Another strong performance by South32’s African smelters

Hillside Aluminium (South Africa) saleable production decreased 1kt to 361kt in the December 2020 half year as the smelter continued to test its maximum technical capacity, despite the impact from load-shedding. FY21 production guidance remains unchanged at 720kt.

During the December 2020 quarter Eskom submitted a new energy supply agreement for the smelter to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). The new agreement is to cover power supplied for a 10-year period with a tariff that is South African rand based. The NERSA review process is expected to conclude during the June 2021 half year.

Mozal Aluminium (Mozambique) saleable production increased by 1% (or 1kt) to 135kt in the December 2020 half year as the smelter continued to test its maximum technical capacity, despite the impact from load-shedding. FY21 production guidance (Note 7) remains unchanged at 273kt.

Worsley Alumina (Australia) saleable alumina production increased by 4% (or 77kt) to a record 2,010kt in the December 2020 half year, with the refinery benefitting from improvement initiatives that supported output above nameplate capacity of 4.6Mt (100% basis).

FY21 production guidance remains unchanged at 3,965kt with calciner maintenance scheduled in the March 2021 quarter.

Brazil Alumina saleable production increased by 1% (or 4kt) to a record 706kt in the December 2020 half year as the refinery continued to benefit from increased plant availability. Having successfully completed planned maintenance during the quarter. FY21 production guidance remains unchanged at 1,370kt.