Kumba Iron Ore updates on its projects
Sishen UHDMS
Execution of the Sishen UHDMS project continues to advance, with overall progress at ~60% and construction ~50% completed. Capex remains within the 2026 guidance of R3.0 – 3.2 billion, with total project capex unchanged at R11.2 billion.
The main tie-in remains on track for completion as scheduled before the end of 2026. Following commissioning, the converted UHDMS modules will operate in parallel with the existing DMS modules, providing processing flexibility and supporting production and sales guidance. The final conversion of the modules is expected as planned in 2028.
Sishen solar photovoltaic (PV) plant
Kumba announced on 23 July 2026, that the Company was entering into an offtake agreement with Envusa to receive renewable energy from a 63 MW solar PV plant that will be constructed at Sishen. Project execution is on track with the firstpiles (structures) for the solar panels expected to be delivered for construction before the end of the year. Upon project completion in 2028, together with Kolomela’s wheeled energy supply, Kumba’s total renewable energy penetration is expected to increase to ~45%.
Heavy mining fleet (HME) recapitalisation programme
In light of the current trading environment, we continue assessing our fleet recapitalisation programme through a risk-based, life cycle extension programme, informed by condition assessments and refurbishment capitalisation. This approach ensures that critical equipment is replaced where life extensions are not economically viable, and redundancy risk has been confirmed by the original equipment manufacturer. Detailed technical engineering work is underway on automation and decarbonisation benefits as part of the overall value-based decision criteria.
Full year 2026 guidance
Kumba production remains weighted to the first half of 2026 reflecting the tie-in of the UHDMS project in the second half of the year, with sales not expected to be impacted owing to the planned drawdown of finished stock. Subject to Transnet’s logistics performance and the impact of the Middle East conflict on key input costs, Kumba’s full year 2026 production guidance is 31 – 33 Mt.
