Harmony surface operations declined by 6%, as planned
The South African surface operations consist of the Kalgold open pit mine, the tailings retreatment operations which include Mine Waste Solutions, Phoenix, Central Plant reclamation, Savuka tailings and the rock dumps.
As Harmony mine out the rock dumps, total production from the South African surface operations declined by 6%, as planned, to 6 000kg (192 906oz) from 6 368kg (204 734oz) in the previous reporting period.
Cash operating costs increased by 19% to R719 241/kg (US$1 281/oz) in 9M FY23 from R604 427/kg (US$1 246/oz) in 9M FY22. AISC increased by 21% to R778 412/kg (US$1 387/oz) from R645 432/kg (US$1 331/oz). This was mainly due to the lower waste rock dump production and the increase in the cost of reagents, specifically cyanide.
Total capital expenditure increased by R499 million (US$26 million) to R791 million (US$45 million) in 9M FY23 from R292 million (US$19 million) in 9M FY22 as construction of the Kareerand tailings storage facility extension at Mine Waste Solutions continues.
