Wrap Text
Quarterly report June 2020
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
Quarterly Report June 2020
- Achieved record production at Brazil Alumina, “Our priority remains keeping our people safe and
Hillside Aluminium and Australia Manganese ore in FY20. well, maintaining reliable operations and supporting
- Increased production at Worsley Alumina by 2% in FY20 due our communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.
to an uplift in calciner availability, remaining on-track to “Despite the health crisis, we delivered a strong
sustainably increase production to nameplate capacity.
operating result, highlighted by annual production
- Exceeded FY20 guidance at Cannington by 8% due to higher
records at Brazil Alumina, Hillside Aluminium and
mill throughput, enabled by a draw down in run of mine
stocks and underground mine performance. Australia Manganese ore. We have continued to see
- Returned to a three longwall configuration at good demand for our products, with sales
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal in the quarter, advancing study exceeding production at the majority of our
work to further optimise for long term value following operations.
continued strong longwall performance. “With uncertainty remaining in global markets we
- Took action to maintain the financial strength of our continue to manage our financial position to ensure
business, reducing capital and exploration expenditure, and we retain the right balance of flexibility, efficiency
initiating a review of activity across the Group aimed at and prudence. We acted to protect our strong
delivering a meaningful reduction in controllable costs. balance sheet by adjusting our capital expenditure
- Updated the Mineral Resource estimate for the Hermosa priorities, suspending our on-market share buy-
project’s Taylor Deposit to 167Mt averaging 3.34% zinc,
back and extending the tenor of our US$1.45 billion
3.84% lead and 71g/t silver, following the incorporation of
revolving credit facility. Our strong balance sheet
new drilling information.
and simple capital management framework are
- Disclosed a first time Mineral Resource estimate for the
designed to reward shareholders as our financial
Hermosa project’s Clark Deposit of 55Mt averaging
performance improves.
2.31% zinc, 9.08% manganese and 78g/t silver.
- Continued to reshape and improve our portfolio during the “Looking forward we remain focussed on reducing
quarter, progressing approvals for the sale of our controllable costs, managing counterparty and
shareholding in South Africa Energy Coal, placing the supply chain risk and optimising working capital to
Metalloys manganese alloy smelter on temporary care and ensure the business remains resilient during a
maintenance and advancing studies for our development potentially extended period of volatility and lower
options. commodity prices.”
Graham Kerr, South32 CEO
Production summary
South32 share Y19 FY20 YoY 4Q19 3Q20 4Q20 QoQ
Alumina production (kt) 5,050 5,269 4% 1,307 1,276 1,358 6%
Aluminium production (kt) 982 986 0% 245 245 245 0%
Energy coal production (kt) 26,276 24,129 (8%) 7,037 5,851 5,657 (3%)
Metallurgical coal production (kt) 5,350 5,549 4% 1,278 1,167 1,523 31%
Manganese ore production (kwmt) 5,536 5,348 (3%) 1,290 1,307 1,228 (6%)
Manganese alloy production (kt) 223 163 (27%) 62 38 34 (11%)
Payable nickel production (kt) 41.1 40.6 (1%) 10.6 10.3 9.7 (6%)
Payable silver production (koz) 12,201 11,792 (3%) 3,253 2,433 3,195 31%
Payable lead production (kt) 101.4 110.4 9% 28.3 25.0 30.1 20%
Payable zinc production (kt) 51.6 66.7 29% 14.6 17.3 16.9 (2%)
Unless otherwise noted: percentage variance relates to performance during the financial year ended June 2020 compared with the
financial year ended June 2019 (YoY) or the June 2020 quarter compared with the March 2020 quarter (QoQ); production and sales
volumes are reported on an attributable basis.
1
Corporate Update
- We continue to prudently manage our balance sheet, taking action to maintain the financial strength of our business. Following
our decision to suspend our on-market share buy-back program on 27 March, we did not purchase any shares during the
quarter. Our US$1.43B capital management program remains 92% complete with US$121M of our suspended on-market
share
buy-back program remaining, ahead of its extension or expiry on 4 September 2020 (note 1).
- We received net distributions (note 2) of US$313M (South32 share) from our manganese equity accounted investments (EAI)
in FY20, including US$153M in the June 2020 quarter.
- Subsequent to the end of the period, we extended the expiry date of our undrawn revolving credit facility by one year to
February 2023, providing the Group with ongoing access to a further US$1.45B in liquidity in addition to our strong balance
sheet.
- We realised US$50M in annual functional cost savings in FY20, following the simplification of the Group’s support
structures. In addition, to prepare for a potentially extended period of volatility and lower commodity prices, we
initiated a further review of activity during the June 2020 quarter aimed at delivering a meaningful reduction in
controllable costs. We expect to provide an update on this work with our FY20 financial results.
- We progressed the sale of our shareholding in South Africa Energy Coal to Seriti Resources Holdings Proprietary Limited
(Seriti Resources), acquiring the 8% interest previously owned by our Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)
consortium partner and receiving approval for the transaction from the Richards Bay Coal Terminal Proprietary Limited during
the June 2020 quarter. Subject to a number of material conditions (note 3) being satisfied, the transaction remains on track
to be completed in the December 2020 half year.
- After consideration of its future economic viability we made the decision with our joint venture partner to place our South
African manganese alloy smelter, Metalloys, on temporary care and maintenance. We also progressed the review of our
Australian manganese alloy smelter, TEMCO, albeit the process has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying its
expected completion.
- In consideration of the future economic viability and continuing review of our Metalloys and TEMCO smelters, we expect to
book pre-tax, non-cash impairment charges of approximately US$109M (post-tax ~US$90M, South32 share) in our
FY20 financial results. One-off, pre-tax restructuring costs, including redundancies, at Metalloys of approximately US$7M
(post tax ~US$5M, South32 share) are also anticipated. These charges will be recorded in the Group’s share of profit of
EAI and excluded from Underlying earnings in FY20.
- Our geographical earnings mix will have a significant bearing on our effective tax rate (ETR) given differing country tax
rates(note 4), while the impact of intragroup agreements, exploration expenditure in foreign entities and other permanent
differences will continue to be magnified when margins are compressed or losses are incurred in specific jurisdictions. Until
it is sold, South Africa Energy Coal is expected to have an ETR of 0%, with all tax assets de-recognised from 30 June 2019 and no
benefit to be recorded for losses made prior to sale. Accordingly, our FY20 Group ETR is expected to be in a range between
100% and 125% (excluding EAI).
Development and Exploration Update
Hermosa project
- We continue to review the impact of COVID-19 in Arizona and its influence on timelines for work being undertaken at
Hermosa. Our exploration programs remain temporarily suspended and we now expect to complete the pre-feasibility study for
the Taylor Deposit in the December 2020 quarter.
- Notwithstanding the above delay, we have updated the Mineral Resource estimate for the Taylor Deposit (note 5) with new
information and geological modelling undertaken from additional resource definition drilling completed in support of the current
pre-feasibility study. The Mineral Resource estimate (Table A) has increased by 12Mt to 167Mt, averaging 3.34% zinc, 3.84%
lead and 71g/t silver. The deposit remains open at depth and laterally.
- We also reported a Mineral Resource estimate for the first time for the Clark Deposit. The Mineral Resource estimate was
reported at 55Mt, averaging 2.31% zinc, 9.08% manganese and 78g/t silver (note 6). A scoping study to advance our
understanding of the processing and new emerging end-market opportunities in battery technology for the Clark Deposit is
underway.
- We directed US$19M (all capitalised) during FY20 to exploration programs at identified regional prospects and to advance our
resource definition work. During the period we advanced our understanding of the broader land package potential, enabling an
improved focus for future drilling programs beyond the known Mineral Resource estimates of the Taylor and Clark Deposits.
Table A: Mineral Resources for the Taylor Deposit as at 31 May 2020 in 100% terms(b)(c)
Measured Indicated Inferred Total
Mineral Resources Mineral Resources Mineral Resources Mineral Resources
Ore Type
Mt % % g/t Mt % % g/t M % % g/t Mt % % g/t
Zn Pb Ag Zn Pb Ag Zn Pb Ag Zn Pb Ag
UG Sulphide(note a) 21 4.33 3.82 58 98 3.17 4.02 77 42 3.14 3.51 69 162 3.31 3.86 72
UG Transition (note a) - - - - 3.3 4.58 3.49 45 1.7 4.36 3.19 42 5 4.50 3.39 44
Total 21 4.33 3.82 58 102 3.21 4.00 76 44 3.18 3.50 68 167 3.34 3.84 71
Notes:
a. Cut-off grade: Net smelter return (NSR) of US$90/t for both UG Sulphide and UG Transition. 2
b. All masses are reported as dry metric tonnes.
c. All tonnes and grade information have been rounded to reflect relative uncertainty of the estimate, hence small differences
may be present in the totals.
3
Other development and exploration options
- We completed the remaining coal quality drilling at Eagle Downs Metallurgical Coal, with the interpretation of those results to
support our on-going feasibility study work. We remain on-track to make a final investment decision by the end of this calendar
year.
- Together with our joint venture partner, we made the decision to postpone our CY20 exploration program at
Ambler Metals due to COVID-19 restrictions in Alaska and their impact on our ability to conduct the field season. The delay in
this year’s program is not currently expected to impact delivery of the Arctic pre-feasibility study that was commenced by the
joint venture partners in the March 2020 quarter.
- Consistent with our strategy to partner with companies to fund early stage greenfield exploration opportunities, we invested
US$15M during FY20. Greenfield exploration activity continues to be impacted by COVID-19 restrictions on the movement of
people and equipment which has limited the ability for some of our partners to access exploration areas in certain jurisdictions.
We continue to review the evolving environment and work with our partners to plan our exploration programs for FY21.
- We directed US$49M towards exploration programs at our existing operations and development options in FY20 (US$34M
capitalised), including US$3M for our EAI (US$1M capitalised) and US$19M at Hermosa as noted above (all capitalised).
Production Summary
.
Production guidance
FY19 FY20 FY20e(note a) %(note b) Comments
(South32 share)
Worsley Alumina
Alumina production (kt) 3,795 3,886 3,965 98%
Brazil Alumina
Above guidance with refinery
Alumina production (kt) 1,255 1,383 1,330 104% achieving improved steam
generation
Hillside Aluminium(note 7)
Aluminium production (kt) 715 718 718 100%
Mozal Aluminium(note 7)
Aluminium production (kt) 267 268 273 98%
South Africa Energy Coal (note 8)
Energy coal production (kt) 24,979 22,672 21,000 – 23,000 103%
Domestic coal production (kt) 14,978 12,552 11,500 – 12,500 105% Within revised guidance range
Export coal production (kt) 10,001 10,120 9,500 – 10,500 101%
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal
Total coal production (kt) 6,647 7,006 7,000 100% Metallurgical coal production below
Metallurgical coal production (kt) 5,350 5,549 5,800 96% guidance with both longwalls
encountering challenging strata
Energy coal production (kt) 1,297 1,457 1,200 121% conditions in the June 2020 quarter
Australia Manganese
Above revised guidance with faster
than planned ramp-up following the
Manganese ore production (kwmt) 3,349 3,470 3,375 103%
removal of COVID-19 related
roster changes
South Africa Manganese
Above top end of revised guidance
range following faster than planned
Manganese ore production(note 9) (kwmt)2,187 1,878 1,700 – 1,850 106%
ramp-up post lifting of COVID-19
lockdown restrictions
Cerro Matoso
Payable nickel production (kt) 41.1 40.6 40.5 100%
Cannington
Payable zinc equivalent production(note 10)
218.2 238.0 221.0 108%
(kt)
Above guidance with operation
Payable silver production (koz) 12,201 11,792 11,200 105% achieving higher than planned mill
Payable lead production (kt) 101.4 110.4 104.0 106% throughput
Payable zinc production (kt) 51.6 66.7 59.0 113%
a. The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year.
b. Percentage difference to latest production guidance. Where guidance has been provided as a range, the percentage difference has
been calculated using the guidance midpoint. Hillside Aluminium, South Africa Energy Coal, Australia Manganese, South Africa
Manganese and Cerro Matoso restated FY20 production guidance in response to COVID-19 restrictions during the 2020 financial year.
FY20 guidance as at FY19 results: Hillside Aluminium (aluminium 720kt), South Africa Energy Coal (domestic coal 15,300 – 16,100kt,
export coal 10,700 – 11,900kt), Australia Manganese (manganese ore 3,560kwmt), South Africa Manganese
(manganese ore 2,100kwmt) and Cerro Matoso (nickel 35.6kt).
4
COVID-19 Response
At South32 our focus is on keeping our people well, maintaining safe and reliable operations and supporting our communities
through the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to monitor the situation closely, deferring non-critical activity and ensuring our
operations run safely, adjusting to the changes we have put in place.
With the pandemic impacting our business differently, depending on our locations around the world as the pandemic spreads, we
have activated emergency management teams to identify, prevent and respond to risks as they arise. We have also implemented
site specific protocols including screening and testing programs for our workforce and made isolation facilities available at
all of our operations. We have implemented additional cleaning and hygiene measures, awareness programs for our workforce, adjustments
to work routines to enable appropriate social distancing and the provision of transport to site which is regularly sanitised. We are
providing our workforce with the appropriate personal protective equipment and have implemented additional protective measures
at all of our sites and offices. At all of our locations we are following the local requirements and advice from health authorities
and governments for operating during the pandemic.
We have established a South32 Global Community Investment Fund, committing US$7M to the areas that need it most. To date,
our support has included provision of water, essential hygiene and medical supplies, public health awareness and education
campaigns, building capacity in local health care systems and supporting those who are unable to access critical goods and
services.
Marketing Update
FY20 2H20
Realised prices(note 11) FY19 1H20 2H20 FY20 vs vs
FY19 1H20
Worsley Alumina
Alumina (US$/t) 420 322 269 295 (30%) (16%)
Brazil Alumina
Alumina (US$/t) 456 301 274 287 (37%) (9%)
Hillside Aluminium
Aluminium (US$/t) 2,035 1,859 1,678 1,766 (13%) (10%)
Mozal Aluminium
Aluminium (US$/t) 2,075 1,914 1,723 1,816 (12%) (10%)
South Africa Energy Coal
Domestic coal (US$/t) 24 23 26 25 4% 13%
Export coal (US$/t) 69 55 50 53 (23%) (9%)
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal
Metallurgical coal (US$/t) 209 154 138 145 (31%) (10%)
Energy coal (US$/t) 66 53 49 51 (23%) (8%)
Australia Manganese(note 12)
Manganese ore (US$/dmtu, FOB) 6.35 4.49 4.27 4.39 (31%) (5%)
South Africa Manganese(note 13)
Manganese ore (US$/dmtu, FOB) 5.57 3.81 3.68 3.76 (32%) (3%)
Cerro Matoso(note 14)
Payable nickel (US$/lb) 5.38 6.77 4.81 5.80 8% (29%)
Cannington(note 15)
Payable silver (US$/oz) 14.4 17.5 15.6 16.5 15% (11%)
Payable lead (US$/t) 1,754 1,869 1,445 1,648 (6%) (23%)
Payable zinc (US$/t) 2,122 1,591 1,231 1,416 (33%) (23%)
- Realised prices exclude third party products and services. We currently anticipate an underlying EBIT loss for third party
products and services(note 16) of approximately US$17M in FY20 (FY19: US$5M). This predominantly reflects the
procurement of lower cost third party volumes to replace higher cost equity production to fulfil contractual commitments at
South Africa Energy Coal.
5
Worsley Alumina
(86% share)
4Q20 4Q20
South32 share FY19 FY20 YoY 4Q19 3Q20 4Q20 vs vs
4Q19 3Q20
Alumina production (kt) 3,795 3,886 2% 996 936 1,017 2% 9%
Alumina sales (kt) 3,857 3,782 (2%) 1,036 860 1,031 0% 20%
Worsley Alumina saleable production increased by 2% (or 91kt) to 3,886kt in FY20, as the refinery finished the year on a strong
note with an increase in calciner availability underpinning a 9% increase in production during the June 2020 quarter. The refinery
continues to benefit from improvement initiatives that are expected to support a sustainable increase in production to nameplate
capacity of 4.6Mt (100% basis). Sales increased by 20% during the June 2020 quarter as a result of higher production and a
slipped shipment from the prior quarter.
We realised a modest premium to the Platts Alumina Index(note 17) (PAX) on a volume weighted M-1 basis for alumina sales in
FY20, with price realisations in the June 2020 half year falling in-line with the market as a result of specific legacy supply
contracts with our Mozal Aluminium smelter. Contracts with the smelter are linked to the LME aluminium price and alumina indices on an M-1
basis, with caps and floors embedded within specific contracts that reset every calendar year. All other alumina sales were at
market based prices.
Brazil Alumina
(36% share)
4Q20 4Q20
South32 share FY19 FY20 YoY 4Q19 3Q20 4Q20 vs vs
4Q19 3Q20
Alumina production (kt) 1,255 1,383 10% 311 340 341 10% 0%
Alumina sales (kt) 1,240 1,392 12% 374 336 378 1% 13%
BrazilAlumina saleable production increased by 10% (or 128kt) to a record 1,383kt in FY20 as the refinery achieved improved
performance in steam generation, enabling the benefits of the De-bottlenecking Phase One project to be realised. Notwithstanding
the strong operating performance, lower alumina prices and an increase in the use of higher cost third party bauxite is expected to
impactthe profitability of the operation in FY20. Our use of third party bauxite is expected to reduce in FY21, which together with a
reset in the cost of supply from Mineração Rio do Norte S.A (MRN), in accordance with its linkage to alumina and aluminium, is
expected to result in lower Operating unit costs for the refinery.
Hillside Aluminium
(100%)
4Q20 4Q20
South32 share FY19 FY20 YoY 4Q19 3Q20 4Q20 vs vs
4Q19 3Q20
Aluminium production (kt) 715 718 0% 179 178 178 (1%) 0%
Aluminium sales (kt) 707 723 2% 191 174 199 4% 14%
Hillside Aluminium saleable production increased by 3kt to a record 718kt in FY20 as the smelter continued to test its maximum
technical capacity, despite the impact to production from increased load-shedding.
The smelter sources alumina from our Worsley Alumina refinery with prices linked to the PAX on an M-1 basis, while its power is
sourced from Eskom under separate contracts for its three potlines. We have been engaging with Eskom on a new pricing
arrangement that would cover power supplied to the smelter, agreeing an interim arrangement ahead of a new 10 year pricing
agreement being considered for approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). The interim arrangement and
the new long term agreement are important milestones to secure the future of the smelter beyond CY20, with the tariff being
South African Rand based with a rate of escalation linked to the South Africa Producer Price Index (PPI).
6
Mozal Aluminium
(47.1% share)
4Q20 4Q20
South32 share FY19 FY20 YoY 4Q19 3Q20 4Q20 vs vs
4Q19 3Q20
Aluminium production (kt) 267 268 0% 66 67 67 2% 0%
Aluminium sales (kt) 268 279 4% 70 65 78 11% 20%
Mozal Aluminium saleable production increased by 1kt to 268kt in FY20 as the smelter continued to test its maximum technical
capacity, despite the impact to production from increased load-shedding. In order to further improve the smelter’s cost
competitiveness we continue to execute the AP3XLE energy efficiency project during FY20. The project is expected to deliver a
circa 5% (or 10kt pa) increase in annual production by FY24 with no associated increase in power consumption.
South Africa Energy Coal
(100%)
4Q20 4Q20
South32 share FY19 FY20 YoY 4Q19 3Q20 4Q20 vs vs
4Q19 3Q20
Energy coal production (kt) 24,979 22,672 (9%) 6,710 5,659 5,228 (22%) (8%)
Domestic sales (kt) 15,035 12,638 (16%) 3,336 2,944 3,006 (10%) 2%
Export sales (kt) 9,875 9,715 (2%) 3,122 2,681 2,180 (30%) (19%)
South Africa Energy Coal saleable production decreased by 9% (or 2.3Mt) to 22.7Mt in FY20 as contractors were demobilised in
the December 2019 half year to maximise margins, before COVID-19 restrictions impacted operations during the June 2020
quarter.
Export sales declined by 19% during the June 2020 quarter as a result of lower production volumes and the diversion of coal to
domestic customers, as export shipments were affected by COVID-19 lockdown impacts to our logistics chain and end market
demand. While production has now ramped-up following the easing of lockdown restrictions, we continue to respond to the evolving
environment and its potential to impact our operations and logistics chain in the future.
Notwithstanding production being at the top end of our revised guidance range, the recognition of one-off costs in the June 2020
half year are expected to result in FY20 Operating unit costs of approximately US$42/t (H1 FY20: US$43/t).
7
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal
(100%)
4Q20 4Q20
South32 share FY19 FY20 YoY 4Q19 3Q20 4Q20 vs vs
4Q19 3Q20
Total coal production (kt) 6,647 7,006 5% 1,605 1,359 1,952 22% 44%
Total coal sales(note 18)(kt) 6,306 7,284 16% 1,516 1,594 2,071 37% 30%
Metallurgical coal production (kt) 5,350 5,549 4% 1,278 1,167 1,523 19% 31%
Metallurgical coal sales (kt) 5,044 5,842 16% 1,261 1,398 1,644 30% 18%
Energy coal production (kt) 1,297 1,457 12% 327 192 429 31% 123%
Energy coal sales (kt) 1,262 1,442 14% 255 196 427 67% 118%
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal saleable production increased by 5% (or 359kt) to 7.0Mt in FY20 as the Dendrobium and Appin
longwalls continued to perform strongly across the year, with Dendrobium achieving record run of mine performance.
Notwithstanding challenging strata conditions, the operation’s return to a three longwall configuration in late April and the
completion of a longwall move at Dendrobium during the prior quarter underpinned a 44% increase in saleable production in the
June 2020 quarter.
While the return to a three longwall configuration marked an important milestone for the Appin restart plan, the continued strong
performance from a two longwall configuration supports our current study work to maximise long term value at the operation. We
expect to provide an update on the outcome of the review with our FY20 financial results.
Australia Manganese
(60% share)
4Q20 4Q20
South32 share FY19 FY20 YoY 4Q19 3Q20 4Q20 vs vs
4Q19 3Q20
Manganese ore production (kwmt) 3,349 3,470 4% 718 841 854 19% 2%
Manganese ore sales (kwmt) 3,438 3,440 0% 916 775 928 1% 20%
Manganese alloy production (kt) 154 110 (29%) 40 24 29 (28%) 21%
Manganese alloy sales (kt) 151 116 (23%) 46 31 27 (41%) (13%)
Australia Manganese saleable ore production increased by 4% (or 121kwmt) to a record 3,470kwmt in FY20, with the operation
returning to full production following the removal of temporary roster changes in response to COVID-19 restrictions during the
June 2020 quarter. Manganese ore sales increased by 20% during the June 2020 quarter as we took advantage of favourable
market conditions and a shipment slipped from the prior quarter.
Our average realised price for external sales of Australian ore was a 7% discount to the high grade 44% manganese lump ore
index(note 19) in FY20 as we responded to market demand with increased volumes of Premium Concentrate Ore (PC02) and other
secondary products. Our low cost PC02 circuit continued to operate above its design capacity, contributing 12% of total
production in FY20 (FY19: 10%). Our PC02 fines product has a manganese content of approximately 40%, which leads to both
grade and product-type discounts when referenced to the high grade 44% manganese lump ore index. Manganese alloy saleable
production decreased by 29% (or 44kt) to 110kt in FY20 as one of the four furnaces at TEMCO remained offline.
8
South Africa Manganese
(60% share)
4Q20 4Q20
South32 share FY19 FY20 YoY 4Q19 3Q20 4Q20 vs vs
4Q19 3Q20
Manganese ore production(note 9) (kwmt) 2,187 1,878 (14%) 572 466 374 (35%) (20%)
Manganese ore sales(note 9) (kwmt) 2,113 1,865 (12%) 573 476 316 (45%) (34%)
Manganese alloy production (kt) 69 53 (23%) 22 14 5 (77%) (64%)
Manganese alloy sales (kt) 73 55 (25%) 22 20 7 (68%) (65%)
South Africa Manganese saleable ore production decreased by 14% (or 309kwmt) to 1,878kwmt in FY20 as we responded to
weaker market conditions in the December 2019 half year, reducing our use of higher cost trucking and undertaking an extended
maintenance shut at our underground Wessels mine. Further, both the open pit Mamatwan and underground Wessels mines were
placed on temporary care and maintenance during the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown in the June 2020 quarter, subsequently
returning to full capacity with lockdown restrictions lifted.
Sales decreased 34% during the June 2020 quarter as volumes were also impacted by COVID-19 related disruptions to our shared
logistics infrastructure. Notwithstanding the lifting of restrictions, we continue to respond to the evolving environment and its
potential to further impact our operations and logistics chain.
Manganese alloy saleable production decreased by 23% (or 16kt) to 53kt in FY20. After consideration of the future economic
viability of Metalloys, we made the decision with our joint venture partner to place the smelter on temporary care and maintenance.
Cerro Matoso
(99.9% share)
4Q20 4Q20
South32 share FY19 FY20 YoY 4Q19 3Q20 4Q20 vs vs
4Q19 3Q20
Payable nickel production (kt) 41.1 40.6 (1%) 10.6 10.3 9.7 (8%) (6%)
Payable nickel sales (kt) 41.2 40.6 (1%) 10.8 10.2 10.0 (7%) (2%)
Cerro Matoso payable nickel production decreased by 1% (or 0.5kt) to 40.6kt in FY20 as the operation achieved a higher rate of
plant utilisation and throughput, partially offsetting planned lower ore feed grades.
While our rate of production has been unaffected by the Colombian national lockdown in response to COVID-19, we continue to
monitor the impact of restrictions on the movement of people and equipment, which has resulted in the deferral of our planned
major furnace refurbishment. As previously reported, this work has been rescheduled to the December 2020 half year (previously
the June 2020 quarter) and consequently FY21 production guidance is now expected to be 33.5kt (previously 37.4kt).
Sales declined 2% during the June 2020 quarter. Our ferronickel product sells with reference to the LME Nickel index price on a
M or M+1 basis and attracts product discounts that have widened in the current market.
9
Cannington
(100% share)
4Q20 4Q20
South32 share FY19 FY20 YoY 4Q19 3Q20 4Q20 vs vs
4Q19 3Q20
Payable zinc equivalent production(note 10) 54.4
218.2 238.0 9% 60.1 63.5 6% 17%
(kt)
Payable silver production (koz) 12,201 11,792 (3%) 3,253 2,433 3,195 (2%) 31%
Payable silver sales (koz) 13,034 12,109 (7%) 4,874 2,626 3,571 (27%) 36%
Payable lead production (kt) 101.4 110.4 9% 28.3 25.0 30.1 6% 20%
Payable lead sales (kt) 101.5 108.1 7% 41.7 22.8 33.5 (20%) 47%
Payable zinc production (kt) 51.6 66.7 29% 14.6 17.3 16.9 16% (2%)
Payable zinc sales (kt) 47.6 68.7 44% 15.7 14.4 19.0 21% 32%
Cannington payable zinc equivalent production increased by 9% (or 19.8kt) to 238.0kt in FY20 as planned higher zinc grades more
than offset lower silver and lead grades, and the operation drew down run of mine stocks to a normalised level following the
Queensland flood event in FY19. The draw down and further improvement in underground mine performance supported the
realisation of efficiencies in mill throughput, resulting in a 14% lift in ore processed during FY20.
10
Notes:
1. As at 30 June 2020, US$1.0B has been allocated to the on-market share buy-back (477M shares at an average price of A$2.94 per
share) and US$292M returned in the form of special dividends.
2. Net distributions from equity accounted investments 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.
3. Refer to the market announcement “Agreement to Divest South Africa Energy Coal” dated 6 November 2019.
4. The primary corporate tax rates applicable to the Group for FY20 include: Australia 30%, South Africa 28%, Colombia 33%,
Mozambique 0% and Brazil 34%. The Colombian corporate tax rate is 32% in CY20 and will decrease on an annual basis by a
percent each year, stabilising at 30% from 1 January 2022. The Mozambique operations are subject to a royalty on revenues
instead of income tax.
5. The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources for the Taylor Deposit is presented on a 100% basis, represents
an estimate as at 31 May 2020, and is based on information compiled by Matthew Readford. Mr. Readford is a full-time employee of
South32 and is a member and Chartered Professional of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr. Readford has
sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activities
being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of
Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. The Competent Person consents to the inclusion in this report of
the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
6. The information that relates to the Mineral Resources of the Clark Deposit was declared in the market announcement “Hermosa
Project – Mineral Resource Estimate Declaration” dated 12 May 2020 (www.south32.net) based on information compiled by Matthew
Hastings, Competent Person. 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.
7. Production guidance for Hillside Aluminium and Mozal Aluminium did not assume any load-shedding impact on production.
8. During the current period South32 acquired the 8% interest in South Africa Energy Coal previously owned by a Broad-Based
Black Economic Empowerment(B-BBEE) consortium. This transaction was undertaken ahead of the proposed sale of South Africa
Energy Coal to Seriti Resources, subject to a number of material conditions being satisfied.
9. 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 statements will continue to reflect a 54.6% interest in South Africa
Manganese ore.
10. Payable zinc equivalent (kt) was calculated by aggregating Revenue from payable silver, lead and zinc, and dividing
the total Revenue by the price of zinc. FY19 realised prices for zinc (US$2,122/t), lead (US$1,754/t) and silver
(US$14.4/oz) have been used for FY19, FY20 and FY20e.
11. 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.
12. Realised ore prices are unaudited and calculated as external sales Revenue less freight and marketing costs,
divided by external sales volume. Ore converted to sinter and alloy, and sold externally, is eliminated as an
intracompany transaction.
13. Realised ore prices are unaudited and calculated as external sales Revenue less freight and marketing costs,
divided by external sales volume. Ore converted to sinter and alloy, and sold externally, is eliminated as an
intracompany transaction. Manganese ore sales are grossed-up to reflect a 60% accounting effective interest.
14. Realised nickel sales prices are unaudited and inclusive of by-products.
15. Realised prices for Cannington are unaudited and net of treatment and refining charges.
16. Underlying EBIT on third party products and services is unaudited and should not be considered as an indication
of or alternative to an IFRS measure of profitability, financial performance or liquidity.
17. The quarterly sales volume weighted average of the Platts Alumina Index (FOB Australia) on the basis of a one
month lag to published pricing (Month minus one or “M-1”) was US$283/t in FY20.
18. Illawarra Metallurgical Coal sales are adjusted for moisture and will not reconcile directly to Illawarra
Metallurgical Coal production.
19. 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$5.04/dmtu in FY20.
The following abbreviations have been used throughout this report: US$ million (US$M); US$ billion (US$B); 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); 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.
11
Operating Performance
South32 share FY19 FY20 4Q19 1Q20 2Q20 3Q20 4Q20
Worsley Alumina (86% share)
Alumina hydrate production (kt) 3,802 3,840 934 967 943 963 967
Alumina production (kt) 3,795 3,886 996 952 981 936 1,017
Alumina sales (kt) 3,857 3,782 1,036 918 973 860 1,031
Brazil Alumina (36% share)
Alumina production (kt) 1,255 1,383 311 356 346 340 341
Alumina sales (kt) 1,240 1,392 374 304 374 336 378
Hillside Aluminium (100%)
Aluminium production (kt) 715 718 179 181 181 178 178
Aluminium sales (kt) 707 723 191 174 176 174 199
Mozal Aluminium (47.1% share)
Aluminium production (kt) 267 268 66 67 67 67 67
Aluminium sales (kt) 268 279 70 64 72 65 78
South Africa Energy Coal (100%)
Energy coal production (kt) 24,979 22,672 6,710 6,292 5,493 5,659 5,228
Domestic sales (kt) 15,035 12,638 3,336 3,726 2,962 2,944 3,006
Export sales (kt) 9,875 9,715 3,122 1,977 2,877 2,681 2,180
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (100%)
Total coal production (kt) 6,647 7,006 1,605 2,082 1,613 1,359 1,952
Total coal sales(note 18) (kt) 6,306 7,284 1,516 1,848 1,771 1,594 2,071
Metallurgical coal production (kt) 5,350 5,549 1,278 1,651 1,208 1,167 1,523
Metallurgical coal sales (kt) 5,044 5,842 1,261 1,482 1,318 1,398 1,644
Energy coal production (kt) 1,297 1,457 327 431 405 192 429
Energy coal sales (kt) 1,262 1,442 255 366 453 196 427
Australia Manganese (60% share)
Manganese ore production (kwmt) 3,349 3,470 718 868 907 841 854
Manganese ore sales (kwmt) 3,438 3,440 916 852 885 775 928
Ore grade sold (%, Mn) 45.9 44.6 46.0 45.6 44.4 44.4 43.9
Manganese alloy production (kt) 154 110 40 28 29 24 29
Manganese alloy sales (kt) 151 116 46 32 26 31 27
South Africa Manganese (60% share)
Manganese ore production(note 9) (kwmt) 2,187 1,878 572 547 491 466 374
Manganese ore sales(note 9) (kwmt) 2,113 1,865 573 544 529 476 316
Ore grade sold (%, Mn) 40.5 40.1 41.7 40.4 39.6 39.8 40.8
Manganese alloy production (kt) 69 53 22 16 18 14 5
Manganese alloy sales (kt) 73 55 22 13 15 20 7
12
South32 share FY19 FY20 4Q19 1Q20 2Q20 3Q20 4Q20
Cerro Matoso (99.9% share)
Ore mined (kwmt) 2,278 2,839 424 668 732 641 798
Ore processed (kdmt) 2,738 2,761 703 712 677 693 679
Ore grade processed (%, Ni) 1.66 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.67 1.67 1.59
Payable nickel production (kt) 41.1 40.6 10.6 10.6 10.0 10.3 9.7
Payable nickel sales (kt) 41.2 40.6 10.8 10.0 10.4 10.2 10.0
Cannington (100%)
Ore mined (kwmt) 2,725 2,792 771 694 666 706 726
Ore processed (kdmt) 2,495 2,839 704 656 738 701 744
Silver ore grade processed (g/t, Ag) 184 156 172 168 162 134 161
Lead ore grade processed (%, Pb) 5.0 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.8 4.5 4.8
Zinc ore grade processed (%, Zn) 3.0 3.3 3.0 3.8 2.8 3.6 3.2
Payable Zinc equivalent production(note 10) (kt) 218. 238.0 60.1 60.5 59.6 54.4 63.5
Payable silver production (koz) 12,201 11,792 3,253 2,972 3,192 2,433 3,195
Payable silver sales (koz) 13,034 12,109 4,874 2,363 3,549 2,626 3,571
Payable lead production (kt) 101.4 110.4 28.3 26.5 28.8 25.0 30.1
Payable lead sales (kt) 101.5 108.1 41.7 20.6 31.2 22.8 33.5
Payable zinc production (kt) 51.6 66.7 14.6 18.4 14.1 17.3 16.9
Payable zinc sales (kt) 7.6 68.7 15.7 18.9 16.4 14.4 19.0
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 Media Relations
Alex Volante Rebecca Keenan Jenny White
T +61 8 9324 9029 T +61 8 9324 9364 T +44 20 7798 1773
M +61 403 328 408 M +61 402 087 055 M +44 7900 046 758
E Alex.Volante@south32.net E Rebecca.Keenan@south32.net E Jenny.White@south32.net
20 July 2020
JSE Sponsor: UBS South Africa (Pty) Ltd
13
Date: 20-07-2020 08:00:00
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