South32 has experienced a sharp rebound in manganese production volumes, driven by a recovery plan at its Australian operations.
“Production highlights included a 12 per cent increase in payable copper equivalent production at Sierra Gorda and a 33 per cent uplift in manganese volumes, as we successfully executed the operational recovery plan at Australia Manganese,” South32 chief executive officer Graham Kerr said.
South32’s Groote Eylandt mining operation in the Northern Territory delivered 854,000 wet metric tonnes (wmt) for the quarter, ramping up shipments after new wharf infrastructure came online. The company said sales increased to 944,000wmt in the September 2025 quarter, as shipping rates reached full capacity.
The miner also completed insurance claims related to Tropical Cyclone Megan, agreeing to an additional $US153 million in recoveries and bringing total approved recoveries to $US503 million.
At the Cannington mine in Queensland, payable zinc equivalent production fell 19 per cent to 48,300 tonnes due to lower grades, though the company said full-year guidance remains unchanged. Higher grades are expected later in the financial year.
Western Australia’s Worsley alumina refinery produced 934,000t in the quarter, supported by improved bauxite supply and the completion of planned maintenance.
“Our financial position remains strong as we continued our investment in growth at Hermosa,” Kerr said. “Looking ahead, we remain focused on maintaining our operating momentum and capitalising on strengthening market conditions in base metals.”
South32 maintained its 2025–26 financial year (FY26) production guidance across all operations and continued investing in safety through its LEAD Safely Every Day program. The miner also paid a fully franked dividend of $US117 million following the quarter’s close.
“Looking ahead, we remain focused on maintaining our operating momentum and capitalising on strengthening market conditions in base metals,” Kerr said.
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