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SOUTH32 LIMITED - Quarterly Report March 2023

Release Date: 24/04/2023 07:30
Code(s): S32     PDF:  
Wrap Text
Quarterly Report March 2023


South32 Limited
(Incorporated in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth))
(ACN 093 732 597)
ASX / LSE / JSE Share Code: S32; ADR: SOUHY
ISIN: AU000000S320
south32.net


QUARTERLY REPORT
March 2023

•      Group copper equivalent production [1] increased by 7% year to date, as our recent investments delivered
       strong growth in copper and low-carbon aluminium [2], and Australia Manganese achieved record production.

•      Improved market conditions supported higher prices across most of our commodities
       quarter-on-quarter, with strong price realisations for our premium hard coking coal and manganese products.

•      While we remain on-track to meet FY23 production guidance at the majority of our operations, Group production was below plan in
       the March 2023 quarter due to adverse weather and other temporary impacts.

•      FY23 Operating unit cost guidance has been held largely unchanged and Group capital expenditure guidance is unchanged, as we
       remain focused on delivering efficiencies to mitigate cost pressures.

•      Aluminium production increased by 15% year to date as Hillside Aluminium continued to test its technical capacity and we realised the
       benefit of our increased ownership of Mozal Aluminium and planned ramp-up of Brazil Aluminium.

•      At Mozal Aluminium, we reduced output to enable a safe recovery plan following the fatal incident in November 2022,
       with this work impacted by local flooding in the quarter. FY23 production guidance is revised down by 8%.

•      Brazil Alumina lifted production by 6% year to date and Worsley Alumina completed planned calciner maintenance.

•      Sierra Gorda delivered strong volume growth in copper and remains on-track to achieve FY23 production guidance.

•      Cannington experienced severe wet weather during the quarter which resulted in a temporary suspension of mining activity and
       prevented a rebuild in mining stocks, with FY23 production guidance revised down by 6%.

•      Cerro Matoso nickel production year to date was largely unchanged, reflecting a temporary reduction in access to higher grade ore in
       the quarter, with FY23 production guidance revised down by 7%.

•      Australia Manganese achieved record production and a 6% increase in year to date volumes, supporting a
       3% increase in FY23 production guidance.

•      South Africa Manganese increased production by 5% year to date and remains on-track to achieve FY23 guidance.

•      Illawarra Metallurgical Coal’s Appin mine encountered challenging strata conditions in the quarter, resulting in lower longwall
       productivity and a 7% reduction in FY23 production guidance.

South32 Chief Executive Officer, Graham Kerr: “Group-wide copper equivalent production increased by seven per cent, following
investments last year which added copper to our portfolio and increased our share of low-carbon aluminium.

“Manganese ore production has increased by six per cent year-on-year, with Australia Manganese achieving record
production. The Eastern Leases project at Australia Manganese has been approved, extending the life of the operation and unlocking
significant value.

“Several operations faced challenging conditions during the quarter, with production guidance revised down as a result. At Mozal
Aluminium, we reduced output as the team continued to work through their recovery plan following the devastating loss of two of our
colleagues in November, with efforts hampered by severe flooding in the local area.
We also temporarily suspended mining activity at Cannington during the quarter to enable the safe return to operations following heavy
rainfall.

“Our strong financial position enabled us to return US$31 million to shareholders via our on-market share buy-back in the quarter, with a
further US$128 million still to be returned. Separately, we paid a fully-franked interim dividend of US$223 million following the end of the
period.

“We remain well positioned to capitalise on improved market conditions, with higher production volumes expected to finish the 2023
financial year and Operating unit cost and capital expenditure guidance held largely unchanged.

“We continue to reshape our portfolio towards commodities critical to a low-carbon future, progressing construction and development
studies at Hermosa and adding the prospective Chita Valley copper project to our portfolio of greenfield options.”

    Production summary
    South32 share                                                     9M YTD22          9M YTD23             YoY         3Q22              2Q23       3Q23            QoQ
    Alumina production (kt)                                              3,927             3,852             (2%)       1,317             1,356      1,239            (9%)
    Aluminium production (kt)                                              737               847              15%         243               289        279            (3%)
    Payable copper production (kt)                                         8.4              53.4             536%         8.4              18.9       15.5           (18%)
    Payable silver production (koz)                                     10,363             8,291             (20%)        8.4
                                                                                                                        3,653             3,064      2,479           (19%)
    Payable lead production (kt)                                          94.8              73.4             (23%)       34.6              27.8       21.0           (24%)
    Payable zinc production (kt)                                          49.1              43.0             (12%)       16.4              16.4       12.6           (23%)
    Payable nickel production (kt)                                        30.9              30.6              (1%)       10.6              10.8       10.2            (6%)
    Metallurgical coal production (kt)                                   4,332             3,993              (8%)      1,565             1,483      1,240           (16%)
    Manganese ore production (kwmt)                                      3,963             4,198               6%       1,206             1,477      1,261           (15%)
  
    Unless otherwise noted: percentage variance relates to performance during the nine months ended March 2023 compared with the nine months ended March 2022 (YoY), or the March 2023 quarter
    compared with the December 2022 quarter (QoQ); production and sales volumes are reported on an attributable basis.

CORPORATE UPDATE

•    We continued to implement our multi-year Safety Improvement Program, designed to fundamentally shift our safety performance.
     During the quarter, we progressed work to enhance leadership capability and ensure the sustained effectiveness of enabling systems.

•    We advanced decarbonisation programs to support our target [3] to halve our operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2035,
     including the conversion of the first onsite boiler at Worsley Alumina from coal to natural gas, which is
     expected be completed in mid CY23.

•    FY23 Operating unit cost guidance has been held largely unchanged, with guidance increased at Cannington and
     Illawarra Metallurgical Coal due to lower planned volumes. All other FY23 Operating unit cost guidance and
     Group capital expenditure guidance is unchanged, as we remain focused on delivering efficiencies to mitigate cost pressures.

•    Our manganese joint venture approved the Eastern Leases South life extension project, which will extend the life of our low-cost
     Australia Manganese operation to at least FY28 [4]. We are completing additional study work on areas within our existing operating
     footprint and in the Southern Areas to potentially extend the operation’s life into the next decade. We expect to invest US$44M over
     FY24 and FY25 to complete the life extension project, unlocking significant value.

•    Consistent with our focus on adding prospective base metals options, we exercised our earn-in right to acquire a 50.1% interest and
     operatorship of the Chita Valley copper exploration project in the San Juan province of Argentina. The exercise of our earn-in right
     follows a three-year exploration partnership at Chita Valley with Minsud Resources Corp. The transaction is expected to be completed 
     in the March 2024 quarter.

•    We finished the March 2023 quarter with net debt [5] of US$298M as improved commodity prices were offset by a further build in our
     aluminium working capital position and the continuation of shareholder returns under our capital management program. While
     aluminium sales volumes are expected to increase in the June 2023 quarter as we drawdown inventory, the timing of sales is expected
     to result in an elevated working capital position at 30 June 2023.

•    We received net distributions [6] of US$33M (South32 share) during the March 2023 quarter from our manganese equity accounted
     investment (EAI) (US$93M in the nine months ended March 2023). Excess cash held in both the manganese and Sierra Gorda EAIs is
     expected to be distributed to partners in the June 2023 quarter.

•    Our strong financial position supported the purchase of a further 11 million shares via our on-market share
     buy-back at an average price of A$4.27, enabling returns of US$31M in the March 2023 quarter (US$173M at an average price of
     A$3.93 in the nine months ended March 2023). Our US$2.3B capital management program is 94% complete with US$128M remaining
     to be returned ahead of its extension or expiry on 1 September 2023 [7].

•    We have revised FY23 guidance for Underlying net finance costs to US$190M (from US$150M), reflecting the Group’s balance sheet
     position at the end of the March 2023 quarter.

•    Following the end of the period, we paid a fully-franked interim dividend of US$223M in respect of the
     December 2022 half year.

                                                                                            
DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLORATION UPDATE

Hermosa project

•    We invested US$176M at our Hermosa project in the nine months ended March 2023 as we continued critical path activity and study
     work for the Taylor zinc-lead-silver deposit and the Clark battery-grade manganese-zinc-silver deposit.

•    We progressed construction of the second water treatment plant, which remains on-track to be commissioned in the June 2023
     quarter. Dewatering is a critical path activity which will enable access to both the Taylor and Clark deposits.

•    At Clark, we completed the collection of bulk samples to support initial pilot plant production of battery-grade manganese in mid
     CY23. We also signed our first non-binding, non-exclusive memorandum of understanding for the future potential supply of battery-
     grade material to the North American market.

•    We directed US$12M to capitalised exploration in the nine months ended March 2023 as we continued exploration programs at
     Taylor and Clark and the copper-lead-zinc-silver Peake prospect [8]. Exploration drilling at the Flux prospect [9] is expected
     to commence in the September 2023 quarter following the receipt of approvals.

Ambler Metals project

•    Our 50% share of capitalised exploration for the Ambler Metals joint venture was US$9M in the nine months ended
     March 2023 as the CY22 summer exploration program was completed and the joint venture progressed work on the pre-feasibility
     study for the polymetallic Arctic deposit.

•    Following the end of the period, we agreed to invest US$1.2M in Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSX:TMQ, Trilogy), our partner in the Ambler
     Metals joint venture, taking our equity ownership in Trilogy to 12.0%.

Greenfield exploration

•    We invested US$28M in our greenfield exploration opportunities in the nine months ended March 2023, as we progressed multiple
     programs targeting base metals in Australia, USA, Canada, Argentina, Peru and Ireland.

Other exploration

•    We invested US$47M (US$31M capitalised) in exploration programs at our existing operations and development options in the nine
     months ended March 2023, including US$12M at the Hermosa project (noted above, all capitalised), US$9M at Ambler Metals 
     (noted above, all capitalised), US$2M for our manganese EAI (US$1M capitalised) and US$5M for our Sierra Gorda EAI (US$2M capitalised).


PRODUCTION SUMMARY

     Production guidance
                                                                                    FY22             9M YTD23              FY23e(a)     Guidance comments
     (South32 share)
     Worsley Alumina
                                                                                                                                        Guidance unchanged
     Alumina production (kt)                                                        3,991                2,827                 4,000    Calciner maintenance in
                                                                                                                                        Q1 FY23 and Q3 FY23
     Brazil Alumina (non-operated)
                                                                                                                                        Guidance reduced by 4% (from
     Alumina production (kt)                                                        1,297                1,025            down 1,340    1,395kt) due to a temporary
                                                                                                                                        conveyor outage
     Brazil Aluminium (non-operated)
                                                                                                                                        Guidance unchanged
     Aluminium production (kt)                                                        0.3                 45.3                    75    Smelter continues to
                                                                                                                                        ramp-up to nameplate
     Hillside Aluminium [10]
     Aluminium production (kt)                                                        714                  539                   720     Guidance unchanged
     
     Mozal Aluminium [10, 11]
                                                                                                                                        Guidance reduced by 8%
                                                                                                                                        (from 370kt) as we temporarily
     Aluminium production (kt)                                                        278                  263              down 340    reduced output to support a safe
                                                                                                                                        recovery plan and manage
                                                                                                                                        weather impacts in Q3 FY23
     Sierra Gorda (non-operated)
     Payable copper equivalent production [12] (kt)                                  30.6                 63.9                  89.0
     Payable copper production (kt)                                                  25.3                 53.4                  71.8
     Payable molybdenum production (kt)                                               0.4                  0.7                   1.5     Guidance unchanged
     Payable gold production (koz)                                                    9.6                 21.5                  29.9
     Payable silver production (koz)                                                  253                  476                   582
     
     Cannington
     Payable zinc equivalent production [13] (kt)                                   224.2                139.8            down 195.9    Guidance reduced by 6% (from
     Payable silver production (koz)                                               12,946                7,815           down 11,000    209.4kt payable zinc equivalent
     Payable lead production (kt)                                                   120.6                 73.4            down 102.0    [13]) due to severe wet weather
     Payable zinc production (kt)                                                    64.5                 43.0             down 60.5    in Q3 FY23
     
     Cerro Matoso
                                                                                                                                        Guidance reduced by 7% (from
                                                                                                                                        43.5kt) due to a temporary
     Payable nickel production (kt)                                                  41.7                 30.6             down 40.5    reduction in access to higher
                                                                                                                                        grade ore
     
     Illawarra Metallurgical Coal
     Total coal production (kt)                                                     6,509                4,767            down 6,500    Guidance reduced by 7%
     Metallurgical coal production (kt)                                             5,712                3,993            down 5,500    (from 7.0Mt) as Appin encountered
     Energy coal production (kt)                                                      797                  774                 1,000    challenging strata conditions
                                                                                                                                        in Q3 FY23
     
     Australia Manganese
                                                                                                                                        Guidance increased by 3% (from
     Manganese ore production (kwmt)                                                3,363                2,676            down 3,500    3,400kwmt) with improved primary output
     
     South Africa Manganese
                                                                                                                                        Guidance unchanged
     Manganese ore production (kwmt)                                                2,069                1,522                 2,000    Subject to demand and our
                                                                                                                                        continued use of higher cost
                                                                                                                                        trucking

a.      The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year. All guidance is subject to further potential impacts from COVID-19.




WORSLEY ALUMINA (86% SHARE)
                                                                                                                           3Q23         3Q23
                                                          9M         9M
South32 share                                                                  YoY          3Q22       2Q23      3Q23        vs           vs
                                                        YTD22      YTD23
                                                                                                                           3Q22         2Q23


Alumina production (kt)                                  2,961     2,827       (5%)           982     1,002        905      (8%)        (10%)


Alumina sales (kt)                                       2,856     2,706       (5%)           910       976        845      (7%)        (13%)


Worsley Alumina saleable production decreased by 5% (or 134kt) to 2,827kt in the nine months ended March 2023 with planned calciner
maintenance in the September 2022 and March 2023 quarters. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 4,000kt, with the refinery
expected to achieve nameplate production rates in the June 2023 quarter.


BRAZIL ALUMINA (36% SHARE)
                                                                                                                           3Q23        3Q23
                                                         9M         9M
South32 share                                                                  YoY         3Q22       2Q23      3Q23         vs          vs
                                                       YTD22      YTD23
                                                                                                                           3Q22        2Q23


Alumina production (kt)                                   966      1,025        6%           335       354        334       (0%)         (6%)


Alumina sales (kt)                                        932       995         7%           306       365        317        4%        (13%)


Brazil Alumina saleable production increased by 6% (or 59kt) to 1,025kt in the nine months ended March 2023, following the bauxite ship
unloader outage in the prior period.

In late March 2023, the belt system that conveys raw materials from the port failed and the refinery reduced production to manage
bauxite inventories. The belt system was repaired in April 2023 and the refinery has since returned to normal production levels. Due to this
temporary outage, FY23 production guidance has been reduced by 4% to 1,340kt.

Notwithstanding lower planned volumes, FY23 Operating unit costs are expected to be approximately 5% below H1 FY23 (US$364/t) 
as raw material and energy prices continue to moderate.





BRAZIL ALUMINIUM (40% SHARE)
                                                                                                                             3Q23       3Q23
                                                           9M        9M
South32 share                                                                   YoY          3Q22       2Q23      3Q23         vs         vs
                                                         YTD22     YTD23
                                                                                                                             3Q22       2Q23


Aluminium production (kt)                                     -      45.3       N/A               -      15.4      21.6       N/A        40%


Aluminium sales (kt)                                          -      41.9       N/A               -      16.1      22.5       N/A        40%


Brazil Aluminium saleable production was 45.3kt in the nine months ended March 2023, following the successful restart of the smelter in
the June 2022 quarter. Production improved by 40% (or 6.2kt) in the March 2023 quarter as all three potlines ramped-up toward
nameplate capacity as planned. FY23 and FY24 production guidance remains unchanged at 75kt and 148kt respectively.


HILLSIDE ALUMINIUM (100% SHARE)
                                                                                                                             3Q23       3Q23
                                                           9M        9M
South32 share                                                                   YoY          3Q22       2Q23      3Q23         vs         vs
                                                         YTD22     YTD23
                                                                                                                             3Q22       2Q23


Aluminium production (kt)                                  535        539        1%            177       183        177        0%        (3%)


Aluminium sales (kt)                                       515        534        4%            179       175        197       10%        13%


Hillside Aluminium saleable production increased by 1% (or 4kt) to 539kt in the nine months ended March 2023 as the smelter continued
to test its maximum technical capacity despite the impact of elevated load-shedding. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 720kt [10].

Sales increased by 13% in the March 2023 quarter with two carry-over shipments from the prior quarter supporting a drawdown in
inventory.

While the cost profile of Hillside Aluminium will continue to be heavily influenced by the South African rand and the price of raw materials,
we expect FY23 Operating unit costs to be largely in-line with H1 FY23 (US$2,276/t).


MOZAL ALUMINIUM (63.7% [11] SHARE)
                                                                                                                             3Q23       3Q23
                                                           9M        9M
South32 share                                                                   YoY          3Q22       2Q23      3Q23         vs         vs
                                                         YTD22     YTD23
                                                                                                                             3Q22       2Q23


Aluminium production (kt)                                  202        263       30%             66         90        81       23%       (10%)


Aluminium sales (kt)                                       188        220       17%             66         90        43     (35%)       (52%)


Mozal Aluminium saleable production increased by 30% (or 61kt) to 263kt in the nine months ended March 2023, reflecting our increased
ownership of the smelter [11]. During the March 2023 quarter, we made the decision to temporarily reduce amperage at the smelter to
support the safe recovery of operations following the fatal incident in November 2022. The recovery plan was impacted by resourcing constraints 
during the quarter as significant floods restricted the movement of people and equipment to the smelter. FY23 production guidance has been reduced 
by 8% to 340kt [10], with the smelter expected to return to nameplate capacity during the September 2023 quarter.
FY24 production guidance is unchanged at 370kt [10].

The execution of the recovery plan also resulted in a temporary reduction in metal quality. During the quarter, approximately 35% of
production was below specification and sales volumes decreased by 52% (or 47kt) as we assessed commercial alternatives for this material.
We have now commenced shipments of this material, achieving realised prices that reflect a modest discount to our other LME-linked
aluminium sales. Sales volumes are expected to increase to approximately 100kt in the June 2023 quarter as inventory is drawn down and
product quality improves in-line with the recovery plan.

The temporary reduction in sales volumes is expected to have a modest impact on FY23 Operating unit costs, with
FY23 Operating unit costs expected to be approximately 5% above H1 FY23 (US$2,237/t) subject to the price of raw materials.




SIERRA GORDA (45% SHARE)
                                                                                                                             3Q23       3Q23
                                                           9M        9M
 South32 share                                                                  YoY          3Q22       2Q23      3Q23         vs         vs
                                                         YTD22     YTD23
                                                                                                                             3Q22       2Q23

 Payable copper equivalent production [12] (kt)            10.3      63.9      520%           10.3       22.3      19.0       84%       (15%)

 Payable copper production (kt)                             8.4      53.4      536%             8.4      18.9      15.5       85%       (18%)

 Payable copper sales (kt)                                 11.1      53.8      385%           11.1       19.2      15.4       39%       (20%)


Sierra Gorda payable copper equivalent production [12] was 63.9kt in the nine months ended March 2023.
Payable copper equivalent production decreased by 15% to 19.0kt in the March 2023 quarter, reflecting a lower average copper grade in
accordance with the mine plan, and lower plant throughput as wet weather caused a temporary sub-station outage. 
FY23 payable copper equivalent production guidance of 89.0kt remains unchanged, with mill throughput expected to improve in the June 2023 quarter.

Work continued on the plant de-bottlenecking project, with construction of the third tailings thickener completed in the quarter. The de-
bottlenecking project is targeting an increase in plant throughput of 48 to 49Mtpa (100% basis), while feasibility study work continues on
the potential fourth grinding line expansion.


CANNINGTON (100% SHARE)
                                                                                                                             3Q23       3Q23
                                                           9M        9M
 South32 share                                                                  YoY          3Q22       2Q23      3Q23         vs         vs
                                                         YTD22     YTD23
                                                                                                                             3Q22       2Q23

 Payable zinc equivalent production [13] (kt)             175.3     139.8     (20%)           61.3       52.7      41.0     (33%)       (22%)


 Payable silver production (koz)                        10,278      7,815     (24%)          3,568      2,906     2,341     (34%)       (19%)


 Payable silver sales (koz)                               9,536     7,495     (21%)          2,818      3,379     2,412     (14%)       (29%)


 Payable lead production (kt)                              94.8      73.4     (23%)           34.6       27.8      21.0     (39%)       (24%)


 Payable lead sales (kt)                                   91.2      73.0     (20%)           27.9       32.6      21.7     (22%)       (33%)


 Payable zinc production (kt)                              49.1      43.0     (12%)           16.4       16.4      12.6     (23%)       (23%)


 Payable zinc sales (kt)                                   50.1      36.3     (28%)           17.3       12.6        8.8    (49%)       (30%)


Cannington payable zinc equivalent production [13] decreased by 20% (or 35.5kt) to 139.8kt in the nine months ended March 2023, due to
lower mill throughput and labour constraints in the first half of the 2023 financial year and severe wet weather in the March 2023 quarter. 
During the quarter, we temporarily suspended mining activity to ensure safety of the underground operation following the heavy rainfall, 
while the movement of people and critical supplies to site was also disrupted by widespread flooding. As a result, payable zinc equivalent 
production decreased by 22% (or 11.7kt) in the quarter and the operation was unable to rebuild run of mine stocks.

FY23 production guidance has been reduced by 6% to 195.9kt payable zinc equivalent (silver 11,000koz, lead 102.0kt and zinc 60.5kt). 
The revised guidance reflects an expected 10% reduction in ore processed (to 2,200kdmt), partly offset by higher zinc, lead and silver grades,
with the transition to 100% truck haulage providing access to higher grade material. We expect run of mine stock availability and more complex 
underground mining conditions to constrain output in FY24, with production guidance reduced by 8% to 215.3kt payable zinc equivalent
(ore processed 2,400kdmt, silver 12,500koz, lead 115.0kt and zinc 62.0kt).

Due to the lower planned volumes, we have revised FY23 Operating unit cost guidance to US$152/t ore processed (from US$141/t).




CERRO MATOSO (99.9% SHARE)
                                                                                                                           3Q23       3Q23
                                                          9M        9M
 South32 share                                                                 YoY          3Q22      2Q23      3Q23         vs         vs
                                                        YTD22     YTD23
                                                                                                                           3Q22       2Q23

 Payable nickel production (kt)                           30.9      30.6      (1%)           10.6      10.8      10.2       (4%)      (6%)

 Payable nickel sales (kt)                                29.9      30.4        2%            9.8      10.8      10.6        8%       (2%)


Cerro Matoso payable nickel production was largely unchanged at 30.6kt in the nine months ended March 2023. Production decreased by
6% (or 0.6kt) to 10.2kt in the March 2023 quarter due to lower ore availability from the higher grade Q&P pit, as road access was temporarily 
restricted due to an environmental order. This order was lifted by the end of the quarter and truck haulage of Q&P material has resumed. 
Due to lower volumes of this higher grade ore, FY23 production guidance has been reduced by 7% to 40.5kt.

FY23 Operating unit cost guidance is held unchanged at US$4.99/lb with the benefit of a weaker Colombian peso (USD:COP exchange rate of 4,688) 
and lower price-linked royalties, expected to offset lower planned volumes.

Sales declined 2% in the March 2023 quarter. Price realisations for our ferronickel product remain dislocated from the LME Nickel index
due to market dynamics. Our realised price for nickel sales for the nine months ended March 2023 was US$8.31/lb.


ILLAWARRA METALLURGICAL COAL (100% SHARE)
                                                                                                                           3Q23       3Q23
                                                          9M        9M
 South32 share                                                                 YoY          3Q22      2Q23      3Q23         vs         vs
                                                        YTD22     YTD23
                                                                                                                           3Q22       2Q23

 Total coal production (kt)                              4,926     4,767      (3%)          1,781     1,736     1,436     (19%)       (17%)

 Total coal sales [14] (kt)                              4,720     4,662      (1%)          1,465     1,795     1,477        1%       (18%)

 Metallurgical coal production (kt)                      4,332     3,993      (8%)          1,565     1,483     1,240     (21%)       (16%)

 Metallurgical coal sales (kt)                           4,235     3,873      (9%)          1,358     1,485     1,195     (12%)       (20%)

 Energy coal production (kt)                               594       774       30%           216        253       196       (9%)      (23%)

 Energy coal sales (kt)                                    485       789       63%           107        310       282      164%        (9%)


Illawarra Metallurgical Coal saleable production decreased by 3% (or 159kt) to 4.8Mt in the nine months ended March 2023, with production 
decreasing by 17% (or 300kt) in the March 2023 quarter as challenging strata conditions were encountered at the Appin mine.

Improved longwall performance and production is expected at Appin in the June 2023 quarter, while a longwall move is scheduled at
Dendrobium. FY23 production guidance has been reduced by 7% to 6.5Mt (metallurgical coal 5.5Mt and energy coal 1.0Mt) to reflect lower
year to date volumes. FY24 production guidance is unchanged at 5.3Mt.

Due to the lower planned volumes, we have revised FY23 Operating unit cost guidance to US$127/t (from US$119/t).

Sales decreased by 18% in the March 2023 quarter due to lower product availability. Notwithstanding, we achieved strong price
realisations for our premium quality hard coking coal product, with our realised prices representing a premium of circa 4% to the low-
volatile hard coking coal index [15] on a M-1 basis.





AUSTRALIA MANGANESE                                (60% SHARE)
                                                                                                                             3Q23       3Q23
                                                           9M        9M
 South32 share                                                                  YoY          3Q22       2Q23      3Q23         vs         vs
                                                         YTD22     YTD23
                                                                                                                             3Q22       2Q23

 Manganese ore production (kwmt)                          2,519     2,676        6%            815        946       832        2%       (12%)

 Manganese ore sales (kwmt)                               2,512     2,395       (5%)           775        873       743       (4%)      (15%)


Australia Manganese saleable production increased by 6% (or 157kwmt) to a record of 2,676kwmt in the nine months ended March 2023,
as improved yields supported higher primary concentrator output and the operation drew down stockpiles in the quarter, as planned, to
manage wet season mining constraints. FY23 production guidance has been increased by 3% to 3,500kwmt, reflecting the operation’s
strong year to date performance.

We recorded improved price realisations in the March 2023 quarter, achieving the high grade 44% manganese lump ore index [16] on a M-1 
basis, despite our low-cost PC02 circuit continuing to operate above its design capacity, contributing approximately 10% of production
(9M YTD22: 12%).

Due to in-land logistics constraints and timing of sales, we expect to hold elevated inventory positions at 30 June 2023. Inventories are
expected to be drawn down in the September 2023 quarter.


SOUTH AFRICA MANGANESE (ORE 54.6% SHARE)
                                                                                                                             3Q23       3Q23
                                                           9M        9M
 South32 share                                                                  YoY          3Q22       2Q23      3Q23         vs         vs
                                                         YTD22     YTD23
                                                                                                                             3Q22       2Q23

 Manganese ore production (kwmt)                          1,444     1,522        5%            391        531       429       10%       (19%)

 Manganese ore sales (kwmt)                               1,589     1,524       (4%)           495        559       492       (1%)      (12%)

South Africa Manganese saleable production increased by 5% (or 78kwmt) to 1,522kwmt in the nine months ended March 2023, as improved mining 
performance more than offset the impact of wet weather disruptions in the quarter. FY23 production guidance remains unchanged at 2,000kwmt, 
subject to market conditions and our continued use of higher cost trucking.




NOTES
1.    Group payable copper equivalent production calculated by applying year to date FY23 production volumes and FY22 realised prices for all operations (except for Brazil
      Aluminium which is based on FY22 average index prices for aluminium).

2.    Refers to aluminium produced using renewable power.

3.    Target is defined as an intended outcome in relation to which we have identified one or more pathways for delivery of that outcome, subject to certain assumptions or
      conditions. Our medium-term target is to halve our operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2035 compared to our FY21 baseline. FY21 baseline adjusted to exclude
      GHG emissions from South Africa Energy Coal and TEMCO, which were divested in FY21.

4.    Australia Manganese Production Targets cautionary statement: The information in this announcement that refers to Production Target and forecast financial information is
      based on Proved (70.2%) and Probable (4.9%) Ore Reserves and Measured (21.3%) and Indicated (3.6%) Mineral Resources. The Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves
      underpinning the Production Target have been prepared by Joshua Harvey and Ursula Sandilands, Competent Persons in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code. The Mineral
      Resources and Ore Reserves estimates are available to view in South32’s FY22 Annual Report (www.south32.net) published on 9 September 2022. The stated Production
      Target is based on South32’s current expectations of future results or events and should not be solely relied upon by investors when making investment decisions. Further
      evaluation work and appropriate studies are required to establish sufficient confidence that this target will be met. South32 confirms that inclusion of 3.6% of tonnage from
      Indicated Mineral Resources is not the determining factor of the project viability and the project forecasts a positive financial performance when using 96.4% of the
      tonnage. South32 is satisfied, therefore, that the use of Indicated Mineral Resources in the Production Target and forecast financial information reporting is reasonable.

5.    Net debt number is unaudited and should not be considered as an indication of or alternative to an IFRS measure of profitability, financial performance or liquidity.

6.    Net distributions from our material equity accounted investments (manganese and Sierra Gorda) includes net debt movements and dividends, which are unaudited and
      should not be considered as an indication of or alternative to an IFRS measure of profitability, financial performance or liquidity.

7.    Since inception, US$1.7B has been allocated to the on-market share buy-back (762M shares at an average price of A$3.02 per share)
      and US$525M returned in the form of special dividends.

8.    Peake Prospect Exploration Target: The information in this announcement that relates to the Exploration Target for Peake Prospect is extracted from “Hermosa Project
      Update” published on 17 January 2022 and is available to view on www.south32.net. The information was prepared by
      D Bertuch, Competent Person in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code. South32 confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially
      affects the information included in the original market announcement. South32 confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented
      have not been materially changed from the original market announcement.

9.    Flux Exploration Target: The information in this announcement that relates to the Exploration Target for Flux is extracted from “South32 Strategy and Business Update”
      published on 18 May 2021 and is available to view on www.south32.net. The information was prepared by D Bertuch, Competent Person in accordance with the
      requirements of the JORC Code. South32 confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market
      announcement. South32 confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person’s findings are presented have not been materially changed from the original
      market announcement.

10.   Production guidance for Hillside Aluminium and Mozal Aluminium does not assume any load-shedding impact on production.

11.   Refer to market release “South32 completes acquisition of additional shareholding in Mozal Aluminium” dated 31 May 2022. Historical production and sales figures have not
      been restated for our increased ownership (presented on a 47.1% basis to 31 May 2022).

12.   Payable copper equivalent production (kt) was calculated by aggregating revenues from payable copper, molybdenum, gold and silver, and dividing the total Revenue by the
      price of copper. FY22 realised prices for copper (US$3.50/lb), molybdenum (US$18.48/lb), gold (US$1,934/oz) and silver (US$23.5/oz) have been used for FY22, FY23 and
      FY23e.

13.   Payable zinc equivalent production (kt) was calculated by aggregating revenues from payable silver, lead and zinc, and dividing the total Revenue by the price of zinc. FY22
      realised prices for zinc (US$3,248/t), lead (US$2,046/t) and silver (US$21.0/oz) have been used for FY22, FY23 and FY23e.

14.   Illawarra Metallurgical Coal sales are adjusted for moisture and will not reconcile directly to Illawarra Metallurgical Coal production.

15.   The premium low-volatile hard coking coal Platts index (FOB Australia) on the basis of a one-month lag to published pricing (Month minus one or
      “M-1”) was US$315/t in the March 2023 quarter.

16.   The Metal Bulletin 44% manganese lump ore index (CIF Tianjin, China) on the basis of M-1 was US$5.30/dmtu in the March 2023 quarter.

The following abbreviations have been used throughout this report: US$ million (US$M); US$ billion (US$B); grams per tonne (g/t); tonnes (t);
thousand tonnes (kt); thousand tonnes per annum (ktpa); million tonnes (Mt); million tonnes per annum (Mtpa); ounces (oz); th ousand ounces (koz);
million ounces (Moz); thousand wet metric tonnes (kwmt); million wet metric tonnes (Mwmt); million wet metric tonnes per annum (Mwmt pa); dry metric tonne unit (dmtu);
thousand dry metric tonnes (kdmt).

Figures in Italics indicate that an adjustment has been made since the figures were previously reported. The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year.



                 
OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                                  9M      9M
South32 share                                                   3Q22   4Q22    1Q23   2Q23          3Q23
                                                YTD22   YTD23

Worsley Alumina (86% share)

Alumina hydrate production (kt)                 2,966   2,876    972   1,014    957    998            921

Alumina production (kt)                         2,961   2,827    982   1,030    920   1,002           905

Alumina sales (kt)                              2,856   2,706    910   1,118    885    976            845

Brazil Alumina (36% share)

Alumina production (kt)                           966   1,025    335    331     337    354            334

Alumina sales (kt)                                932     995    306    367     313    365            317

Brazil Aluminium (40% share)

Aluminium production (kt)                           -    45.3      -     0.3    8.3    15.4          21.6

Aluminium sales (kt)                                -    41.9      -       -    3.3    16.1          22.5

Hillside Aluminium (100% share)

Aluminium production (kt)                         535     539    177    179     179    183            177

Aluminium sales (kt)                              515     534    179    198     162    175            197

Mozal Aluminium (63.7% [11] share)

Aluminium production (kt)                         202     263     66     76      92     90             81

Aluminium sales (kt)                              188     220     66     88      87     90             43

Sierra Gorda (45% share)

Ore mined (Mt)                                    4.7    20.5    4.7     9.0    8.8     6.6           5.1

Ore processed (Mt)                                2.3    15.8    2.3     5.2    5.4     5.3           5.1

Copper ore grade processed (%, Cu)               0.45    0.43   0.45    0.40   0.45    0.44          0.40

Payable copper equivalent production [12](kt)    10.3    63.9   10.3    20.3   22.6    22.3          19.0

Payable copper production (kt)                    8.4    53.4    8.4    16.9   19.0    18.9          15.5

Payable copper sales (kt)                        11.1    53.8   11.1    16.6   19.2    19.2          15.4

Payable molybdenum production (kt)                0.2     0.7    0.2     0.2    0.2     0.2           0.3

Payable molybdenum sales (kt)                     0.1     1.0    0.1     0.5    0.3     0.5           0.2

Payable gold production (koz)                     2.3    21.5    2.3     7.3    7.8     7.5           6.2

Payable gold sales (koz)                          3.0    21.8    3.0     6.9    7.7     7.7           6.4

Payable silver production (koz)                    85     476     85    168     180    158            138

Payable silver sales (koz)                        111     482    111    171     179    166            137

Cannington (100% share)

Ore mined (kwmt)                               2,112   1,592    637     641     639     484            469

Ore processed (kdmt)                           2,066   1,594    681     552     518     624            452

Silver ore grade processed (g/t, Ag)            180      179    188     177     179     171            191

Lead ore grade processed (%, Pb)                 5.4     5.5     5.9     5.5     5.6     5.4           5.5

Zinc ore grade processed (%, Zn)                 3.4     3.7     3.4     3.8     3.7     3.6           3.8

Payable zinc equivalent production [13](kt)    175.3   139.8    61.3    48.9    46.1    52.7          41.0

Payable silver production (koz)               10,278   7,815   3,568   2,668   2,568   2,906         2,341

Payable silver sales (koz)                     9,536   7,495   2,818   3,362   1,704   3,379         2,412

Payable lead production (kt)                    94.8    73.4    34.6    25.8    24.6    27.8          21.0

Payable lead sales (kt)                         91.2    73.0    27.9    31.0    18.7    32.6          21.7

Payable zinc production (kt)                    49.1    43.0    16.4    15.4    14.0    16.4          12.6

Payable zinc sales (kt)                         50.1    36.3    17.3    16.1    14.9    12.6           8.8

Cerro Matoso (99.9% share)

Ore mined (kwmt)                               3,726   3,941   1,310   1,141   1,332   1,420         1,189

Ore processed (kdmt)                           2,025   2,105    690     678     666     726            713

Ore grade processed (%, Ni)                     1.73    1.62    1.73    1.71    1.63    1.65          1.58

Payable nickel production (kt)                  30.9    30.6    10.6    10.8     9.6    10.8          10.2

Payable nickel sales (kt)                       29.9    30.4     9.8    11.9     9.0    10.8          10.6

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (100%)

Total coal production (kt)                     4,926   4,767   1,781   1,583   1,595   1,736         1,436

Total coal sales [14] (kt)                     4,720   4,662   1,465   1,886   1,390   1,795         1,477

Metallurgical coal production (kt)             4,332   3,993   1,565   1,380   1,270   1,483         1,240

Metallurgical coal sales (kt)                  4,235   3,873   1,358   1,588   1,193   1,485         1,195

Energy coal production (kt)                     594      774    216     203     325     253            196

Energy coal sales (kt)                          485      789    107     298     197     310            282

Australia Manganese (60% share)

Manganese ore production (kwmt)                2,519   2,676    815     844     898     946            832

Manganese ore sales (kwmt)                     2,512   2,395    775     860     779     873            743

Ore grade sold (%, Mn)                          44.2    44.1    44.1    44.2    44.3    44.1          44.0

South Africa Manganese (54.6% share)

Manganese ore production (kwmt)                1,444   1,522    391     625     562     531            429

Manganese ore sales (kwmt)                     1,589   1,524    495     581     473     559            492

Ore grade sold (%, Mn)                          39.8    39.1    40.5    39.4    38.5    39.8          38.8



Forward-looking statements
This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about trends in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; demand for commodities; production
forecasts; plans, strategies and objectives of management; capital costs and scheduling; operating costs; anticipated productive lives of projects, mines and facilities; and
provisions and contingent liabilities. These forward-looking statements reflect expectations at the date of this release, however they are not guarantees or predictions of future
performance. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may cause actual results to differ
materially from those expressed in the statements contained in this release. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required
by applicable laws or regulations, the South32 Group does not undertake to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or
future events. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance. South32 cautions against reliance on any forward-looking statements or guidance, including
any disruption arising in connection with COVID-19.


FURTHER INFORMATION
 INVESTOR RELATIONS                                          MEDIA RELATIONS
 Ben Baker                                                   Jamie Macdonald                                              Miles Godfrey
 M +61 403 763 086                                           M +61 408 925 140                                            M +61 415 325 906
 E Ben.Baker@south32.net                                     E Jamie.Macdonald@south32.net                                E Miles.Godrey@south32.net


Approved for release to the market by Graham Kerr, Chief Executive Officer
JSE Sponsor: The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
24 April 2023

Date: 24-04-2023 07:30:00
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