South32 reports on quarterly production of alumina and aluminium

Worsley Alumina saleable production increased by 2% (or 43kt) to 1,893kt in the December 2025 half year, with quarterly production growth of 3% (or 25kt) following completion of planned calciner maintenance in the September 2025 quarter. FY26 production guidance remains unchanged at 3,750kt.

Brazil Alumina saleable production increased by 4% (or 27kt) to a record 709kt in the December 2025 half year, as the refinery operated above nameplate capacity. FY26 production guidance remains unchanged at 1,360kt.

Brazil Aluminium saleable production increased by 16% (or 10kt) to 74kt in the December 2025 half year, as the smelter continued to ramp-up all three potlines. Despite this growth, production in the December 2025 quarter was below plan due to unplanned pot outages in potlines two and three and external energy disruptions late in the period. The smelter’s operator is implementing measures to improve stability and continue the ramp-up of all three potlines.

Production guidance is under review as South32 awaits the operator’s revised ramp-up profile. The company will provide revised production guidance with its December 2025 half year financial results.

Sales increased by 55% in the December 2025 quarter due to a carry-over export shipment from the prior quarter.                                                                                                                            

Hillside Aluminium saleable production was unchanged at 362kt in the December 2025 half year, as the smelter continued to test its maximum technical capacity, despite the impact of load-shedding. FY26 production guidance remains unchanged at 720kt.

Sales increased by 11% in the December 2025 quarter due to a carry-over shipment from the prior quarter.

Mozal Aluminium saleable production increased by 3% (or 5kt) to 183kt in the December 2025 half year. Production decreased by 3% (or 3kt) in the December 2025 quarter as South32 stopped pot relining and commenced work to place the smelter on care and maintenance in March 2026, when the current electricity supply agreement expires. FY26 production guidance for the period to March 2026 remains unchanged at 240kt.

Sales decreased by 38% in the December 2025 quarter, as a shipment slipped to the March 2026 quarter, and South32 managed customer commitments ahead of the smelter transitioning to care and maintenance. Inventory will be drawn down during the June 2026 half year.