South African Manganese production increased by 4%, Australia’s by 8%

South32 has reported in its quarterly report, ending December 2022, that South Africa Manganese saleable production increased by 4% (or 40kwmt) to 1,093kwmt in the December 2022 half year, as improved mining performance was partially offset by planned maintenance in the December 2022 quarter.

FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 2,000kwmt, subject to market conditions and our continued use of higher cost trucking.

Sales increased by 18% in the December 2022 quarter as third-party rail and port availability progressively improved after Transnet’s industrial action was resolved in October 2022. Notwithstanding this strong quarterly performance, South32 did see a build in working capital during the December 2022 half year as a result of this disruption.

Australia Manganese saleable production increased by 8% (or 140kwmt) to a record of 1,844kwmt in the December 2022 half year as improved yields supported higher primary concentrator output.

Separately, the low-cost PC02 circuit continued to operate above its design capacity, delivering approximately 10% of production (FY22: 11%).

FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 3,400kwmt, with production volumes tracking ahead of plan prior to the commencement of the wet season.