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S32 South32 Limited

171.80
0.70 (0.41%)
24 Apr 2024 - Closed
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
  0.70 0.41% 171.80 170.90 171.10 173.90 167.70 167.70 393,532 16:35:04
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Miscellaneous Metal Ores,nec 7.77B -173M -0.0376 -88.03 15.21B

South32 Limited Quarterly Report June 2017 (5980L)

20/07/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


South32 (LSE:S32)
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TIDMS32

RNS Number : 5980L

South32 Limited

20 July 2017

South32 Limited

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

(ACN 093 732 597)

ASX, LSE, JSE Share Code: S32 ADR: SOUHY

ISIN: AU000000S320

20 July 2017

South32 Limited

QUARTERLY REPORT JUNE 2017

-- Record performance at Mozal Aluminium underpinned a 2% increase in total aluminium production in FY17 as our smelters continued to operate at their maximum technical capability.

-- Refined alumina production was largely unchanged in FY17 as Worsley Alumina operated at its expanded capacity of 4.6Mtpa (100% basis) in the June quarter.

-- Manganese ore production increased by 5% in FY17 as South Africa Manganese continued to take advantage of stronger demand and pricing by maintaining an operating rate of 3.6Mwmt pa (100% basis) in the June quarter.

-- Cannington recorded a significant decrease in ore grades and metal production in FY17 as high grade stope 60L was only partially extracted in the June quarter and run-of-mine stocks were consumed to support processing rates following a fire in April.

-- Challenging ground conditions in the new Appin Area 9 longwall block and two extended outages at the Appin colliery led to a 15% decrease in Illawarra Metallurgical Coal production in FY17, despite record run-of-mine performance at Dendrobium.

   --      Adverse weather and an associated delay in the development of new mining areas at the Wolvekrans-Middelburg Complex (WMC) led to a 9% decrease in South Africa Energy Coal production in FY17, despite a sequential improvement in performance in the June quarter. 

-- While the publication of South Africa's Mining Charter III has created additional uncertainty, its implementation has been suspended pending a judicial review. We remain committed to the country's transformation agenda, with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) entities having a 26%(1) equity interest in our South Africa Manganese mines and an 8%2 equity interest in our South Africa Energy Coal mines, which increases significantly when historic asset transactions are taken into account.

Graham Kerr, South32 CEO, said:

"We delivered record annual production at Mozal Aluminium and stronger aluminium volumes overall as both of our smelters continued to operate at their maximum technical capability. While we didn't achieve the level of consistency that we expect from our broader portfolio, our alumina, nickel and manganese operations finished the year on a strong note."

"Production at the Illawarra Metallurgical Coal Appin colliery remains suspended as a comprehensive review of the operation's systems and processes is undertaken. This in depth review has been designed to ensure the operation restarts safely and reliably."

"We will continue to invest in high quality opportunities where we see value, having acquired a 15% interest in Arizona Mining for US$81M during the quarter. We also allocated US$211M towards our share buy-back program as our balance sheet continued to strengthen."

 
Production summary 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
South32's share            FY16    FY17    YoY   4Q16   3Q17   4Q17    QoQ 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Alumina production 
 (kt)                     5,296   5,221   (1%)  1,296  1,288  1,320     2% 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Aluminium production 
 (kt)                       963     985     2%    238    245    248     1% 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Energy coal production 
 (kt)                    32,988  30,289   (8%)  8,021  6,858  7,722    13% 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Metallurgical 
 coal production 
 (kt)                     7,059   5,697  (19%)  2,119  1,431  1,437     0% 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Manganese ore 
 production (kwmt)        4,782   5,032     5%  1,231  1,285  1,314     2% 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Manganese alloy 
 production (kt)            224     220   (2%)     45     47     58    23% 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable nickel 
 production (kt)           36.8    36.5   (1%)    9.6    9.1    9.7     7% 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable silver 
 production (koz)        21,393  15,603  (27%)  5,037  3,548  3,326   (6%) 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable lead 
 production (kt)          173.2   132.1  (24%)   38.8   31.3   26.9  (14%) 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable zinc 
 production (kt)           79.0    70.4  (11%)   18.7   15.1   13.2  (13%) 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Unless otherwise noted: percentage variance 
 relates to performance during the financial 
 year ended June 2017 (FY17) compared with 
 the financial year ended June 2016 (YoY) 
 or the June 2017 quarter compared with the 
 March 2017 quarter (QoQ); production and 
 sales volumes are reported on an attributable 
 basis. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 

CORPORATE UPDATE

-- Our metallurgical coal and manganese (ore) products continued to be priced with reference to market indices in FY17, with no meaningful change in product quality differentials. For metallurgical coal, a minor discount to the premium low-volatile hard coking coal index was achieved on a volume weighted M-1 basis4, while manganese ore of Australian origin achieved the high grade 44% manganese lump ore index (CIF Tianjin, China) on a volume weighted M-1 basis5. For manganese ore of South African origin, a discount of approximately 10% to the medium grade 37% manganese lump ore index (FOB Port Elizabeth, South Africa) was achieved on a volume weighted M-1 basis6 as stronger demand and pricing created a market opportunity for fine grained Wessels concentrate.

-- Consistent with prior guidance, we invested US$28.8M in exploration (US$2.6M capitalised) in FY17, including US$15.4M at our existing operations and US$13.4M on greenfield opportunities (all expensed). Brownfield exploration focused on metallurgical coal, manganese, bauxite and silver in Australia, and nickel in Colombia, with US$2.0M directed towards our equity accounted investments (US$1.1M capitalised). Our greenfield spend was largely accounted for by our decision to inject US$10M into Trilogy Metals (TSX.TMQ) to pre-fund drilling at its Bornite deposit. This drilling program commenced on 12 June.

-- Our Underlying effective tax rate (ETR) for FY17 will reflect the geographical distribution of the Group's pre-tax profit. The corporate tax rates applicable to the Group include: Australia 30%; South Africa 28%; Colombia 39%; and Brazil 34%. The ETR calculation excludes the contribution from our equity accounted investments as they are recorded on an after tax basis.

-- Distributions totalling US$446M (South32 share) were received from our equity accounted investments in FY17, including shareholder dividends and loan repayments.

-- On 16 May, we acquired a 15% interest in Arizona Mining Inc. (TSX:AZ) for US$81M. Arizona Mining's Hermosa Project, located in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, includes the high grade (zinc, lead and silver) Taylor Deposit.

-- On 27 March, we announced our intention to return an additional US$500M of capital to shareholders. Consistent with this commitment, we commenced an on-market share buy-back program on 19 April and to 30 June had purchased shares with an aggregate consideration of US$211M at an average price of A$2.66 per share. We intend to continue buying our shares at a similar rate in FY18, assuming the on-market option remains an efficient mechanism by which to return excess capital to shareholders.

 
 Upstream production                               FY16        FY17         FY17   %(a) 
  guidance (South32's                            Actual      Actual     Guidance 
  share) 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Worsley Alumina 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Alumina production 
  (kt)                                            3,961       3,892        3,965   (2%) 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Brazil Alumina 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Alumina production 
  (kt)                                            1,335       1,329        1,320     1% 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 South Africa Energy Coal(2) 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Energy coal production 
  (kt)                                           31,681      28,913       30,000   (4%) 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Domestic coal 
  production (kt)                                16,825      16,717       17,500   (4%) 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Export coal production 
  (kt)                                           14,856      12,196       12,500   (2%) 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Total coal production 
  (kt)                                            8,366       7,073        7,100     0% 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Metallurgical 
  coal production 
  (kt)                                            7,059       5,697          N/A    N/A 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Energy coal production 
  (kt)                                            1,307       1,376          N/A    N/A 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Australia Manganese 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Manganese ore 
  production (kwmt)                               3,071       2,994        3,120   (4%) 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 South Africa Manganese 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Manganese ore 
  production(3)                                                       Subject 
  (kwmt)                                          1,711       2,038    to demand    N/A 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Cerro Matoso 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Payable nickel 
  production (kt)                                  36.8        36.5         36.0     1% 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Cannington 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Payable silver 
  production (koz)                               21,393      15,603       16,500   (5%) 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Payable lead production 
  (kt)                                              173         132          135   (2%) 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 Payable zinc production 
  (kt)                                               79          70           70     0% 
-------------------------  ----------------------------  ----------  -----------  ----- 
 a) Percentage difference to latest production 
  guidance. South Africa Energy Coal, Illawarra 
  Metallurgical Coal and Cannington restated 
  FY17 production guidance during the 2017 
  financial year. FY17 guidance as at FY16 
  results: South Africa Energy Coal (domestic 
  coal 17,000kt, export coal 13,850kt), Illawarra 
  Metallurgical Coal (metallurgical coal 8,150kt, 
  energy coal 1,380kt), Cannington (payable 
  silver, lead and zinc 19,050koz, 163kt and 
  80kt, respectively). 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 

WORSLEY ALUMINA

(86% share)

 
                                                             4Q16   3Q17 
                                                               vs     vs 
South32's share       FY16   FY17   YoY  4Q16   3Q17  4Q17   4Q17   4Q17 
-------------------  -----  -----  ----  ----  -----  ----  -----  ----- 
Alumina production 
 (kt)                3,961  3,892  (2%)   960    964   988     3%     2% 
-------------------  -----  -----  ----  ----  -----  ----  -----  ----- 
Alumina sales 
 (kt)                3,874  3,847  (1%)   959  1,018   920   (4%)  (10%) 
-------------------  -----  -----  ----  ----  -----  ----  -----  ----- 
 

Worsley Alumina saleable production decreased by 2% (or 69kt) to 3.9Mt in FY17 as performance was impacted by unplanned calciner maintenance in the March quarter. The refinery finished the year on a strong note, operating at its expanded capacity of 4.6Mtpa (100% basis) in the June quarter. Alumina sales were 7% lower than production in the June quarter as adverse weather led to the deferral of one shipment.

SOUTH AFRICA ALUMINIUM

(100%)

 
                                                         4Q16   3Q17 
                                                           vs     vs 
South32's share      FY16  FY17  YoY  4Q16  3Q17  4Q17   4Q17   4Q17 
-------------------  ----  ----  ---  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Alumina production 
 (kt)                 697   714   2%   172   178   180     5%     1% 
-------------------  ----  ----  ---  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Alumina sales 
 (kt)                 709   713   1%   184   163   203    10%    25% 
-------------------  ----  ----  ---  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
 

South Africa Aluminium saleable production increased by 2% (or 17kt) to 714kt in FY17 as the smelter continued to achieve benchmark levels of current efficiency and pot line amperage, 22 pots were brought back online in the December quarter and there were fewer load-shedding events. The increase in quarterly sales reflects the scheduling of shipments between periods.

MOZAL ALUMINIUM

(47.1% share)

 
                                                         4Q16   3Q17 
                                                           vs     vs 
South32's share      FY16  FY17  YoY  4Q16  3Q17  4Q17   4Q17   4Q17 
-------------------  ----  ----  ---  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Alumina production 
 (kt)                 266   271   2%    66    67    68     3%     1% 
-------------------  ----  ----  ---  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Alumina sales 
 (kt)                 254   273   7%    69    66    73     6%    11% 
-------------------  ----  ----  ---  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
 

Mozal Aluminium achieved record performance in FY17, increasing production by 2% (or 5kt) to 271kt. The smelter continued to achieve benchmark levels of current efficiency and pot line amperage, while benefitting from fewer load-shedding events.

BRAZIL ALUMINA

(36% share)

 
                                                            4Q16   3Q17 
                                                              vs     vs 
South32's share       FY16   FY17   YoY  4Q16  3Q17  4Q17   4Q17   4Q17 
-------------------  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Alumina production 
 (kt)                1,335  1,329  (0%)   336   324   332   (1%)     2% 
-------------------  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Alumina sales 
 (kt)                1,359  1,316  (3%)   338   356   322   (5%)  (10%) 
-------------------  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
 

Brazil Alumina saleable production of 1.3Mt in FY17 remained largely unchanged from the record rate achieved in the prior period. The decline in alumina sales in the June quarter reflected the timing of shipments between periods.

SOUTH AFRICA ENERGY COAL

(100%)

 
                                                                      4Q16   3Q17 
                                                                        vs     vs 
South32's share            FY16    FY17    YoY   4Q16   3Q17   4Q17   4Q17   4Q17 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Energy coal production 
 (kt)                    31,681  28,913   (9%)  7,610  6,675  7,413   (3%)    11% 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Domestic sales 
 (kt)                    17,169  16,922   (1%)  4,089  4,056  3,948   (3%)   (3%) 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Export sales 
 (kt)                    15,157  11,797  (22%)  3,561  2,873  3,068  (14%)     7% 
-----------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
 

South Africa Energy Coal saleable production decreased by 9% (or 2.8Mt) to 28.9Mt in FY17, despite an 11% improvement in performance in the June quarter as throughput increased at the WMC export plant. The impact of adverse weather and the associated delay in the development of new mining areas at the WMC will continue to weigh on performance in FY18. Export sales in the June quarter were impacted by a severe storm that affected the Richards Bay Coal Terminal and deferred shipments into FY18.

ILLAWARRA METALLURGICAL COAL

(100%)

 
                                                                    4Q16   3Q17 
                                                                      vs     vs 
South32's share           FY16   FY17    YoY   4Q16   3Q17   4Q17   4Q17   4Q17 
-----------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Total coal production 
 (kt)                    8,366  7,073  (15%)  2,530  1,614  1,746  (31%)     8% 
-----------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Total coal sales 
 (kt)                    8,317  7,296  (12%)  2,617  1,980  1,711  (35%)  (14%) 
-----------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Metallurgical 
 coal production 
 (kt)                    7,059  5,697  (19%)  2,119  1,431  1,437  (32%)     0% 
-----------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Metallurgical 
 coal sales (kt)         6,984  5,952  (15%)  2,257  1,694  1,470  (35%)  (13%) 
-----------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Energy coal production 
 (kt)                    1,307  1,376     5%    411    183    309  (25%)    69% 
-----------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Energy coal sales 
 (kt)                    1,333  1,344     1%    360    286    241  (33%)  (16%) 
-----------------------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
 

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal total saleable production decreased by 15% (or 1.3Mt) to 7.1Mt in FY17, despite record run-of-mine performance at Dendrobium, as challenging ground conditions in the new Appin Area 9 longwall block and two extended outages at the Appin colliery significantly impacted performance. Metallurgical Coal sales were 4% (or 255kt) higher than production in FY17. Our average realised price will reflect a minor discount to the premium low-volatile hard coking coal index on a volume weighted M-1 basis(4) as our shipping schedule was affected by our prior declaration of force majeure and the drawdown of finished goods inventory in the second half.

Production at the Appin colliery, which accounted for 49% of total coal production in FY17, remains suspended as a comprehensive review of the operation's systems and processes is undertaken. This in-depth review has been designed to ensure the operation restarts safely and reliably following an extended outage. Upon recommencing underground activity we will be relocating the Appin Area 9 longwall to panel 902. Revised production guidance will be provided when we report our FY17 results to reflect the completion of our annual budget cycle.

AUSTRALIA MANGANESE

(60% share)

 
                                                            4Q16   3Q17 
                                                              vs     vs 
South32's share       FY16   FY17   YoY  4Q16  3Q17  4Q17   4Q17   4Q17 
-------------------  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Manganese ore 
 production (kwmt)   3,071  2,994  (3%)   739   719   776     5%     8% 
-------------------  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Manganese ore 
 sales (kwmt)        3,084  3,087    0%   775   749   838     8%    12% 
-------------------  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Manganese alloy 
 production (kt)       133    147   11%    22    28    41    86%    46% 
-------------------  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Manganese alloy 
 sales (kt)            150    155    3%    30    37    36    20%   (3%) 
-------------------  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
 

Australia Manganese saleable ore production decreased by 3% (or 77kwmt) to 3.0Mwmt in FY17, despite an 8% improvement in performance in the June quarter as the operation recovered from the impact of heavy rainfall and Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The Premium Concentrate Ore (PC02) circuit operated at approximately 90% of its 500kwmt (100% share) capacity in the June quarter, contributing 6% of total production across FY17 (FY16: 1%).

Our low cost PC02 fines product has a manganese content of approximately 40%, which leads to both grade and product-type discounts when referenced to the high grade 44% manganese lump ore index. Given the contribution of the PC02 circuit to our sales profile, our average realised price for external sales of Australian ore in FY17 will reflect the high grade 44% manganese lump ore index on a volume weighted M-1 basis(5) . Internal sales continue to occur on commercial terms.

Saleable manganese alloy production increased by 11% (or 14kt) to 147kt in FY17 as third party power supply to TEMCO was restored and all four furnaces ramped-up to full capacity in the June quarter.

SOUTH AFRICA MANGANESE

(60% share)

 
                                                             4Q16   3Q17 
                                                               vs     vs 
South32's share       FY16   FY17    YoY  4Q16  3Q17  4Q17   4Q17   4Q17 
-------------------  -----  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Manganese ore 
 production (kwmt)   1,711  2,038    19%   492   566   538     9%   (5%) 
-------------------  -----  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Manganese ore 
 sales (kwmt)        1,834  2,024    10%   489   554   542    11%   (2%) 
-------------------  -----  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Manganese alloy 
 production (kt)        91     73  (20%)    23    19    17  (26%)  (11%) 
-------------------  -----  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Manganese alloy 
 sales (kt)            110     74  (33%)    40    14    20  (50%)    43% 
-------------------  -----  -----  -----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
 

South Africa Manganese saleable ore production increased by 19% (or 327kwmt) to 2.0Mwmt in FY17 as we continued to take advantage of stronger demand and pricing by maintaining an operating rate of 3.6Mwmt pa (100% basis) in the June quarter. This strong rate of production was supported by the sale of Wessels concentrate and the recommencement of trucking activity.

Our fine grained Wessels concentrate product, which accounted for 9% of sales across FY17 (FY16: 4%), receives a substantial product discount when referenced to index prices. As a result, our average realised price for external sales of South African ore will reflect a discount of approximately 10% to the medium grade 37% manganese lump ore index (FOB Port Elizabeth, South Africa) on a volume weighted M-1 basis(6) . Internal sales continue to occur on commercial terms.

Manganese alloy saleable production decreased by 20% (or 18kt) to 73kt in FY17 as a result of furnace instability. Metalloys continues to operate one of its four furnaces.

CERRO MATOSO

(99.9% share)

 
                                                        4Q16   3Q17 
                                                          vs     vs 
South32's share    FY16  FY17   YoY  4Q16  3Q17  4Q17   4Q17   4Q17 
-----------------  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Payable nickel 
 production (kt)   36.8  36.5  (1%)   9.6   9.1   9.7     1%     7% 
-----------------  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
Payable nickel 
 sales (kt)        36.8  36.6  (1%)  10.0   9.2   9.8   (2%)     7% 
-----------------  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  ----  -----  ----- 
 

Cerro Matoso payable nickel production remained largely unchanged in FY17 as a reduction in furnace availability was offset by the delivery of first ore from the adjacent, higher grade La Esmeralda deposit in March. Payable nickel production is expected to increase in FY18 as La Esmeralda ramps up and contributes across the full year.

CANNINGTON

(100%)

 
                                                                 4Q16   3Q17 
                                                                   vs     vs 
South32's share       FY16    FY17    YoY   4Q16   3Q17   4Q17   4Q17   4Q17 
------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable silver 
 production (koz)   21,393  15,603  (27%)  5,037  3,548  3,326  (34%)   (6%) 
------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable silver 
 sales (koz)        20,852  16,270  (22%)  4,590  3,544  3,866  (16%)     9% 
------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable lead 
 production (kt)     173.2   132.1  (24%)   38.8   31.3   26.9  (31%)  (14%) 
------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable lead 
 sales (kt)          169.7   138.1  (19%)   37.2   32.5   32.3  (13%)   (1%) 
------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable zinc 
 production (kt)      79.0    70.4  (11%)   18.7   15.1   13.2  (29%)  (13%) 
------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable zinc 
 sales (kt)           82.6    67.4  (18%)   22.8   16.8    9.8  (57%)  (42%) 
------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
 

Cannington silver, lead and zinc saleable production decreased by 27%, 24% and 11%, respectively, in FY17 as feed grades did not recover to the extent expected in the June quarter as high grade stope 60L was only partially extracted and run-of-mine stocks were consumed to support processing rates following an underground fire in April.

As previously indicated, the rate of deformation within the existing crusher chamber has increased and it is now expected to become inoperable in the September quarter. Commissioning of the replacement crusher chamber is anticipated in the March quarter, with approximately 90% of FY17 mining rates(7) to be maintained in the intervening period as shaft haulage is replaced with additional trucking via the decline. The stope sequence within the mine is also being adjusted to re-establish above ground stocks and manage geotechnical conditions. While our plans for FY18 are currently being finalised, average silver and lead feed grades are expected to remain largely unchanged, while the average zinc feed grade is expected to decline. Revised production guidance will be provided when we report our FY17 results to reflect the completion of our annual budget cycle.

Finalisation adjustments and the provisional pricing of Cannington concentrates will increase Underlying EBIT(8) by US$4.1M in FY17 (-US$11M: FY16, US$0.5M: H1 FY17). Outstanding concentrate sales (containing 2.4Moz of silver, 26.2kt of lead and 4.6kt of zinc) were revalued at 30 June 2017. The final price of these sales will be determined in H1 FY18.

Notes:

1. 26% of Hotazel Manganese Mines (HMM) is owned by a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) consortium comprising Ntsimbintle Mining (9%), NCAB Resources (7%), Iziko Mining (5%) and HMM Education Trust (5%). The interests owned by NCAB Resources, Iziko Mining and HMM Education Trust were acquired using vendor finance with the loans repayable via distributions attributable to these parties, pro rata to their share in HMM. Until these loans are repaid, South32's interest in HMM is accounted at 54.6%.

2. South32 has undertaken a number of historic asset transactions where it has transferred South Africa Energy Coal resources to historically disadvantaged entities which resulted in additional ownership credits. These transactions were completed in consultation with the Department of Mineral Resources to ensure consistency with the requirements of the Mining Charter. 8% of South Africa Energy Coal is owned by Phembani Holdings. The interests owned by Phembani were acquired using vendor finance, with the loans repayable to South32 via distributions attributable to these parties, pro rata to their share in South Africa Energy Coal. Until these loans are repaid, South32's interest in South Africa Energy Coal is accounted at 100%.

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

4. The quarterly sales volume weighted average of the premium low-volatile hard coking coal Platts index (FOB Australia) on the basis of a one month lag to published pricing (Month minus one or "M-1") was US$179/t in the 2017 financial year.

5. The quarterly sales volume weighted average of the Metal Bulletin 44% manganese lump ore index (CIF Tianjin, China) on the basis of a one month lag to published pricing (Month minus one or "M-1") was US$5.54/dmtu in the 2017 financial year.

6. The quarterly sales volume weighted average of the Metal Bulletin 37% manganese lump ore index (FOB Port Elizabeth, South Africa) on the basis of a one month lag to published pricing (Month minus one or "M-1") was US$4.54/dmtu in the 2017 financial year.

7. Mining rates refer to ore mined on a wet basis (moisture 3%), whereas mill throughput is reported on a dry basis.

8. Underlying EBIT is earnings before net finance costs, taxation and any earnings adjustments. Underlying EBIT is reported net of South32's share of net finance costs and taxation of equity accounted investments.

9. Figures in Italics indicate that an adjustment has been made since the figures were previously reported.

10. The following abbreviations have been used throughout this report: grams per tonne (g/t); tonnes (t); thousand tonnes (kt); thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa); million tonnes (Mt); million tonnes per annum (Mtpa); thousand ounces (koz); million ounces (Moz); thousand wet metric tonnes (kwmt); million wet metric tonnes (Mwmt); million wet metric tonnes per annum (Mwmt pa); thousand dry metric tonnes (kdmt); Australian Securities Exchange (ASX); London Stock Exchange (LSE); Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE); and American Depositary Receipts (ADR).

operating performance

 
South32's share                FY16    FY17   4Q16   1Q17   2Q17   3Q17   4Q17 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Worsley Alumina 
 (86% share) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Alumina hydrate production 
 (kt)                         3,905   3,898    946    980    966    993    959 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Alumina production 
 (kt)                         3,961   3,892    960    967    973    964    988 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Alumina sales (kt)            3,874   3,847    959    960    949  1,018    920 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
South Africa Aluminium 
 (100%) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Aluminium production 
 (kt)                           697     714    172    175    181    178    180 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Aluminium sales (kt)            709     713    184    178    169    163    203 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Mozal Aluminium 
 (47.1% share) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Aluminium production 
 (kt)                           266     271     66     68     68     67     68 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Aluminium sales (kt)            254     273     69     64     70     66     73 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Brazil Alumina 
 (alumina 36% share) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Alumina production 
 (kt)                         1,335   1,329    336    326    347    324    332 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Alumina sales (kt)            1,359   1,316    338    299    339    356    322 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
South Africa Energy Coal 
 (100%) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Energy coal production 
 (kt)                        31,681  28,913  7,610  7,744  7,081  6,675  7,413 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Domestic sales (kt)          17,169  16,922  4,089  4,446  4,472  4,056  3,948 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Export sales (kt)            15,157  11,797  3,561  2,904  2,952  2,873  3,068 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal 
 (100%) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Total coal production 
 (kt)                         8,366   7,073  2,530  1,884  1,829  1,614  1,746 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Total coal sales 
 (kt)                         8,317   7,296  2,617  2,193  1,412  1,980  1,711 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Metallurgical coal 
 production (kt)              7,059   5,697  2,119  1,437  1,392  1,431  1,437 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Metallurgical coal 
 sales (kt)                   6,984   5,952  2,257  1,723  1,065  1,694  1,470 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Energy coal production 
 (kt)                         1,307   1,376    411    447    437    183    309 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Energy coal sales 
 (kt)                         1,333   1,344    360    470    347    286    241 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Australia Manganese 
 (60% share) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Manganese ore production 
 (kwmt)                       3,071   2,994    739    763    736    719    776 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Manganese ore sales 
 (kwmt)                       3,084   3,087    775    757    743    749    838 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Ore grade sold (%, 
 Mn)                           47.3    46.2   47.0   46.7   46.1   46.0   46.2 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Manganese alloy production 
 (kt)                           133     147     22     38     40     28     41 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Manganese alloy sales 
 (kt)                           150     155     30     54     28     37     36 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
South Africa Manganese 
 (60% share) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Manganese ore production 
 (kwmt)                       1,711   2,038    492    417    517    566    538 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Manganese ore sales 
 (kwmt)                       1,834   2,024    489    417    511    554    542 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Ore grade sold (%, 
 Mn)                           39.9    40.1   39.2   39.7   40.8   40.1   39.8 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Manganese alloy production 
 (kt)                            91      73     23     21     16     19     17 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Manganese alloy sales 
 (kt)                           110      74     40     20     20     14     20 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Cerro Matoso 
 (99.9% share) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Ore mined (kwmt)              6,009   4,447  1,480  1,238  1,109  1,044  1,056 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Ore processed (kdmt)          2,699   2,561    683    645    644    648    624 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Ore grade processed 
 (%, Ni)                       1.54    1.59   1.55   1.52   1.55   1.60   1.69 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable nickel production 
 (kt)                          36.8    36.5    9.6    8.7    9.0    9.1    9.7 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable nickel sales 
 (kt)                          36.8    36.6   10.0    8.2    9.4    9.2    9.8 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Cannington 
 (100%) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Ore mined (kwmt)              3,289   2,909    819    780    859    675    595 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Ore processed (kdmt)          3,149   3,036    819    828    841    739    628 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Silver ore grade 
 processed (g/t, Ag)            255     194    230    216    182    183    196 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Lead ore grade processed 
 (%, Pb)                        6.6     5.4    5.9    5.7    5.2    5.3    5.2 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Zinc ore grade processed 
 (%, Zn)                        3.8     3.4    3.6    3.2    4.2    3.0    3.1 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable silver production 
 (koz)                       21,393  15,603  5,037  4,694  4,035  3,548  3,326 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable silver sales 
 (koz)                       20,852  16,270  4,590  5,063  3,797  3,544  3,866 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable lead production 
 (kt)                         173.2   132.1   38.8   38.4   35.5   31.3   26.9 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable lead sales 
 (kt)                         169.7   138.1   37.2   40.1   33.2   32.5   32.3 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable zinc production 
 (kt)                          79.0    70.4   18.7   17.7   24.4   15.1   13.2 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
Payable zinc sales 
 (kt)                          82.6    67.4   22.8   18.5   22.3   16.8    9.8 
---------------------------  ------  ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  ----- 
 

Forward-looking statements

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

 
 INVESTOR RELATIONS 
 Alex Volante                  Rob Ward 
  T +61 8 9324 9029             T +61 8 9324 9340 
  M +61 403 328                 M +61 431 596 
  408                           831 
  E Alex.Volante@south32.net    E Robert.Ward@south32.net 
 MEDIA RELATIONS 
 Hayley Cardy                  James Clothier 
  T +61 8 9324 9008             T +61 8 9324 9697 
  M +61 409 448                 M +61 413 319 
  288                           031 
  E Hayley.Cardy@south32.net    E James.Clothier@south32.net 
 

20 July 2017

JSE Sponsor: UBS South Africa (Pty) Ltd

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

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July 20, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)

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