Mozal and Hillside Aluminium smelters operate at max capacity
South32 Continued to operate aluminium smelters at their maximum technical capacity despite the impact of load-shedding.
South Africa’s Hillside Aluminium saleable production increased by 1% (or 2kt) to 180kt in the September 2020 quarter as the smelter continued to test its maximum technical capacity, despite the impact from load-shedding. FY21 production guidance (note 6) remains unchanged at 720kt.
Mozambique’s Mozal Aluminium saleable production increased by 1% (or 1kt) to 68kt in the September 2020 quarter as the smelter continued to test its maximum technical capacity, despite the impact from load-shedding. FY21 production guidance (note 5) remains unchanged at 273kt.
Australia’s Worsley Alumina saleable alumina production decreased by 5% (or 54kt) to 963kt in the September 2020 quarter as a scheduled calciner shut was completed.
Hydrate production increased by 4% (or 43kt) to 1,010kt with the hydrate circuit operating at a record annualised rate of 4.65mtpa (100% basis). FY21 production guidance remains unchanged at 3,965kt with the refinery on track to sustainably achieve nameplate capacity.
Brazil Alumina saleable production increased by 3% (or 11kt) to 352kt in the September 2020 quarter as the refinery benefitted from increased plant availability. FY21 production guidance remains unchanged at 1,370kt with planned maintenance scheduled in the December 2020 quarter.