Hillside smelter continues to test its maximum technical capacity
South 32 Production Summary reports Worsley Alumina saleable production increased by 1% (or 34kt) to 2,861kt in the nine months ended March 2024 with planned calciner maintenance completed in the September 2023 and March 2024 quarters. FY24 production guidance remains unchanged at 4,000kt, with the refinery expected to achieve nameplate production rates (4.6Mtpa, 100% basis) in the June 2024 quarter.
South 32 realised a circa 2% premium to the Platts Alumina index[17] on a volume weighted M-1 basis for alumina sales in the nine months ended March 2024, which reflected market based prices with the exception of a legacy supply contract with Mozal Aluminium which is linked to the LME aluminium price.
During the March 2024 quarter, South 32 converted our second coal-fired boiler to natural gas, which will further reduce the refinery’s coal consumption and operational greenhouse gas emissions.
Brazil Alumina saleable production decreased by 7% (or 72kt) to 953kt in the nine months ended March 2024 due to the previously reported impact of third-party power outages and unplanned maintenance. FY24 production guidance remains unchanged at 1,300kt.
Brazil Aluminium saleable production increased by 69% (or 31kt) to 76kt in the nine months ended March 2024 as the smelter continued to ramp up all three potlines. FY24 production guidance remains unchanged at 100kt.
HILLSIDE ALUMINIUM
Hillside Aluminium saleable production increased by 1kt to an equal record of 540kt in the nine months ended March 2024 as the smelter continued to test its maximum technical capacity, despite the impact of load-shedding.
FY24 production guidance remains unchanged at 720kt[16].
Sales increased by 33% in the March 2024 quarter with three carry-over shipments from the prior quarter supporting a drawdown in inventory.
MOZAL ALUMINIUM
Mozal Aluminium saleable production decreased by 10% (or 26kt) to 237kt in the nine months ended March 2024, as the smelter continued to implement its recovery plan, while managing the impact of load-shedding.
Saleable production volumes in the March 2024 quarter were in line with our previously revised guidance, and metal production was returned to 100% LME-grade quality by the end of the quarter. FY24 production guidance remains unchanged at 320kt[16].
Sales decreased by 36% in the March 2024 quarter due to lower product availability and the timing of shipments.
