South32 reports on quarterly copper, zinc and nickel production

Sierra Gorda payable copper equivalent production was largely unchanged at 47.0kt in the December 2025 half year, as the operation achieved planned plant throughput and copper production, and increased molybdenum production by 33% due to higher recoveries in the current mining phase.

Strong first half molybdenum, gold and silver volumes position the operation to potentially exceed current FY26 payable copper equivalent production of 85.7kt, if these by-product trends continue through the remainder of the year.

Sierra Gorda is nearing completion of the feasibility study for the fourth grinding line project, which has the potential to increase plant throughput by ~20% to ~58Mtpa (100% basis), for review by the joint venture partners.

Cannington payable zinc equivalent production2 decreased by 18% (or 23.0kt) to 102.8kt in the December 2025 half year, while quarterly production improved by 13% (or 6.2kt) as the operation exceeded planned processing rates and realised higher silver and zinc grades in accordance with the mine plan. FY26 payable zinc equivalent production guidance remains unchanged at 200.6kt.

Cerro Matoso payable nickel production was 15.0kt in the five months prior to its divestment on 1 December 2025.