costs. This includes Sustaining capital expenditure of US$59M as additional investment is directed towards water infrastructure in H2 FY17. Revised exchange rate and price assumptions for our FY17 unit cost targets are detailed on page 27, footnote 14.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT declined by US$7M in H1 FY17 to US$26M. Lower average realised alumina prices (-US$32M, net of price-linked costs), a stronger Australian dollar (-US$10M) and a US$44M reduction in controllable costs had the most significant influence on financial performance.

Capital expenditure decreased by 14% to US$19M in H1 FY17.

 
 South32 share         H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
--------------------  --------  -------- 
 Alumina production 
  (kt)                   1,940     1,993 
--------------------  --------  -------- 
 Alumina sales 
  (kt)                   1,909     1,898 
--------------------  --------  -------- 
 Realised alumina 
  sales price 
  (US$/t)(a)               258       285 
--------------------  --------  -------- 
 Operating unit 
  cost (US$/t)(b)          200       228 
--------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   (a)    Realised sales price is calculated as sales revenue divided by sales volume. 
   (b)    Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by sales volume. 
 
 South32 share               H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
  (US$M) 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Revenue                         492       540 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying 
  EBITDA                         110       108 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying 
  EBIT                            26        33 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Net operating 
  assets/(liabilities)(a)      3,186     3,208 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Capital expenditure              19        22 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
  Major projects                   -         - 
   (>US$100M) 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
  All other capital 
   expenditure                    19        22 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Exploration                       -         - 
  expenditure 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Exploration                       -         - 
  expensed 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   (a)    H1 FY16 reflects balance as at 30 June 2016. 

South Africa Aluminium

(100%)

Volumes

South Africa Aluminium saleable production increased by 1% (or 4kt) to 356kt in H1 FY17 as the smelter continued to operate at benchmark levels of current efficiency, with fewer load-shedding events. Strong performance also reflected the recommencement of production in the 22 pots that were suspended in the September 2015 quarter.

Costs

Operating unit costs decreased by 8% to US$1,380/t in H1 FY17. The combination of lower raw material prices and a weaker South African rand offset higher aluminium price-linked power costs and the impact of lower sales. A total of 50 pots were relined across H1 FY17 at a cost of approximately US$211k per pot (H1 FY16: 66 pots at US$204k per pot). 72 pots are scheduled to be relined in FY17.

While additional productivity gains are being pursued, the cost profile of the smelter will be more heavily influenced by power and raw material inputs, given the operation's high variable cost base. Hillside sources power from Eskom under long-term contracts. The price of electricity supplied to potlines 1 and 2 is linked to the LME aluminium price and the South African rand/US dollar exchange rate. The price of electricity supplied to potline 3 is South African rand based and linked to South African and United States producer price indices.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by US$69M in H1 FY17 to US$90M. The combination of higher average realised aluminium prices and premia and lower raw material costs increased Underlying EBIT by US$80M, net of other price-linked costs. The impact of lower sales volumes (-US$28M) was offset by inventory movements that contributed to a total controllable cost reduction of US$19M.

Capital expenditure decreased by 25% to US$6M in H1 FY17.

 
 South32 share           H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Aluminium production 
  (kt)                       356       352 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Aluminium sales 
  (kt)(a)                    347       363 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Realised sales 
  price (US$/t)(a)         1,732     1,642 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Operating unit 
  cost (US$/t)(b)          1,380     1,496 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 

(a) Volumes and prices do not include any third party trading that may be undertaken independently of equity production. Realised sales price is calculated as sales revenue divided by sales volume.

   (b)    Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by sales volume. 
 
 South32 share                  H1   H1 FY16 
  (US$M)                      FY17 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Revenue                       601       596 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBITDA             122        53 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT                90        21 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Net operating 
  assets/(liabilities)(a)    1,243     1,059 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Capital expenditure             6         8 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Major projects                 -         - 
   (>US$100M) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  All other capital 
   expenditure                   6         8 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration                     -         - 
  expenditure 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration                     -         - 
  expensed 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 
   (a)    H1 FY16 reflects balance as at 30 June 2016. 

Mozal ALUMINIUM

(47.1% SHARE)

Volumes

Mozal Aluminium saleable production increased by 2% (or 3kt) to 136kt in H1 FY17 as current efficiency continued to improve and the operation experienced fewer load-shedding events. The 11% increase in sales reflects the timing of shipments between periods.

Costs

Operating unit costs decreased by 12% to US$1,448/t in H1 FY17 reflecting stronger sales and lower raw materials prices. A total of 39 pots were relined across H1 FY17 at a cost of approximately US$193k per pot (H1 FY16: 69 pots at US$212k per pot). 106 pots are now scheduled to be relined in FY17.

While additional productivity gains are being pursued, the cost profile of the smelter will be more heavily influenced by power and raw material inputs, given the operation's high variable cost base. Mozal Aluminium utilises hydroelectric power under a long-term contract that is generated by Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB). HCB delivers power into the South African grid to Eskom and Mozal Aluminium sources the power via the Mozambique Transmission Company (Motraco).

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by US$35M in H1 FY17 to US$25M. The combination of higher average realised aluminium prices and premia and lower raw material costs increased Underlying EBIT by US$23M, net of other price-linked costs. The benefit of higher sales volumes (+US$21M) was partially offset by an unfavourable year-on-year movement in inventory that contributed to a net controllable cost increase of US$12M. A favourable exchange rate impact (+US$8M) was offset by inflation (-US$6M).

Capital expenditure decreased by 40% to US$3M in H1 FY17.

 
 South32 share           H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Aluminium production 
  (kt)                       136       133 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Aluminium sales 
  (kt)(a)                    134       121 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Realised sales 
  price (US$/t)(a)         1,776     1,719 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 Operating unit 
  cost (US$/t)(b)          1,448     1,653 
----------------------  --------  -------- 
 

(a) Volumes and prices do not include any third party trading that may be undertaken independently of equity production. Realised sales price is calculated as sales revenue divided by sales volume.

   (b)    Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by sales volume. 
 
 South32 share                  H1   H1 FY16 
  (US$M)                      FY17 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Revenue                       238       208 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBITDA              44         8 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT                25      (10) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Net operating 
  assets/(liabilities)(a)      561       565 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Capital expenditure             3         5 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Major projects                 -         - 
   (>US$100M) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  All other capital 
   expenditure                   3         5 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration                     -         - 
  expenditure 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration                     -         - 
  expensed 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 
   (a)    H1 FY16 reflects balance as at 30 June 2016. 

Brazil ALUMINA

(ALUMINA 36% SHARE, ALUMINIUM

40% SHARE)

Volumes

Brazil Alumina saleable production remained unchanged in H1 FY17 at 673kt as planned maintenance at the refinery and port in the September 2016 quarter was offset by record production in the December 2016 quarter. FY17 saleable alumina production guidance remains unchanged at 1.32Mt, with a small increase in production anticipated in FY18.

Costs

Alumina operating unit costs at the non-operated refinery increased by 5% to US$194/t in H1 FY17 as the Brazilian real strengthened and sales volumes declined.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by US$64M in H1 FY17 to US$10M as the contribution of power sales declined by US$57M in the period.

In H1 FY16 we terminated the power supply contract with Eletronorte and in H2 FY16 recorded an onerous contract provision to reflect anticipated future losses associated with the remaining power supply commitments across FY17 and FY18.

Within the alumina supply chain, Underlying EBIT decreased by US$24M to US$12M. Lower average realised alumina prices (-US$7M, net of price-linked costs), weaker sales volumes (-US$6M) and the stronger Brazilian real (-US$6M) led to the decline in profitability.

Capital expenditure at the refinery increased by 44% to US$13M in H1 FY17.

 
 South32 share               H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Alumina production 
  (kt)                           673       673 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Alumina sales 
  (kt)                           638       661 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Realised alumina 
  sales price 
  (US$/t)(a)                     257       281 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Alumina operating 
  unit cost (US$/t)(b)(c)        194       185 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   (a)    Realised sales price is calculated as sales revenue divided by sales volume. 
   (b)    Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by sales volume. 
   (c)    Includes cost of acquiring bauxite from Mineração Rio do Norte S.A. 
 
 South32 share                  H1   H1 FY16 
  (US$M)                      FY17 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Revenue                       164       186 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Alumina                      164       186 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Aluminium                      -         - 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Intra-segment                  -         - 
   elimination 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Other income(a)                86       105 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBITDA              38       110 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Alumina                       40        64 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Aluminium                    (2)        46 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT                10        74 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Alumina                       12        36 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Aluminium                    (2)        38 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Net operating 
  assets/(liabilities)(b)      662       707 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Alumina                      722       737 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Aluminium                   (60)      (30) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Capital expenditure            13         9 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Major projects                 -         - 
   (>US$100M) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  All other capital 
   expenditure                  13         9 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration                     -         - 
  expenditure 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration                     -         - 
  expensed 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 

(a) Other income in H1 FY17 includes revenue of US$84M from the sale of surplus electricity (H1 FY16: US$99M). This revenue was offset by electricity purchases from Eletronorte and the unwind of the onerous contract provision recorded in FY16.

   (b)    H1 FY16 reflects balance as at 30 June 2016. 

South Africa Energy Coal

(92% SHARE)

Volumes

South Africa Energy Coal saleable production decreased by 9% (or 1.6Mt) to 14.8Mt in H1 FY17. The decline in production reflects the prior suspension of the North Plant at the Wolvekrans Middelburg Complex (WMC), scheduled maintenance and the repositioning of draglines. Export sales were also impacted by Transnet's annual rail maintenance cycle.

Total coal production guidance for FY17 and FY18 is unchanged and will benefit from additional capital investment at the Wolvekrans Middelburg Complex that will open up new mining areas. FY17 saleable coal production guidance is 30.9Mt (domestic coal 17.0Mt, export coal 13.9Mt).

Costs

Operating unit costs increased by 4% to US$26/t in H1 FY17 largely as a result of lower sales volumes for both domestic and export coal. This impact was partially offset by a favourable movement in inventory and a weaker South African rand.

We have restated FY17 Operating unit costs, including Sustaining capital expenditure guidance to US$30/t in FY17 (FY16: US$27/t) to reflect updated exchange rate and price-linked royalty assumptions. This includes Sustaining capital expenditure of US$75M as additional investment is directed towards the Wolvekrans Middelburg Complex in H2 FY17. Revised exchange rate and price assumptions for our FY17 unit cost targets are detailed on page 27, footnote 14.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by US$82M in H1 FY17 to US$128M. Higher average realised coal prices increased Underlying EBIT by US$100M, net of price-linked costs, but were partially offset by lower sales volumes (net -US$73M). Non-cash charges declined by US$46M as depreciation and amortisation was rebased following the prior recognition of impairments.

Sustaining capital expenditure decreased by 40% to US$25M in H1 FY17 following the purchase of mobile equipment in the prior period. We expect Major project capital expenditure of approximately US$30M in FY17 to fund study costs and the acquisition of land in preparation for our Klipspruit Life Extension project. A final investment decision is scheduled for the June 2017 quarter. Major project capital expenditure is excluded from our unit cost guidance.

 
 100 per cent                   H1       H1 
  terms(a)                    FY17     FY16 
-------------------------  -------  ------- 
 Energy coal production 
  (kt)                      14,825   16,379 
-------------------------  -------  ------- 
 Domestic sales 
  (kt)(b)                    8,918    9,080 
-------------------------  -------  ------- 
 Export sales 
  (kt)(b)                    5,856    8,021 
-------------------------  -------  ------- 
 Realised domestic 
  sales price (US$/t)(b)        19       19 
-------------------------  -------  ------- 
 Realised export 
  sales price (US$/t)(b)        63       46 
-------------------------  -------  ------- 
 Operating unit 
  cost (US$/t)(c)               26       25 
-------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

(c) South32's interest in South Africa Energy Coal is accounted at 100% until B-BBEE vendor loans are repaid.

(d) Volumes and prices do not include any third party trading that may be undertaken independently of equity production. Realised sales price is calculated as sales revenue divided by sales volume.

   (e)    Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by sales volume. 
 
 100 per cent                   H1      H1 
  terms(a) (US$M)             FY17    FY16 
--------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Revenue(b)                    539     542 
--------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Underlying EBITDA             152     116 
--------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Underlying EBIT               128      46 
--------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Net operating 
  assets/(liabilities)(c)     (81)    (99) 
--------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Capital expenditure            27      42 
--------------------------  ------  ------ 
  Major projects                 2       - 
   (>US$100M) 
--------------------------  ------  ------ 
  All other capital 
   expenditure                  25      42 
--------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Exploration expenditure         -       - 
--------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Exploration expensed            -       - 
--------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

(a) South32's interest in South Africa Energy Coal is accounted at 100% until B-BBEE vendor loans are repaid.

   (b)    Includes domestic and export sales revenue. 
   (c)    H1 FY16 reflects balance as at 30 June 2016 

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal

(100%)

Volumes

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal saleable production decreased by 6% (or 243kt) to 3.7Mt in H1 FY17. The decline in production primarily reflected challenging ground conditions at Appin Area 9 and a moderation of mining rates at Appin Area 7 that ensured gas concentrations were maintained at safe levels. These impacts were partially offset by strong operating performance at Dendrobium. Consistent with our recent update, Illawarra Metallurgical Coal sales of 8.1Mt are expected in FY17 as Appin Area 7 has returned to full capacity and Appin Area 9 has recommenced production, as planned.

With the completion of the 901 panel and associated release of ground stresses, longwall availability and cutting rates are anticipated to improve in subsequent longwall panels. The lower production rate in FY17 has, however, impacted the timing of longwall panel extraction and production guidance for FY18 has been revised accordingly.

Restated FY17 production guidance incorporates a longwall move for each of the March and June 2017 quarters.

Costs

Operating unit costs increased by 19% to US$75/t in H1 FY17 as a result of lower sales and the operation's high proportion of fixed costs. Additional cost pressure stemmed from a stronger Australian dollar, inflation and higher price-linked royalties.

We have restated Operating unit costs, including Sustaining capital expenditure guidance to US$90/t (FY16: US$80/t) to reflect updated exchange rate and price-linked royalty assumptions. This includes Sustaining capital expenditure of US$129M, encompassing underground mine development of US$69M. Revised exchange rate and price assumptions for our FY17 unit cost targets are detailed on page 27, footnote 14.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by US$146M in H1 FY17 to US$109M. The benefit of higher average realised coal prices (+US$193M, net of price-linked costs) was partially offset by a decline in sales volumes (-US$20M) and a stronger Australian dollar (-US$10M). Our average realised price for H1 FY17 was impacted by a carry over shipment in December 2016 that was associated with our prior declaration of force majeure. Another carry over shipment is scheduled for H2 FY17.

Capital expenditure decreased by 51% to US$54M in H1 FY17 following the completion of the Appin Area 9 project in the March 2016 quarter. Capital expenditure included underground development of approximately US$29M.

 
 South32 share             H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Metallurgical 
  coal production 
  (kt)                       2,829     3,298 
------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Energy coal 
  production 
  (kt)                         884       658 
------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Metallurgical 
  coal sales 
  (kt)                       2,788     3,132 
------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Energy coal 
  sales (kt)                   817       609 
------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Realised metallurgical 
  coal sales 
  price (US$/t)(a)             151        82 
------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Realised energy 
  coal sales 
  price (US$/t)(a)              62        43 
------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Operating unit 
  cost (US$/t)(b)               75        63 
------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   (a)    Realised sales price is calculated as sales revenue divided by sales volume. 
   (b)    Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by sales volume. 
 
 South32 share                  H1   H1 FY16 
  (US$M)                      FY17 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Revenue(a)                    471       284 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBITDA             202        50 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT               109      (37) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Net operating 
  assets/(liabilities)(b)    1,514     1,516 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Capital expenditure            54       111 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Major projects 
   (>US$100M)                    6        26 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  All other capital 
   expenditure                  48        85 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration 
  expenditure                    2         1 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration 
  expensed                       2         1 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 
   (a)    Includes metallurgical coal and energy coal sales revenue. 
   (b)    H1 FY16 reflects balance as at 30 June 2016. 

Australia Manganese

(60% SHARE)

Volumes

Australia Manganese saleable ore production in H1 FY17 decreased by 6% (or 90kwmt) from the prior period's record rate to 1.5Mwmt as lower yields and reduced plant availability resulted in lower production from the primary high grade circuit. This impact was partially offset by the opportunistic ramp-up of the Premium Concentrate ore (PC02) circuit to its annualised capacity of 500kwmt in the December 2016 quarter.

FY17 production guidance of 3.1Mwmt remains unchanged, albeit with a greater proportion of PC02 product. The share of PC02 product in H1 FY17 production was 5% (H1 FY16: Nil). Our PC02 fines product has a manganese content of approximately 40% which leads to both grade and product-type discounts when referenced to the high grade 44% manganese lump ore index.

Saleable manganese alloy production decreased by 8% (or 7kt) to 78kt in H1 FY17 as furnace instability impacted performance. All four furnaces are expected to operate at full capacity once scheduled maintenance is completed in the March 2017 quarter.

Costs

FOB manganese ore operating unit costs increased by 10% to US$1.44/dmtu in H1 FY17 as a result of a stronger Australian dollar and higher price-linked royalties.

We have restated FY17 Operating unit costs, including Sustaining capital expenditure guidance to US$1.72/dmtu (FY16: US$1.88/dmtu FOB) to reflect updated exchange rate and price-linked royalty assumptions and the greater proportion of lower cost PC02 product. The strip ratio is now expected to increase to 3.5 from 3.3 in FY16. Cost guidance includes Sustaining capital expenditure of US$31M. Revised exchange rate and price assumptions for our FY17 unit cost targets are detailed on page 27, footnote 14.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by US$197M in H1 FY17 to US$207M. Higher average realised manganese ore and alloy prices increased Underlying EBIT by US$159M, net of price-linked costs. The impacts of a stronger Australian dollar and inflation decreased Underlying EBIT by US$6M. Non-cash charges declined by US$36M as depreciation and amortisation was rebased following the prior recognition of impairments. Our average realised price for external ore sales reflected a modest premium to the high grade 44% manganese lump ore index on an M-1 basis, despite the greater proportion of PC02 product.

Capital expenditure decreased by US$26M to US$15M in H1 FY17 following the completion of the PC02 project. Exploration drilling at GEMCO's Southern Areas commenced in the December 2016 quarter.

 
 South32 share                     H1      H1 
                                 FY17    FY16 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Manganese ore 
  production (kwmt)             1,499   1,589 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Manganese alloy 
  production (kwmt)                78      85 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Manganese ore 
  sales (kwmt)(a)               1,500   1,457 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
  External customers            1,362   1,286 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
  TEMCO                           138     171 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Manganese alloy 
  sales (kt)(a)                    82      76 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Realised external 
  manganese ore 
  sales price (US$/dmtu, 
  FOB)(a)(b)                     4.91    2.51 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Realised manganese 
  alloy sales price 
  (US$/t)(a)                      988     868 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Ore operating 
  unit cost (US$/dmtu)(b)(c)     1.44    1.31 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Alloy operating 
  unit cost (US$/t)(b)(c)         720     882 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

(a) Volumes and realised prices do not include any third party trading that may be undertaken independently of equity production. Realised ore prices are calculated as external sales revenue less freight and marketing costs, divided by external sales volume. Realised alloy prices are calculated as sales revenue, including sinter revenue, divided by alloy sales volume. Ore converted to sinter and alloy, and sold externally is eliminated as an intracompany transaction.

(b) H1 FY17 average manganese content of ore sales was 46.4% on a dry basis (H1 FY16: 47.6%). 95% of H1 FY17 external manganese ore sales (H1 FY16: 91%) were completed on a CIF basis. H1 FY17 realised FOB ore prices and operating unit costs have been adjusted for freight and marketing costs of US$13M (H1 FY16: US$13M), consistent with our FOB cost guidance.

(c) FOB ore operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA, freight and marketing costs, divided by ore sales volume. Alloy operating unit costs is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by alloy sales volumes and includes costs associated with sinter sold externally.

 
 South32 share                  H1   H1 FY16 
  (US$M)                      FY17 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Revenue(a)                    390       226 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Ore                320       173 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Alloy               81        66 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Intra-segment 
   elimination                (11)      (13) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBITDA             233        72 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Ore                211        73 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Alloy               22       (1) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT               207        10 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Ore                187        15 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Alloy               20       (5) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Net operating 
  assets/(liabilities)(b)      357       341 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Ore                369       338 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Alloy             (12)         3 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Capital expenditure            15        41 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Major projects                 -         - 
   (>US$100M) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  All other capital 
   expenditure                  15        41 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration                     1         - 
  expenditure 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration                     -         - 
  expensed 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 

(a) Revenues of sales from GEMCO to TEMCO are eliminated as part of the consolidation. Internal sales occur on a commercial basis.

   (b)    H1 FY16 reflects balance as at 30 June 2016. 

South Africa Manganese

(ORE 44.4% SHARE, ALLOY 60% SHARE)

Volumes

South Africa Manganese saleable ore production increased by 23% (or 177kwmt) to 934kwmt in H1 FY17 as market conditions supported a drawdown of Wessels concentrate stockpiles and the use of higher cost trucking to access export opportunities. Wessels concentrate accounted for 15% of H1 FY17 external sales (H1 FY16: 4%). South Africa Manganese ore production will remain configured for an optimised rate of 2.9Mwmt pa (100% basis), although we will continue to act opportunistically when market fundamentals are supportive.

Manganese alloy saleable production decreased by 20% (or 9kt) to 37kt in H1 FY17 as a result of furnace instability. Metalloys continues to operate one of its four furnaces.

Costs

FOB manganese ore operating unit costs decreased by 13% to US$1.96/dmtu in H1 FY17. The benefit of a weaker South African rand was partially offset by higher price-linked royalties and the impact of inflation. The drawdown of low cost Wessels concentrate stockpiles offset the costs absorbed to opportunistically increase trucking of ore to port.

We have restated FOB Operating unit costs, including Sustaining capital expenditure guidance to US$2.20/dmtu in FY17 (FY16: US$2.01/dmtu FOB) to reflect updated exchange rate and price-linked royalty assumptions. This includes Sustaining capital expenditure of US$9M. Revised exchange rate and price assumptions for our FY17 unit cost targets are detailed on page 27, footnote 14.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by US$97M in H1 FY17 to US$46M as higher average realised manganese ore and alloy prices increased Underlying EBIT by US$66M, net of price-linked costs. Our average realised price for external sales reflects a 12% discount to the medium grade 37% manganese lump ore index on an M-1 basis as our Wessels concentrate is a fine grained product. Non-cash charges declined by US$8M as depreciation and amortisation was rebased following the prior recognition of impairments.

Capital expenditure decreased to US$4M in H1 FY17. The Wessels Central Block project remains on track to be completed in the March 2017 quarter.

 
 South32 share                     H1      H1 
                                 FY17    FY16 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Manganese ore 
  production (kwmt)               934     757 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Manganese alloy 
  production (kwmt)                37      46 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Manganese ore 
  sales (kwmt)(a)                 928     879 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
  External customers              859     862 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
  Metalloys                        69      17 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Manganese alloy 
  sales (kt)(a)                    40      50 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Realised external 
  manganese ore 
  sales price (US$/dmtu, 
  FOB)(a)(b)                     3.87    2.00 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Realised manganese 
  alloy sales price 
  (US$/t)(a)                      875     740 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Ore operating 
  unit cost (US$/dmtu)(b)(c)     1.96    2.24 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Alloy operating 
  unit cost (US$/t)(b)(c)         925   1,120 
-----------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

(a) Volumes and prices do not include any third party trading that may be undertaken independently of equity production. Realised ore prices are calculated as external sales revenue less freight and marketing costs, divided by external sales volume. Realised alloy prices are calculated as sales revenue, divided by alloy sales volume. Ore converted to sinter and alloy, and sold externally is eliminated as an intracompany transaction. Manganese ore sales are grossed-up to reflect a 60% accounting effective interest.

(b) H1 FY17 average manganese content of ore sales was 40.3% on a dry basis (H1 FY16: 40.1%). 61% of H1 FY17 external manganese ore sales (H1 FY16: 54%) were completed on a CIF basis. H1 FY17 realised FOB ore prices and operating costs have been adjusted for freight and marketing costs of US$10M (H1 FY16: US$9M), consistent with our FOB cost guidance.

(c) FOB ore operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA, freight and marketing costs, divided by ore sales volume. Alloy operating unit costs is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by alloy sales volumes.

 
 South32 share                  H1   H1 FY16 
  (US$M)                      FY17 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Revenue(a)                    175       114 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Ore(b)             145        78 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Alloy               35        37 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Intra-segment 
   elimination                 (5)       (1) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBITDA              61      (28) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Ore(b)              63       (9) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Alloy              (2)      (19) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT                46      (51) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Ore(b)              54      (25) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Alloy              (8)      (26) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Net operating 
  assets/(liabilities)(c)      337       342 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Ore(b)             263       258 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Manganese Alloy               74        84 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Capital expenditure             4         7 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Major projects                 -         - 
   (>US$100M) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  All other capital 
   expenditure                   4         7 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration                     -         - 
  expenditure 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration                     -         - 
  expensed 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 

(a) Revenues of sales from Hotazel mines to Metalloys are eliminated as part of the consolidation. Internal sales occur on a commercial basis.

(b) Consistent with the presentation of South32's segment information, South Africa Manganese ore production and sales have been reported at 60%. The group's financial statement will continue to reflect a 54.6% interest in South Africa Manganese ore.

   (c)    H1 FY16 reflects balance as at 30 June 2016. 

Cerro Matoso

(99.9% SHARE)

Volumes

Cerro Matoso payable nickel production remained largely unchanged at 17.7kt in H1 FY17 as plant performance was further optimised and higher recoveries were achieved.

Payable nickel production guidance for Cerro Matoso remains unchanged at approximately 36kt for FY17. Accelerated development of the higher grade La Esmeralda Mineral Resource will increase production by 16% in FY18 to approximately 42kt. Production from La Esmeralda is now expected to commence in the June 2017 quarter.

Costs

Operating unit costs decreased by 14% to US$3.81/lb in H1 FY17. Modest inflationary pressure was more than offset by lower electricity costs, a reduction in contract services and lower raw material consumption rates.

We have restated FY17 Operating unit costs, including Sustaining capital expenditure guidance to US$3.98/lb

(FY16: US$4.30/lb) to reflect updated exchange rate and price-linked royalty assumptions. This includes Sustaining capital expenditure of US$16M. Revised exchange rate and price assumptions for our FY17 unit cost targets are detailed on page 27, footnote 14.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by US$44M in H1 FY17 to a loss of US$4M as higher average realised prices (+US$21M, net of price-linked costs) and embedded cost saving initiatives (+US$22M) underpinned an improvement in financial performance.

Capital expenditure of US$4M was 67% lower than the prior period.

 
 South32 share          H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Ore mined (kwmt)         2,347     3,017 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Ore processed 
  (kdmt)                  1,289     1,312 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Ore grade processed 
  (%, Ni)                   1.5       1.5 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Payable nickel 
  production 
  (kt)                     17.7      17.5 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Payable nickel 
  sales (kt)               17.6      17.5 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Realised nickel 
  sales price 
  (US$/lb)(a)              4.85      4.30 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Operating unit 
  cost (US$/lb)(b)         3.81      4.43 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 

(a) Inclusive of by-products. Realised sales price is calculated as sales revenue divided by sales volume.

(b) Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by Payable nickel sales volume.

 
 South32 share                  H1   H1 FY16 
  (US$M)                      FY17 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Revenue                       188       166 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBITDA              40       (5) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT               (4)      (48) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Net operating 
  assets/(liabilities)(a)      647       683 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Capital expenditure             4        12 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  Major projects                 -         - 
   (>US$100M) 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
  All other capital 
   expenditure                   4        12 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration 
  expenditure                    2         3 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 Exploration 
  expensed                       2         1 
--------------------------  ------  -------- 
 
   (a)    H1 FY16 reflects balance as at 30 June 2016. 

Cannington

(100% SHARE)

Volumes

Payable zinc production increased by 1% (or 0.3kt) to 42.1kt in H1 FY17, while payable silver and lead production decreased by 27% and 24%, respectively. Lower silver and lead ore grades were the primary contributors to the reduction in metal production.

The optimised longer term mine plan at Cannington seeks to maximise total silver, lead and zinc extraction across the remaining years of the underground operation and reduce geotechnical risk. FY17 production guidance (silver 19.05Moz, lead 163kt, zinc 80kt) remains predicated on the extraction of the higher grade (silver/lead) 60L stope that is in close proximity to the existing underground crusher chamber, while the development of the replacement underground crusher is expected to be commissioned in the March 2018 quarter. Guidance will be revised should geotechnical conditions dictate a change to the current stope sequence and the extraction of the 60L stope be deferred, albeit with no net loss of metal production in the forward plan.

Costs

Operating unit costs declined by 10% to US$131/t of ore processed in H1 FY17 as the impact of a stronger Australian dollar was more than offset by lower labour and contractor costs and a decline in haulage rates.

We have restated Operating unit costs, including Sustaining capital expenditure guidance to US$141/t of ore processed (FY16: US$153/t) to reflect updated exchange rate and price-linked royalty assumptions and incremental cost savings. This includes Sustaining capital expenditure of US$39M. Revised exchange rate and price assumptions for our FY17 unit cost targets are detailed on page 27, footnote 14.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by US$12M in H1 FY17 to US$165M. Higher average realised prices increased Underlying EBIT by US$105M, net of price-linked costs, although this impact was offset by a US$104M reduction in sales volumes, as lower grades impacted payable metal production. Controllable cost savings (+US$26M), which benefitted from a favourable movement in inventory, more than offset the impact of a stronger Australian dollar (-US$6M).

Finalisation adjustments and the provisional pricing of Cannington concentrates increased Underlying EBIT by US$0.5M in H1 FY17 (-US$11M in FY16; -US$19M in H1 FY16). Outstanding concentrate sales (containing 2Moz of silver, 25kt of lead and 12kt of zinc) were revalued at 31 December 2016. The final price of these sales will be determined in H2 FY17.

Capital expenditure of US$18M was 20% higher than the prior period.

 
 South32 share          H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Ore mined (kt)           1,639     1,743 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Ore processed 
  (kt)                    1,669     1,657 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Ore grade processed 
  (g/t, Ag)                 198       266 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Ore grade processed 
  (%, Pb)                   5.5       7.0 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Ore grade processed 
  (%, Zn)                   3.7       3.7 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Payable silver 
  production 
  (koz)                   8,729    11,878 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Payable lead 
  production 
  (kt)                     73.9      97.5 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Payable zinc 
  production 
  (kt)                     42.1      41.8 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Payable silver 
  sales (koz)             8,860    11,898 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Payable lead 
  sales (kt)               73.3      95.5 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Payable zinc 
  sales (kt)               40.8      41.2 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Realised silver 
  sales price 
  (US$/oz)(a)              17.4      15.3 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Realised lead 
  sales price 
  (US$/t)(a)              2,128     1,817 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Realised zinc 
  sales price 
  (US$/t)(a)              2,475     1,641 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 Operating unit 
  cost (US$/t 
  ore processed)(b)         131       146 
---------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   (a)    Realised sales price is calculated as sales revenue divided by sales volume. 

(b) Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA divided by ore processed. Periodic movements in finished product inventory may impact operating unit costs as related marketing costs and treatment and refining charges may change.

 
 South32 share               H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
  (US$M) 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Revenue                         412       423 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying 
  EBITDA                         194       181 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Underlying 
  EBIT                           165       153 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Net operating 
  assets/(liabilities)(a)        227       242 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Capital expenditure              18        15 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
  Major project                    -         - 
   (>US$100M) 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
  All other capital 
   expenditure                    18        15 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Exploration 
  expenditure                      1         2 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Exploration 
  expensed                         1         2 
--------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   (a)    H1 FY16 reflects balance as at 30 June 2016. 

NOTES

   (1)    Revenue includes revenue from third party products. 

(2) H1 FY17 basic earnings per share is calculated as Profit/(loss) after taxation from continuing operations divided by the weighted average number of shares for H1 FY17 (5,319 million). H1 FY17 basic Underlying earnings per share is calculated as Underlying earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares for H1 FY17. H1 FY16 basic earnings per share is calculated as Profit/(loss) after taxation from continuing operations divided by the weighted average number of shares for H1 FY16 (5,324 million). H1 FY16 basic Underlying earnings per share is calculated as Underlying earnings divided by the weighted average number of shares for H1 FY16.

(3) H1 FY17 dividend per share is calculated as total dividend (US$192M) divided by the number of shares on issue at 31 December 2016 (5,324 million).

(4) Underlying EBIT is profit from continuing operations before net finance costs, taxation and any earnings adjustment items, including impairments. Underlying EBIT is reported inclusive of South32's share of net finance costs and taxation of equity accounted investments. Underlying EBITDA is Underlying EBIT, before depreciation and amortisation. Underlying earnings is Profit/(loss) after taxation and earnings adjustment items. Underlying earnings is the key measure that South32 uses to assess the performance of the South32 Group, make decisions on the allocation of resources and assess senior management's performance. In addition, the performance of each of the South32 operations and operational management are assessed based on Underlying EBIT. In order to calculate Underlying earnings, Underlying EBIT and Underlying EBITDA, the following items are adjusted as applicable each period, irrespective of materiality:

   --          Exchange rate gains/losses on restatement of monetary items; 
   --          Impairment losses/reversals; 
   --          Net gain/loss on disposal and consolidation of interests in businesses; 
   --          Fair value gain/loss on derivative instruments; 
   --          Major corporate restructures; and 
   --          The income tax impact of the above items. 

In addition, items that do not reflect the underlying operations of South32, and are individually significant to the financial statements, are excluded to determine Underlying earnings. Significant items are detailed in the Financial Information.

(5) Comprises Underlying EBITDA excluding third party product EBITDA, divided by revenue excluding third party product revenue.

(6) Comprises Underlying EBIT excluding third party product EBIT, divided by revenue excluding third party product revenue.

(7) Return on invested capital (ROIC) is a key measure that South32 uses to assess performance. ROIC is calculated as annualised Underlying EBIT less the discount on rehabilitation provisions included in net finance cost, tax effected by the Group's Underlying effective tax rate (ETR), divided by the sum of fixed assets (excluding any rehabilitation asset and impairments) and inventories. Manganese is included in the calculation on a proportional consolidation basis.

   (8)    Refer to exchange release dated 3 November 2016. 

(9) Total capital expenditure comprises Capital expenditure, the purchase of intangibles and capitalised exploration expenditure. Capital expenditure comprises Sustaining capital expenditure and Major projects capital expenditure. Sustaining capital expenditure comprises Stay-in-business (SIB), Minor discretionary and Deferred stripping (including underground development) capital expenditure.

(10) South32's ownership share of operations are as follows: Worsley Alumina (86%), South Africa Aluminium (100%), Mozal Aluminium (47.1% share), Brazil Alumina (Alumina 36% share, Aluminium 40% share), South Africa Energy Coal (92% share), Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (100%), Australia Manganese (60% share), South Africa Manganese (60% share), Cerro Matoso (99.9% share), and Cannington (100%).

(11) South32's interest in South Africa Energy Coal is accounted at 100% broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) vendor loans are repaid.

(12) Operating unit cost, including Sustaining capital expenditure is operating cost plus Sustaining capital expenditure (excludes Major Project capital expenditure) divided by sales. Operating cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA. Additional manganese disclosures are included on pages 23 and 24.

(13) Prior FY17 Operating unit cost guidance, including Sustaining capital expenditure, and Sustaining capital expenditure guidance, include royalties (where appropriate) and the influence of exchange rate assumptions, and were predicated on: an alumina price of US$259/t; an average blended coal price of US$83/t for Illawarra Metallurgical Coal; a manganese ore price of US$3.23/dmtu for 44% manganese product; a nickel price of US$3.95/lb; a thermal coal price of US$54/t (API4) for South Africa Energy Coal; a silver price of US$17.50/troy oz; a lead price of US$1,723/t; a zinc price of US$1,907/t; an AUD:USD exchange rate of 0.72; a USD:ZAR exchange rate of 16.57; and a USD:COP exchange rate of 3,025; all of which reflected forward markets as at May 2016 or our internal expectations.

(14) New FY17 Operating unit cost guidance, including Sustaining capital expenditure, and Sustaining capital expenditure guidance, include royalties (where appropriate) and the influence of exchange rates, and are predicated on various assumptions for H2 FY17, including: an alumina price of US$316/t; an average blended coal price of US$146/t for Illawarra Metallurgical Coal; a manganese ore price of US$6.79/dmtu for 44% manganese product; a nickel price of US$4.65/lb; a thermal coal price of US$84/t (API4) for South Africa Energy Coal; a silver price of US$17.04/troy oz; a lead price of US$2,267/t; a zinc price of US$2,746/t; an AUD:USD exchange rate of 0.75; a USD:ZAR exchange rate of 14.20; and a USD:COP exchange rate of 2,943; all of which reflected forward markets as at January 2017 or our internal expectations.

(15) FY17 Capital expenditure guidance is predicated on forward markets as at January 2017, or our internal expectations, for H2 FY17, including: an AUD:USD exchange rate of 0.75; a USD:ZAR exchange rate of 14.20; and a USD:COP exchange rate of 2,943.

(16) Underlying effective tax rate (ETR) is Underlying income tax expense excluding royalty related taxation divided by Underlying profit before tax; both the numerator and denominator exclude equity accounted investments.

(17) Sales price variance reflects the revenue impact of changes in commodity prices, based on the current period's sales volume. Price-linked costs variance reflects the change in royalties together with the change in input costs driven by changes in commodity prices or market traded consumables. Foreign exchange reflects the impact of exchange rate movements on local currency denominated costs and sales. Volume variance reflects the revenue impact of sales volume changes, based on the comparative period's sales prices. Controllable costs variance represents the impact from changes in the Group's controllable local currency cost base, including the variable cost impact of production volume changes on expenditure, and period on period movements in inventories. The controllable cost variance excludes earnings adjustments including significant items.

(18) Underlying net finance cost and Underlying taxation expense are actual H1 FY17 results, not year-on-year variances.

(19) Third party products sold comprise US$135 million for aluminium, US$56 million for alumina, US$73 million for coal, US$47 million for freight services and US$37 million for aluminium raw materials. Underlying EBIT on third party products comprise US$6 million for aluminium, (US$4) million for alumina, US$9 million for coal, nil for freight services and nil for aluminium raw materials.

The following abbreviations may be used throughout this report: US$ million (US$M); US$ billion (US$B); December half year is abbreviated to H1 FY17, grams per tonne (g/t); tonnes (t); thousand tonnes (kt); thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa); million tonnes (Mt); million tonnes per annum (Mtpa); thousand troy ounces (koz); million troy ounces (Moz); thousand wet metric tonnes (kwmt); thousand dry metric tonnes (kdmt) dry metric tonne unit (dmtu); pound (lb); megawatt (MW); Australian Securities Exchange (ASX); London Stock Exchange (LSE); and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)

.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

for the half year ended 31 December 2016

 
 
   US$M                                                                                   Note     H1 FY17     H1 FY16 
 Continuing operations 
 Revenue 
   Group production                                                                                  2,873       2,691 
   Third party products                                                                                348         290 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                                                                     3,221       2,981 
 Other income                                                                                          142         167 
 Expenses excluding net finance cost                                                               (2,670)     (4,379) 
 Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments                                                164       (356) 
                                                                                                ----------  ---------- 
 Profit/(loss) from continuing operations                                                              857     (1,587) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  ---------- 
 Comprising: 
   Group production                                                                                    846     (1,587) 
   Third party products                                                                                 11           - 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  ---------- 
 Profit/(loss) from continuing operations                                                              857     (1,587) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------- 
 Finance expenses                                                                                     (77)        (57) 
 Finance income                                                                                         17          12 
                                                                                                ----------  ---------- 
 Net finance cost                                                                            6        (60)        (45) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  ---------- 
 Profit/(loss) before tax                                                                              797     (1,632) 
                                                                                                ----------  ---------- 
 Income tax (expense)/benefit                                                                        (177)       (117) 
                                                                                                ----------  ---------- 
 Profit/(loss) after tax from continuing operations                                                    620     (1,749) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Equity holders of South32 Limited                                                                     620     (1,749) 
                                                                                                ---------- 
 
 Profit/(loss) from continuing operations attributable to the equity holders of 
 South32 Limited 
 Basic earnings per share (US cents)                                                         5        11.7      (32.9) 
 Diluted earnings per share (US cents)                                                       5        11.5      (32.9) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the half year financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the half year ended 31 December 2016

 
 
   US$M                                                                          H1 FY17     H1 FY16 
 Profit/(loss) for the period                                                        620     (1,749) 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Items that may be reclassified to the income statement: 
 Available for sale investments: 
   Net gain/(loss) taken to equity                                                   (1)        (28) 
   Net (gain)/loss transferred to the income statement                                 -          23 
   Tax benefit/(expense) recognised within other comprehensive income                  2           5 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------              ---------- 
 Total items that may be reclassified to the income statement                          1           - 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------  ---------- 
 Items not to be reclassified to the income statement: 
 Equity accounted investments - share of other comprehensive income/(loss)             -           1 
 Actuarial gain/(loss) on pension and medical schemes                                  2           6 
 Tax benefit/(expense) recognised within other comprehensive income                  (1)         (2) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total items not to be reclassified to the income statement                            1           5 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total other comprehensive income/(loss)                                               2           5 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total comprehensive income/(loss)                                                   622     (1,744) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Equity holders of South32 Limited                                                   622     (1,744) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the half year financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

as at 31 December 2016

 
 
   US$M                                  Note     H1 FY17      FY16 
 ASSETS 
 Current assets 
 Cash and cash equivalents                  7       1,901     1,225 
 Trade and other receivables                7         980       618 
 Other financial assets                     7          73        32 
 Inventories                                          770       747 
 Current tax assets                                    22        61 
 Other                                                 17        18 
------------------------------------  ------- 
 Total current assets                               3,763     2,701 
------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Trade and other receivables                7         165       445 
 Other financial assets                     7         394       260 
 Inventories                                           55        55 
 Property, plant and equipment                      8,431     8,651 
 Intangible assets                                    271       288 
 Equity accounted investments                         714       570 
 Deferred tax assets                                  309       382 
 Other                                                 21        22 
------------------------------------  ------- 
 Total non-current assets                          10,360    10,673 
------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------- 
 Total assets                                      14,123    13,374 
------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------- 
 LIABILITIES 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                   7         683       676 
 Interest bearing liabilities               7         430       282 
 Other financial liabilities                7           6         1 
 Current tax payable                                   17         6 
 Provisions                                           390       408 
 Deferred income                                        3         4 
------------------------------------  ------- 
 Total current liabilities                          1,529     1,377 
------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                   7           4         5 
 Interest bearing liabilities               7         612       631 
 Other financial liabilities                7           -        16 
 Deferred tax liabilities                             511       501 
 Provisions                                         1,455     1,410 
 Deferred income                                       11        12 
 Total non-current liabilities                      2,593     2,575 
------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------- 
 Total liabilities                                  4,122     3,952 
------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------- 
 Net assets                                        10,001     9,422 
------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------- 
 EQUITY 
 Share capital                                     14,958    14,958 
 Treasury shares                                     (10)       (3) 
 Reserves                                         (3,537)   (3,555) 
 Retained earnings/(accumulated 
  losses)                                         (1,409)   (1,977) 
                                               ----------  -------- 
 Total equity attributable to 
  equity holders of South32 Limited                10,002     9,423 
 Non-controlling interests                            (1)       (1) 
------------------------------------  ------- 
 Total equity                                      10,001     9,422 
------------------------------------  -------  ----------  -------- 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the half year financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

for the half year ended 31 December 2016

 
 
   US$M                                              H1 FY17     H1 FY16 
 Operating activities 
 Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing 
  operations                                             797     (1,632) 
 Adjustments for: 
  Non-cash significant items                               -          37 
  Depreciation and amortisation expense                  373         401 
  Impairments of property, plant and equipment, 
   financial assets, intangibles and equity 
   accounted investments                                   4       1,384 
  Employee share awards expense                           22          12 
  Net finance cost                                        60          45 
  Share of (profit)/loss of equity accounted 
   investments                                         (164)         356 
  Fair value (gains)/losses on derivative 
   instruments                                         (189)          36 
  Other non-cash or non-operating items                  (3)         (2) 
 Changes in assets and liabilities: 
  Trade and other receivables                          (164)         162 
  Inventories                                           (23)         119 
  Trade and other payables                                24       (296) 
  Provisions and other liabilities                      (40)       (196) 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Cash generated from continuing operations               697         426 
 Interest received                                        17          12 
 Interest paid                                          (34)        (30) 
 Income tax (paid)/received                             (39)          37 
 Dividends received                                        -           1 
 Dividends received from equity accounted 
  investments                                             41          19 
                                                  ----------  ---------- 
 Net cash flows from continuing operating 
  activities                                             682         465 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Investing activities 
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment            (150)       (237) 
 Exploration expenditure                                 (7)         (7) 
 Exploration expenditure expensed and 
  included in operating cash flows                         6           5 
 Purchase of intangibles                                 (1)        (14) 
 Investment in financial assets                         (28)        (80) 
 Investment in equity accounted investments             (21)           - 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Cash outflows from investing activities               (201)       (333) 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant 
  and equipment and intangibles                           15           1 
 Proceeds from financial assets                          105         112 
                                                  ----------  ---------- 
 Net cash flows from continuing investing 
  activities                                            (81)       (220) 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Financing activities 
 Proceeds from interest bearing liabilities              147           2 
 Repayment of interest bearing liabilities               (9)       (190) 
 Purchase of shares by Employee Share                   (12)           - 
  Ownership Plan (ESOP) Trusts 
 Dividends paid                                         (53)           - 
                                                  ----------  ---------- 
 Net cash flows from continuing financing 
  activities                                              73       (188) 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and 
  cash equivalents                                       674          57 
 Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, 
  at the beginning of the period                       1,225         644 
 Foreign currency exchange rate changes 
  on cash and cash equivalents                             2         (8) 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents, net of overdrafts, 
  at the end of the period                             1,901         693 
------------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------- 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the half year financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

for the half year ended 31 December 2016

 
                                   Attributable to equity holders of South32 Limited 
                                                                                                   Non- 
                         Share       Treasury                Retained earnings/             controlling 
 US$M                  capital         shares   Reserves   (accumulated losses)     Total     interests   Total equity 
 Balance as at 
  1 July 2016           14,958            (3)    (3,555)                (1,977)     9,423           (1)          9,422 
---------------  -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------------------  --------  ------------  ------------- 
 Profit/(loss) 
  for the 
  period                     -              -          -                    620       620             -            620 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income/(loss)              -              -          1                      1         2             -              2 
---------------  -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------------------  --------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(loss)              -              -          1                    621       622             -            622 
---------------  -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------------------  --------  ------------  ------------- 
 Transactions 
 with owners: 
 Accrued 
  employee 
  entitlements 
  for 
  unexercised 
  awards                     -              -         22                      -        22             -             22 
 Dividends                   -              -          -                   (53)      (53)             -           (53) 
 Purchase of 
  shares by 
  ESOP Trusts                -           (12)          -                      -      (12)             -           (12) 
 Employee share 
  awards 
  exercised                  -              5        (5)                      -         -             -              - 
                 -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------------------  --------  ------------  ------------- 
 Balance as at 
  31 December 
  2016                  14,958           (10)    (3,537)                (1,409)    10,002           (1)         10,001 
---------------  -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------------------  --------  ------------  ------------- 
 Balance as at 
  1 July 2015           14,958              -    (3,557)                  (365)    11,036           (1)         11,035 
---------------  -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------------------  --------  ------------  ------------- 
 Profit/(loss) 
  for the 
  period                     -              -          -                (1,749)   (1,749)             -        (1,749) 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  income/(loss)              -              -          -                      5         5             -              5 
---------------  -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------------------  --------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  income/(loss)              -              -          -                (1,744)   (1,744)             -        (1,744) 
---------------  -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------------------  --------  ------------  ------------- 
 Transactions 
 with owners: 
 Accrued 
  employee 
  entitlements 
  for 
  unexercised 
  awards                     -              -         12                      -        12             -             12 
--------------- 
 Balance as at 
  31 December 
  2015                  14,958              -    (3,545)                (2,109)     9,304           (1)          9,303 
---------------  -------------  -------------  ---------  ---------------------  --------  ------------  ------------- 
 

The accompanying notes form part of the half year financial statements.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - BASIS OF PREPARATION

The consolidated financial statements of South32 Limited referred to as the "Company" and its subsidiaries and joint arrangements (collectively, the "South32 Group") for the half year ended 31 December 2016 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 16 February 2017

   1.    Reporting entity 

South32 Limited is a for-profit company limited by shares incorporated in Australia with a primary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange, a standard listing on the London Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The nature of the operations and principal activities of the South32 Group are described in note 3 Segment information.

   2.    Basis of preparation 

The half year financial statements are a general purpose condensed financial report which:

-- Have been prepared in accordance with AASB 134 Interim Financial Reporting, IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Corporations Act 2001;

-- Have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments and certain other financial assets and liabilities which are required to be measured at fair value;

-- Are presented in US dollars, which is the functional currency of the majority of the Group's operations, and all values are rounded to the nearest million dollars (US$M or US$ million) unless otherwise stated, in accordance with Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Corporations (Rounding in Financial / Directors' Reports) Instrument 2016/191;

-- Present reclassified comparative information where required for consistency with the current period's presentation; and

-- Have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies and methods of computation consistent with those applied in the 30 June 2016 annual financial statements.

In preparing these half year financial statements, management has made judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 June 2016.

For a full understanding of the financial performance and financial position of the South32 Group it is recommended that the half year financial statements be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2016. Consideration should also be given to any public announcements made by the Company during the half year ended 31 December 2016 in accordance with the continuous disclosure obligations of the ASX Listing Rules.

The following exchange rates relative to the US dollar have been applied in the financial statements.

 
                           Average for the       Average for the 
                           half year ended       half year ended                As at       As at                As at 
                          31 December 2016      31 December 2015     31 December 2016     30 June     31 December 2015 
                                                                                             2016 
 Australian dollar(1)                 0.75                  0.72                 0.72        0.74                 0.73 
 Brazilian real                       3.27                  3.69                 3.26        3.24                 3.90 
 Colombian peso                      2,983                 2,999                3,001       2,916                3,149 
 South African rand                  14.00                 13.60                13.60       14.85                15.56 
---------------------  -------------------  --------------------  -------------------  ----------  ------------------- 
 
   (1)    Displayed as US$ to A$ based on common convention. 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD

   3.    Segment information 
   (i)     Description of segments 

The operating segments (also referred to as "operations") are organised and managed separately according to the nature of products produced.

The members of the executive management team (the "chief operating decision maker") and the Board of Directors monitor the segment results regularly for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment.

The segment information for the manganese operations are presented on a proportional consolidation basis, which is the measure used by South32's management to assess their performance.

The principal activities of each reporting segment, as the South32 Group is currently structured, are summarised as follows:

 
 Operating segment              Principal activities 
 Worsley Alumina                Integrated bauxite mine and alumina refinery in Western Australia 
 South Africa Aluminium         Aluminium smelter in Richards Bay 
 Brazil Alumina                 Alumina refinery in Brazil 
 Mozal Aluminium                Aluminium smelter in Mozambique 
 South Africa Energy Coal       Open-cut and underground energy coal mines and processing operations in South Africa 
 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal   Underground metallurgical coal mines in New South Wales 
 Australia Manganese            Integrated producer of manganese ore in the Northern Territory and alloys in Tasmania 
 South Africa Manganese         Integrated producer of manganese ore and alloy in South Africa 
 Cerro Matoso                   Integrated laterite ferronickel mining and smelting complex in Colombia 
 Cannington                     Silver, lead and zinc mine in Queensland 
 

All operations are operated or jointly operated by the South32 Group except Alumar (which forms part of Brazil Alumina), which is operated by Alcoa.

The South32 Group separately discloses sales of group production from sales of third party products because of the significant difference in profit margin earned on these sales.

It is the South32 Group's policy that inter-segment transactions are made on commercial terms.

Group and unallocated items/eliminations represent group centre functions and consolidation adjustments. Group financing (including finance cost and finance income) and income taxes are managed on a South32 Group basis and are not allocated to operating segments

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD

   3.    Segment information (continued) 
 
 Half year ended      Worsley       South       Mozal    Brazil    South       Illawarra      Australia   South Africa    Cerro   Cannington     Group and       Statutory    Group 
  31 December 2016    Alumina      Africa   Aluminium   Alumina   Africa   Metallurgical   Manganese(1)   Manganese(1)   Matoso                unallocated   adjustment(1) 
                                Aluminium                         Energy            Coal                                                            items/ 
  US$M                                                              Coal                                                                       elimination 
 Revenue 
 Group production         291         601         238       133      539             471            390            175      188          412             -           (565)    2,873 
 Third party 
  products(2)               -           -           -         -        -               -              -              -        -            -           349             (1)      348 
 Inter-segment 
  revenue                 201           -           -        31        -               -              -              -        -            -         (232)               -        - 
------------------- 
 Total revenue            492         601         238       164      539             471            390            175      188          412           117           (566)    3,221 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------- 
 
 Underlying EBITDA        110         122          44        38      152             202            233             61       40          194             -           (132)    1,064 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation           (84)        (32)        (19)      (28)     (24)            (93)           (26)           (15)     (44)         (29)          (20)              41    (373) 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------- 
 Underlying EBIT           26          90          25        10      128             109            207             46      (4)          165          (20)            (91)      691 
 Comprising: 
 Group Production          26          90          25        10      129             109            207             46      (4)          165          (31)           (253)      519 
 Third party 
  products(2)               -           -           -         -        -               -              -              -        -            -            11               -       11 
 Share of 
  profit/(loss) of 
  equity accounted 
  investments(3)            -           -           -         -      (1)               -              -              -        -            -             -             162      161 
------------------- 
 Underlying EBIT           26          90          25        10      128             109            207             46      (4)          165          (20)            (91)      691 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------- 
 Net finance cost                                                                                                                                                              (71) 
 Income tax 
  (expense)/benefit                                                                                                                                                           (141) 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------- 
 Underlying 
  earnings from 
  continuing 
  operations                                                                                                                                                                    479 
 Earnings 
  adjustments(4)                                                                                                                                                                141 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------- 
 Profit/(loss) 
  after tax                                                                                                                                                                     620 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------- 
 Capital 
  expenditure(5)           19           6           3        13       27              54             15              4        4           18             6            (19)      150 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------- 
 Equity accounted 
  investments(6)            -           -           -         -       12               -              -              -        -            -             -             702      714 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------- 
 Total assets(6)        3,613       1,495         651       855      810           1,728            601            551      831          381         3,257           (650)   14,123 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------- 
 Total 
  liabilities(6)          427         252          90       193      891             214            244            214      184          154         1,907           (648)    4,122 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  ------- 
 

(1) The segment information reflects South32's interest in the manganese operations and is presented on a proportional consolidation basis, which is the measure used by South32's management to assess their performance. The manganese operations are equity accounted in the consolidated financial statements. The statutory adjustment column reconciles the proportional consolidation to the equity accounting position.

(2) Third party products sold comprise US$135 million for aluminium, US$56 million for alumina, US$73 million for coal, US$47 million for freight services and US$37 million for aluminium raw materials. Underlying EBIT on third party products comprise US$6 million for aluminium, (US$4) million for alumina, US$9 million for coal, nil for freight services and nil for aluminium raw materials.

(3) Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments includes the impacts of earnings adjustments to Underlying EBIT.

   (4)   Refer to note 3(ii) Earnings adjustments. 

(5) Capital expenditure excludes the purchase of intangibles and capitalised exploration expenditure.

(6) Total segment assets and liabilities for each operating segment represent operating assets and liabilities which predominately exclude the carrying amount of equity accounted investments, cash, interest bearing liabilities and tax balances.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD

   3.    Segment information (continued) 
 
 Half year ended      Worsley       South       Mozal    Brazil    South       Illawarra      Australia   South Africa    Cerro   Cannington     Group and       Statutory     Group 
  31 December 2015    Alumina      Africa   Aluminium   Alumina   Africa   Metallurgical   Manganese(1)   Manganese(1)   Matoso                unallocated   adjustment(1) 
                                Aluminium                         Energy            Coal                                                            items/ 
  US$M                                                              Coal                                                                       elimination 
 Revenue 
 Group production         286         596         208       186      542             284            226            110      166          423             -           (336)     2,691 
 Third party 
  products(2)               -           -           -         -        -               -              -              -        -            -           291             (1)       290 
 Inter-segment 
  revenue                 254           -           -         -        -               -              -              4        -            -         (254)             (4)         - 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 Total revenue            540         596         208       186      542             284            226            114      166          423            37           (341)     2,981 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 
 Underlying EBITDA        108          53           8       110      116              50             72           (28)      (5)          181          (19)           (104)       542 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation           (75)        (32)        (18)      (36)     (70)            (87)           (62)           (23)     (43)         (28)          (12)              85     (401) 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT           33          21        (10)        74       46            (37)             10           (51)     (48)          153          (31)            (19)       141 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 Comprising: 
 Group Production          33          21        (10)        74       44            (37)             10           (51)     (48)          153          (31)              41       199 
 Third party                -           -           -         -        -               -              -              -        -            -             -               -         - 
 products(2) 
 Share of 
  profit/(loss) of 
  equity accounted 
  investments(3)            -           -           -         -        2               -              -              -        -            -             -            (60)      (58) 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 Underlying EBIT           33          21        (10)        74       46            (37)             10           (51)     (48)          153          (31)            (19)       141 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 Net finance cost                                                                                                                                                               (71) 
 Income tax 
  (expense)/benefit                                                                                                                                                             (44) 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 Underlying 
  earnings from 
  continuing 
  operations                                                                                                                                                                      26 
 Earnings 
  adjustments(4)                                                                                                                                                             (1,775) 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 Profit/(loss) 
  after tax                                                                                                                                                                  (1,749) 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 Capital 
  expenditure(5)           22           8           5         9       42             111             41              7       12           15            13            (48)       237 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 Equity accounted 
  investments(6)            -           -           -         -       13               -              -              -        -            -             -             557       570 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 Total assets(6)        3,647       1,334         656       874      728           1,745            577            517      889          401         2,654           (648)    13,374 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 Total 
  liabilities(6)          439         275          91       167      827             229            236            175      206          159         1,796           (648)     3,952 
-------------------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  -------  --------------  -------------  -------------  -------  -----------  ------------  --------------  -------- 
 

(1) The segment information reflects South32's interest in the manganese operations and is presented on a proportional consolidation basis, which is the measure used by South32's management to assess their performance. The manganese operations are equity accounted in the consolidated financial statements. The statutory adjustment column reconciles the proportional consolidation to the equity accounting position.

(2) Third party products sold comprise US$138 million for aluminium, US$11 million for alumina, US$28 million for coal, US$50 million for freight services and US$63 million for aluminium raw materials. Underlying EBIT on third party products comprise (US$1) million for aluminium, (US$1) million for alumina, US$1 million for coal, US$1 million for freight services and nil for aluminium raw materials.

(3) Share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments includes the impacts of earnings adjustments to Underlying EBIT.

   (4)   Refer to note 3(ii) Earnings adjustments. 

(5) Capital expenditure excludes the purchase of intangibles and capitalised exploration expenditure.

(6) Total segment assets and liabilities for each reporting segment are as at 30 June 2016 and represent operating assets and liabilities which predominately exclude the carrying amount of equity accounted investments, cash, interest bearing liabilities and tax balances.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD

   3.    Segment information (continued) 
   (ii)    Earnings adjustments 

The following table shows earnings adjustments in determining Underlying earnings:

 
 US$M                                                                                 H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
 Adjustments to Underlying EBIT 
 Significant items                                                                          -        92 
 Exchange rate (gains)/losses on restatement of monetary items(1)                          20      (87) 
 Impairment losses(1)(2)                                                                    4     1,384 
 Fair value (gains)/losses on derivative instruments(1)                                 (189)        36 
 Major corporate restructures(1)                                                            2         5 
 Impairment losses included in profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments(3)             -       287 
 Earnings adjustments included in profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments(3)        (3)        11 
                                                                                     --------  -------- 
 Total adjustments to Underlying EBIT                                                   (166)     1,728 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Adjustments to net finance cost 
 Exchange rate variations on net debt                                                    (11)      (26) 
                                                                                     --------  -------- 
 Total adjustments to net finance cost                                                   (11)      (26) 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Adjustments to income tax expense 
 Significant items                                                                          -        39 
 Tax effect of earnings adjustments to Underlying EBIT                                     45     (152) 
 Tax effect of earnings adjustments to net finance cost                                     4         8 
 Exchange rate variations on tax balances                                                (13)       178 
                                                                                     --------  -------- 
 Total adjustments to income tax expense                                                   36        73 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Total earnings adjustments                                                             (141)     1,775 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   (1)   Recognised in expenses excluding net finance cost in the consolidated income statement. 

(2) In the half year ended 31 December 2015, the South32 Group recognised impairments as a result of significant and continuing weakening of commodity markets. For detailed disclosure of the impairments refer to the financial statements released for the period ending 31 December 2015.

(3) Recognised in share of profit/(loss) of equity accounted investments in the consolidated income statement.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD

   4.    Dividends 
 
 US$M                                                    H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
 Final unfranked dividend(1)                                  53         - 
 Total dividends declared and paid during the period          53         - 
----------------------------------------------------    --------  -------- 
 

(1) On 25 August 2016, the Directors resolved to pay an unfranked final dividend of US 1 cent per share in respect of the 2016 financial year. The dividend was paid on 6 October 2016.

   5.    Earnings per share 

Basic earnings per share (EPS) amounts are calculated based on profit attributable to equity holders of South32 Limited and the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.

Dilutive EPS amounts are calculated based on profit attributable to equity holders of South32 Limited and the weighted average number of shares outstanding after adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential shares.

The following reflects the profit/(loss) and share data used in the basic and diluted EPS computations:

 
 Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders 
 US$M                                                                                    H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
 Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of South32 Limited (basic)                     620   (1,749) 
 Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of South32 Limited (diluted)                   620   (1,749) 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
 Weighted average number of shares 
 Million                                                                                 H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
 Basic earnings per share denominator(1)                                                   5,319     5,324 
 Shares and options contingently issuable under employee share ownership plans(2)(3)          55         - 
 Diluted earnings per share denominator                                                    5,374     5,324 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

(1) The basic EPS denominator is the aggregate of the weighted average number of shares after deduction of the weighted average number of Treasury shares outstanding during the period.

(2) Included in the calculation of diluted EPS are shares contingently issuable under employee share ownership plans.

(3) Diluted EPS calculation excludes 15,371,165 (31 December 2015: 78,949,327) rights which are considered anti-dilutive and are subject to service and performance conditions.

 
 Earnings per share 
 US cents                                       H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
 Earnings per share - continuing operations 
  Basic earnings per share                         11.7    (32.9) 
  Diluted earnings per share                       11.5    (32.9) 
---------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCING

   6.    Net finance cost 
 
 US$M                                                         H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
 Finance expenses 
 Interest on borrowings                                             8         5 
 Finance lease interest                                            26        25 
 Discounting on provisions and other liabilities                   48        49 
 Net interest expense on post-retirement employee benefits          5         4 
 Fair value change on financial asset                               1         - 
 Exchange rate variations on net debt                            (11)      (26) 
                                                             --------  -------- 
                                                                   77        57 
-----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 Finance income 
 Interest income                                                   17        12 
                                                             --------  -------- 
 Net finance cost                                                  60        45 
-----------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 
   7.    Financial assets and financial liabilities 

The following table presents the South32 Group's financial assets and liabilities by class at their carrying amounts which approximates their fair value:

 
                                                                                             Other financial 
                                                                     Held at fair value           assets and 
   31 December 2016               Loans and    Available for sale     through profit or       liabilities at 
   US$M                         receivables            securities                  loss       amortised cost     Total 
 Financial assets 
 Cash and cash 
  equivalents                         1,901                     -                     -                    -     1,901 
 Trade and other 
  receivables(1)                        663                     -                    47                    -       710 
 Derivative contracts                     -                     -                   206                    -       206 
 Loans to equity 
  accounted 
  investments                           266                     -                     -                    -       266 
 Interest bearing 
  loans receivable                       43                     -                     -                    -        43 
 Other investments                        -                   261                     -                    -       261 
---------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  -------------------  -------- 
 Total                                2,873                   261                   253                    -     3,387 
---------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  -------------------  -------- 
 Financial 
 liabilities 
 Trade and other 
  payables(2)                             -                     -                     8                  639       647 
 Derivative contracts                     -                     -                     6                    -         6 
 Finance leases                           -                     -                     -                  581       581 
 Unsecured other                          -                     -                     -                  461       461 
---------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  -------------------  -------- 
 Total                                    -                     -                    14                1,681     1,695 
---------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  -------------------  -------- 
 
   (1)   Excludes input taxes of US$126 million included in trade and other receivables. 
   (2)   Excludes input taxes of US$40 million included in trade and other payables. 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCING

   7.    Financial assets and financial liabilities (continued) 
 
                                                                                             Other financial 
                                               Available for sale    Held at fair value           assets and 
   30 June 2016                   Loans and            securities     through profit or       liabilities at 
   US$M                         receivables                                        loss       amortised cost     Total 
 Financial assets 
 Cash and cash 
  equivalents                         1,225                     -                     -                    -     1,225 
 Trade and other 
  receivables(1)                        493                     -                    58                    -       551 
 Derivative contracts                     -                     -                    33                    -        33 
 Loans to equity 
  accounted 
  investments                           352                     -                     -                    -       352 
 Interest bearing 
  loans receivable                       41                     -                     -                    -        41 
 Other investments                        -                   259                     -                    -       259 
 Total                                2,111                   259                    91                    -     2,461 
---------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  -------------------  -------- 
 Financial 
 liabilities 
 Trade and other 
  payables(2)                             -                     -                     6                  642       648 
 Derivative contracts                     -                     -                    17                    -        17 
 Finance leases                           -                     -                     -                  602       602 
 Unsecured other                          -                     -                     -                  311       311 
---------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  -------------------  -------- 
 Total                                    -                     -                    23                1,555     1,578 
---------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  -------------------  -------- 
 
   (1)   Excludes input taxes of US$119 million included in trade and other receivables. 
   (2)   Excludes input taxes of US$33 million included in trade and other payables. 

Measurement of fair value

The following table shows the South32 Group's financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value with reference to the nature of valuation inputs used:

Level 1 - Valuation is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial assets and liabilities.

Level 2 - Valuation is based on inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) that are observable for the financial asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as unquoted prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

Level 3 - Valuation is based on inputs that are not based on observable market data.

 
 31 December 2016                      Level 1 
  US$M                                             Level 2     Level 3     Total 
 Financial assets and liabilities 
 Trade and other receivables                 -          47           -        47 
 Trade and other payables                    -         (8)           -       (8) 
 Derivative contracts                        -         (6)         206       200 
 Investments - available for sale            -         126         135       261 
 Total                                       -         159         341       500 
----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -------- 
 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCING

   7.    Financial assets and financial liabilities (continued) 

Level 3 financial assets and liabilities

The following table shows the movements in the South32 Group's Level 3 financial assets and liabilities:

 
 US$M                                                                                  H1 FY17   H1 FY16 
 As at the beginning of the period                                                         161       296 
        Unrealised gains/(losses) recognised in the consolidated income statement(1)       189      (65) 
 Unrealised gains/(losses) recognised in consolidated other comprehensive income(2)        (9)      (16) 
 At the end of the period                                                                  341       215 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  --------  -------- 
 

(1) Unrealised gains and losses recognised in the consolidated income statement are recorded in expenses excluding net finance cost.

(2) Unrealised gains and losses recognised in consolidated other comprehensive income are recorded in the financial assets reserve.

Sensitivity analysis

The carrying amount of financial assets and liabilities that are valued using inputs other than observable market data are calculated using valuation models, including discounted cash flow modelling, with significant inputs as listed below. The potential effect of using reasonably possible alternative assumptions in these models, based on a change in the most significant inputs by 10 per cent while holding all other variables constant, is shown in the following table.

 
 31 December                                                Profit before tax                      Equity 
 2016 
 
                         Carrying      Significant     10% increase     10% decrease     10% increase     10% decrease 
   US$M                    amount           inputs         in input         in input         in input         in input 
 Financial 
 assets and 
 liabilities 
                                         Aluminium 
                                          price(2) 
                                           Foreign 
                                          exchange 
                                           rate(2) 
 Derivative                            Electricity 
  contracts(1)                206         price(3)            (187)              176            (135)              127 
                                         Aluminium 
                                          price(2) 
 Investments -                             Foreign 
  available for                           exchange 
  sale(1)(4)                  135          rate(2)                -                -               48             (52) 
 Total                        341                             (187)              176             (87)               75 
----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  --------------- 
 

(1) Sensitivity analysis is performed assuming all inputs are directionally moving unfavourably and favourably.

(2) Aluminium prices are comparable to market consensus forecast and foreign exchange rates are aligned with forward market rates.

(3) Electricity prices are determined as a market equivalent price based on inputs from published data.

(4) When a decrease in fair value recognised in equity reflects an impairment, such amounts are recognised in profit before tax.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - OTHER NOTES

   8.    Subsequent events 

On 3 November 2016 the South32 Group announced that it had entered into a binding agreement to acquire the Metropolitan Colliery and its associated 16.67% interest in the Port Kembla Coal Terminal from an Australian subsidiary of Peabody Energy Corporation. The offer includes a cash consideration of US$200 million plus a contingent consideration whereby both companies share commodity price upside in the first year of production or on a minimum of 1.3Mt, should metallurgical coal prices exceed an agreed forward curve. The agreement is subject to approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

On 16 February 2017, the Directors resolved to pay an unfranked interim dividend of US 3.6 cents per share (US$192 million) in respect of the 2017 half year. The dividend will be paid on 6 April 2017. The dividend has not been provided for in the half year financial statements and will be recognised in the financial statements for the 2017 financial year.

No other matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the half year that have significantly affected, or may significantly affect, the operations, results of operations or state of affairs of the South32 Group in subsequent accounting periods.

DIRECTORS' DECLARATION

In accordance with a resolution of the directors of South32 Limited, we state that:

In the opinion of the directors:

(a) The consolidated financial statements and notes that are set out on pages 29 to 45 for the half year ended 31 December 2016 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) Giving a true and fair view of South32 Limited's financial position as at 31 December 2016 and of its performance for the half year ended on that date; and

(ii) Complying with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 134 Interim Financial Reporting and Corporations Regulations 2001.

(b) There are reasonable grounds to believe that South32 Limited will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

David Crawford AO

Chairman

Graham Kerr

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Dated 16 February 2017

DIRECTORS' REPORT

The directors of South32 Limited present the consolidated financial report for the half year ended 31 December 2016 and the auditor's review report thereon.

Directors

The directors of the Company during or since the end of the half year are:

David Crawford AO

Graham Kerr

Frank Cooper AO

Peter Kukielski

Xolani Mkhwanazi

Ntombifuthi (Futhi) Mtoba

Wayne Osborn

Keith Rumble

The company secretaries of the Company during or since the end of the half year are:

Nicole Duncan

Melanie Williams (appointed 9 August 2016)

Review and results of operations

A review of the operations of the consolidated entity during the period and of the results of those operations is contained on pages 3 to 28.

Principal risks and uncertainties

Due to the international scope of South32's operations and the industries in which it is engaged there are a number of risk factors and uncertainties which could have an effect on South32's results and operations for the remaining six months of the financial year.

Significant external, operational, sustainability and financial risks that could impact South32's performance include:

   --      Fluctuations in commodity prices, exchange rates, interest rates and global economy; 
   --      Actions by governments, political events or tax authorities; 
   --      Cost inflation and labour disputes could impact operating margins and expansion plans; 
   --      Access to water and power; 
   --      We may be subject to regulations in relation to dividend payments or capital returns; 
   --      Regulatory risks of climate change; 
   --      Risk to commodity portfolio from climate change; 
   --      Access to infrastructure; 
   --      Failure to maintain, realise or enhance existing reserves; 
   --      Support of the local communities in which businesses are located; 
   --      Health and safety impacts in respect of our activities; 
   --      Environmental risks in respect of activities including water and waste water management; 
   --      Deterioration in liquidity and cash flow; 
   --      Unexpected operational or natural catastrophes; 
   --      Commercial counterparties that we transact with may not meet their obligations; 
   --      Risks of fraud and corruption; 
   --      Breaches of information technology security processes; and 
   --      Failure to retain and attract employees. 

Further information on these risks and how they are managed can be found on pages 37 to 42 of the Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2016, a copy of which is available on South32's website at www.south32.net.

DIRECTORS' REPORT

Events subsequent to the balance date

On 3 November 2016 the South32 Group announced that it had entered into a binding agreement to acquire the Metropolitan Colliery and its associated 16.67% interest in the Port Kembla Coal Terminal from an Australian subsidiary of Peabody Energy Corporation. The offer includes a cash consideration of US$200 million plus a contingent consideration whereby both companies share commodity price upside in the first year of production or on a minimum of 1.3Mt, should metallurgical coal prices exceed an agreed forward curve. The agreement is subject to approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

On 16 February 2017, the Directors resolved to pay an unfranked interim dividend of US 3.6 cents per share (US$192 million) in respect of the 2017 half year. The dividend will be paid on 6 April 2017. The dividend has not been provided for in the half year financial statements and will be recognised in the financial statements for the 2017 financial year.

The Directors are not aware of any other matters or circumstance that have arisen since the end of the half year that have significantly affected, or may significantly affect, the operations, the results of operations or state of affairs of the South32 Group in subsequent accounting periods.

UK responsibility statements

The Directors state that to the best of their knowledge:

-- The Financial Results and Outlook on pages 3 to 28, includes a fair review of important events during the first six months of the current financial year and their impact on the half year financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

-- That disclosure has been made for related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the South32 Group during that period, and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could have such a material effect.

Lead auditor's independence declaration

A copy of the lead auditor's independence declaration as required under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 49.

Rounding

The amounts shown in this report and in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest million dollars (US$M or US$ million) unless otherwise stated, in accordance with Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Corporations (Rounding in Financial / Directors' Reports) Instrument 2016/191.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

David Crawford AO

Chairman

Graham Kerr

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Dated 16 February 2017

Lead Auditor's Independence Declaration under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001

To: the directors of South32 Limited

I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, in relation to the review for the half-year ended 31 December 2016 there have been:

(i) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the review; and

(ii) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the review.

KPMG

Denise McComish

Partner

Perth

16 February 2017

 
     Independent Auditor's Review Report 
      To the shareholders of South32 Limited: 
 
 
      Based on our review, which          We have reviewed the accompanying 
       is not an audit, we have            Half-year Financial Statements 
       not become aware of any             of South32 Limited. 
       matter that makes us believe        The Half-year Financial 
       that the Half-year Financial        Statements comprises: 
       Statements of South32 Limited        *    the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2016 
       is not in accordance with 
       the Corporations Act 2001, 
       including:                           *    consolidated income statement and consolidated 
       i) giving a true and fair                 statement of comprehensive income, consolidated 
       view of the Group's financial             statement of changes in equity and consolidated cash 
       position as at 31 December                flow statement for the half-year ended on that date 
       2016 and of its performance 
       for the half-year ended 
       on that date; and                    *    notes 1 to 8 comprising a summary of significant 
       ii) complying with Australian             accounting policies and other explanatory information 
       Accounting Standard AASB 
       134 Interim Financial Reporting 
       and the Corporations Regulations     *    the Directors' Declaration. 
       2001. 
 
                                           The Group comprises South32 
                                           Limited (the Company) and 
                                           the entities it controlled 
                                           at the half-year's end or 
                                           from time to time during 
                                           the half-year. 
 
 
 
   Responsibilities of the Directors for the Half-year 
   Financial Statements 
 The Directors of the Company are responsible for: 
   *    the preparation of the Half-year Financial Statements 
        that gives a true and fair view in accordance with 
        Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations 
        Act 2001; and 
 
 
   *    for such internal control as the Directors determine 
        is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
        Half-year Financial Statements that is free from 
        material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 
 
 
 Auditor's responsibility for the review of the Half-year 
  Financial Statements 
  Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on 
  the Half-year Financial Statements based on our 
  review. We conducted our review in accordance with 
  Auditing Standard on Review Engagements ASRE 2410 
  Review of a Financial Report Performed by the Independent 
  Auditor of the Entity, in order to state whether, 
  on the basis of the procedures described, we have 
  become aware of any matter that makes us believe 
  that the Half-year Financial Statements are not 
  in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 including: 
  giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial 
  position as at 31 December 2016 and its performance 
  for the half-year ended on that date; and complying 
  with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 134 Interim 
  Financial Reporting and the Corporations Regulations 
  2001. As auditor of South32 Limited, ASRE 2410 requires 
  that we comply with the ethical requirements relevant 
  to the audit of the annual financial report. 
 
  A review of half-year financial statements consists 
  of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible 
  for financial and accounting matters, and applying 
  analytical and other review procedures. A review 
  is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted 
  in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards 
  and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance 
  that we would become aware of all significant matters 
  that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, 
  we do not express an audit opinion. 
 
 
  Independence 
 In conducting our review, we have complied with 
  the independence requirements of the Corporations 
  Act 2001. 
 KPMG 
 Denise McComish 
  Partner 
 Perth 
 16 February 2017 
 

disclaimer

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about trends in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; demand for commodities; production forecasts; plans, strategies and objectives of management; capital costs and scheduling; operating costs; anticipated productive lives of projects, mines and facilities; and provisions and contingent liabilities. These forward-looking statements reflect expectations at the date of this release, however they are not guarantees or predictions of future performance. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements contained in this release. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, the South32 Group does not undertake to publicly update or review any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL INFORMATION

This release includes certain non-IFRS financial measures, including Underlying earnings, Underlying EBIT and Underlying EBITDA, Underlying basic earnings per share, Underlying effective tax rate, Underlying EBIT margin, Underlying EBITDA margin, Underlying return on capital, Free cash flow, net debt, net operating assets and ROIC. These measures are used internally by management to assess the performance of our business, make decisions on the allocation of our resources and assess operational management. Non-IFRS measures have not been subject to audit or review and should not be considered as an indication of or alternative to an IFRS measure of profitability, financial performance or liquidity.

NO OFFER OF SECURITIES

Nothing in this release should be read or understood as an offer or recommendation to buy or sell South32 securities, or be treated or relied upon as a recommendation or advice by South32.

NO FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVICE - SOUTH AFRICA

South32 does not provide any financial or investment 'advice' as that term is defined in the South African Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 37 of 2002, and we strongly recommend that you seek professional advice.

FURTHER INFORMATION

 
 INVESTOR RELATIONS 
 Alex Volante                  Rob Ward 
  T +61 8 9324                  T +61 8 9324 
  9029                          9340 
  M +61 403 328                 M +61 431 596 
  408                           831 
  E Alex.Volante@south32.net    E Robert.Ward@south32.net 
 
   MEDIA RELATIONS 
 Diana Wearing                 James Clothier 
  Smith                         T +61 8 9324 
  T +61 8 9324                  9697 
  9198                          M +61 413 319 
  M +61 436 482                 031 
  290                           E James.Clothier@south32.net 
  E Diana.Smith@south32.net 
 
 
 

Further information on South32 can be found at www.south32.net.

South32 Limited (ABN 84 093 732 597)

Registered in Australia

(Incorporated in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001)

Registered Office: Level 35, 108 St Georges Terrace

Perth Western Australia 6000 Australia

ISIN: AU000000S320

JSE Sponsor: UBS South Africa (Pty) Ltd

16 February 2017

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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