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REG - South32 Limited - Full Year Results: Year Ended 30 June 2024

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RNS Number : 1408C  South32 Limited  29 August 2024

 

29 August 2024

 

South32 Limited

(Incorporated in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001)

(ACN 093 732 597)

ASX / LSE / JSE Share Code: S32 ADR: SOUHY

ISIN: AU000000S320

south32.net

 

SOUTH32 LIMITED

FINANCIAL RESULTS AND OUTLOOK

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024

 

South32 delivers strong second half results and accelerates portfolio
transformation

 •    FY24 Underlying EBITDA of US$1.8B and Underlying earnings of US$380M
 •    Sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal to simplify our portfolio and further
      strengthen our balance sheet
 •    Increased our capital management program by US$200M, to be returned via an
      on-market share buy-back

"Improved operating performance, disciplined cost management and higher prices
for our key commodities lifted our financial results to finish the year. As a
result, we recorded FY24 Underlying EBITDA of US$1.8 billion and Underlying
earnings of US$380 million.

"Reflecting our strengthened financial position and disciplined approach to
capital allocation, the Board has resolved to pay a US$140 million
fully-franked ordinary dividend in respect of H2 FY24. The Board has also
expanded our capital management program by US$200 million, to be returned via
an on-market share buy-back, following the sale of Illawarra Metallurgical
Coal.

"During the year, we further transformed our portfolio, with the approval to
develop our Taylor zinc-lead-silver deposit at our Hermosa project in Arizona
and the sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal which is expected to complete
later today.

"The sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal simplifies our portfolio,
strengthens our balance sheet and unlocks capital to invest in our development
projects and growth options in base metals.

"In the near term, these investments include the development of the Taylor
deposit and projects to grow our copper production at Sierra Gorda.

"In addition, we are seeking to increase our base metals exposure over the
longer-term by investing in a pipeline of growth options which are being
advanced through study phases and a portfolio of exploration prospects in
highly prospective regions.

"Looking ahead, the outlook for our business is positive as we focus on safe
and reliable operations, managing our costs, and capitalising on our
transformed portfolio which, more than ever, is focused on commodities
critical to a low-carbon future."

Graham Kerr, South32 CEO

 Financial Highlights
 US$M                                                                     FY24                                                    FY23                                                    % Change
 Revenue from continuing operations                                                          5,479                                                    5,646                                                       (3%)
 Profit/(loss) before tax and net finance income/(costs) from continuing                        (735)                                                    (466)                                                    (58%)
 operations
 Profit/(loss) after tax                                                                        (205)                                                    (173)                                                    (18%)
 Profit/(loss) after tax attributable to members((1))                                           (203)                                                    (173)                                                    (17%)
 Basic earnings/(loss) per share (US cents)((5))                                                 (4.5)                                                    (3.8)                                                   (18%)
 Ordinary dividends per share (US cents)((6))                                                      3.5                                                      8.1                                                   (57%)
 Other financial measures
 Underlying revenue((7)(8))                                                                  8,296                                                    9,050                                                       (8%)
 Underlying EBITDA((7)(9))                                                                   1,802                                                    2,534                                                       (29%)
 Underlying EBITDA margin((7)(10))                                                                22.8%                                                   29.4%                                                   (6.6%)
 Underlying EBIT((7)(9))                                                                         886                                                  1,616                                                       (45%)
 Underlying EBIT margin((7)(11))                                                                  11.1%                                                   18.7%                                                   (7.6%)
 Underlying earnings((2)(7)(9))                                                                  380                                                      916                                                     (59%)
 Basic Underlying earnings per share (US cents)((5)(7))                                            8.4                                                   20.0                                                     (58%)
 ROIC((7)(12))                                                                                    4.5%                                                    10.0%                                                   (5.5%)
 Ordinary shares on issue (million)                                                          4,529                                                    4,545                                                       (0.4%)

 

Safety performance

Nothing is more important than the health, safety and well-being of our
people. We continue to implement our Safety Improvement Program, a multi-year
global program of work launched in FY22, designed to enhance our safety
culture and achieve a step change in our safety performance. Our 'Lead Safely
Every Day' program includes safety leadership capability workshops and
coaching which has been delivered to over 1,500 leaders since its launch in
FY23. In FY24, we extended the program to frontline employees and a subset of
contractors that perform high-risk work at our operations, and functional
roles that support them.

We use a range of leading and lagging indicators to assess our safety
performance. Our total recordable injury frequency (TRIF)((13)) for FY24
improved by 14% to 5.1 (FY23: 5.9), while lost time injury frequency
(LTIF)((14)) increased to 1.9 in FY24 (FY23: 1.6((15))). Our leading
indicator, significant hazard frequency((16)), increased to 122.3 for FY24
(FY23: 91.6), indicating improved hazard awareness and a positive reporting
culture.

 

 Health and safety performance
 Performance metric                           FY24                                                                      FY23
 Fatalities from health and safety incidents                                     0                                                                         2
 Total lost time injury frequency (LTIF)                                    1.9                                         1.6((15))
 Total recordable injury frequency (TRIF)                                   5.1                                         5.9
 Total significant hazard frequency                                   122.3                                                                         91.6

 

People and culture

An inclusive culture and diverse workforce supports greater collaboration,
innovation and performance. Building and maintaining a workforce that
represents the communities in which we operate, especially recruiting more
women into operational roles, is an industry-wide challenge that we are
working to address.

We track our inclusion and diversity performance against a series of
measurable objectives. The below table shows the representation of women in
our workforce, leadership teams and Board, and the representation of Black
People((17)) in our South African workforce. Performance improved or was
maintained year-on-year for five of the seven FY24 measurable objectives, and
we achieved three of the seven FY24 measurable objectives.

 

 Inclusion and diversity performance
 Diversity representation (%)                            FY24 measurable objective  FY24                                                         FY23
 Women in our workforce                                  Achieve at least 23.5%                                20.6                                                          20.2
 Women on our Board                                      Maintain at least 40%                                 50.0                                                          44.4
 Women in Lead Team                                      Maintain at least 40%                                 50.0                                                          50.0
 Women in Senior Leadership Team((18))                   Achieve at least 32.7%                                30.3                                                          30.3
 Women in Operational Leadership Team((19))              Achieve at least 31.5%                                25.7                                                          28.7
 Black People in South Africa in total workforce         Maintain at least 85%                                 88.4                                                          86.9
 Black People in South Africa in management roles((20))  Achieve at least 60%                                  51.8                                                          55.3

 

Addressing climate change

We have set a target to halve our operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
(Scope 1 and 2) by 2035((21)) and a long-term goal((22)) to achieve net zero
GHG emissions across all scopes (Scope 1, 2 and 3) by 2050. Our approach to
climate change is focused on reshaping our portfolio to commodities critical
in the transition to a low-carbon world, decarbonising our operations, and
working with others to decarbonise the value chain. In FY24, Worsley Alumina
converted the first two coal-fired boilers to natural gas, and Hillside
Aluminium converted a further 18% of pots to AP3XLE energy efficiency
technology, bringing the total to 36%. Our operational emissions decreased by
6% and Scope 3 emissions decreased by 17% in FY24.

 Greenhouse gas emissions
 Million tonnes of CO(2) equivalent  FY24                                                         FY23
 Operational GHG emissions                                      20.3                                                          21.7
 Scope 3 GHG emissions                                          54.2                              65.0((23))

 

Business performance

Aluminium value chain

Alumina

Alumina production was largely unchanged year-on-year at 5.1Mt, with improved
plant availability at Brazil Alumina partially offsetting a temporary bauxite
conveyor outage at Worsley Alumina in Q4 FY24. Production is expected to
increase by approximately 1% in FY25.

Underlying EBITDA increased by US$106M to US$364M in FY24, for an operating
margin of 20%, as our average realised price of alumina increased by 1% and
caustic soda prices declined.

Aluminium

Aluminium production was largely unchanged year-on-year at 1.1Mt, as Hillside
Aluminium achieved record production, Brazil Aluminium continued to ramp up,
and Mozal Aluminium progressed its recovery plan. Production is expected to
increase by approximately 6% to 1.2Mt in FY25 as Brazil Aluminium continues to
ramp up and Mozal Aluminium delivers its recovery plan.

Underlying EBITDA decreased by US$115M to US$121M in FY24, for an operating
margin of 4%, as a 6% reduction in the average realised price of aluminium and
higher energy prices more than offset lower smelter raw material input prices.

 

Base metals

Copper

Sierra Gorda payable copper equivalent production((24)) decreased by 15% to
73.8kt in FY24, as higher plant throughput was offset by lower than planned
copper grades. Production is expected to increase by approximately 15% in
FY25, with the continued benefit of the plant de-bottlenecking project and
higher planned copper grades in the next phase of the mine plan.

Underlying EBITDA decreased by US$83M to US$275M in FY24, for an operating
margin of 43%, as higher realised metal prices and lower electricity costs
were more than offset by lower volumes and a one-off workforce payment.

Sierra Gorda progressed the feasibility study for the fourth grinding line
expansion, which has the potential to increase plant throughput by ~20% to
~58Mtpa (100% basis), ahead of a planned final investment decision in H1 FY25.

We consolidated our position in the emerging copper district of San Juan,
Argentina, acquiring a 50.1% interest in the Chita Valley copper project, and
increasing our interest in Aldebaran Resources to 14.8%.

We invested US$27M in greenfield exploration programs in FY24, focused on
copper exploration prospects in highly prospective regions.

Following the end of the period, we entered into an earn-in agreement and
strategic alliance with Noronex Limited to identify and test copper
exploration prospects across the Kalahari copper belt in Namibia.

Zinc

Cannington payable zinc equivalent production((25)) increased by 10% to
285.2kt in FY24, despite adverse weather impacts, as we realised higher
average metal grades. Production is expected to decline by approximately 12%
in FY25 as we rebuild run of mine stocks and continue to manage a significant
increase in underground activity and complexity.

Underlying EBITDA increased by US$76M to US$289M, for an operating margin of
46%, reflecting higher production volumes and average realised metal prices.

On 15 February 2024, we announced final investment approval for the Taylor
zinc-lead-silver deposit at our Hermosa project((26)), following completion of
a feasibility study which confirmed the potential for attractive returns over
multiple decades.

As the first phase of a regional scale opportunity in Arizona, United States,
Taylor's infrastructure will unlock value for future growth options, including
the Clark battery-grade manganese deposit and potential discoveries in our
highly prospective regional land package.

We invested US$372M at Hermosa in FY24, as we installed critical path
infrastructure and progressed studies and permitting for Taylor and Clark. We
expect to invest US$600M at Hermosa in FY25 as we progress construction of
Taylor, and an exploration decline at Clark to enable access to ore for
further product test work.

We invested US$24M in exploration work at Hermosa in FY24, successfully
returning high-grade copper and zinc results from Peake and Flux((27)),
respectively. We expect to invest US$35M in FY25 as we complete further
exploration at Peake to test the potential for a continuous structural and
lithology controlled system connecting Taylor and Peake.

Nickel

Cerro Matoso payable nickel production was largely unchanged at 40.6kt in
FY24, supported by improved plant throughput and nickel grades to finish the
year. Production is expected to be 35.0kt in FY25, due to lower planned nickel
grades.

Underlying EBITDA decreased by US$150M to US$96M in FY24, for an operating
margin of 17%, as a significant decline in the average realised nickel price
and a stronger Colombian peso more than offset lower price-linked royalties.

We continue to progress our strategic review of Cerro Matoso in response to
structural changes in the nickel market. We expect to provide information on
the outcomes of this review in H2 FY25.

 

Manganese

Australia Manganese

Australia Manganese production decreased by 34% to 2.3Mwmt in FY24, as we
temporarily suspended operations in March 2024 due to the impacts of Tropical
Cyclone Megan.

Underlying EBITDA decreased by US$187M to US$182M in FY24, reflecting the
impact of Tropical Cyclone Megan.

We continue to implement the operational recovery plan, dewatering targeted
mining pits and commencing a phased mining restart. Mining activity is
expected to increase to support a planned build in stockpiles ahead of the wet
season, with FY25 production guidance set at 1.0Mwmt. Production is expected
to increase to 3.2Mwmt in FY26 as we complete the operational recovery
plan.

Capital expenditure for mine repairs and infrastructure, including the wharf
and a critical bridge, is expected to be approximately US$125M in FY25.

Wharf operations are scheduled to recommence in Q3 FY25, subject to
maintaining construction productivity during the wet season, with sales
volumes expected to progressively increase over Q4 FY25.

Our insurers have confirmed that the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Megan
is covered under our property damage and business interruption insurance. We
are continuing to work with our insurers to assess the timing and value of
recoveries under these policies.

South Africa Manganese

South Africa Manganese production increased by 3% to a record 2.2Mwmt in FY24,
as we lifted output of secondary products to capitalise on stronger manganese
prices in Q4 FY24.

Underlying EBITDA decreased by 2% to US$65M in FY24, for an operating margin
of 19%, as higher sales volumes were offset by lower average realised
manganese prices.

South Africa Manganese production is expected to be 2.0Mwmt across FY25 and
FY26, as we continue to use higher cost trucking to optimise sales volumes and
margins.

 

Metallurgical coal

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal saleable production decreased by 24% to 4.9Mt in
FY24, consistent with guidance, as we completed planned longwall moves.

Underlying EBITDA decreased by US$333M to US$522M in FY24, for an operating
margin of 40%, due to lower planned volumes and metallurgical coal prices.

On 29 February 2024, we entered into a binding agreement to sell Illawarra
Metallurgical Coal to an entity owned by Golden Energy and Resources Pte Ltd
and M Resources Pty Ltd, for cash consideration of up to US$1.65B((3)) (the
Transaction). The Transaction is now unconditional and is expected to complete
on 29 August 2024.

Following the end of the period, we completed the sale of our 50% interest in
the Eagle Downs metallurgical coal project to a subsidiary of Stanmore
Resources Limited for US$15M in cash, a contingent payment of US$20M((28)) and
a price-linked royalty of up to US$100M((29)).

 

Financial performance

Profit and Loss

The Group reported a loss after tax attributable to members((1)) of US$203M in
FY24, with impairment expenses for Worsley Alumina (US$388M post-tax)((30))
and Cerro Matoso (US$248M post-tax), partially offset by an impairment
reversal for Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (US$139M post-tax). Underlying
earnings((2)) decreased by US$536M to US$380M in FY24. A reconciliation of
profit/(loss) to Underlying earnings is set out on page 9.

Underlying revenue decreased by US$754M (or 8%) to US$8,296M in FY24 due to
lower average commodity prices (-US$337M) and lower production volumes
predominantly at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal due to planned longwall moves
(-US$373M) and at Australia Manganese due to Tropical Cyclone Megan
(-US$159M). A reconciliation of Underlying revenue to statutory revenue is
included in Note 4 Segment information to the financial statements in
South32's Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2024.

Underlying EBITDA decreased by US$732M (or 29%) to US$1,802M in FY24, for a
Group operating margin((10)) of 22.8%, as the aforementioned revenue impacts
more than offset a US$124M reduction in the Group's cost base((31)) as we
continued our focus on disciplined cost management and benefitted from lower
raw material input prices.

Underlying EBIT decreased by US$730M (or 45%) to US$886M in FY24, as
Underlying depreciation and amortisation was largely unchanged at US$916M.

Cash Flow

Group free cash flow from operations, excluding equity accounted investments
(EAIs), was an outflow of US$80M in FY24, reflecting lower commodity prices
and metallurgical coal volumes, and our investment in productivity,
improvement and growth projects.

Separately, we received net distributions((32)) of US$53M from our manganese
and Sierra Gorda EAIs in FY24 (FY23: US$187M). The decrease in net EAI
distributions in FY24 reflected the impact of Tropical Cyclone Megan at
Australia Manganese and our continued investment in projects to grow future
copper production at Sierra Gorda.

Group capital expenditure, excluding EAIs, increased by US$252M to US$1,042M
in FY24 as we invested in critical path infrastructure and studies at our
Hermosa project and additional ventilation capacity at Illawarra Metallurgical
Coal.

Group capital expenditure, excluding EAIs, is expected to decrease by US$52M
to US$990M in FY25. Safe and reliable capital expenditure is expected to
decrease by US$293M with the divestment of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal, while
growth capital expenditure is expected to increase by US$228M as we progress
construction of Taylor at our Hermosa project.

Capital expenditure for our EAIs increased by US$36M to US$315M in FY24 and is
expected to increase by US$70M to US$385M in FY25 as we repair and install
critical infrastructure at Australia Manganese.

We returned US$198M to shareholders during FY24, with US$163M in fully-franked
ordinary dividends and US$35M via the on-market share buy-back.

Balance Sheet

The Group finished the period with net debt of US$762M. Net debt reduced by
US$329M in H2 FY24, supported by improved operating performance, higher
commodity prices and an unwind of working capital to finish the year.

The sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal will further enhance the Group's
balance sheet strength and flexibility and unlock capital to invest in our
high-quality development projects and growth options in base metals.

Dividends and Capital Management

Consistent with our policy to distribute a minimum 40% of Underlying earnings
as ordinary dividends, the Board has resolved to pay a fully-franked final
ordinary dividend of US 3.1 cents per share (US$140M) in respect of H2 FY24,
representing 41% of Underlying earnings.

Reflecting the Group's strengthened financial position and our disciplined
approach to capital management, the Board has also resolved to allocate
US$200M to our ongoing capital management program, to be returned to
shareholders via an on-market share buy-back, commencing from completion of
the sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal. This will take returns under our
capital management program to US$2.5B, with the US$200M increase in the
program to be returned to shareholders by 12 September 2025.

 

Earnings reconciliation

The Group reported a loss after tax attributable to members of US$203M in
FY24, with impairment expenses for Worsley Alumina (US$388M post-tax) and
Cerro Matoso (US$248M post-tax), partially offset by an impairment reversal at
Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (US$139M post-tax). Underlying earnings decreased
by US$536M to US$380M.

Consistent with our accounting policies, various items are excluded from the
Group's profit/(loss) to derive Underlying earnings. Total adjustments to
derive Underlying EBIT (US$983M), shown in the table below, include:

 

 

 •    Net impairment loss/(reversal) of non-financial assets (+US$604M):
      Impairment expenses
      ◦                                         Worsley Alumina: (+US$554M) reflecting increased uncertainty created by the
                                                Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority's recommended conditions
                                                for the Worsley Mine Development Project approval and associated challenging
                                                operating conditions((30));
      ◦                                         Cerro Matoso: (+US$264M) reflecting structural changes in the nickel market
                                                which are expected to continue to place pressure on nickel prices and
                                                discounts for our ferronickel product;
      Impairment reversals
                                                Illawarra Metallurgical Coal: (-US$197M) following the announced sale to an
                                                entity owned by Golden Energy and Resources Pte Ltd and M Resources Pty
                                                Ltd((3)); and
                                                Eagle Downs metallurgical coal project: (-US$17M) following the announced sale
                                                to a subsidiary of Stanmore Resources Limited((33)).
 •    Sierra Gorda (+US$155M) and manganese joint venture adjustments (+US$129M): to
      reconcile the equity accounting position to a proportional consolidation
      basis. This included adjustment for idle capacity and other remediation
      related costs (+US$93M) at Australia Manganese as a result of Tropical Cyclone
      Megan;
 •    Significant items (+US$50M): the Group operates a captive insurance program,
      in which a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group insures a number of
      operations, including Australia Manganese. As a result of Tropical Cyclone
      Megan, we have recognised a self-insurance expense of US$50M with a partially
      offsetting amount of US$30M (South32 share) recognised within Australia
      Manganese and included in the manganese joint venture adjustments noted above;
      and
 •    Net impairment loss of financial assets (+US$29M): periodic revaluation of the
      shareholder loan receivable from Sierra Gorda reflecting copper prices and
      other macroeconomic assumptions. An offsetting amount is recorded in the
      Sierra Gorda joint venture adjustments noted above.

 

 Profit/(loss) to Underlying EBITDA reconciliation((7))
 US$M                                                                            FY24                                                                  FY23
 Profit/(loss) before tax and net finance income/(costs) from continuing                                    (735)                                                                  (466)
 operations
 Profit/(loss) before tax and net finance income/(costs) from a discontinued                                 638                                                                    664
 operation
 Adjustments to derive Underlying EBIT:
 Significant items                                                                                               50                                                                (186)
 Joint venture adjustments                                                                                   284                                                                    291
 Exchange rate (gains)/losses on the restatement of monetary items                                               24                                                                   (62)
 Net impairment loss/(reversal) of financial assets                                                              29                                                                    71
 Net impairment loss/(reversal) of non-financial assets                                                      604                                                                1,300
 (Gains)/losses on non-trading derivative instruments, contingent consideration                                   (8)                                                                     4
 and other investments measured at fair value through profit and loss
 Total adjustments to derive Underlying EBIT                                                                 983                                                                1,418
 Underlying EBIT                                                                                             886                                                                1,616
 Underlying depreciation and amortisation                                                                    916                                                                    918
 Underlying EBITDA                                                                                       1,802                                                                  2,534

 

 Profit/(loss) to Underlying earnings reconciliation((7))
 US$M                                                                           FY24                                                          FY23
 Profit/(loss) after tax attributable to members                                                           (203)                                                          (173)
 Total adjustments to derive Underlying EBIT                                                                983                                                        1,418
 Total adjustments to derive Underlying net finance costs                                                  (228)                                                          (203)
 Total adjustments to derive Underlying income and royalty related tax expense                             (172)                                                          (126)
 Underlying earnings                                                                                        380                                                            916

 

External factors and trends affecting the Group's result

Commodity prices and changes in product demand and supply

The Group produces metals, concentrates and ores, for which prices are driven
by global demand and supply for each of these commodities. Average commodity
prices were broadly lower across FY24, despite improved demand and constrained
supply supporting prices for our key commodities to finish the year. The
prices that the Group obtains for its products are a key driver of business
performance, and fluctuations in these markets affect our results, including
cash flows and shareholder returns.

Details of the impact on Underlying EBIT from changes in commodity prices are
set out in the Earnings Analysis on page 11.

Exchange rates

The Group is exposed to exchange rate risk on foreign currency sales,
purchases and expenses, as no active currency hedging is undertaken. As the
majority of sales are denominated in US dollars, and the US dollar plays a
dominant role in the Group's business, funds borrowed and held in US dollars
provide a natural hedge to currency fluctuations. Operating costs and costs of
locally-sourced equipment are influenced by fluctuations in local currencies,
primarily the Australian dollar, South African rand, Brazilian real, Colombian
peso, and Chilean peso.

The Group is also exposed to exchange rate translation risk in relation to net
monetary liabilities, being foreign currency denominated monetary assets and
liabilities, including debt, tax and other long-term liabilities.

Details of the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on Underlying EBIT are
set out in the Earnings Analysis on page 11.

 

Earnings analysis

The following key factors influenced Underlying EBIT in FY24, relative to
FY23.

Reconciliation of movements in Underlying EBIT (US$M)(9)(34)(35)(36)

 

 

 Earnings Analysis                 US$M     Commentary
 FY23 Underlying EBIT              1,616
 Change in sales price             (337)    Lower average realised prices for our commodities, including:

                                            Aluminium (-US$169M)

                                            Nickel (-US$143M)

                                            Manganese (-US$103M)

                                            Metallurgical coal (-US$26M) and energy coal (-US$21M)

                                            Partially offset by higher average realised prices for copper (+US$48M),
                                            silver (+US$42M), and alumina (+US$21M)
 Net impact of price-linked costs  422      Lower aluminium smelter raw material input prices (+US$147M), including pitch
                                            and coke

                                            Lower caustic soda prices at Worsley Alumina (+US$83M) and Brazil Alumina
                                            (+US$32M)

                                            Lower price-linked royalties (+US$72M)

                                            Lower coal and diesel prices (+US$31M)

                                            Lower freight and distribution costs (+US$28M)

                                            Lower electricity prices at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (+US$20M)
 Change in exchange rates          66       Weaker Australian dollar (+US$58M), and South African rand (+US$54M)

                                            Partially offset by a stronger Colombian peso (-US$39M) and Brazilian real
                                            (-US$12M)
 Change in inflation               (224)    Inflation-linked indexation of our Southern African aluminium smelter
                                            electricity prices (-US$46M)

                                            General inflation across Australia (-US$87M), South America (-US$54M) and
                                            Southern Africa (-US$36M)
 Change in sales volume            (503)    Lower volumes at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (-US$373M), Australia Manganese
                                            (-US$159M) and Sierra Gorda (-US$85M)

                                            Partially offset by higher volumes at Brazil Aluminium (+US$84M), Cannington
                                            (+US$33M), Brazil Alumina (+US$24M) and South Africa Manganese (+US$8M)
 Controllable costs                (181)    Inventory and volume related movements (-US$184M) primarily due to a drawdown
                                            in inventories to support higher sales volumes in our aluminium value chain

                                            A planned workforce payment at Sierra Gorda (-US$20M), following the
                                            finalisation of a new, three-year industrial agreement

                                            Higher contractor and maintenance costs (-US$14M) including at Sierra Gorda,
                                            Hillside Aluminium and Mozal Aluminium

                                            Partially offset by lower energy costs at Sierra Gorda (+US$18M), following
                                            the transition to cost efficient, 100% renewable energy supply

                                            Lower consumable and maintenance costs at Cerro Matoso (+US$15M) as we
                                            optimised our maintenance activity
 Other                             27       Remediation costs and idle capacity losses at Australia Manganese (+US$93M),
                                            reclassified as a significant item in accordance with our accounting policies

                                            Higher third party product EBIT (+US$12M)

                                            Partially offset by our share of the loss from Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN)
                                            due to lower bauxite prices (-US$36M) and asset write-offs (-US$34M) including
                                            at Australia Manganese due to Tropical Cyclone Megan
 FY24 Underlying EBIT              886

 

Net finance income/(costs)

The Group's FY24 Underlying net finance costs of US$249M primarily comprise
the unwinding of the discount applied to our closure and rehabilitation
provisions (US$165M), interest on lease liabilities (US$59M) largely for our
multi-fuel co-generation facility at Worsley Alumina, and interest on our
US$700M of senior unsecured notes (US$31M) issued in H2 FY22 to partly fund
the Sierra Gorda acquisition.

 Underlying net finance costs reconciliation((7))
 US$M                                                                   FY24                                                                      FY23
 Unwind of discount applied to closure and rehabilitation provisions                               (165)                                                                      (113)
 Interest on lease liabilities                                                                        (59)                                                                       (56)
 Interest on senior unsecured notes                                                                   (31)                                                                       (31)
 Change in discount rate on closure and rehabilitation provisions                                          8                                                                       -
 Other                                                                                                   (2)                                                                      12
 Underlying net finance costs                                                                      (249)                                                                      (188)
 Add back earnings adjustment for exchange rate variations on net debt                                     8                                                                         8
 Joint venture adjustments((37))                                                                    220                                                                        195
 Total adjustments to derive Underlying net finance costs                                           228                                                                        203
 Remove net finance costs from a discontinued operation                                                 10                                                                           7
 Net finance income/(costs)                                                                           (11)                                                                        22

 

Tax expense

The Group's Underlying income tax and royalty related taxation expense, which
includes our material EAIs, decreased by US$253M to US$259M in FY24, for an
Underlying effective tax rate (ETR)((38)) of 38.8% (FY23: 36.1%). Our Group
Underlying ETR reflects the corporate tax rates((39)) and royalty related
taxes((40)) of the jurisdictions in which we operate and our geographical
earnings mix.

The Underlying ETR for our manganese business was 71.3% in FY24, including the
royalty related tax((40)) at Australia Manganese, reflecting the derecognition
of certain deferred tax assets and reduced profitability as operations at
Australia Manganese were temporarily suspended following Tropical Cyclone
Megan. The Underlying ETR for our Sierra Gorda EAI was 0% in FY24, as royalty
related tax((40)) was offset by the recognition of deferred tax assets on
carry-forward tax losses.

 Underlying income tax and royalty related taxation expense reconciliation((7))
 US$M                                                                    FY24                                                                  FY23
 Underlying EBIT                                                                                     886                                                                1,616
 Include: Underlying net finance costs                                                              (249)                                                                  (188)
 Remove: Share of (profit)/loss of EAIs                                                                  31                                                                   (11)
 Underlying profit/(loss) before tax                                                                 668                                                                1,417

 Income tax expense/(benefit) from continuing operations                                            (106)                                                                   174
 Income tax expense/(benefit) from a discontinued operation                                          193                                                                    212
 Tax effect of other adjustments to derive Underlying EBIT                                           122                                                                         (3)
 Tax effect of other adjustments to derive Underlying net finance costs                                   (2)                                                                    (3)
 Exchange rate variations on tax balances                                                              (20)                                                                       4
 Significant items                                                                                       15                                                                   (23)
 Joint venture adjustments relating to income tax((37))                                                  21                                                                    96
 Joint venture adjustments relating to royalty related tax((37))                                         36                                                                    55
 Total adjustments to derive Underlying income tax (expense)/benefit                                 172                                                                    126
 Underlying income tax (expense)/benefit                                                             259                                                                    512
 Underlying effective tax rate                                                      38.8   %                                                              36.1   %

 

Cash flow

Group free cash flow from operations, excluding EAIs, was an outflow of US$80M
in FY24, reflecting lower commodity prices and metallurgical coal volumes, and
our investment in productivity, improvement and growth projects. Group free
cash flow for the year reflected a significant uplift in H2 FY24 (H2 FY24:
+US$397M, H1 FY24: -US$477M), supported by improved operating performance,
higher commodity prices, and an unwind of working capital (H2 FY24: US$182M
unwind, H1 FY24: US$276M build).

Group capital expenditure, excluding EAIs, increased by US$186M to US$1,080M
as we invested in critical path infrastructure and studies at our Hermosa
project and additional ventilation capacity at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal.

Group cash tax paid, excluding EAIs, decreased by US$595M to US$223M as cash
tax normalised following one-off portfolio related payments in the prior
period.

Separately, we received net distributions((32)) of US$53M from our manganese
and Sierra Gorda EAIs in FY24. Net distributions from our manganese EAI
reflected US$30M of initial funding provided to Australia Manganese to support
recovery plans.

 Free cash flow from operations excluding EAIs
 US$M                                                                      FY24                                                                 FY23
 Profit/(loss) from continuing and discontinued operations                                               (97)                                                                198
 Non-cash or non-operating items                                                                   1,408                                                                 1,852
 Share of (profit)/loss from EAIs                                                                          60                                                               (246)
 Change in working capital                                                                               (94)                                                                   10
 Cash generated from operations                                                                    1,277                                                                 1,814
 Total capital expenditure, excluding EAIs, including intangibles and                            (1,080)                                                                    (894)
 capitalised exploration
 Operating cash flows generated from operations after capital expenditure                              197                                                                   920
 Net interest paid((41))                                                                                 (54)                                                                  (45)
 Income tax paid                                                                                      (223)                                                                 (818)
 Free cash flow from operations                                                                          (80)                                                                   57

 

 Working capital movement
 US$M                              FY24                                                                      Commentary
 Trade and other receivables                                  (120)                                          Timing of shipments and higher commodity prices in Q4 FY24
 Inventories                                                       27                                        Drawdown of aluminium inventory in H2 FY24
 Trade and other payables                                           (7)
 Provisions and other liabilities                                     6
 Total working capital movement                                  (94)

Capital expenditure

The Group's capital expenditure((42)), excluding EAIs, increased by US$186M to
US$1,080M in FY24 as we continued our investment in productivity, improvement
and growth projects:

 •    Safe and reliable capital expenditure (US$266M), including Illawarra
      Metallurgical Coal (US$337M), increased by US$133M to US$603M, reflecting
      elevated capital expenditure at Illawarra Metallurgical Coal for additional
      ventilation capacity;
 •    Improvement and life extension capital expenditure increased by US$6M to
      US$64M as we completed energy transition projects at Worsley Alumina and
      progressed the De-bottlenecking Phase Two project at Brazil Alumina;
 •    Growth capital expenditure increased by US$116M to US$372M at Hermosa, as we
      installed critical path infrastructure and progressed studies and permitting
      for Taylor and Clark; and
 •    Intangibles and capitalised exploration expenditure was US$33M, as we
      completed multiple exploration programs across our portfolio focused on base
      metals.

Our share of capital expenditure for our material EAIs increased by US$46M to
US$329M in FY24:

 •    Capital expenditure for our manganese EAIs increased by US$25M to US$109M, as
      South Africa Manganese continued work to access new mining areas and improve
      rail efficiencies, and Australia Manganese progressed construction of the
      Eastern Leases South life extension project, prior to the suspension of
      operations due to Tropical Cyclone Megan; and
 •    Capital expenditure for our Sierra Gorda EAI increased by US$21M to US$220M,
      as the operation continued its investment in deferred stripping, additional
      tailing storage infrastructure, plant de-bottlenecking, and the feasibility
      study for the fourth grinding line expansion project.

 

 Capital expenditure (South32 share)((36)(42))
 US$M                                                           FY24                                                             FY23
 Safe and reliable capital expenditure                                                     (266)                                                             (228)
 Improvement and life extension capital expenditure                                           (64)                                                              (58)
 Growth capital expenditure                                                                (372)                                                             (256)
 Intangibles and the capitalisation of exploration expenditure                                (33)                               (95)
 Discontinued operation - Illawarra Metallurgical Coal                                     (345)                                                             (257)
 Total capital expenditure (excluding EAIs)                                           (1,080)                                                                (894)
 EAIs capital expenditure                                                                  (329)                                                             (283)
 Total capital expenditure (including EAIs)                                           (1,409)                                                           (1,177)

 

Balance sheet

The Group finished the period with net debt of US$762M. Net debt reduced by
US$329M in H2 FY24, supported by improved operating performance, higher
commodity prices and an unwind of working capital to finish the year.

The sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal will further enhance the Group's
balance sheet strength and flexibility and unlock capital to invest in our
high-quality development projects and growth options in base metals.

We continue to prioritise a strong balance sheet and investment grade credit
rating through the cycle. Our current BBB+/Baa1 credit ratings were
re-affirmed by S&P Global Ratings and Moody's, respectively, during FY24.
We also retain access to significant liquidity, having successfully extended
our undrawn sustainability-linked revolving credit facility of US$1.4B to
December 2027 and US$1.3B to December 2028.

 Net debt
 US$M                                FY24                                                          FY23
 Cash and cash equivalents                                       842                                                        1,258
 Lease liabilities                                              (710)                                                          (674)
 Other interest bearing liabilities                             (894)                                                     (1,067)
 Net debt((a))                                                  (762)                                                          (483)
 (a) Net debt includes Illawarra Metallurgical Coal and Eagle Downs
 metallurgical coal which are classified as held for sale.

 

Dividends and capital management

Our unchanged capital management framework supports investment in our business
and is designed to reward shareholders as our financial performance improves.
Consistent with our policy to distribute a minimum 40% of Underlying earnings
as ordinary dividends, the Board has resolved to pay a fully-franked final
ordinary dividend of US 3.1 cents per share (US$140M) in respect of H2 FY24,
representing 41% of Underlying earnings.

In February 2024, we took the decision to cancel our on-market share buy-back
to manage our financial position and ensure we retained the right balance of
flexibility, efficiency and prudence. Reflecting the Group's strengthened
financial position and our disciplined approach to capital management, the
Board has resolved to allocate US$200M to our ongoing capital management
program, to be returned to shareholders via an on-market share buy-back,
commencing from completion of the sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal. This
will take returns under our capital management program to US$2.5B, with the
US$200M increase in the program to be returned by 12 September 2025.

 Dividends announced
 Period                        Dividend per share  US$M  Franking  Pay-out ratio

(US cents)
 H1 FY22                       8.7                 405   100%      40%
 H2 FY22                       14.0                648   100%      41%
 August 2022 special dividend  3.0                 139   100%      N/A
 H1 FY23                       4.9                 224   100%      40%
 H2 FY23                       3.2                 145   100%      41%
 H1 FY24                       0.4                 18    100%      45%
 H2 FY24                       3.1                 140   100%      41%

South32 shareholders registered on the South African branch register will not
be able to dematerialise or rematerialise their shareholdings between 18 and
20 September 2024 (both dates inclusive), nor will transfers to/from the South
African branch register be permitted between 13 and 20 September 2024 (both
dates inclusive).

Details of the currency exchange rates applicable for the dividend will be
announced to the relevant stock exchanges. Further dividend information is
available on our website (www.south32.net (http://www.south32.net) ).

South32 American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) each represent five fully paid
ordinary shares in South32 and ADR holders will receive dividends accordingly,
subject to the terms of the Depositary Agreement.

 Dividend timetable                                                       Date
 Announce currency conversion into South African rand                     16 September 2024
 Last day to trade cum dividend on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)  17 September 2024
 Ex-dividend date on the JSE                                              18 September 2024
 Ex-dividend date on the ASX and London Stock Exchange (LSE)              19 September 2024
 Record date (including currency election date for ASX)                   20 September 2024
 Payment date                                                             17 October 2024

 

 

OUTLOOK

Production

We achieved 98% of revised FY24 copper equivalent production guidance((43)),
as we set consecutive annual production records at Hillside Aluminium and
South Africa Manganese, and lifted production at Cannington by 10% despite
adverse weather impacts.

In FY25, we expect to increase our low-carbon aluminium((44)) production by
17% as Brazil Aluminium continues to ramp up and Mozal Aluminium delivers its
recovery plan, and lift copper production by 15% as Sierra Gorda realises
higher planned grades.

Australia Manganese has commenced a phased mining restart with mining activity
expected to increase to support a planned build in stockpiles ahead of the wet
season. Wharf operations are expected to recommence in Q3 FY25, subject to
maintaining construction productivity during the wet season.

 Production guidance (South32 share)((36))
                                                  FY24                            FY25e((a))                      FY26e((a))                      Key guidance assumptions
 Worsley Alumina

                                                                                                                                                  Constrained bauxite inventories in FY25 and FY26
 Alumina production (kt)                                  3,777                          3,750                           3,750
 Brazil Alumina (non-operated)

                                                                                                                                                  Improved plant stability and realisation of benefits from the De-bottlenecking
                                                                                                                                                  Phase Two project
 Alumina production (kt)                                  1,286                          1,350                           1,380
 Brazil Aluminium (non-operated)

                                                                                                                                                  Ramping up across all three potlines
 Aluminium production (kt)                                    104                            130                             160
 Hillside Aluminium((45))

                                                                                                                                                  Expected to continue to test its maximum technical capacity
 Aluminium production (kt)                                    720                            720                             720
 Mozal Aluminium((45))

                                                                                                                                                  Execution of operational recovery plan and return to nameplate capacity in H1
                                                                                                                                                  FY26
 Aluminium production (kt)                                    314                            360                             370
 Sierra Gorda (non-operated)

                                                                                                                                                  Expected to increase copper equivalent production by 15% in FY25 and a further
                                                                                                                                                  2% in FY26, with the continued benefit of the plant de-bottlenecking project
                                                                                                                                                  and higher planned copper grades
 Ore processed (Mt)                                          21.9                           21.8                            22.0
 Payable copper equivalent production (kt)((24))             73.5                           84.8                            86.1
 Payable copper production (kt)                              60.8                           70.0                            74.0
 Payable molybdenum production (kt)                             0.9                            1.3                             1.0
 Payable gold production (koz)                               24.6                           25.0                            20.0
 Payable silver production (koz)                              607                            550                             600
 Cannington

                                                                                                                                                  Increased underground mine complexity and rebuild of run of mine stocks in
                                                                                                                                                  FY25
 Ore processed (kdmt)                                     2,221                          2,100                           2,200
 Payable zinc equivalent production (kt)((25))            302.5                          265.4                           282.2
 Payable silver production (koz)                       12,666                        11,300                          12,000
 Payable lead production (kt)                             112.4                          100.0                           110.0
 Payable zinc production (kt)                                60.7                           50.0                            50.0
 Cerro Matoso

                                                                                                                                                  Lower planned nickel grades in FY25

                                                                                                                                                  FY26 production guidance is not provided, subject to strategic review
 Ore processed (kdmt)                                     2,774                          2,750                    Subject to review
 Payable nickel production (kt)                              40.6                           35.0
 Australia Manganese

                                                                                                                                                  Mining activity to increase across FY25 and FY26 as we implement the
                                                                                                                                                  operational recovery plan
 Manganese ore production (kwmt)                          2,324                          1,000                           3,200
 South Africa Manganese

                                                                                                                                                  Continued use of higher cost trucking to optimise sales volumes
 Manganese ore production (kwmt)                          2,175                          2,000                           2,000
                                                  FY24                            FY25e((a))                                                      Key guidance assumptions
 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal                                                                                                                     Guidance not provided, with the Transaction expected to complete on 29 August
                                                                                                                                                  2024
 Total coal production (kt)                               4,938                   N/A
 Metallurgical coal production (kt)                       4,305
 Energy coal production (kt)                                  633

(a)       The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year.

 

 

Costs and capital expenditure

Operating unit costs guidance

Operating unit costs were in line with guidance across our operations in FY24,
as we continued our focus on disciplined cost management. This focus, combined
with the benefit of lower raw material input prices in our aluminium value
chain, resulted in a 2% reduction in our total cost base in FY24((31)).

Looking forward, we remain focused on delivering further cost efficiencies to
mitigate industry-wide inflationary pressure and lower planned volumes at
certain operations in FY25.

While Operating unit cost guidance is not provided for our aluminium smelters,
their cost profile will continue to be influenced by producer currencies, and
the price of raw material inputs and energy. FY25 Operating unit costs for
Brazil Aluminium and Mozal Aluminium are expected to benefit from planned
production growth of 25% and 15%, respectively.

 Operating unit cost((46))
                                  FY24                                                H1 FY24                                             H2 FY24                                             FY25e((a))((b))                                     Key guidance assumptions
 Worsley Alumina
 (US$/t)                                                 269                                                  258                                                 280                                                290                          Constrained bauxite supply, higher caustic soda prices and price-linked
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  royalties
 Brazil Alumina (non-operated)
 (US$/t)                                                 323                                                  325                                                 320                         Not provided                                        Will continue to be influenced by the price of raw material inputs and energy
 Brazil Aluminium (non-operated)
 (US$/t)                                            3,500                                                4,025                                               3,160                            Not provided                                        To benefit from a planned 25% increase in production in FY25, and continue to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  be influenced by the price of raw material inputs and energy
 Hillside Aluminium
 (US$/t)                                            2,115                                                2,135                                               2,097                            Not provided                                        Will continue to be influenced by the price of raw material inputs, the South
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  African rand and inflation-linked energy costs
 Mozal Aluminium
 (US$/t)                                            2,371                                                2,461                                               2,238                            Not provided                                        To benefit from a planned 15% increase in production in FY25, and continue to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  be influenced by the price of raw material inputs and energy
 Sierra Gorda (non-operated)
 (US$/t)((c))                                          17.0                                                 18.8                                                15.2                                               16.0                           Moderation in labour costs following the prior period's workforce payment
 Cannington
 (US$/t)((c))                                            154                                                  150                                                 159                                                170                          Lower planned mill throughput
 Cerro Matoso
 (US$/lb)                                              5.10                                                 5.57                                                4.73                                               5.65                           Lower planned nickel grades, partially offset by lower price-linked royalties
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  and a weaker Colombian peso
 Australia Manganese
 (US$/dmtu, FOB)                                       2.32                                                 2.15                          N/A                                                 Not provided                                        Subject to operational recovery plan and volumes in H2 FY25
 South Africa Manganese
 (US$/dmtu, FOB)                                       2.67                                                 2.59                                                2.78                                               3.00                           Higher price-linked royalties and in-land logistics costs

(a)       FY25e Operating unit cost guidance includes royalties (where
appropriate) and commodity price and foreign exchange rate forward curves or
our internal expectations (refer to page 33 footnote 47).

(b)      The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year.

(c)       US dollar per tonne of ore processed. Periodic movements in
finished product inventory may impact Operating unit costs.

 

Capital expenditure guidance (excluding exploration and intangibles)

FY25 Group capital expenditure, excluding EAIs, is expected to decrease by
US$52M to US$990M, reflecting lower sustaining capital expenditure with the
divestment of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal, partially offset by higher growth
capital expenditure at Hermosa as we progress construction of Taylor and the
exploration decline for Clark:

 •    Safe and reliable: expected to decrease by US$293M to US$310M following the
      divestment of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal;
 •    Improvement and life extension: expected to increase by US$13M to US$80M, as
      we complete work for new mining areas and decarbonisation projects at Worsley
      Alumina; and
 •    Growth: expected to increase by US$228M to US$600M at Hermosa, as we construct
      infrastructure for Taylor (~US$530M), progress studies and key infrastructure
      for Clark (~US$40M) and complete work across the broader project (~US$30M).

FY25 capital expenditure for our material EAIs is expected to increase by
US$70M to US$385M, as we invest to support the resumption of operations at
Australia Manganese and advance projects to grow future copper volumes at
Sierra Gorda:

 •    Manganese EAIs: expected to increase by US$67M to US$175M as we invest US$125M
      at Australia Manganese to repair and install infrastructure, including the
      wharf and a critical bridge. Our insurers have confirmed that the damage
      caused by Tropical Cyclone Megan is covered under our property damage and
      business interruption insurance. We are continuing to work with our insurers
      to assess the timing and value of recoveries under these policies; and
 •    Sierra Gorda: expected to be largely unchanged at US$210M as we continue to
      invest in deferred stripping and additional tailings capacity. We expect to
      update guidance following a final investment decision for the fourth grinding
      line expansion, planned for H1 FY25.

 

 Capital expenditure excluding exploration and intangibles (South32
 share)((36))
 US$M                                                                 FY24                                                                    FY25e((a))
 Worsley Alumina                                                                                      69                                                                     90
 Brazil Alumina                                                                                       58                                                                     60
 Brazil Aluminium                                                                                        8                                                                   10
 Hillside Aluminium                                                                                   38                                                                     60
 Mozal Aluminium                                                                                      22                                                                     25
 Cannington                                                                                           37                                                                     45
 Cerro Matoso                                                                                         34                                                                     20
 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal                                                                      337                                        -((b))
 Safe and reliable capital expenditure (excluding EAIs)                                            603                                                                    310
 Worsley Alumina                                                                                      37                                                                     45
 Brazil Alumina                                                                                       22                                                                        3
 Other operations                                                                                        8                                                                   32
 Improvement and life extension capital expenditure (excluding EAIs)                                  67                                                                     80
 Hermosa                                                                                           372                                                                    600
 Growth capital expenditure                                                                        372                                                                    600
 Total capital expenditure (excluding EAIs)                                                    1,042                                                                      990
 Total capital expenditure (including EAIs)                                                    1,357                                                                 1,375

 

 Capital expenditure for EAIs excluding exploration and intangibles (South32
 share)((36))
 US$M                                                       FY24                                                               FY25e((a))
 Sierra Gorda                                                                            175                                                               185
 Australia Manganese                                                                        39                                                             125
 South Africa Manganese                                                                     31                                                                 35
 Safe and reliable capital expenditure (EAIs)                                            245                                                               345
 Sierra Gorda                                                                               32                                 25((c))
 Australia Manganese                                                                        26                                                                    -
 South Africa Manganese                                                                     12                                                                 15
 Improvement and life extension capital expenditure (EAIs)                                  70                                                                 40
 Total capital expenditure (EAIs)                                                        315                                                               385

(a)       The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year.

(b)      FY25 capital expenditure guidance is not provided for Illawarra
Metallurgical Coal, with the sale expected to complete on 29 August 2024.

(c)       We expect to update FY25 capital expenditure guidance
following a final investment decision for the fourth grinding line project,
planned for H1 FY25.

 

 

Capitalised exploration guidance

FY25 Group capitalised exploration, including EAIs, is expected to be US$50M
as we continue base metals exploration programs across our portfolio. This
includes exploration programs at our Hermosa project as we continue to test
the Peake copper deposit((27)), and at Sierra Gorda's Catabela Northeast
copper porphyry exploration prospect.

 Capitalised exploration (South32 share)((36))
 US$M                                      FY24                                                               FY25e((a))
 Capitalised exploration (excluding EAIs)                                  34                                                                 40
 EAIs capitalised exploration                                              14                                                                 10
 Capitalised exploration (including EAIs)                                  48                                                                 50

(a)       The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year.

 

Other expenditure guidance

Other expenditure items presented below are on a proportional consolidation
basis including our manganese and Sierra Gorda EAIs.

                               FY24                                                                                    FY25e((a))                                                                      Commentary
 Group and unallocated expense in Underlying EBIT (excluding Hermosa,
 greenfield exploration and third party products and services EBIT)
 (US$M)                                                                                                                                                     100                                        Reflects a normalised run-rate
                               96
 Hermosa expenses included in Underlying EBIT
 (US$M)                                                                                                                                                                                                Work across the broader Hermosa project
                               24                                                                                      30
 Underlying depreciation and amortisation
 (US$M)                                                                                                                                                     810                                        Reflects divestment of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal
                               916
 Underlying net finance costs
 (US$M)                                                                                                                                                     190                                        Reflects divestment of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal
                               249
 Greenfield exploration
 (US$M)                                                                                                                                                                                                Greenfield exploration activity targeting base metals in
                               27                                                                                      30

                                                                                                                                                                                                       highly prospective regions

(a)       The denotation (e) refers to an estimate or forecast year.

 

OPERATIONS ANALYSIS

A summary of the underlying performance of the Group's operations is presented
below and a more detailed analysis is presented on pages 21 to 31. Unless
otherwise stated: all metrics reflect South32's share; Operating unit cost is
Underlying revenue less Underlying EBITDA excluding third party products and
services divided by sales volumes; Operating cost is Underlying revenue less
Underlying EBITDA excluding third party products and services; and Realised
sales price is calculated as Underlying revenue excluding third party products
and services divided by sales volume.

 Operations table (South32 share)((36))
                                                         Underlying revenue      Underlying EBIT
 US$M                                                    FY24        FY23        FY24      FY23
 Worsley Alumina                                         1,356       1,363       131       68
 Brazil Alumina                                          484         456         (11)      (45)
 Brazil Aluminium                                        242         166         (121)     (136)
 Hillside Aluminium                                      1,720       1,823       130       191
 Mozal Aluminium                                         812         886         (30)      56
 Sierra Gorda                                            647         684         143       217
 Cannington                                              631         542         206       142
 Hermosa                                                 -           -           (28)      (19)
 Cerro Matoso                                            556         698         35        189
 Australia Manganese                                     436         688         61        266
 South Africa Manganese                                  343         344         45        45
 Third party products and services((48))                 388         399         7         12
 Inter-segment / Group and unallocated                   (780)       (782)       (123)     (84)
 South32 Group (excluding Illawarra Metallurgical Coal)  6,835       7,267       445       902
 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal((49))                      1,461       1,783       441       714
 South32 Group                                           8,296       9,050       886       1,616

 

 

WORSLEY ALUMINA

(86% SHARE)

Worsley Alumina is an integrated bauxite mining and alumina refining operation
in the South West of Western Australia. Alumina from Worsley Alumina is
exported to our Hillside Aluminium and Mozal Aluminium smelters and other
smelters around the world.

Volumes

Worsley Alumina saleable production decreased by 2% (or 62kt) to 3,777kt in
FY24, as a temporary outage of the bauxite conveyor impacted bauxite supply to
the refinery in Q4 FY24. Production is expected to be 3,750kt across FY25 and
FY26 as we manage bauxite inventories due to delays in regulatory approvals
for new mining areas, and complete additional conveyor maintenance. The
refinery is expected to operate at nameplate capacity of 4.6Mtpa (100% basis)
from FY27, subject to the receipt of approvals for new mining areas.

On 8 July 2024, the WA Environmental Protection Authority (WA EPA) published
its recommendation that the Worsley Mine Development Project be approved,
subject to conditions. If imposed in their current form, several conditions
would create significant operating challenges. We have lodged an appeal in
relation to the WA EPA assessment report, and continue to work collaboratively
with the Western Australian Government to enable Worsley Alumina to continue
to meet the State's robust environmental standards. We are aiming to secure
the required environmental approvals by the end of CY24.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs decreased by 8%, to US$269/t in FY24, as lower caustic
soda prices (FY24: US$460/t, FY23: US$659/t), freight rates and a weaker
Australian dollar, more than offset higher energy costs as we converted the
first two coal-fired boilers to natural gas.

We expect FY25 Operating unit costs to increase by 8%, to US$290/t, due to the
impact of constrained bauxite supply, higher caustic soda prices (FY25e:
~US$500/t) and price-linked royalties. Exchange rate and price assumptions for
FY25 Operating unit cost guidance are detailed on page 33, footnote 47.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by 93% (or US$63M), to US$131M in FY24, as higher
average alumina prices (+US$11M), lower caustic soda costs (+US$81M) and
freight rates on sales (+US$18M), more than offset lower sales volumes
(-US$18M) and higher energy costs (-US$8M).

Capital expenditure

Safe and reliable capital expenditure increased by US$20M to US$69M in FY24
and is expected to be US$90M in FY25 as we continue our investment in
infrastructure to access new mining areas and additional bauxite residue
disposal capacity.

Improvement and life extension capital expenditure increased by US$4M to
US$37M in FY24 and is expected to be US$45M in FY25 as we progress the Worsley
Mine Development Project and decarbonisation projects at the refinery.

 

 Safety                                    FY24                                      FY23
 Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF)         1.6                                                          0.6
 Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF)  8.0                                                          8.6

 South32 share                             FY24                                      FY23
 Alumina production (kt)                   3,777                                                  3,839
 Alumina sales (kt)                        3,767                                                  3,817
 Realised alumina sales price (US$/t)      360                                                        357
 Operating unit cost (US$/t)               269                                                        291

 South32 share (US$M)                      FY24                                      FY23
 Underlying revenue                        1,356                                                  1,363
 Underlying EBITDA                         324                                                        251
 Underlying EBIT                           131                                                           68
 Net operating assets                      1,813                                                  2,457
 Capital expenditure                       106                                                           82
 Safe and reliable                         69                                                            49
 Improvement and life extension            37                                                            33
 Social Investment                                           0.9                                        1.1

 

 

BRAZIL ALUMINA

(36% SHARE, NON-OPERATED)

Brazil Alumina includes our 33% interest in the Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN)
bauxite mine and a 36% interest in the Alumar alumina refinery. Our share of
bauxite produced from MRN is supplied to the Alumar refinery. The alumina
produced from Alumar refinery is supplied to the co-located Alumar aluminium
smelter and exported to other smelters around the world.

Volumes

Brazil Alumina saleable production increased by 2% (or 24kt) to 1,286kt in
FY24, with improved plant availability in H2 FY24. Production is expected to
increase by 5% to 1,350kt in FY25 and a further 2% to 1,380kt in FY26 as the
refinery begins to realise the benefits of the De-bottlenecking Phase Two
project.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs decreased by 12%, to US$323/t in FY24, as the refinery
delivered improved volumes and benefitted from lower prices for caustic soda
(FY24: US$469/t, FY23: US$722/t), coal-linked energy, and bauxite from MRN
linked to alumina and aluminium prices on a trailing basis.

While Operating unit cost guidance is not provided for this non-operated
facility, we expect FY25 Operating unit costs to benefit from higher planned
volumes and a further reduction in energy prices.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT improved by US$34M, to a loss of US$11M in FY24, as higher
sales volumes (+US$16M) and average realised alumina prices (+US$12M),
together with lower prices for caustic soda (+US$32M), energy (+US$28M) and
bauxite (+US$9M), more than offset a stronger Brazilian real (-US$4M).

Our share of the loss from our equity interest in MRN was US$30M in FY24
(FY23: profit of US$6M), which reflected lower bauxite prices.

Capital expenditure

Safe and reliable capital expenditure increased by US$13M to US$58M in FY24
and is expected to be US$60M in FY25 as we continue our investment in
additional bauxite residue disposal capacity.

Improvement and life extension capital expenditure increased by US$9M to
US$22M in FY24 as we completed key work for the refinery's De-bottlenecking
Phase Two project. Our spend is expected to significantly reduce to US$3M in
FY25.

The partners of MRN continue to progress a feasibility study for the West Zone
project, which has the potential to extend the life of the bauxite mine by
more than 20 years((50)). A final investment decision for an enabling
transmission line to connect MRN to the Brazilian power grid is anticipated
during FY25. The transmission line will enable MRN to replace its current
diesel-powered generation with renewable energy sources, reducing operating
costs and GHG emissions.

 

 South32 share                     FY24                                         FY23
 Alumina production (kt)                       1,286                                         1,262
 Alumina sales (kt)                            1,282                                         1,237
 Realised sales price (US$/t)                      378                                           369
 Operating unit cost (US$/t)((a))                  323                                           368

 South32 share (US$M)              FY24                                         FY23
 Underlying revenue                                484                                           456
 Underlying EBITDA                                     40                                              7
 Underlying EBIT                                     (11)                                          (45)
 Net operating assets                              736                                           738
 Capital expenditure                                   80                                           58
 Safe and reliable                                     58                                           45
 Improvement and life extension                        22                                           13

(a)       Excludes the profit/(loss) from our equity interest in MRN.

 

 

BRAZIL ALUMINIUM

(40% SHARE, NON-OPERATED)

The Brazil Aluminium smelter was restarted during FY22 after being on care and
maintenance since 2015. Brazil Aluminium produces aluminium for domestic and
export markets, with alumina supplied by the co-located Alumar refinery. Our
share of Brazil Aluminium production is powered by 100% renewable power.

Volumes

Brazil Aluminium saleable production increased by 51% (or 35kt) to 104kt in
FY24, as the smelter continued to ramp up all three potlines. Production is
expected to increase by 25% to 130kt in FY25 and a further 23% to 160kt in
FY26.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs decreased by 20%, to US$3,500/t in FY24, as the smelter
continued to ramp up and benefitted from lower prices for smelter raw material
inputs.

While Operating unit cost guidance is not provided for this non-operated
facility, we expect FY25 Operating unit costs to benefit from a 25% increase
in production volumes as the smelter continues to ramp up.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT improved by US$15M, to a loss of US$121M in FY24, as higher
sales volumes (+US$84M) and lower smelter raw material input prices (+US$26M),
more than offset lower average realised aluminium prices (-US$8M), a stronger
Brazilian real (-US$8M), and production and inventory related costs (-US$75M)
as the smelter continued to ramp up.

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure was US$8M in FY24 and is expected to be US$12M in FY25.

 

 South32 share                   FY24                                              FY23
 Aluminium production (kt)                       104                                                   69
 Aluminium sales (kt)                            102                                                   68
 Realised sales price (US$/t)                2,373                                              2,452
 Operating unit cost (US$/t)                 3,500                                              4,357

 South32 share (US$M)            FY24                                              FY23
 Underlying revenue                              242                                                166
 Underlying EBITDA                              (115)                                              (129)
 Underlying EBIT                                (121)                                              (136)
 Net operating assets                                68                                                28
 Capital expenditure                                    8                                                 9
 Safe and reliable                                      8                                                 9
 Improvement and life extension                         -                                                 -

 

 

HILLSIDE ALUMINIUM

(100% SHARE)

Hillside Aluminium is located in Richards Bay, South Africa, and is the
largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere. The smelter produces
high-quality, primary aluminium for domestic and export markets.

Volumes

Hillside Aluminium saleable production increased by 1kt to a record 720kt in
FY24, as the smelter continued to test its maximum technical capacity, despite
the impact of load-shedding. Production is expected to be sustained at
720kt((45)) across FY25 and FY26.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs decreased by 3%, to US$2,115/t in FY24, as the smelter
continued its strong operating performance and benefitted from lower prices
for smelter raw material inputs, more than offsetting additional maintenance.

While Operating unit cost guidance is not provided, the cost profile of the
smelter will continue to be heavily influenced by the price of smelter raw
material inputs, including alumina supplied by our Worsley Alumina refinery,
and other external factors including the South African rand and
inflation-linked energy costs.

The smelter's electricity is supplied by Eskom under a contract to 2031, with
a tariff that is South African rand based and a rate of escalation linked to
the South Africa Producer Price Index. We continue to work with Eskom and
other stakeholders in the South African energy sector on pathways to secure
lower carbon((51)) electricity supply.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by 32% (or US$61M), to US$130M in FY24, as lower
average realised aluminium prices (-US$107M) and maintenance costs (-US$9M),
more than offset lower prices for smelter raw material inputs (+US$89M).

130 pots were relined at a cost of US$327k per pot in FY24 (FY23: 96 pots at
US$281k per pot), with ~130 pots scheduled to be relined in FY25. The smelter
is deploying AP3XLE energy efficiency technology in its pot relining activity
to further enhance the smelter's energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.
At the end of FY24, 36% of the pots had been relined using AP3XLE technology.

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure increased by US$22M to US$40M in FY24 and is expected to
increase to US$65M in FY25 as we replace the smelter's pot tending assemblies.
We expect  capital expenditure to remain elevated across FY25 and FY26 as we
substantially complete our investment in pot tending assemblies.

 

 Safety                                    FY24                                              FY23
 Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF)                           0.8                                                1.7
 Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF)                    1.6                                                3.0

 South32 share                             FY24                                              FY23
 Aluminium production (kt)                                 720                                                719
 Aluminium sales (kt)                                      720                                                719
 Realised sales price (US$/t)                          2,389                                              2,535
 Operating unit cost (US$/t)                           2,115                                              2,178

 South32 share (US$M)                      FY24                                              FY23
 Underlying revenue                                    1,720                                              1,823
 Underlying EBITDA                                         197                                                257
 Underlying EBIT                                           130                                                191
 Net operating assets                                      805                                                845
 Capital expenditure                                           40                                                18
 Safe and reliable                                             38                                                16
 Improvement and life extension                                   2                                                 2
 Social Investment                                           7.3                                                9.1

 

 

MOZAL ALUMINIUM

(63.7% SHARE)

Mozal Aluminium is located near Maputo, Mozambique, and is a significant
industrial employer in the country. The smelter produces high-quality, primary
aluminium for domestic and export markets.

Volumes

Mozal Aluminium saleable production decreased by 9% (or 31kt) to 314kt in
FY24, as the smelter progressed its recovery plan, while managing the impact
of load-shedding. Production is expected to increase by 15% to 360kt((45)) in
FY25, and a further 3% to 370kt((45)) in FY26 as the smelter returns toward
nameplate capacity.

FY26 production guidance is subject to the extension of the current power
supply agreement for Mozal Aluminium, which expires in March 2026. We continue
to work with Eskom and the Government of the Republic of Mozambique to extend
the smelter's hydro-electric power supply, as there are currently no viable
alternative suppliers of renewable energy at the required scale.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs increased by 2%, to US$2,371/t in FY24, with sequentially
lower Operating unit costs across H2 FY24 of US$2,238/t (H1 FY24: US$2,461/t)
as the smelter progressed its recovery plan and benefitted from lower smelter
raw material input prices.

While Operating unit cost guidance is not provided, we expect FY25 Operating
unit costs to benefit from a 15% increase in production volumes as the smelter
delivers its recovery plan. The smelter's cost base will continue to be
heavily influenced by the price of smelter raw material inputs, including
alumina supplied by our Worsley Alumina refinery, and other external factors
including the South African rand and inflation-linked indexation of energy
costs.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by US$86M, to a loss of US$30M in FY24, as lower
average realised aluminium prices (-US$54M) and sales volumes (-US$20M),
together with higher energy (-US$17M) and maintenance costs (-US$9M), more
than offset lower prices for smelter raw material inputs (+US$60M).

136((52)) pots were relined at a cost of US$377k per pot in FY24 (FY23: 82
pots at US$318k per pot) using AP3XLE technology. We expect to reline ~150
pots in FY25 as we progressively return pots to operation as part of the
recovery plan.

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure was US$23M in FY24 and is expected to be US$25M in FY25 as
we continue our investment in plant upgrades.

 

 Safety                                    FY24                                              FY23
 Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF)                           0.6                                                0.4
 Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF)                    1.5                                                1.5

 South32 share                             FY24                                              FY23
 Aluminium production (kt)                                 314                                                345
 Aluminium sales (kt)                                      326                                                334
 Realised sales price (US$/t)                          2,491                                              2,653
 Operating unit cost (US$/t)                           2,371                                              2,329

 South32 share (US$M)                      FY24                                              FY23
 Underlying revenue                                        812                                                886
 Underlying EBITDA                                             39                                             108
 Underlying EBIT                                             (30)                                                56
 Net operating assets                                      498                                                578
 Capital expenditure                                           23                                                17
 Safe and reliable                                             22                                                16
 Improvement and life extension                                   1                                                 1
 Social Investment                                           2.2                                                1.8

 

 

SIERRA GORDA

(45% SHARE, NON-OPERATED)

Sierra Gorda is a large scale, open-pit mine in the prolific Antofagasta
copper mining region, that produces copper, molybdenum, gold and silver.

Volumes

Sierra Gorda payable copper equivalent production((24)) decreased by 15% (or
12.7kt) to 73.8kt in FY24, as higher plant throughput delivered by the
de-bottlenecking project was more than offset by lower than planned copper
grades and molybdenum recoveries in the current phase of the mine plan.

Production is expected to increase by approximately 15% to 84.8kt in FY25 and
a further 2% to 86.1kt in FY26, as the operation continues to benefit from the
de-bottlenecking project and realises higher metal grades in the next phase of
the mine plan.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs increased by 10%, to US$17.0/t ore processed in FY24, in
line with guidance, as the operation incurred a planned one-off workforce
payment following the finalisation of a new three-year industrial agreement.

We expect FY25 Operating unit costs to decrease by 6% to US$16.0/t ore
processed, reflecting the normalisation of labour costs, and maintenance
efficiencies. Exchange rate and price assumptions for FY25 Operating unit cost
guidance are detailed on page 33, footnote 47.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by 34%, (or US$74M) to US$143M in FY24, as higher
average realised metal prices (+US$48M) and lower electricity costs (+US$18M),
under a cost efficient, 100% renewable electricity contract, were more than
offset by lower sales volumes (-US$85M), the one-off workforce payment
(-US$20M), higher maintenance costs (-US$10M) and local inflationary pressures
(-US$14M).

Capital expenditure

Safe and reliable capital expenditure was US$175M in FY24 and is expected to
be US$185M in FY25 as the operation continues deferred stripping activity and
invests in additional tailings infrastructure.

Improvement and life extension capital expenditure was US$32M in FY24 as the
operation completed plant de-bottlenecking work and progressed the feasibility
study for the fourth grinding line expansion.

We expect to spend US$25M in H1 FY25, ahead of the planned completion of the
feasibility study for the fourth grinding line project. The project has the
potential to increase plant throughput by ~20% to ~58Mtpa, lifting copper
production and lowering Operating unit costs.

We expect to update FY25 capital guidance following the final investment
decision for the fourth grinding line project.

 

 South32 share                         FY24                                         FY23
 Ore mined (Mt)                                       19.9                                          26.0
 Ore processed (Mt)                                   21.9                                          21.2
 Ore grade processed (%, Cu)                        0.36                                        0.42
 Payable copper equivalent                            73.8                                          86.5

 production (kt)((24))
 Payable copper production (kt)                       60.8                                          70.7
 Payable molybdenum production (kt)                      0.9                                           1.2
 Payable gold production (koz)                        24.6                                          28.8
 Payable silver production (koz)                       607                                           630
 Payable copper sales (kt)                            60.9                                          71.8
 Payable molybdenum sales (kt)                           1.3                                           1.3
 Payable gold sales (koz)                             24.9                                          29.1
 Payable silver sales (koz)                            605                                           639
 Realised copper sales price (US$/lb)                 3.86                                          3.51
 Realised molybdenum sales price                   20.60                                         21.28

 (US$/lb)
 Realised gold sales price (US$/oz)                2,129                                         1,821
 Realised silver sales price (US$/oz)                 24.8                                          21.9
 Operating unit cost                                  17.0                                          15.4

(US$/t ore processed)((53))

 South32 share (US$M)                  FY24                                         FY23
 Underlying revenue                                    647                                           684
 Underlying EBITDA                                     275                                           358
 Underlying EBIT                                       143                                           217
 Net operating assets                              1,664                                         1,588
 Capital expenditure                                   207                                           196
 Safe and reliable                                     175                                           151
 Improvement and life extension                            32                                           45
 Exploration expenditure                                   13                                              7
 Exploration expensed                                       -                                              4

 

 

CANNINGTON

(100% SHARE)

Cannington is an underground mine located in north-west Queensland, Australia,
that produces high-grade lead and zinc concentrates with a high silver
content.

Volumes

Cannington payable zinc equivalent production((25)) increased by 10% to
285.2kt in FY24, despite adverse weather impacts, as the operation realised
higher average metal grades.

Looking ahead, a significant increase in underground activity and complexity
is expected to drive greater variability in mine performance as the
underground mine progresses toward the end of its life. Due to these factors
and the need to rebuild run of mine stocks following adverse weather impacts
in H2 FY24, payable zinc equivalent production is expected to be 265.4kt in
FY25 (ore processed 2,100kdmt, silver 11,300koz, lead 100.0kt, zinc 50.0kt).
Production is then expected to increase by 6% in FY26 to 282.2kt payable zinc
equivalent (ore processed 2,200kdmt, silver 12,000koz, lead 110.0kt, zinc
50.0kt) with improved plant throughput.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs were largely unchanged at US$154/t in FY24, as higher
plant throughput and a weaker Australian dollar were offset by additional
contractor costs to support the planned increase in underground activity.

We expect FY25 Operating unit costs to increase by 10%, to US$170/t,
reflecting the volume impact of lower ore processed. Exchange rate and price
assumptions for FY25 Operating unit cost guidance are detailed on page 33,
footnote 47.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT increased by 45% (or US$64M), to US$206M in FY24, as higher
average metal prices (+US$56M) and sales volumes (+US$33M), more than offset
additional contractor costs to deliver planned underground activity (-US$8M)
and higher local gas prices (-US$5M).

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure decreased by US$23M to US$38M in FY24, following the
transition to 100% truck haulage in the prior period. We expect to invest
US$45M in FY25 as we continue to invest in underground development.

 

 Safety                                         FY24                    FY23
 Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF)              5.6                     4.8
 Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF)       15.8                    11.0

 South32 share                                  FY24                    FY23
 Ore mined (kwmt)                               2,252                   2,223
 Ore processed (kdmt)                           2,221                   2,156
 Ore grade processed (g/t, Ag)                  205                     187
 Ore grade processed (%, Pb)                              5.9                    5.6
 Ore grade processed (%, Zn)                              3.7                    3.8
 Payable zinc equivalent production (kt)((25))  285.2                   259.6
 Payable silver production (koz)                12,666                  11,183
 Payable lead production (kt)                   112.4                   101.7
 Payable zinc production (kt)                   60.7                    59.2
 Payable silver sales (koz)                     11,793                  10,739
 Payable lead sales (kt)                        102.4                   99.0
 Payable zinc sales (kt)                        60.1                    58.1
 Realised silver sales price (US$/oz)           24.8                    21.1
 Realised lead sales price (US$/t)              2,002                   1,919
 Realised zinc sales price (US$/t)              2,230                   2,151
 Operating unit cost                            154                     153

(US$/t ore processed)((53))

 South32 share (US$M)                           FY24                    FY23
 Underlying revenue                             631                     542
 Underlying EBITDA                              289                     213
 Underlying EBIT                                206                     142
 Net operating assets                           150                     172
 Capital expenditure                            38                      61
 Safe and reliable                              37                      60
 Improvement and life extension                 1                       1
 Exploration expenditure                        9                       8
 Exploration expensed                           6                       6
 Social Investment                              0.4                     0.5

 

 

CERRO MATOSO

(99.9% SHARE)

Cerro Matoso is an integrated nickel laterite mine and smelter located in
northern Colombia that produces ferronickel used to make stainless steel.

We continue to progress our strategic review of Cerro Matoso in response to
structural changes in the nickel market. We expect to provide information on
the outcome of this review in H2 FY25.

Volumes

Cerro Matoso payable nickel production was largely unchanged at 40.6kt in
FY24, supported by improved plant throughput and nickel grades to finish the
year. Production is expected to be 35.0kt in FY25, reflecting lower planned
nickel grades. FY26 production guidance is not provided as it is subject to
the outcomes of the strategic review.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs were largely unchanged at US$5.10/lb in FY24, beating our
already lowered guidance by 2%, as we realised further cost efficiencies and
benefitted from lower price-linked royalties, offsetting a stronger Colombian
peso.

We expect FY25 Operating unit costs to increase by 11% to US$5.65/lb,
reflecting the volume impact of lower planned nickel grades, partially offset
by a weaker Colombian peso and lower price-linked royalties. Exchange rate and
price assumptions for FY25 Operating unit cost guidance are detailed on page
33, footnote 47.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by US$154M, to US$35M in FY24, as a significant
decline in the average realised nickel price (-US$143M) and a stronger
Colombian peso (-US$39M), more than offset lower price-linked royalties
(+US$36M).

Underlying EBIT improved by US$63M to US$49M in H2 FY24 (H1 FY24: EBIT loss of
US$14M) as we took action to protect margins, and price realisations for our
ferronickel product improved (H2 FY24: ~21%, H1 FY24: ~29% discount to the LME
Nickel Index).

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure was US$34M in FY24 and is expected to reduce by US$14M to
US$20M in FY25 as we prioritise our capital program.

 

 Safety                                      FY24                                            FY23
 Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF)                             2.3                                             1.3
 Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF)                      2.7                                             1.6

 South32 share                               FY24                                            FY23
 Ore mined (kwmt)                                       5,195                                            5,560
 Ore processed (kdmt)                                   2,774                                            2,807
 Ore grade processed (%, Ni)                              1.60                                           1.62
 Payable nickel production (kt)                            40.6                                             40.8
 Payable nickel sales (kt)                                 40.9                                             40.8
 Realised nickel sales price (US$/lb)((54))                6.17                                             7.76
 Operating unit cost (US$/lb)                              5.10                                             5.03

 South32 share (US$M)                        FY24                                            FY23
 Underlying revenue                                          556                                              698
 Underlying EBITDA                                              96                                            246
 Underlying EBIT                                                35                                            189
 Net operating assets                                           91                                            363
 Capital expenditure                                            34                                               38
 Safe and reliable                                              34                                               33
 Improvement and life extension                                    -                                                5
 Exploration expenditure                                           3                                                2
 Exploration expensed                                              3                                                2
 Social Investment                                             2.6                                             4.8

 

 

AUSTRALIA MANGANESE

(60% SHARE)

Australia Manganese consists of Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO) in the
Northern Territory, Australia. GEMCO is an open-cut mining operation that
produces high-grade manganese ore.

On 16 to 17 March 2024, Tropical Cyclone Megan severely impacted operations at
GEMCO, with record rainfall and the second strongest wind gusts in the past 20
years. The intense weather system resulted in widespread flooding and
significant damage to critical infrastructure.

Following Tropical Cyclone Megan, we continue to implement the operational
recovery plan, dewatering targeted mining pits and commencing a phased mining
restart. Mining activity is expected to increase to support a planned build in
stockpiles ahead of the wet season. Wharf operations are scheduled to
recommence in Q3 FY25, subject to maintaining construction productivity during
the wet season, with sales volumes expected to progressively increase over Q4
FY25.

Volumes

Australia Manganese saleable production decreased by 34% (or 1,221kwmt) to
2,324kwmt in FY24, as we temporarily suspended operations in March 2024.

Production is expected to be 1,000kwmt in FY25 and 3,200kwmt in FY26 as we
complete the operational recovery plan.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs increased by 23%, to US$2.32/dmtu in FY24, due to lower
volumes as a result of Tropical Cyclone Megan.

FY25 Operating unit cost guidance is not currently provided and is subject to
the operational recovery plan and volumes in H2 FY25.

We expect to incur additional idle capacity and remediation related costs in
FY25 as we implement the operational recovery plan, which will be excluded
from FY25 Underlying earnings as an earnings adjustment.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by 77% (or US$205M) to US$61M in FY24. Separately we
incurred idle capacity and other remediation costs of US$93M that were
excluded from Underlying EBIT as an earnings adjustment.

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure for mine repairs and infrastructure, including the wharf
and a critical bridge, is expected to be approximately US$125M in FY25.

Our insurers have confirmed that the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Megan
is covered under our property damage and business interruption insurance. We
are continuing to work with our insurers to assess the timing and value of
recoveries under these policies.

 

 Safety                                                                 FY24                                              FY23
 Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF)                                                        4.0                                                1.5
 Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF)                                                 8.4                                                6.3

 South32 share                                                          FY24                                              FY23
 Manganese ore production (kwmt)                                                    2,324                                              3,545
 Manganese ore sales (kwmt)                                                         2,573                                              3,261
 Realised external manganese ore sales price (US$/dmtu, FOB)((55)(56))                 3.77                                               4.59
 Ore operating unit cost (US$/dmtu, FOB)((56)(57))                                     2.32                                               1.88

 South32 share (US$M)                                                   FY24                                              FY23
 Underlying revenue                                                                     436                                                688
 Underlying EBITDA                                                                      182                                                369
 Underlying EBIT                                                                            61                                             266
 Net operating assets                                                                   166                                                239
 Capital expenditure                                                                        65                                                58
 Safe and reliable                                                                          39                                                41
 Improvement and life extension                                                             26                                                17
 Exploration expenditure                                                                       1                                                 1
 Exploration expensed                                                                          -                                                 -
 Social Investment                                                                        1.0                                                0.8

 

 

SOUTH AFRICA MANGANESE

(ORE 54.6% SHARE, ALLOY 60% SHARE)

South Africa Manganese consists of two manganese mines in the Kalahari Basin,
and the Metalloys manganese alloy smelter which was placed on care and
maintenance in FY20.

In June 2024, South Africa Manganese entered into a binding agreement to
divest Metalloys, subject to the satisfaction of conditions((58)).

Volumes

South Africa Manganese saleable production increased by 3% (or 67kwmt) to a
record 2,175kwmt in FY24, as we lifted output of secondary products to
capitalise on stronger manganese prices in Q4 FY24.

Production is expected to be 2,000kwmt across FY25 and FY26 as we continue to
use higher cost trucking to optimise sales volumes and margins.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs were largely unchanged at US$2.67/dmtu in FY24, as higher
volumes and a weaker South African rand partially offset higher in-land
logistics costs and local inflationary cost pressures.

We expect FY25 Operating unit costs to increase by 12% to US$3.00/dmtu, due to
higher price-linked royalties and in-land logistics costs. Exchange rate and
price assumptions for FY25 Operating unit cost guidance are detailed on page
33, footnote 47.

Financial performance

Ore Underlying EBIT decreased by 6% (or US$3M), to US$48M in FY24, as higher
sales volumes (+US$8M) and a weaker South African rand (+US$11M) were more
than offset by lower average realised manganese prices (-US$9M), higher
in-land logistics costs (-US$12M) and local inflationary pressures (-US$11M).

Capital expenditure

Safe and reliable capital expenditure increased by US$15M to US$31M in FY24
and is expected to be US$35M in FY25 as we continue our investment in rail
infrastructure to improve safety and efficiencies, and new mobile fleet.

Improvement and life extension capital expenditure was US$12M in FY24 and is
expected to be US$15M in FY25 as we advance work to access new mining areas
and increase future production capacity at our high-grade underground Wessels
mine.

 

 Safety                                                                 FY24                                              FY23
 Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF)                                                        1.6                                                0.7
 Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF)                                                 2.5                                                0.7

 South32 share                                                          FY24                                              FY23
 Manganese ore production (kwmt)                                                    2,175                                              2,108
 Manganese ore sales (kwmt)                                                         2,116                                              2,065
 Realised external manganese ore sales price (US$/dmtu, FOB)((55)(59))                 3.53                                               3.58
 Ore operating unit cost (US$/dmtu, FOB)((57)(59))                                     2.67                                               2.64

 South32 share (US$M)                                                   FY24                                              FY23
 Underlying revenue                                                                     343                                                344
 Manganese ore                                                                          343                                                344
 Manganese alloy                                                                               -                                                 -
 Underlying EBITDA                                                                          65                                                66
 Manganese ore                                                                              68                                                72
 Manganese alloy                                                                             (3)                                                (6)
 Underlying EBIT                                                                            45                                                45
 Manganese ore                                                                              48                                                51
 Manganese alloy                                                                             (3)                                                (6)
 Net operating assets/(liabilities)                                                     200                                                143
 Manganese ore                                                                          271                                                214
 Manganese alloy                                                                          (71)                                               (71)
 Capital expenditure                                                                        43                                                25
 Safe and reliable                                                                          31                                                16
 Improvement and life extension                                                             12                                                   9
 Exploration expenditure                                                                       -                                                 1
 Exploration expensed                                                                          -                                                 1
 Social Investment                                                                        2.3                                                3.2

 

 

ILLAWARRA METALLURGICAL COAL

(100% SHARE)

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal operates two underground metallurgical coal mines
in the southern coalfields of New South Wales, Australia.

We expect to complete the sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal for total cash
consideration of up to US$1.65B((3)), on 29 August 2024.

Volumes

Illawarra Metallurgical Coal saleable production decreased by 24% (or
1,582kt), to 4,938kt in FY24, in line with guidance, as the operation
completed planned longwall moves.

FY25 production guidance is not provided, with the sale expected to complete
on 29 August 2024.

Operating costs

Operating unit costs increased by 18%, to US$150/t in FY24, as we completed
planned longwall moves.

Financial performance

Underlying EBIT decreased by 38% (or US$273M), to US$441M in FY24, as lower
sales volumes (-US$373M) due to planned longwall moves, and lower average
realised prices (-US$47M), more than offset lower price-linked royalties
(+US$30M) and local electricity prices (+US$20M).

Depreciation and amortisation decreased by US$60M to US$81M, as Illawarra
Metallurgical Coal ceased depreciating upon classification as a discontinued
operation and held for sale since February 2024((3)).

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure increased by US$92M to US$340M in FY24 as we continued a
significant investment in additional ventilation capacity at Appin.

 

 Safety                                           FY24                                              FY23
 Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF)                                  3.4                                                4.3
 Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF)                        11.2                                               21.3

 South32 share                                    FY24                                              FY23
 Metallurgical coal production (kt)                           4,305                                              5,497
 Energy coal production (kt)                                      633                                            1,023
 Metallurgical coal sales (kt)                                4,172                                              5,402
 Energy coal sales (kt)                                           699                                                957
 Realised metallurgical coal sales price (US$/t)                  275                                                279
 Realised energy coal sales price (US$/t)                         107                                                144
 Operating unit cost (US$/t)                                      150                                                127

 South32 share (US$M)((a))                        FY24                                              FY23
 Underlying revenue((60))                                     1,461                                              1,783
 Underlying EBITDA                                                522                                                855
 Underlying EBIT                                                  441                                                714
 Net operating assets                                         1,236                                                  901
 Capital expenditure                                              340                                                248
 Safe and reliable                                                337                                                242
 Improvement and life extension                                          3                                                 6
 Exploration expenditure                                              10                                                17
 Exploration expensed                                                    5                                                 9
 Social Investment                                                  1.2                                                0.9

(a)       Illawarra Metallurgical Coal has been classified as a
discontinued operation and held for sale since February 2024((3)). As a
result, the FY24 and restated FY23 underlying results reflect those of the
discontinued operation, including third party products and services. Net
operating assets represent the assets and directly associated liabilities
classified as held for sale for FY24 and the restated equivalent amounts for
FY23.

 

NOTES

 (1)   Members are equity holders of South32 Limited. Amounts reported as
       attributable to members are stated net of amounts attributable to
       non-controlling interests.
 (2)   Refers to Underlying earnings attributable to members.
 (3)   Refer to market release "Sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal" dated 29
       February 2024. The consideration comprises; upfront cash consideration of
       US$1,050M, payable at completion; deferred cash consideration of US$250M,
       payable in 2030; and contingent price-linked cash consideration of up to
       US$350M, applicable for five years from the date of completion with no annual
       cap. The first two years will be calculated and paid on the second anniversary
       of completion and annually thereafter. The contingent    price-linked
       consideration will be calculated as 50% of incremental metallurgical coal
       revenue from equity production, net of royalties, based on the following
       metallurgical coal price thresholds: Year 1: US$200/t, Year 2: US$200/t, Year
       3: US$190/t, Year 4: US$180/t, Year 5: US$180/t.
 (4)   Net tangible assets as at 30 June 2024 includes all right-of-use assets and
       lease liabilities, in accordance with AASB 16 Leases.
 (5)   FY24 basic earnings per share is calculated as Profit/(loss) after tax
       attributable to members divided by the weighted average number of shares for
       FY24 (4,519 million). FY24 basic Underlying earnings per share is calculated
       as Underlying earnings attributable to members divided by the weighted average
       number of shares for FY24. FY23 basic earnings per share is calculated as
       Profit/(loss) after tax attributable to members divided by the weighted
       average number of shares for FY23 (4,572 million). FY23 basic Underlying
       earnings per share is calculated as Underlying earnings attributable to
       members divided by the weighted average number of shares for FY23.
 (6)   FY24 ordinary dividends per share is calculated as H1 FY24 ordinary dividend
       announced (US$18M) divided by the number of shares on issue at 31 December
       2023 (4,529 million) plus H2 FY24 ordinary dividend announced (US$140M)
       divided by the number of shares on issue at 30 June 2024 (4,529 million).
 (7)   FY23 and FY24 includes discontinued operation Illawarra Metallurgical Coal.
 (8)   Underlying revenue includes revenue from third party products and services.
 (9)   The underlying information reflects the Group's interest in material equity
       accounted joint ventures and is presented on a proportional consolidation
       basis. Underlying EBIT is profit/(loss) before net finance income/(costs),
       tax and any earnings adjustments, including impairments. Underlying EBITDA is
       Underlying EBIT before Underlying depreciation and amortisation. Underlying
       earnings attributable to members is Profit/(loss) after tax attributable to
       members and earnings adjustment items. Underlying earnings attributable to
       members is the key measure that South32 uses to assess the performance of the
       South32 Group, make decisions on the allocation of resources and assess senior
       management's performance. In addition, the performance of each of the South32
       operations and operational management is assessed based on Underlying EBIT. In
       order to calculate Underlying earnings attributable to members, Underlying
       EBIT and Underlying EBITDA, the following items are adjusted as applicable
       each period, irrespective of materiality:

       •          Exchange rate (gains)/losses on restatement of monetary
       items;

       •          Impairment losses/(reversals);

       •          Net (gains)/losses on disposal and consolidation of
       interests in operations;

       •          (Gains)/losses on non-trading derivative instruments,
       contingent consideration and other investments measured at fair value through
       profit or loss;

       •          Major corporate restructures;

       •          Joint venture adjustments;

       •          Exchange rate variations on net cash/(debt);

       •          Tax effect of earnings adjustments; and

       •          Exchange rate variations on tax balances

       In addition, items that do not reflect the underlying operations of South32,
       and are individually, or in combination with other related earnings
       adjustments, significant to the financial statements, are excluded to
       determine Underlying earnings. When applicable, significant items are detailed
       in the Financial Information.
 (10)  Comprises Underlying EBITDA excluding third party products and services
       EBITDA, divided by Underlying revenue excluding third party products and
       services revenue. Also referred to as operating margin.
 (11)  Comprises Underlying EBIT excluding third party products and services EBIT,
       divided by Underlying revenue excluding third party products and services
       revenue.
 (12)  Return on invested capital (ROIC) is a key measure that South32 uses to assess
       performance. ROIC is calculated as Underlying EBIT less the discount on
       rehabilitation provisions included in Underlying net finance costs, tax
       effected by the Group's Underlying effective tax rate (ETR) including our
       material equity accounted investments on a proportional consolidation basis,
       divided by the sum of fixed assets (excluding any rehabilitation assets, the
       impact of any impairments or impairment reversals, and unproductive capital)
       and inventories.
 (13)  Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF): The sum of recordable injuries x
       1,000,000) ÷ exposure hours, for employees and contractors. This is stated in
       units of per million hours worked for employees and contractors. We adopt the
       United States Government Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
       guidelines for the recording and reporting of occupational injuries and
       illnesses.
 (14)  Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF): The sum of (Lost Time injuries x 1,000,000)
       ÷ exposure hours, for employees and contractors. This is stated in units of
       per million hours worked for employees and contractors. We adopt the United
       States Government Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
       guidelines for the recording and reporting of occupational injuries and
       illnesses.
 (15)  Seven injuries which occurred in FY23 have been reclassified from restricted
       work cases to lost time cases, resulting in an increase in LTIF from 1.4 to
       1.6
 (16)  Significant hazard frequency: (The sum of significant hazards x 1,000,000) ÷
       exposure hours. This is stated in units of per million hours worked for
       employees and contractors. A significant hazard is something that has the
       potential to cause harm, ill health or injury, or damage to property, plant or
       the environment.
 (17)  Black People is a term defined in the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment
       Amendment Act 2013 (South Africa), a generic term meaning Africans, Coloureds
       and Indians who are citizens of the Republic of South Africa by birth or
       descent; or who become citizens of the Republic of South Africa by
       naturalisation before 27 April 1994 or on or after 27 April 1994 and who would
       have been entitled to acquire citizenship by naturalisation prior to that
       date.
 (18)  The Senior Leadership Team includes Presidents and Vice Presidents reporting
       to members of the South32 Lead Team and the Company Secretary.
 (19)  Includes all General Managers and Managers reporting to Vice President
       Operations including Functional Managers such as Human Resources, Finance and
       Supply, etc. (limited to one per function).
 (20)  Management roles are leaders with an identified job grading of 13 or higher
       based on the requirements of their role.
 (21)  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 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.
 (22)  Goal is defined as an aspiration to deliver an outcome for which we have not
       identified a pathway for delivery, but for which efforts will be pursued
       towards achieving that outcome, subject to certain assumptions or conditions.
 (23)  FY23 downstream transportation and distribution has been restated from 0.9Mt
       CO2e to 0.4Mt CO2e following a review of the methodology used in this
       category.
 (24)  Payable copper equivalent production (kt) was calculated by aggregating
       revenues from copper, molybdenum, gold and silver, and dividing the total
       Revenue by the price of copper. FY24 realised prices for copper (US$3.86/lb),
       molybdenum (US$20.60/lb), gold (US$2,129/oz) and silver (US$24.8/oz) have been
       used for FY24, FY25e and FY26e. FY23 realised prices for copper (US$3.51/lb),
       molybdenum (US$21.28/lb), gold (US$1,821/oz) and silver (US$21.9/oz) have been
       used for FY23 and FY24 on page 5 and 25.
 (25)  Payable zinc equivalent (kt) was calculated by aggregating revenues from
       payable silver, lead and zinc, and dividing the total Revenue by the price of
       zinc. FY24 realised prices for zinc (US$2,230/t), lead (US$2,002/t) and
       silver (US$24.8/oz) have been used for FY24, FY25e and FY26e. FY23 realised
       prices for zinc (US$2,151/t), lead (US$1,919/t) and silver (US$21.1/oz) have
       been used for FY23 and FY24 on page 5 and 26.
 (26)  Refer to market release "Final Investment Approval to Develop Hermosa's Taylor
       Deposit" dated 15 February 2024.
 (27)  Exploration Results and Exploration Targets: The information in this
       announcement that relates to the Exploration Results and Targets for Taylor,
       Clark, Peake and Flux is extracted from the market release "Final investment
       approval to develop Hermosa's Taylor deposit" dated 15 February 2024. 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
 (28)  Subject to the Eagle Downs project reaching metallurgical coal production of
       100,000 tonnes.
 (29)  Price-linked royalty calculated based on potential future metallurgical coal
       production and a metallurgical coal index price of at least US$170/t.
 (30)  Refer to market release "Worsley Alumina Approvals Update" dated 22 July 2024
 (31)  The Group's total adjusted cost base of US$6,018M for FY24 (FY23: US$6,142M)
       which excludes third party product costs.
 (32)  FY24 net distributions from our material equity accounted joint ventures
       comprises of dividends (+US$90M), initial funding (-US$30M) to Australia
       Manganese to support recovery plans, a net drawdown of shareholder loans
       (-US$34M) from manganese and a distribution (+US$27M) from Sierra Gorda. The
       distribution from Sierra Gorda comprised a repayment of US$27M of accrued
       interest.
 (33)  Refer to media release "Agreement to divest interest in Eagle Downs" dated 12
       February 2024.
 (34)  Sales price variance reflects the revenue impact of changes in commodity
       prices, based on the current period's sales volume. Price-linked costs
       variance reflects the change in royalties together with the change in input
       costs driven by changes in commodity prices or market traded consumables.
       Foreign exchange reflects the impact of exchange rate movements on local
       currency denominated costs and sales. Sales volume variance reflects the
       revenue impact of sales volume changes, based on the comparative period's
       sales prices. Controllable costs variance represents the impact from changes
       in the Group's controllable local currency cost base, including the variable
       cost impact of production volume changes on expenditure, and period-on-period
       movements in inventories. The controllable cost variance excludes earnings
       adjustments including significant items.
 (35)  Underlying net finance costs and Underlying income tax expense are actual FY24
       results, not year-on-year variances.
 (36)  South32's ownership shares of operations are presented as follows: Worsley
       Alumina (86% share), Brazil Alumina (36% share), Brazil Aluminium (40% share),
       Hillside Aluminium (100%), Mozal Aluminium (63.7% share), Sierra Gorda (45%
       share), Cannington (100%), Hermosa (100%), Cerro Matoso (99.9% share),
       Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (100%), Australia Manganese (60% share), South
       Africa Manganese ore (54.6% share) and South Africa Manganese alloy (60%
       share).
 (37)  The underlying information reflects the Group's interest in material equity
       accounted joint ventures and is presented on a proportional consolidation
       basis, which is the measure used by the Group's management to assess their
       performance. The joint venture adjustments reconcile the proportional
       consolidation to the equity accounting position included in the Group's
       consolidated financial statements.
 (38)  Underlying ETR is Underlying income tax expense, including royalty related
       tax, divided by Underlying profit subject to tax.
 (39)  The corporate tax rates of the geographies where the Group operates include:
       Australia 30%, South Africa 27%, Colombia 35%, Mozambique 0%, Brazil 34% and
       Chile 27%.
 (40)  Australia Manganese is subject to a royalty related tax equal to 20% of
       adjusted EBIT. Sierra Gorda is subject to a royalty related tax based on the
       amount of copper sold and the mining operating margin, the rate is between 5%
       and 14% for annual sales over 50kt of refined copper. These royalties are
       included in Underlying tax expense.
 (41)  Net interest paid excludes distributions from material equity accounted
       investments.
 (42)  Total capital expenditure comprises Capital expenditure, capitalised
       exploration and evaluation expenditure and the purchase of intangibles.
       Capital expenditure comprises safe and reliable capital expenditure,
       improvement and life extension capital expenditure (including
       decarbonisation), and growth capital expenditure.
 (43)  Group payable copper equivalent production based on FY24 production guidance,
       calculated by applying FY23 realised prices for all operations.
 (44)  Refers to aluminium produced in a process that results in less than 4t CO(2)-e
       Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions per tonne of aluminium.
 (45)  Production guidance for Hillside Aluminium and Mozal Aluminium does not assume
       any load-shedding impact on production.
 (46)  Operating unit cost is Underlying revenue less Underlying EBITDA, excluding
       third party products and services, divided by sales volumes. Operating cost is
       Underlying revenue less Underlying EBITDA excluding third party products and
       services. Additional manganese disclosures are included in footnotes 56 and
       59.
 (47)  FY25 Operating unit cost guidance includes royalties (where appropriate) and
       the influence of exchange rates, and includes various assumptions for FY25,
       including: an alumina price of US$480/t; a manganese ore price of US$7.80/dmtu
       for 44% manganese product; a nickel price of US$7.50/lb; a silver price of
       US$27.8/oz; a lead price of US$2,070/t (gross of treatment and refining
       charges); a zinc price of US$2,750/t (gross of treatment and refining
       charges); a copper price of US$4.40/lb (gross of treatment and refining
       charges); a molybdenum price of US$17.50/lb (gross of treatment and refining
       charges); a gold price of US$2,300/oz; an AUD:USD exchange rate of 0.65; a
       USD:ZAR exchange rate of 18.50; a USD:COP exchange rate of 4,100; USD:CLP
       exchange rate of 900; and a reference price for caustic soda; which reflect
       forward markets as at August 2024 or our internal expectations.
 (48)  FY24 Third party products and services sold comprise US$170M for aluminium,
       US$3M for alumina, US$79M for freight services, US$102M for raw materials
       and US$34M for manganese. Underlying EBIT on third party products and services
       comprise nil for aluminium, US$10M for alumina, US$(2)M for freight services,
       US$(1)M for raw materials and nil for manganese. FY23 Third party products and
       services sold comprise US$86M for aluminium, US$25M for alumina, US$106M for
       freight services, US$149M for raw materials and US$33M for manganese.
       Underlying EBIT on third party products and services comprise US$(1)M for
       aluminium, US$13M for alumina, US$(1)M for freight services, US$1M for raw
       materials and nil for manganese.
 (49)  Illawarra Metallurgical Coal's FY24 and restated FY23 underlying results
       include third party product and services. FY24 Third party products and
       services sold was US$237M and Underlying EBIT was US$28M. FY23 Third party
       products and services sold was US$140M and Underlying EBIT was US$11M.
 (50)  The information in this announcement that refers to production target and
       forecast financial information for MRN is based on Proved (8%) and Probable
       (1%) Ore Reserves and Measured (91%) Mineral Resources. The Mineral Resources
       and Ore Reserves underpinning the Production Target have been prepared by
       Competent Persons in accordance with the requirement of the JORC Code and is
       available to view in South32's FY24 annual report (www.south32.net) published
       on 29 August 2024. South32 confirms that all material assumptions underpinning
       the production target and forecast financial information derived from
       production target continues to apply and have not materially changed.
 (51)  Refers to lower levels of GHG emissions when compared to the current state.
       Where used in relation to South32's products or portfolio, it refers to
       enhancement of existing methods, practices and technologies to substantially
       lower the level of embodied GHG emissions as compared to the current state.
 (52)  Presented on a 100% basis.
 (53)  Sierra Gorda and Cannington Operating unit cost is Underlying revenue less
       Underlying EBITDA divided by ore processed. Periodic movements in finished
       product inventory may impact Operating unit costs.
 (54)  Cerro Matoso realised nickel sales price is inclusive of by-products.
 (55)  Volumes and prices do not include any third party trading that may be
       undertaken independently of equity production. Realised ore prices are
       calculated as external sales Underlying revenue less freight and marketing
       costs, divided by external sales volume.
 (56)  Manganese Australia FY24 average manganese content of external ore sales was
       42.4% on a dry basis (FY23: 43.8%). 98% of FY24 external manganese ore sales
       (FY23: 96%) were completed on a CIF basis. FY24 realised FOB ore prices and
       Operating unit costs have been adjusted for freight and marketing costs of
       US$42M (FY23: US$62M), consistent with our FOB cost guidance.
 (57)  FOB Ore Operating unit cost is Underlying revenue less Underlying EBITDA,
       freight and marketing costs, divided by ore sales volume.
 (58)  Refer to media release "Agreement to divest Metalloys manganese alloy smelter"
       dated 13 June 2024.
 (59)  Manganese South Africa FY24 average manganese content of external ore sales
       was 38.8% on a dry basis (FY23: 39.1%). 89% of FY24 external manganese ore
       sales (FY23: 88%) were completed on a CIF basis. FY24 realised FOB ore prices
       and Operating unit costs have been adjusted for freight and marketing costs of
       US$58M (FY23: US$61M), consistent with our FOB cost guidance.
 (60)  Illawarra Metallurgical Coal revenue includes metallurgical coal and energy
       coal sales revenue.

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.

The following abbreviations may be used throughout this report: US$ million
(US$M); US$ billion (US$B); financial year (FY); calendar year (CY); 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);
thousand ounces (koz); million ounces (Moz); thousand wet metric tonnes
(kwmt); million wet metric tonnes (Mwmt); thousand dry metric tonnes (kdmt);
dry metric tonne unit (dmtu); pound (lb); megawatt (MW); Australian
Securities Exchange (ASX); London Stock Exchange (LSE); Johannesburg Stock
Exchange (JSE); equity accounted investment (EAI); and American Depositary
Receipts (ADR).

 

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 operations; 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.

Non-IFRS financial information

This release includes certain non-IFRS financial measures, including
Underlying earnings, Underlying EBIT and Underlying EBITDA, Underlying
revenue, Underlying net finance costs, Underlying depreciation and
amortisation, Underlying operating costs, Underlying income tax expense,
Underlying royalty related tax expense, Basic Underlying earnings per share,
Underlying effective tax rate, Underlying EBIT margin, Underlying EBITDA
margin, Underlying return on capital, Free cash flow, net debt, net operating
assets and ROIC. These measures are used internally by management to assess
the performance of our business, make decisions on the allocation of our
resources and assess operational management. Non-IFRS measures have not been
subject to audit or review and should not be considered as an indication of or
alternative to an IFRS measure of profitability, financial performance or
liquidity.

No offer of securities

Nothing in this release should be read or understood as an offer or
recommendation to buy or sell South32 securities, or be treated or relied upon
as a recommendation or advice by South32.

No financial or investment advice - South Africa

South32 does not provide any financial or investment 'advice' as that term is
defined in the South African Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act,
37 of 2002, and we strongly recommend that you seek professional advice.

 

 

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.Godfrey@south32.net

 

Further information on South32 can be found at www.south32.net
(http://www.south32.net) .

 

South32 Limited (ABN 84 093 732 597)

Registered in Australia

(Incorporated in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001)

Registered Office: Level 35, 108 St Georges Terrace

Perth Western Australia 6000 Australia

ISIN: AU000000S320

 

Approved for release by Graham Kerr, Chief Executive Officer

JSE Sponsor: The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited

29 August 2024

 

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