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S32 South32 Limited

191.30
0.30 (0.16%)
14 May 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
  0.30 0.16% 191.30 191.90 192.30 192.50 185.80 185.80 209,171 16:35:07
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Miscellaneous Metal Ores,nec 7.77B -173M -0.0376 -96.28 16.64B

South32 Limited Quarterly Report December 2022 (4887N)

23/01/2023 7:00am

UK Regulatory


South32 (LSE:S32)
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From May 2022 to May 2024

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TIDMS32

RNS Number : 4887N

South32 Limited

23 January 2023

QUARTERLY REPORT

December 2022

 
 --   Group copper equivalent production(1) increased by 12% in H1 
       FY23, as our recent investments in copper 
       and low-carbon aluminium capacity(2) delivered strong growth 
 --   H1 FY23 Operating unit costs expected to be in-line or below 
       FY23 guidance at the majority of our operations 
 --   We are well positioned to capture the benefit of improved market 
       conditions, with further expected production growth in H2 FY23 
       and our ongoing focus on cost management to mitigate inflationary 
       pressures 
 --   Worsley Alumina and Brazil Alumina operated above nameplate capacity 
       in the December 2022 quarter, delivering an 8% increase in quarterly 
       alumina volumes 
 --   Aluminium production increased by 15% in the December 2022 half 
       year, with a 50% uplift in low-carbon aluminium, following our 
       acquisition of an additional shareholding in Mozal Aluminium and 
       restart of the Brazil Aluminium smelter 
 --   Sierra Gorda realised sequentially higher copper grades, delivering 
       45kt of payable copper equivalent production(3) in the December 
       2022 half year 
 --   Cerro Matoso commissioned the Ore Sorting and Mechanical Ore Concentration 
       project in the December 2022 quarter, underpinning a 15 year extension 
       to the mining contract, and supporting higher expected nickel 
       production in H2 FY23 
 --   Australia Manganese achieved record half year production, supporting 
       a 7% increase in total manganese production 
 --   Illawarra Metallurgical Coal delivered a 17% increase in quarterly 
       metallurgical coal production, with improved volumes and labour 
       productivity as we finalised a new industrial agreement at Appin 
 --   FY23 production guidance at Cannington revised lower by 11% due 
       to lower mill throughput and labour availability impacting mining 
       rates, and at Brazil Aluminium by 25kt (or 25%) due to a slower 
       ramp-up to nameplate capacity 
 --   Work completed on Hermosa's Clark selection phase pre-feasibility 
       study confirmed the opportunity to produce high-purity manganese 
       sulphate monohydrate for the growing North American electric vehicle 
       supply chain 
 

South32 Chief Executive Officer, Graham Kerr: "In November 2022, we were devastated by the loss of two of our colleagues who were fatally injured in an incident at Mozal Aluminium. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with their families, and we provided them with our support following the incident. We are committed to improving our safety performance. Through our Safety Improvement Program, we are undertaking a significant amount of work to achieve the necessary step-change.

"Group copper equivalent production increased by 12 per cent in the December half year, as we benefitted from transactions that have repositioned our portfolio toward metals critical for a low-carbon future. Australia Manganese also achieved record half year production, while Cerro Matoso successfully commissioned the Ore Sorting and Mechanical Ore Concentration project, underpinning a 15 year extension to the mining contract.

"Despite industry wide inflationary pressures, we expect Operating unit costs for the first half to be in-line with or below guidance for the 2023 financial year at the majority of our operations. We remain focused on delivering safe and stable operational performance, and efficiencies to mitigate cost pressures and capture higher margins as markets improve.

"We returned US$927 million to shareholders during the period, paying record fully-franked dividends in respect of the

June 2022 half year and continuing our on-market share buy-back. We have returned US$2.2 billion under our capital management program since inception, with US$108 million remaining to be returned to shareholders ahead of its extension or expiry in September 2023.

"Looking forward, our capital management framework and disciplined approach to capital allocation is designed to reward shareholders as we grow our production and realise the benefits of improving market conditions.

At the same time, we continue to reshape our portfolio toward metals critical for a low-carbon future, advancing construction work, studies and exploration at our high-quality development options."

 
 Production summary 
 South32 share                     1H22    1H23     HoH    2Q22    1Q23    2Q23    QoQ 
===============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ===== 
 Alumina production (kt)          2,610   2,613      0%   1,332   1,257   1,356     8% 
===============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ===== 
 Aluminium production 
  (kt)                              494     568     15%     246     279     289     4% 
===============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ===== 
 Payable copper production 
  (kt)                              - -    37.9     N/A     - -    19.0    18.9   (1%) 
===============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ===== 
 Payable silver production 
  (koz)                           6,710   5,812   (13%)   3,217   2,748   3,064    11% 
===============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ===== 
 Payable lead production 
  (kt)                             60.2    52.4   (13%)    28.3    24.6    27.8    13% 
===============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ===== 
 Payable zinc production 
  (kt)                             32.7    30.4    (7%)    17.3    14.0    16.4    17% 
===============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ===== 
 Payable nickel production 
  (kt)                             20.3    20.4      0%    10.7     9.6    10.8    13% 
===============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ===== 
 Metallurgical coal production 
  (kt)                            2,767   2,753    (1%)   1,192   1,270   1,483    17% 
===============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ===== 
 Manganese ore production 
  (kwmt)                          2,757   2,937      7%   1,252   1,460   1,477     1% 
===============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ===== 
 Unless otherwise noted: percentage variance relates to performance 
  during the half year ended December 2022 compared with the half year 
  ended December 2021 (HoH), or the December 2022 quarter compared with 
  the September 2022 quarter (QoQ); production and sales volumes are 
  reported on an attributable basis. 
======================================================================================== 
 

Corporate Update

 
 --   On 7 November 2022, two of our colleagues, Mr Cristovão Alberto 
       Tonela and Mr Alfredo Francisco Domingos João, were fatally 
       injured in an incident at Mozal Aluminium. Our deepest sympathies 
       are with the families and colleagues of the deceased to whom we 
       have provided our support and counselling. The incident occurred 
       during maintenance work on a raising girder. Production operations 
       were temporarily suspended while an investigation was completed. 
       Key learnings from the incident are being shared across our organisation 
       and with industry. As an immediate step, additional controls were 
       put in place for all raising girders at Mozal Aluminium and Hillside 
       Aluminium. 
 --   A non-binding advisory resolution in relation to our Climate Change 
       Action Plan (CCAP) was passed by shareholders at our Annual General 
       Meeting on 27 October 2022, with 89.6% of the votes received in 
       favour of the resolution. Our CCAP included a new goal(4) of net 
       zero Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a commitment 
       not to develop or invest in greenfield metallurgical coal projects. 
 --   Consistent with our focus on securing low-carbon energy, Sierra 
       Gorda's electricity supply will transition to cost efficient, fully 
       renewable sources from January 2023 under an agreement to December 
       2039. Electricity supplied to the operation will be from solar, 
       wind and hydroelectric power sources, sustainably reducing Sierra 
       Gorda's greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. 
 --   During the December 2022 quarter, we satisfied the conditions to 
       extend the mining contract at Cerro Matoso by 15 years from 2029 
       to 2044. As part of this extension, we received third-party certification 
       of the expanded processing capacity(5) delivered by the Ore Sorting 
       and Mechanical Ore Concentration (OSMOC) project and paid US$43M 
       to the National Mining Agency in the December 2022 quarter. 
 --   We made a final investment decision to install additional ventilation 
       capacity at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal's Appin mine to enable 
       mining in the current Area 7 until at least 2039(6) . This US$260M 
       investment is expected to be completed by H1 FY26, with our guidance 
       for FY23 and FY24 safe and reliable capital expenditure already 
       reflecting this activity. 
 --   We expect to record a build in working capital of approximately 
       US$100M in the December 2022 half year, primarily related to an 
       increase in inventories. This impact is most acute in our aluminium 
       value chain in Southern Africa due to ongoing shipping delays. 
 --   During the December 2022 quarter, we returned a record US$784M 
       in fully-franked ordinary and special dividends in respect of the 
       June 2022 half year. 
 --   We also returned US$143M via our on-market share buy-back during 
       the December 2022 half year, purchasing a further 56M shares at 
       an average price of A$3.86. To 31 December 2022, our US$2.3B capital 
       management program was 95% complete with US$108M remaining to be 
       returned ahead of its extension or expiry on 1 September 2023(7) 
       . 
 --   We received net distributions(8) of US$60M (South32 share) from 
       our manganese equity accounted investments (EAI) in the December 
       2022 half year, following the payment of income tax (US$94M, 100% 
       basis), and royalties at Australia Manganese (US$82M, 100% basis). 
       We did not receive a distribution from our Sierra Gorda EAI in 
       the December 2022 half year. 
 --   We made tax payments of US$347M in the December 2022 half year, 
       which included US$111M in relation to our acquisition of Sierra 
       Gorda. Of this amount, EUR92M (US$94M at the payment date) relates 
       to pre-closing tax liabilities which we intend to seek to recover 
       from the vendors. 
 --   Our Group Underlying effective tax rate (ETR) for the December 
       2022 half year is expected to be approximately 35%, reflecting 
       the corporate tax rates of the jurisdictions in which we operate(9) 
       and our geographical earnings mix, including our manganese and 
       Sierra Gorda EAIs which are proportionally consolidated in our 
       Underlying results. Separately, the Underlying ETR of our manganese 
       business is expected to be in a range of approximately 55 to 60%, 
       including the royalty related tax for Australia Manganese(10) and 
       the derecognition of certain deferred tax assets. 
 --   We extended our undrawn sustainability-linked revolving credit 
       facility during the December 2022 quarter, retaining available 
       capacity of US$1.4B to December 2026 and US$1.2B to December 2027. 
 --   Reflecting our strong balance sheet and continued disciplined approach 
       to capital allocation, our current BBB+/Baa1 credit ratings were 
       re-affirmed by S&P Global Ratings and Moody's, respectively. 
 

Development and Exploration Update

Hermosa project

 
 --   We invested US$96M at Hermosa in the December 2022 half year as 
       we continued critical path dewatering activity and study work for 
       the Taylor zinc-lead-silver deposit and the Clark battery-grade 
       manganese-zinc-silver deposit. 
 --   We completed drilling of the first two dewatering wells during the 
       December 2022 half year, with a total of six dewatering wells expected 
       to be completed during FY23. The second water treatment plant remains 
       on-track to be commissioned in the June 2023 quarter. 
 --   We progressed the Taylor feasibility study which remains on-track 
       to support a planned final investment decision in mid CY23. 
 --   We completed work on the selection phase of the Clark pre-feasibility 
       study during the December 2022 quarter. While this study remains 
       subject to independent review, work to date has confirmed the opportunity 
       to produce high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate for the growing 
       North American electric vehicle supply chain. 
 --   In parallel, we progressed metallurgical test work and continued 
       our drilling program at Clark to collect bulk samples that will 
       support initial pilot plant production from mid CY23. 
 --   We directed US$6M to capitalised exploration in the December 2022 
       half year, as we continued our planned exploration programs including 
       at the copper-lead-zinc-silver Peake prospect(11) . We expect to 
       commence exploration drilling at the Flux prospect(12) during CY23, 
       following the receipt of approvals. 
 

Ambler Metals project

 
 --   At our Ambler Metals joint venture, the CY22 summer exploration 
       program was completed and the joint venture progressed work on 
       the pre-feasibility study for the Arctic deposit. Our share of 
       capitalised exploration was US$8M in the December 2022 half year. 
 --   Activity in CY23 is expected to focus on consolidating our geological 
       knowledge and advancing engineering studies, while we monitor progress 
       on approvals for the Ambler Access Project. 
 

Greenfield exploration

 
 --   We invested US$19M during the December 2022 half year in our greenfield 
       exploration opportunities, with multiple programs targeting base 
       metals underway in Australia, USA, Canada, Argentina, Peru and 
       Ireland. 
 

Other exploration

 
 --   We invested US$30M (US$20M capitalised) in exploration programs 
       at our existing operations and development options in the December 
       2022 half year, including US$6M at the Hermosa project (noted above, 
       all capitalised), US$8M at Ambler Metals (noted above, all capitalised), 
       US$2M for our manganese EAI (US$1M capitalised) and US$3M for our 
       Sierra Gorda EAI (US$1M capitalised). 
 

Production Summary

 
 Production guidance                              FY22    1H23   FY23e(a)   Guidance comments 
  (South32 share) 
 Worsley Alumina 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Alumina production (kt)                         3,991   1,922      4,000 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Brazil Alumina (non-operated) 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Alumina production (kt)                         1,297     691      1,395 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Brazil Aluminium (non-operated) 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Aluminium production (kt)                         0.3    23.7         75   Guidance reduced by 25kt (from 100kt) due 
                                                                            to a slower than expected ramp-up to 
                                                                            nameplate capacity 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Hillside Aluminium(13) 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Aluminium production (kt)                         714     362        720 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Mozal Aluminium(13) (,14) 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Aluminium production (kt)                         278     182        370 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Sierra Gorda (non-operated) 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Payable copper equivalent production (3) 
  (kt)                                            30.6    44.9       89.0 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Payable copper production (kt)                   25.3    37.9       71.8 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Payable molybdenum production (kt)                0.4     0.4        1.5 
=============================================  =======  ======  ========= 
 Payable gold production (koz)                     9.6    15.3       29.9 
=============================================  =======  ======  ========= 
 Payable silver production (koz)                   253     338        582 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Cannington 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Payable zinc equivalent production(15) (kt)    2 24.2    98.8      209.4   Guidance reduced by 11% (from 236.1kt 
                                                                            payable zinc equivalent) with lower 
                                                                            H1 FY23 mill throughput and labour 
                                                                            availability impacting mining rates 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Payable silver production (koz)                12,946   5,474     12,000 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Payable lead production (kt)                    120.6    52.4      108.5 
=============================================  =======  ======  ========= 
 Payable zinc production (kt)                     64.5    30.4       63.5 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Cerro Matoso 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Payable nickel production (kt)                   41.7    20.4       43.5   OSMOC project expected to support higher 
                                                                            volumes in 
                                                                            H2 FY23 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
                                                                            Improved labour productivity expected 
 Total coal production (kt)                      6,509   3,331      7,000    in H2 FY23 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Metallurgical coal production (kt)              5,712   2,753      6,000 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Energy coal production (kt)                       797     578      1,000 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Australia Manganese 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Manganese ore production (kwmt)                 3,363   1,844      3,400   Production tracking ahead of guidance, 
                                                                            prior to the wet season 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 South Africa Manganese 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 Manganese ore production (kwmt)                 2,069   1,093      2,000   Subject to demand and our continued use of 
                                                                            higher cost trucking 
=============================================  =======  ======  =========  =========================================== 
 

a. The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year. All guidance is subject to further potential impacts from COVID-19.

marketing Update

Commodity prices were broadly lower in the December 2022 half year as we saw a moderation in demand and sentiment following record conditions for many markets in the prior period.

The average realised prices achieved for our commodities are summarised below. Outstanding concentrate sales were revalued at 31 December 2022 with the final price of these to be determined in the June 2023 half year.

 
                                                                                                     1H23      1H23 
                                                                                                       vs        vs 
 Realised prices(16)                                          1H22         2H22         1H23         1H22      2H22 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Worsley Alumina 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Alumina (US$/t)                                               389          428          354         (9%)     (17%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Brazil Alumina (non-operated)(a) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Alumina (US$/t)                                               387          419          364         (6%)     (13%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Brazil Aluminium (non-operated)(a) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Aluminium (US$/t)                                               -            -        2,423          N/A       N/A 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Hillside Aluminium 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Aluminium (US$/t)                                           2,952        3,347        2,555        (13%)     (24%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Mozal Aluminium 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Aluminium (US$/t)                                           3,041        3,591        2,723        (10%)     (24%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Sierra Gorda (non-operated)17(a)(b) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Payable copper (US$/lb)                                         -         3.50         3.41          N/A      (3%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Payable molybdenum (US$/lb)                                     -        18.48        20.78          N/A       12% 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Payable gold (US$/oz)                                           -        1,934        1,688          N/A     (13%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Payable silver (US$/oz)                                         -         23.5         17.4          N/A     (26%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Cannington(18) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Payable silver (US$/oz)                                      21.0         21.0         20.1         (4%)      (4%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Payable lead (US$/t)                                        2,180        1,902        2,008         (8%)        6% 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Payable zinc (US$/t)                                        2,988        3,473        2,436        (18%)     (30%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Cerro Matoso(19) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Payable nickel (US$/lb)                                      8.39        11.64         9.05           8%     (22%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Metallurgical coal (US$/t)                                    303          457          268        (12%)     (41%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Energy coal (US$/t)                                           108          200          164          52%     (18%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Australia Manganese(20) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Manganese ore (US$/dmtu, FOB)                                4.59         6.05         4.57           0%     (24%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 South Africa Manganese(20) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 Manganese ore (US$/dmtu, FOB)                                3.47         4.39         3.57           3%     (19%) 
----------------------------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 a.       While Brazil Alumina and Brazil Aluminium are non-operated, South32 owns the marketing rights 
           for our share of production. While Sierra Gorda is also non-operated, the Joint Venture is 
           responsible for marketing our share of production. 
 b.       Published 2H22 realised sales prices and Operating unit costs reflect the period 1 March 2022 
           to 30 June 2022. Whereas production and sales numbers, and all Income Statement items reflect 
           the period from first ownership (22 February 2022). 
 
 

OPERATING UNIT COST UPDATE

We expect to report H1 FY23 Operating unit costs in-line or below current FY23 guidance at the majority of our operations, with a combination of cost efficiencies and weaker producer currencies partially offsetting industry-wide cost inflation. Looking forward, we remain focused on delivering safe and stable operational performance and further efficiencies to mitigate cost pressures. Further, Operating unit costs in H2 FY23 are expected to benefit from higher production volumes as we realise the benefit of prior investments, embedded improvement projects and maintenance completed in H1 FY23.

The below commentary reflects our current expectations for H1 FY23 Operating unit costs. We will report H1 FY23 Operating unit costs and provide updated FY23 guidance with our financial results announcement for the December 2022 half year.

 
Operating unit cost(a) 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
                                       Guidance    H1 FY23 Operating unit costs commentary 
                                      FY23e(b)(c) 
Worsley Alumina 
(US$/t)                                       296  Expected to be 2.5% below current 
                                                    FY23 guidance, with a weaker Australian 
                                                    dollar and lower caustic soda costs 
                                                    to more than offset higher energy 
                                                    prices 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Brazil Alumina (non-operated) 
                                              Not  Expected to be 17.5% above H2 FY22 
                                         provided   Operating unit costs (US$312/t), 
                                                    as raw material input and energy 
                                                    prices remain elevated, and we incurred 
                                                    higher contractor costs 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Brazil Aluminium (non-operated) 
                                              Not  Gross operating costs of US$120M 
                                         provided   expected as we invest to support 
                                                    the smelter's ramp-up to nameplate 
                                                    capacity 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Hillside Aluminium                            Not 
                                         provided 
                                     ------------ 
 
Mozal Aluminium                                    The cost profile of our Southern 
                                                    African aluminium smelters is heavily 
                                                    influenced by the South African rand, 
                                                    and the price of raw materials and 
                                                    energy. 
                                                    We expect to report a modest reduction 
                                                    in Operating unit costs in 
                                                    H1 FY23 relative to H2 FY22, with 
                                                    the benefit of a weaker South African 
                                                    rand, while smelter raw material 
                                                    prices (pitch, coke and aluminium 
                                                    tri-fluoride) remained elevated. 
                                                    H1 FY23 Operating unit costs for 
                                                    Hillside Aluminium are expected to 
                                                    be 2.5% lower (H2 FY22: US$2,318/t) 
                                                    and at Mozal Aluminium 7.5% lower 
                                                    (H2 FY22: $2,429/t). 
                                                   ----------------------------------------------- 
 
Sierra Gorda (non-operated) 
(US$/t)(d)                                   14.8  Expect to be 12.5% above current 
                                                    FY23 guidance, with higher coal price-linked 
                                                    energy costs and lower ore processed 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Cannington 
(US$/t)(d)                                    129  Expect to be 5% above current FY23 
                                                    guidance, with a weaker Australian 
                                                    dollar and lower price-linked royalties, 
                                                    to be more than offset by lower ore 
                                                    processed 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Cerro Matoso 
(US$/lb)                                     4.97  Expected to be in-line with current 
                                                    FY23 guidance, with a weaker Colombian 
                                                    peso and lower price-linked royalties, 
                                                    expected to offset lower volumes 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Illawarra Metallurgical 
 Coal 
(US$/t)                                       116  Expected to be 7.5% above current 
                                                    FY23 guidance, with a weaker Australian 
                                                    dollar and lower price-linked royalties, 
                                                    to be more than offset by lower volumes 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
Australia Manganese (FOB) 
(US$/dmtu)                                   2.08  Expected to be 15% below current 
                                                    FY23 guidance, benefitting from higher 
                                                    volumes, together with a weaker Australian 
                                                    dollar and lower 
                                                    price-linked royalties 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
South Africa Manganese (FOB) 
(US$/dmtu)                                   2.66  Expected to be in-line with current 
                                                    guidance, with a weaker South African 
                                                    rand partially offset by the use 
                                                    of higher cost trucking 
-----------------------------------  ------------  ----------------------------------------------- 
 a.    Operating unit cost is Revenue less Underlying EBITDA, excluding 
        third party sales, divided by sales volumes. Operating cost is 
        Revenue less Underlying EBITDA excluding third party sales. 
 b.    FY23e Operating unit cost guidance includes royalties (where appropriate) 
        and commodity price and foreign exchange rate forward curves or 
        our internal expectations (refer to footnote 21). 
 c.    The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year. All 
        guidance is subject to further potential impacts from COVID-19. 
 d.    US dollar per tonne of ore processed. Periodic movements in finished 
        product inventory may impact Operating unit costs. 
 
 

Worsley Alumina (86% share)

 
                                                                   2Q23   2Q23 
                                                                     vs     vs 
South32 share              1H22   1H23   HoH   2Q22  1Q23   2Q23   2Q22   1Q23 
Alumina production (kt)   1,979  1,922  (3%)    973   920  1,002     3%     9% 
========================  =====  =====  ====  =====  ====  =====  =====  ===== 
Alumina sales (kt)        1,946  1,861  (4%)  1,022   885    976   (5%)    10% 
========================  =====  =====  ====  =====  ====  =====  =====  ===== 
 

Worsley Alumina saleable production decreased by 3% (or 57kt) to 1,922kt in the December 2022 half year, while saleable production improved by 9% (or 82kt) in the December 2022 quarter following the completion of planned calciner maintenance in the September 2022 quarter. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 4,000kt with the expectation that nameplate production rates (4.6Mtpa, 100% basis) are achieved following planned calciner maintenance in the March 2023 quarter.

During the December 2022 quarter, we imported approximately 58kt of low-calorific coal to supplement our domestic coal supply. While we have no current plans to import further coal, we will continue to monitor the performance of our domestic third-party coal suppliers and respond accordingly.

Brazil Alumina (36% share)

 
                                                              2Q23   2Q23 
                                                                vs     vs 
South32 share             1H22  1H23  HoH  2Q22  1Q23  2Q23   2Q22   1Q23 
Alumina production (kt)    631   691  10%   359   337   354   (1%)     5% 
========================  ====  ====  ===  ====  ====  ====  =====  ===== 
Alumina sales (kt)         626   678   8%   379   313   365   (4%)    17% 
========================  ====  ====  ===  ====  ====  ====  =====  ===== 
 

Brazil Alumina saleable production increased by 10% (or 60kt) to 691 kt in the December 2022 half year, as the refinery operated at nameplate capacity (3.86Mtpa, 100% basis), following the bauxite ship unloader outage in the prior period. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 1,395kt.

Brazil AluminIUM (40% share)

 
                                                                2Q23   2Q23 
                                                                  vs     vs 
South32 share               1H22  1H23  HoH  2Q22  1Q23  2Q23   2Q22   1Q23 
Aluminium production (kt)      -  23.7  N/A     -   8.3  15.4    N/A    86% 
==========================  ====  ====  ===  ====  ====  ====  =====  ===== 
Aluminium sales (kt)           -  19.4  N/A     -   3.3  16.1    N/A   388% 
==========================  ====  ====  ===  ====  ====  ====  =====  ===== 
 

Brazil Aluminium saleable production was 23.7kt in the December 2022 half year, following the successful restart of the smelter in the June 2022 quarter. Production increased by 86% (or 7.1kt) in the December 2022 quarter as potlines one and two continued to ramp-up towards capacity and potline three was restarted in November 2022.

During the December 2022 quarter, the smelter experienced temporary challenges with its alumina feeding systems and higher than expected pot failure rates. As a result, fewer pots are in operation than planned, and the ramp-up to nameplate capacity (179ktpa, 40% basis) is delayed to the September 2023 quarter. Accordingly, we have reduced FY23 production by 25kt (or 25%) to 75kt and FY24 production guidance by 31kt (or 17%) to 148kt.

Hillside Aluminium (100% SHARE)

 
                                                                2Q23   2Q23 
                                                                  vs     vs 
South32 share               1H22  1H23  HoH  2Q22  1Q23  2Q23   2Q22   1Q23 
Aluminium production (kt)    358   362   1%   178   179   183     3%     2% 
==========================  ====  ====  ===  ====  ====  ====  =====  ===== 
Aluminium sales (kt)         336   337   0%   176   162   175   (1%)     8% 
==========================  ====  ====  ===  ====  ====  ====  =====  ===== 
 

Hillside Aluminium saleable production increased by 1% (or 4kt) to 362kt in the December 2022 half year as the smelter continued to test its maximum technical capacity despite the impact of elevated load-shedding. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 720kt (13) .

While sales increased by 8% in the December 2022 quarter, inventory remained above target levels as two shipments were delayed to January 2023 due to shipping delays at Richards Bay.

Mozal Aluminium (63.7%(14) share)

 
                                                                2Q23   2Q23 
                                                                  vs     vs 
South32 share               1H22  1H23  HoH  2Q22  1Q23  2Q23   2Q22   1Q23 
Aluminium production (kt)    136   182  34%    68    92    90    32%   (2%) 
==========================  ====  ====  ===  ====  ====  ====  =====  ===== 
Aluminium sales (kt)         122   177  45%    67    87    90    34%     3% 
==========================  ====  ====  ===  ====  ====  ====  =====  ===== 
 

Mozal Aluminium saleable production increased by 34% (or 46kt) to 182kt in the December 2022 half year, reflecting our increased ownership of the smelter(14) . Production decreased by 2% (or 2kt) in the December 2022 quarter as operations in Potroom A were temporarily suspended as we responded to the fatal incident on 7 November 2022. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 370kt (13) , with the smelter having subsequently returned to full production and continued to test its maximum technical capacity despite the impact of elevated load-shedding.

SIERRA GORDA (45% share)

 
                                                                        2Q23    2Q23 
                                                                          vs      vs 
 South32 share                1H22   1H23   HoH   2Q22   1Q23   2Q23    2Q22    1Q23 
===========================  =====  =====  ====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 Payable copper equivalent 
  production (3) (kt)            -   44.9   N/A      -   22.6   22.3     N/A    (1%) 
===========================  =====  =====  ====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 Payable copper production 
  (kt)                           -   37.9   N/A      -   19.0   18.9     N/A    (1%) 
===========================  =====  =====  ====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 Payable copper sales (kt)       -   38.4   N/A      -   19.2   19.2     N/A      0% 
===========================  =====  =====  ====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 

Sierra Gorda payable copper equivalent production(3) was 44.9kt in the December 2022 half year, as the operation realised sequentially higher average copper grades (H1 FY23: 0.45%, H2 FY22: 0.42%) and delivered plant throughput at an annualised rate of 48Mt (100% basis). FY23 payable copper equivalent production(3) guidance of 89.0kt remains unchanged (copper 71.8kt, molybdenum 1.5kt, gold 29.9koz and silver 582koz).

Sierra Gorda progressed work on the plant de-bottlenecking project during the December 2022 quarter, completing planned conveyor upgrades, while commissioning of the third tailings thickener is delayed to the March 2023 quarter. Based on recent performance of the grinding circuit, we now expect annual plant throughput to be in a range of 48 to 49Mtpa (100% basis) following the completion of de-bottlenecking work. In parallel, feasibility study work continues on a potential fourth grinding line, designed to sustainably lift plant throughput above 50Mtpa (100% basis). The feasibility study is expected to be completed in H1 FY24.

We will provide FY24 production guidance with our financial results announcement for the December 2022 half year.

Cannington (100% share)

 
                                                                                2Q23    2Q23 
                                                                                  vs      vs 
 South32 share                  1H22    1H23     HoH    2Q22    1Q23    2Q23    2Q22    1Q23 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Payable zinc equivalent 
  production (15) (kt)         114.0    98.8   (13%)    55.9    46.1    52.7    (6%)     14% 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Payable silver production 
  (koz)                        6,710   5,474   (18%)   3,217   2,568   2,906   (10%)     13% 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Payable silver sales (koz)    6,718   5,083   (24%)   4,000   1,704   3,379   (16%)     98% 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Payable lead production 
  (kt)                          60.2    52.4   (13%)    28.3    24.6    27.8    (2%)     13% 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Payable lead sales (kt)        63.3    51.3   (19%)    38.0    18.7    32.6   (14%)     74% 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Payable zinc production 
  (kt)                          32.7    30.4    (7%)    17.3    14.0    16.4    (5%)     17% 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Payable zinc sales (kt)        32.8    27.5   (16%)    18.5    14.9    12.6   (32%)   (15%) 
============================  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 

Cannington payable zinc equivalent production(15) decreased by 13% (or 15.2kt) to 98.8 kt in the December 2022 half year with mill throughput below plan due to lower than expected performance of temporary mobile crushers deployed to support the transition to truck haulage. Ore mined volumes also declined with lower operator availability due to skilled labour shortages and further COVID-19 absenteeism.

While the transition to truck haulage was completed at the end of the December 2022 quarter and is expected to bring forward higher-grade material in the mine plan, the ability to recover production volumes in H2 FY23 is expected to be constrained with near-term labour availability challenges expected to impact mining rates. Accordingly, we have reduced FY23 production guidance by 11% to 209.4kt payable zinc equivalent(15) (ore processed 2,450kdmt, silver 12,000koz, lead 108.5kt and zinc 63.5kt).

Sales volumes in the December 2022 quarter reflected the timing of shipments, including carry-over shipments of silver and lead from the prior quarter. Our realised zinc price of US$2,436/t in the December 2022 half year is net of treatment and refining charges that have widened in the current market.

Cerro Matoso (99.9% share)

 
                                                                         2Q23    2Q23 
                                                                           vs      vs 
 South32 share                1H22   1H23    HoH   2Q22   1Q23   2Q23    2Q22    1Q23 
===========================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 Payable nickel production 
  (kt)                        20.3   20.4     0%   10.7    9.6   10.8      1%     13% 
===========================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 Payable nickel sales (kt)    20.1   19.8   (1%)    9.7    9.0   10.8     11%     20% 
===========================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 

Cerro Matoso payable nickel production was largely unchanged at 20.4kt in the December 2022 half year. Production improved by 13% (or 1.2kt) in the December 2022 quarter as mill throughput returned to normalised rates following the completion of a planned shut, while the OSMOC project was commissioned. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 43.5kt, with the OSMOC project expected to support higher production volumes in H2 FY23.

Sales increased by 20% in the December 2022 quarter, which reflected improved product availability. Our ferronickel product typically attracts a discount to the LME Nickel price index on a volume weighted M or M+1 basis, with this discount further widening to 16% in the December 2022 half year (H2 FY22: 8%).

Following a change in tax legislation, we expect Cerro Matoso's effective tax rate to increase in future periods, with the Colombian dividend withholding tax increasing from 10% to 20% and income tax deductions no longer available for royalty payments(22) from January 2023.

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (100% sHARE)

 
                                                                                  2Q23    2Q23 
                                                                                    vs      vs 
 South32 share                     1H22    1H23    HoH    2Q22    1Q23    2Q23    2Q22    1Q23 
 Total coal production (kt)       3,145   3,331     6%   1,257   1,595   1,736     38%      9% 
===============================  ======  ======  =====  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Total coal sales (23) (kt)       3,255   3,185   (2%)   1,547   1,390   1,795     16%     29% 
===============================  ======  ======  =====  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Metallurgical coal production 
  (kt)                            2,767   2,753   (1%)   1,192   1,270   1,483     24%     17% 
===============================  ======  ======  =====  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Metallurgical coal sales 
  (kt)                            2,877   2,678   (7%)   1,387   1,193   1,485      7%     24% 
===============================  ======  ======  =====  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Energy coal production (kt)        378     578    53%      65     325     253    289%   (22%) 
===============================  ======  ======  =====  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 Energy coal sales (kt)             378     507    34%     160     197     310     94%     57% 
===============================  ======  ======  =====  ======  ======  ======  ======  ====== 
 

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal saleable production increased by 6% (or 186kt) to 3,331kt in the December 2022 half year. Metallurgical coal production increased by 17% (or 213kt) in the December 2022 quarter, with improved labour productivity at the Appin mine following the successful negotiation in October 2022 of a new Enterprise Agreement, which has a four year term to 2026. The benefit to production of improved labour productivity following the conclusion of protected industrial action was partially offset by a temporary outage in the December 2022 quarter. Energy coal production decreased by 22% (or 72kt) during the December 2022 quarter, due to maintenance and water management activity at the Dendrobium mine.

FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 7.0Mt (metallurgical coal 6.0Mt and energy coal 1.0Mt) with the complex expected to deliver higher volumes over the remainder of FY23, benefitting from an expected improvement in labour productivity.

   Australia Manganese       (60% share) 
 
                                                                            2Q23    2Q23 
                                                                              vs      vs 
 South32 share                  1H22    1H23    HoH   2Q22   1Q23   2Q23    2Q22    1Q23 
============================  ======  ======  =====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 Manganese ore production 
  (kwmt)                       1,704   1,844     8%    807    898    946     17%      5% 
============================  ======  ======  =====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 Manganese ore sales (kwmt)    1,737   1,652   (5%)    831    779    873      5%     12% 
============================  ======  ======  =====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 

Australia Manganese saleable production increased by 8% (or 140kwmt) to a record of 1,844 kwmt in the December 2022 half year as improved yields supported higher primary concentrator output. Separately, our low-cost PC02 circuit continued to operate above its design capacity, delivering approximately 10% of production (FY22: 11%). FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 3,400kwmt, with production volumes tracking ahead of plan prior to the commencement of the wet season.

South Africa Manganese (ore 54.6% share)

 
                                                                            2Q23    2Q23 
                                                                              vs      vs 
 South32 share                  1H22    1H23    HoH   2Q22   1Q23   2Q23    2Q22    1Q23 
============================  ======  ======  =====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 Manganese ore production 
  (kwmt)                       1,053   1,093     4%    445    562    531     19%    (6%) 
============================  ======  ======  =====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 Manganese ore sales (kwmt)    1,094   1,032   (6%)    579    473    559    (3%)     18% 
============================  ======  ======  =====  =====  =====  =====  ======  ====== 
 

South Africa Manganese saleable production increased by 4% (or 40kwmt) to 1,093kwmt in the December 2022 half year, as improved mining performance was partially offset by planned maintenance in the December 2022 quarter. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 2,000kwmt, subject to market conditions and our continued use of higher cost trucking.

Sales increased by 18% in the December 2022 quarter as third-party rail and port availability progressively improved after Transnet's industrial action was resolved in October 2022. Notwithstanding this strong quarterly performance, we did see a build in working capital during the December 2022 half year as a result of this disruption.

Notes

 
 1.    Group payable copper equivalent production calculated by applying 
        H1 FY23 production volumes and FY22 realised prices for all operations 
        (except for Brazil Aluminium which is based on FY22 average index 
        prices for aluminium). The 12% increase in H1 FY23 Group payable 
        copper equivalent production is calculated relative to H1 FY22 
        production volumes and FY22 realised prices for all operations 
        (except for Brazil Aluminium which is based on FY22 average index 
        prices for aluminium). 
 2.    Refers to aluminium produced using renewable power. 
 3.    Payable copper equivalent production (kt) was calculated by aggregating 
        revenues from payable copper, molybdenum, gold and silver, and 
        dividing the total Revenue by the price of copper. FY22 realised 
        prices for copper (US$3.50/lb), molybdenum (US$18.48/lb), gold 
        (US$1,934/oz) and silver (US$23.5/oz) have been used for FY22, 
        H1 FY23 and FY23e. 
 4.    Goal is defined as an ambition to seek an outcome for which there 
        is no current pathway(s), but for which efforts will be pursued 
        towards addressing that challenge, subject to certain assumptions 
        or conditions. Target is defined as an intended outcome in relation 
        to which we have identified one or more pathways for delivery of 
        that outcome, subject to certain assumptions or conditions. 
 5.    The information in this report that relates to the production target 
        is based on Proved (75%) and Probable (25%) Ore Reserves for Cerro 
        Matoso. Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve estimates for Cerro Matoso 
        was declared as part of South32's Annual Resource and Reserve declaration 
        in the Annual Report 2022 (www.south32.net) issued on 9 September 
        2022 and prepared by I Espitia (MAusIMM) and N Monterroza (MAusIMM) 
        in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code. South32 confirms 
        that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially 
        affects the information included in the original announcement. 
        All material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning 
        the estimates in the relevant market announcement continue to apply 
        and have not materially changed. South32 confirms that the form 
        and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented 
        have not been materially modified from the original market announcement. 
        Payable nickel is calculated using long-term consensus metal prices 
        and relative metallurgical recoveries. 
 6.    Refer to market release "Dendrobium Next Domain Update" dated 23 
        August 2022 (market release). The information in the market release 
        that refers to the Production Target and forecast financial information 
        for the Appin mine at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal is based on 
        Proved (14%) and Probable (86%) Coal Reserves from Bulli. The Coal 
        Reserves estimates underpinning the Production Target have been 
        prepared by M Rose (Competent Person) and reported in accordance 
        with the JORC Code. The Coal Reserves estimates are available to 
        view in South32's FY22 Annual Report (http://www.south32.net) published 
        on 9 September 2022. The stated Production Target is based on South32's 
        current expectations of future results or events and should not 
        be solely relied upon by investors when making investment decisions. 
        Further evaluation work and appropriate studies are required to 
        establish sufficient confidence that this target will be met. 
 7.    Since inception, US$1.6B has been allocated to the on-market share 
        buy-back (752M shares at an average price of A$3.00 per share) 
        and US$525M returned in the form of special dividends. 
 8.    Net distributions from our material equity accounted investments 
        (manganese and Sierra Gorda) includes net debt movements and dividends, 
        which are unaudited and should not be considered as an indication 
        of or alternative to an IFRS measure of profitability, financial 
        performance or liquidity. 
 9.    The corporate tax rates of the geographies where the Group operates 
        include: Australia 30%, South Africa 27%, Colombia 35%, Mozambique 
        0%, 
        Brazil 34% and Chile 27%. The South African corporate tax rate 
        reduced from 28% to 27% from 1 July 2022. The Mozambique operations 
        are subject to a royalty on revenues instead of income tax. Sierra 
        Gorda is subject to a royalty related tax based on the amount of 
        copper sold and the mining operating margin, the rate is between 
        5% and 14% for annual sales over 50kt of refined copper. This royalty 
        is included in tax expense. 
 10.   Australia Manganese is subject to a royalty related tax equal to 
        20% of adjusted EBIT which is included in tax expense. 
 11.   Peake Prospect Exploration Target: The information in this announcement 
        that relates to the Exploration Target for Peake Prospect is extracted 
        from "Hermosa Project Update" published on 17 January 2022 and 
        is available to view on www.south32.net. The information was prepared 
        by 
        D Bertuch (Competent Person) in accordance with the requirements 
        of the JORC Code. South32 confirms that it is not aware of any 
        new information or data that materially affects the information 
        included in the original market announcement. South32 confirms 
        that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings 
        are presented have not been materially changed from the original 
        market announcement. 
 12.   Flux Exploration Target: The information in this announcement that 
        relates to the Exploration Target for Flux is extracted from "South32 
        Strategy and Business Update" published on 18 May 2021 and is available 
        to view on www.south32.net. The information was prepared by D Bertuch 
        (Competent Person) in accordance with the requirements of the JORC 
        Code. South32 confirms that it is not aware of any new information 
        or data that materially affects the information included in the 
        original market announcement. South32 confirms that the form and 
        context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented 
        have not been materially changed from the original market announcement. 
 13.   Production guidance for Hillside Aluminium and Mozal Aluminium 
        does not assume any load-shedding impact on production. 
 14.   Refer to market release "South32 completes acquisition of additional 
        shareholding in Mozal Aluminium" dated 31 May 2022. Historical 
        production and sales figures have not been restated for our increased 
        ownership (presented on a 47.1% basis to 31 May 2022). 
 15.   Payable zinc equivalent production (kt) was calculated by aggregating 
        revenues from payable silver, lead and zinc, and dividing the total 
        Revenue by the price of zinc. FY22 realised prices for zinc (US$3,248/t), 
        lead (US$2,046/t) and silver (US$21.0/oz) have been used for FY22, 
        H1 FY23 and FY23e. 
 16.   Realised prices are unaudited. Volumes and prices do not include 
        any third party trading that may be undertaken independently of 
        equity production. Realised sales price is calculated as sales 
        Revenue divided by sales volume unless otherwise stated. 
 17.   Realised prices for Sierra Gorda are net of treatment and refining 
        charges. 
 18.   Realised prices for Cannington are net of treatment and refining 
        charges. 
 19.   Realised nickel sales prices are inclusive of by-products. 
 20.   Realised ore prices are calculated as external sales Revenue less 
        freight and marketing costs, divided by external sales volume. 
 21.   FY23 Operating unit cost guidance includes royalties (where appropriate) 
        and the influence of exchange rates, and includes various assumptions 
        for FY23, including: an alumina price of US$364/t; an average blended 
        coal price of US$265/t for Illawarra Metallurgical Coal; a manganese 
        ore price of US$6.40/dmtu for 44% manganese product; a nickel price 
        of US$9.94/lb; a silver price of US$22.11/troy oz; a lead price 
        of US$2,059/t (gross of treatment and refining charges); a zinc 
        price of US$3,480/t (gross of treatment and refining charges); 
        a copper price of US$4.07/lb (gross of treatment and refining charges); 
        a molybdenum price of US$16.95/lb (gross of treatment and refining 
        charges); a gold price of US$1,860/troy oz; an AUD:USD exchange 
        rate of 0.69; a USD:ZAR exchange rate of 16.62; a USD:COP exchange 
        rate of 3,851; USD:CLP exchange rate of 814; and a reference price 
        for caustic soda; which reflect forward markets as at June 2022 
        or our internal expectations. 
 22.   Cerro Matoso is subject to a royalty related tax equal to 13.5% 
        of mine gate value which is included in operating cost. 
 23.   Illawarra Metallurgical Coal sales are adjusted for moisture and 
        will not reconcile directly to Illawarra Metallurgical Coal production. 
 

The following abbreviations have been used throughout this report: US$ million (US$M); US$ billion (US$B); EUR (Euro); grams per tonne (g/t); tonnes (t);

thousand tonnes (kt); thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa); million tonnes (Mt); million tonnes per annum (Mtpa); ounces (oz); thousand ounces (koz);

million ounces (Moz); thousand wet metric tonnes (kwmt); million wet metric tonnes (Mwmt); million wet metric tonnes per annum (Mwmt pa); dry metric tonne unit (dmtu); thousand dry metric tonnes (kdmt).

Figures in Italics indicate that an adjustment has been made since the figures were previously reported. The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year.

Operating Performance

 
South32 share                           1H22   1H23   2Q22   3Q22   4Q22   1Q23   2Q23 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Worsley Alumina (86% share) 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Alumina hydrate production (kt)        1,994  1,955    997    972  1,014    957    998 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Alumina production (kt)                1,979  1,922    973    982  1,030    920  1,002 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Alumina sales (kt)                     1,946  1,861  1,022    910  1,118    885    976 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Brazil Alumina (36% share) 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Alumina production (kt)                  631    691    359    335    331    337    354 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Alumina sales (kt)                       626    678    379    306    367    313    365 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Brazil Aluminium (40% share) 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Aluminium production (kt)                  -   23.7      -      -    0.3    8.3   15.4 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Aluminium sales (kt)                       -   19.4      -      -      -    3.3   16.1 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Hillside Aluminium (100% share) 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Aluminium production (kt)                358    362    178    177    179    179    183 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Aluminium sales (kt)                     336    337    176    179    198    162    175 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Mozal Aluminium (63.7% (14) 
 share) 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Aluminium production (kt)                136    182     68     66     76     92     90 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Aluminium sales (kt)                     122    177     67     66     88     87     90 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Sierra Gorda (45% share) 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Ore mined (Mt)                             -   15.4      -    4.7    9.0    8.8    6.6 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Ore processed (Mt)                         -   10.7      -    2.3    5.2    5.4    5.3 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Copper ore grade processed (%, 
 Cu)                                       -   0.45      -   0.45   0.40   0.45   0.44 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable copper equivalent production 
 (3) (kt)                                  -   44.9      -   10.3   20.3   22.6   22.3 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable copper production (kt)             -   37.9      -    8.4   16.9   19.0   18.9 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable copper sales (kt)                  -   38.4      -   11.1   16.6   19.2   19.2 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable molybdenum production 
 (kt)                                      -    0.4      -    0.2    0.2    0.2    0.2 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable molybdenum sales (kt)              -    0.8      -    0.1    0.5    0.3    0.5 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable gold production (koz)              -   15.3      -    2.3    7.3    7.8    7.5 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable gold sales (koz)                   -   15.4      -    3.0    6.9    7.7    7.7 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable silver production (koz)            -    338      -     85    168    180    158 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable silver sales (koz)                 -    345      -    111    171    179    166 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Cannington (100%) 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Ore mined (kwmt)                       1,475  1,123    725    637    641    639    484 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Ore processed (kdmt)                   1,385  1,142    698    681    552    518    624 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Silver ore grade processed (g/t, 
 Ag)                                     177    175    169    188    177    179    171 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Lead ore grade processed (%, 
 Pb)                                     5.2    5.5    4.9    5.9    5.5    5.6    5.4 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Zinc ore grade processed (%, 
 Zn)                                     3.4    3.6    3.6    3.4    3.8    3.7    3.6 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable zinc equivalent production 
 (15) (kt)                             114.0   98.8   55.9   61.3   48.9   46.1   52.7 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable silver production (koz)        6,710  5,474  3,217  3,568  2,668  2,568  2,906 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable silver sales (koz)             6,718  5,083  4,000  2,818  3,362  1,704  3,379 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable lead production (kt)            60.2   52.4   28.3   34.6   25.8   24.6   27.8 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable lead sales (kt)                 63.3   51.3   38.0   27.9   31.0   18.7   32.6 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable zinc production (kt)            32.7   30.4   17.3   16.4   15.4   14.0   16.4 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable zinc sales (kt)                 32.8   27.5   18.5   17.3   16.1   14.9   12.6 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Cerro Matoso (99.9% share) 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Ore mined (kwmt)                       2,416  2,752  1,358  1,310  1,141  1,332  1,420 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Ore processed (kdmt)                   1,335  1,392    715    690    678    666    726 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Ore grade processed (%, Ni)             1.73   1.64   1.71   1.73   1.71   1.63   1.65 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable nickel production (kt)          20.3   20.4   10.7   10.6   10.8    9.6   10.8 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Payable nickel sales (kt)               20.1   19.8    9.7    9.8   11.9    9.0   10.8 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal 
 (100%) 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Total coal production (kt)             3,145  3,331  1,257  1,781  1,583  1,595  1,736 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Total coal sales (23) (kt)             3,255  3,185  1,547  1,465  1,886  1,390  1,795 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Metallurgical coal production 
 (kt)                                  2,767  2,753  1,192  1,565  1,380  1,270  1,483 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Metallurgical coal sales (kt)          2,877  2,678  1,387  1,358  1,588  1,193  1,485 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Energy coal production (kt)              378    578     65    216    203    325    253 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Energy coal sales (kt)                   378    507    160    107    298    197    310 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Australia Manganese (60% share) 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Manganese ore production (kwmt)        1,704  1,844    807    815    844    898    946 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Manganese ore sales (kwmt)             1,737  1,652    831    775    860    779    873 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Ore grade sold (%, Mn)                  44.2   44.2   44.2   44.1   44.2   44.3   44.1 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
South Africa Manganese (54.6% 
 share) 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Manganese ore production (kwmt)        1,053  1,093    445    391    625    562    531 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Manganese ore sales (kwmt)             1,094  1,032    579    495    581    473    559 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
Ore grade sold (%, Mn)                  39.5   39.2   38.7   40.5   39.4   38.5   39.8 
=====================================  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  ===== 
 

Forward-looking statements

This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about trends in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; demand for commodities; production forecasts; plans, strategies and objectives of management; capital costs and scheduling; operating costs; anticipated productive lives of projects, mines and facilities; and provisions and contingent liabilities. These forward-looking statements reflect expectations at the date of this release, however they are not guarantees or predictions of future performance. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements contained in this release. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, the South32 Group does not undertake to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance. South32 cautions against reliance on any forward looking statements or guidance, particularly in light of the current economic climate and the significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption arising in connection with COVID-19.

Further information

 
 INVESTOR RELATIONS         MEDIA RELATIONS 
  Ben Baker                  Jamie Macdonald                   Miles Godfrey 
  M +61 403 763 086          M +61 408 925 140                 M +61 415 325 906 
  E Ben.Baker@south32.net    E Jamie.Macdonald@south32.net     E Miles.Godrey@south32.net 
 

Approved for release to the market by Graham Kerr, Chief Executive Officer

JSE Sponsor: The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited

23 January 2023

South32 Limited

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

(ACN 093 732 597)

ASX / LSE / JSE Share Code: S32; ADR: SOUHY

ISIN: AU000000S320

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