Anglo American PGMs refined production increased by 39% in Q3 2021
Metal in concentrate production: Own mined production decreased by 4% to 720,000 ounces, mainly due to a decrease of 12% at Mogalakwena from planned maintenance at the Mogalakwena North concentrator and lower grade material. In addition, there was planned concentrator downtime at Unki following the completion of debottlenecking projects. This was partly offset by higher production at Amandelbult of 7% to 218,300 ounces, reflecting the implementation of improvement plans, as well as the 19% increase at joint operations to 113,700 ounces, as a result of the year-on-year recovery from Covid-19.
Purchase of concentrate increased by 8% to 396,200 ounces, also largely due to the year-on-year recovery from Covid-19.
REFINED PRODUCTION
Refined production increased by 39% to 1,420,400 ounces, reflecting continued strong performance from the ACP Phase A unit following its successful start-up in November 2020. The ACP Phase B rebuild is on schedule for completion in Q4 2021.
Sales volumes increased by 54%, driven by higher refined production. The year to date average realised basket price of $2,868/PGM ounce reflects strong prices for rhodium and the minor metals, partly offset by higher than normal sales volumes of lower priced ruthenium.
FULL YEAR GUIDANCE
Production guidance (metal in concentrate) is unchanged at 4.2-4.4 million ounces(1). Refined production guidance is unchanged at 4.8-5.0 million ounces(2), subject to the potential impact of Eskom load-shedding. Both are subject to the extent of further Covid-19 related disruption.
(1) Metal in concentrate production is expected to be 1.9-2.0 million ounces of platinum, 1.35-1.40 million ounces of palladium and 0.95-1.0 million ounces of other PGMs and gold.
(2) Refined production is expected to be 2.2-2.3 million ounces of platinum, 1.55-1.60 million ounces of palladium and 1.05-1.1 million ounces of other PGMs and gold.
