REG - Thungela Resources - Annual Results
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RNS Number : 5761X Thungela Resources Limited 23 March 2026
THUNGELA RESOURCES LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number: 2021/303811/06)
JSE Share Code: TGA
LSE Share Code: TGA
ISIN: ZAE000296554
Tax number: 9111917259
('Thungela' or the 'Company' and, together with its affiliates, the 'Group')
2025 Annual results and final ordinary cash dividend declaration
Thungela's 2025 results reflect operational excellence and shareholder
returns, embedding resilience through the cycle
• Operated a fatality-free business for 3 consecutive years
• Group recorded export saleable production of 17.8Mt, exceeding
guidance
• Adjusted operating free cash flow* of R396 million for the year
and net cash* of R5.1 billion at 31 December 2025
• Declaration of a final ordinary cash dividend of R2 per share,
taking full year dividend to R4 per share
• Annea Colliery and Zibulo North Shaft life-extension projects
completed, ramp-up in progress
Key performance metrics(1) 31 December 2025 31 December 2024 % change
(Rand million unless otherwise stated)
Export saleable production - South Africa (kt) 13,853 13,595 1.9
Export saleable production - Ensham (on a 100% basis) (kt) 3,985 4,068 (2.0)
Revenue 29,599 35,554 (17)
(Loss)/Profit for the reporting period (7,107) 3,544 (301)
(Loss)/Earnings per share (cents/share) (5,464) 2,676 (304)
Headline (loss)/earnings per share (647) 2,559 (125)
(cents/share)
Dividend per share (cents/share) 400 1,300 (69)
Alternative performance measures*
Adjusted EBITDA 1,216 6,255 (81)
Adjusted EBITDA margin (%) 4.1 18 (14pp)
Adjusted operating free cash flow 396 3,589 (89)
Net cash 5,054 8,671 (42)
Capital expenditure (3,087) (3,396) (9.1)
FOB cost per export tonne excluding royalties - South Africa (Rand/tonne) 1,170 1,130 3.5
FOB cost per export tonne excluding royalties - Ensham (Rand/tonne) 1,435 1,433 -
(1) The Group's financial results and operational performance for Australia
reflect the results of the Ensham Business at 100% of the operations from 28
February 2025. Prior to this date, the results for the Ensham Business are
reflected at 85%.
MESSAGE FROM MOSES MADONDO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Our 2025 results demonstrate another year of strong operational performance,
highlighting our ability to control the controllables in a challenging thermal
coal market environment. As I reflect on my time since joining Thungela, I am
inspired by our people and the strong culture that is grounded in our values
of safety, care and respect, accountability, excellence, agility and
entrepreneurship.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East following the recent US-Israeli
actions involving Iran has raised new levels of uncertainty and has
understandably caused concern, not only for the global economy but for peace,
safety and security in the region. We are providing support to our colleagues
in Dubai, prioritising their safety and well-being. The uncertainty brought
about by the conflict has, once again, increased volatility in the energy
market, impacting on the price of oil, gas and coal. We will continue to
closely monitor the situation and the impact on our employees and operating
environment.
Safety remains at the core of everything we do, ensuring that all our people
return from work, safe and healthy each day. I am pleased to report that we
have operated for three years without a loss of life. Our unwavering zero-harm
mindset is guided by three critical focus areas - risk management, effective
work management and a safety culture. The Group's total recordable case
frequency rate increased to 2.83, from 1.93, primarily due to the challenging
operating environment during the production footprint transition. As a result,
we have implemented targeted interventions for increased risk sections and
work crews through leading indicator heatmaps.
Looking at our operational performance, we achieved or exceeded export
saleable production guidance. In South Africa, we recorded export saleable
production of 13.9Mt, exceeding the production guidance of 12.8Mt to 13.6Mt,
reflecting strong performance at Mafube and the ramp-up at the Annea Colliery
(previously known as the Elders project). In Australia, we overcame the
challenging geological conditions of the first half of the year to deliver
export saleable production of 4.0Mt, which was at the upper-end of the
guidance range of 3.7Mt to 4.1Mt.
We have made meaningful progress in reshaping our business, enhancing
operational flexibility and embedding resilience through the commodity cycle.
The Annea Colliery and the Zibulo North Shaft life-extension projects were
successfully delivered on time and within budget. Together with the
advancement of the Lephalale Coal Bed Methane (LCBM) project and the disposal
of assets, aimed at optimising our portfolio and further strengthening the
balance sheet, this underscores our ability to execute on our strategic
priorities.
Driving our ESG aspirations
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) remains fundamental to our strategy
and operations. As a responsible environmental steward, we are committed to
reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% by 2030, against a 2021 baseline, and
to reach net zero by 2050. We are pleased to report that, in 2025, we recorded
zero level 3 to 5 environmental incidents - the first time since listing in
2021.
Complementing these efforts, our socio-economic development investments remain
integral to our purpose. The Thungela Education Initiative and the enterprise
and supplier development programme, Thuthukani, continue to deliver measurable
and meaningful benefits to schools and suppliers within host communities. The
education programme aims to strengthen school leadership, enhance teaching
capacity and provide psychosocial and learner support. Together, these
programmes demonstrate our dedication to creating long-lasting, sustainable
value for our stakeholders and helping to build communities that thrive beyond
the life of our mines.
Our performance
In 2025, we delivered robust operational performance, supported by continued
productivity gains and disciplined cost management. The Group recorded export
saleable production of 17.8Mt, approximately 175kt higher than the output
achieved in 2024. In South Africa, the free on board (FOB) cost per export
tonne excluding royalties* of R1,170 was below the guidance range of R1,210 to
R1,290, highlighting the productivity improvements and cost efficiency
initiatives, partially offsetting the impact of inflation and operational
transition costs. At the Ensham Mine, the FOB cost per export tonne excluding
royalties* of R1,435 was also below the guidance range of R1,470 to R1,580,
demonstrating the improved productivity and disciplined cost management.
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) rail performance improved to 56.8Mt, compared to
51.9Mt in 2024. We recognise the tangible improvements achieved to date,
through collaborative efforts between Transnet, the National Logistics Crisis
Committee and the coal industry. Strengthening the coal logistics system
benefits the broader industry, supporting both established producers and
emerging participants, while reinforcing South Africa's position in global
coal markets.
The Group reported revenue of R29.6 billion, a 17% decline compared to 2024,
driven by lower benchmark coal prices and foreign exchange movements that
resulted in a stronger South African rand relative to a weaker US dollar. Our
South African operations achieved an average realised export price of R1,336
per tonne, a decrease of 20% compared to 2024. The Ensham Business achieved an
average realised export price of R1,877 per tonne, which was 17% lower than in
2024.
The Group recognised non‑cash impairment losses of R8.8 billion against our
assets, reflecting lower benchmark coal price forecasts, the weakening of the
US dollar and the strengthening of the South African rand. The impairment
losses are non‑cash in nature and do not affect the Group's liquidity or
operational capacity.
The Group generated adjusted EBITDA* of R1.2 billion and incurred a net loss
of R7.1 billion for the year, impacted by the non-cash impairment losses.
Despite the challenging market conditions, the Group generated R2.4 billion in
cash flows from operating activities during the year. After investing R2.0
billion in sustaining capital*, the Group remained free cash flow positive,
generating adjusted operating free cash flow* of R396 million for the year.
The net cash* at 31 December 2025 was
R5.1 billion.
Portfolio optimisation in South Africa
We have remained focused on delivering on our strategic priorities. The Annea
Colliery was developed to replace production from the Goedehoop Colliery and,
as part of this transition, a number of employees and relevant equipment from
Goedehoop Colliery have been successfully redeployed to Annea Colliery. This
ensures continuity of skills and operational capability. The Zibulo North
Shaft life extension project was completed and formally handed over to the
operational team, with production ramp‑up underway.
Our South African portfolio has continued its transition with the closure of
the Goedehoop North and Isibonelo mines, where remaining coal reserves have
reached the end of their economic lives. The Isibonelo mine, which supplied
its production under a long‑term domestic coal supply agreement, ceased
operations in December 2025 following the conclusion of the contract. The mine
has since transitioned into care and maintenance.
In line with our portfolio optimisation strategy, we have initiated a disposal
programme for assets where remaining resources and infrastructure retain value
in use but no longer provide optimal long‑term economic benefit to the
Group. At the end of 2025, we announced the sale of Goedehoop North and we
have also concluded an agreement for the disposal of the Kleinkopje mining
right at the Khwezela Colliery. These transactions include the transfer of
remaining resources and associated infrastructure. The rehabilitation
liabilities attributable to the areas being sold will transfer to the
purchasers upon the completion of each transaction, which is expected in 2026.
This showcases our ability to successfully execute on our strategic
priorities, ensuring that we reshape our business and entrench resilience
through the cycle.
We have made progress on the LCBM project. The modular liquefied natural gas
demonstration plant is designed to validate the commercial viability and
marketability of the resource. Once commissioned, the plant will supply gas to
a generator at the Annea Colliery, enabling the operation to partially offset
its reliance on Eskom electricity. Commissioning is expected to be completed
during the first half of 2026.
Thermal coal market dynamics
Global economic activity remained subdued in 2025, shaped by the ongoing
effects of geopolitics, trade tariffs and volatility in international trade.
Rising inflationary pressures, shifts in economic sentiment and fluctuating
financial markets further constrained global growth. Within this context, the
strengthening of the South African rand placed additional pressure on the
competitiveness of the country's export sectors.
The seaborne thermal coal market remained depressed for much of the year,
largely due to weak demand in key coal-consuming countries. In China and
India, seaborne demand fell short of expectations, as both countries continued
to expand domestic production and accelerate investment in alternative energy
sources. In Japan, Korea and Taiwan, higher utilisation of gas and nuclear
power further reduced coal imports, contributing to sustained downward
pressure on the Newcastle Benchmark coal price. Following a prolonged period
of low benchmark coal prices across South Africa and Australia in 2025, the
market experienced a moderate recovery towards the end of the year. This
improvement was driven by restocking at major import hubs and increased
demand from the Indian sponge iron market, which provided support for South
African export coal.
On the supply side, sustained production levels from Indonesia, Australia and
South Africa from late 2024 and throughout 2025 created an imbalance and the
market could not fully absorb the increased supply throughout the year. We
observed a level of supply discipline in Colombia, where production was
curtailed due to the ongoing low coal price environment coupled with higher
freight differentials. However, the supply discipline that was expected has
not yet fully materialised.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), coal continues to be a
reliable and affordable source of energy, supplying roughly a third of global
electricity, and remains an integral component of energy security as the
energy transition progresses. The IEA further notes that many countries are
adopting a pragmatic approach that balances ongoing coal use with the
deployment of emerging low‑carbon technologies. Similarly, the World
Economic Forum emphasises that energy transitions in emerging and developing
economies must safeguard energy security and economic stability.
Premature or abrupt phase‑out of coal risks electricity shortages, rising
energy costs and socio‑economic disruption, particularly for communities
dependent on mining and related industries. Coal continues to underpin
affordable electricity, support industrial and infrastructure development and
enable economic growth.
Commitment to the capital allocation framework
Our capital allocation framework remains central to our strategy and we
prioritise returns to shareholders through the cycle. In 2025, we returned
R2.2 billion to shareholders through a combination of cash dividends and share
buybacks. During the year, we completed two share buybacks for a total
consideration of R469 million, or 4,858,231 shares, which represented 3.5% of
issued share capital.
We continued to invest through the cycle, deploying R747 million in 2025 to
complete the life extension projects. To date, we have invested a total of
R4.2 billion in the Annea Colliery and Zibulo North Shaft, as well as R382
million on the LCBM project, to position the business for long‑term
competitiveness and value creation. The Group is not currently reserving cash
to complete future capital expenditure commitments, as key life-extension
projects in South Africa are now substantially complete.
A key element of our capital allocation framework is the cash
collateralisation of our environmental liabilities. In South Africa, we
contributed R203 million to the green fund and, in Australia, we made an
additional R275 million contribution to an investment vehicle with a similar
purpose.
The Group's dividend policy is to distribute a minimum of 30% of adjusted
operating free cash flow*. In the first half of the year, the Group generated
adjusted operating free cash flow* of R484 million, however, in the second
half of the year, we incurred negative adjusted operating free cash flow* of
R88 million. This required the board to exercise its discretion in determining
an appropriate ordinary cash dividend under the current circumstances.
The board remains committed to prioritising shareholder returns where the
balance sheet allows for it and where the future prospects of the Group remain
supportive of such a distribution. Accordingly, the board has approved a final
dividend of R2 per share, or R281 million. Together with the interim dividend
of R2 per share, or
R281 million, and the R139 million share buyback completed following our
interim results, this brings total shareholder returns relating to 2025
performance to
R701 million, representing 177% of adjusted operating free cash flow*.
The Sisonke Employee Empowerment Scheme and the Nkulo Community Partnership
Trust will receive a further R31 million collectively, in addition to the
interim contribution of R31 million.
These distributions result in the Group maintaining a cash buffer of
approximately R4.7 billion, which the board considers to be appropriate given
the current market environment. In addition, the Group holds undrawn
credit facilities of R3.2 billion.
Looking ahead
In 2026, our immediate priorities remain clear: safety, operational excellence
and capital allocation.
We remain committed to operating a fatality-free business while further
strengthening our safety performance through our targeted interventions and by
reinforcing our safety culture.
We continue to focus on controlling the controllables and driving operational
excellence through productivity improvements and cost efficiency. These
efforts will be supported by the successful ramp-up of the Annea Colliery and
Zibulo North Shaft. On the LCBM project, we will continue to validate the
commercial viability and marketability of the resource.
Thungela's capital allocation framework remains a cornerstone of our strategy
and prioritises maintaining balance sheet resilience, ensuring the long-term
sustainability of our assets, by investing through the commodity cycle, while
also prioritising returns to shareholders. We continue to review our strategy
to ensure that we deliver on our purpose - to responsibly create value
together for a shared future.
I look forward to leading this great organisation with energy, ambition and
confidence. Our people remain at the heart of everything we achieve - our
future is anchored in the choices we make to shape the future we want.
OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE - 2026
South Africa Ensham
Export saleable production (Mt) 13.0 - 13.6 3.9 - 4.2
FOB cost per export tonne(*) (Rand/tonne) 1,330 - 1,380 1,650 - 1,740
FOB cost per export tonne excluding royalties(*) (Rand/tonne) 1,320 - 1,370 1,480 - 1,570
Capital - sustaining(*) (Rand million) 700 - 1,000 500 - 700
Capital - expansionary (Rand million) 100 nil
South African operations
Export saleable production guidance for 2026 of 13.0Mt to 13.6Mt reflects the
changes in our production footprint, coupled with an expectation of further
improvements in TFR performance.
Our production footprint is in transition. The Annea Colliery continues to
ramp-up and is expected to reach steady state production run rates in 2026 -
replacing volumes from Goedehoop following its closure at the end of 2025.
Zibulo North is also in ramp-up and is expected to reach steady state
production run rates in 2027, while 2026 will be the final year for the Zibulo
opencast operation. Production in 2027 is expected to be broadly in line with
2026.
FOB cost per export tonne excluding royalties* is expected to be between
R1,320 and R1,370, in line with previous guidance assumptions adjusted for
inflation. The equivalent cost including royalties is expected to be between
R1,330 and R1,380 per tonne.
Sustaining capital expenditure* is expected to range between R700 million and
R1.0 billion. Expansionary capital expenditure of approximately R100 million
is expected in 2026, primarily related to completion activities at the
Zibulo North Shaft.
Ensham
Export saleable production guidance for 2026 is 3.9Mt to 4.2Mt. The mine has a
more stable operating base and is now better equipped to traverse geological
faults, while we have also made good progress on improving productivity.
Production in 2027 is expected to be broadly in line with 2026 levels.
FOB cost per export tonne excluding royalties* is expected to be between
R1,480 and R1,570 in 2026. The equivalent cost including royalties is expected
to range between R1,650 and R1,740 per tonne.
Sustaining capital expenditure* at Ensham is expected to be between R500
million and R700 million.
DIVIDEND DECLARATION
The board has declared a final ordinary cash dividend of R2 per share, payable
to shareholders on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the London Stock
Exchange in April 2026 and May 2026, respectively.
Further details regarding the dividend declaration can be found in a separate
announcement dated 23 March 2026 on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange News
Services (SENS) and the London Regulatory News Services (RNS).
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This announcement includes forward-looking statements. All statements included
in this document (other than statements of historical facts) are, or may be
deemed to be, forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those
regarding Thungela's financial position, business, acquisition and divestment
strategy, dividend policy, plans and objectives of management for future
operations (including development plans and objectives relating to Thungela's
products, production forecasts and resource and reserve positions). By their
nature, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of Thungela, or industry results, to be materially
different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Thungela therefore cautions that
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.
Any forward-looking statement made in this announcement or elsewhere is
applicable only at the date on which such forward-looking statement is made.
New factors that could cause Thungela's business not to develop as expected
may emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict all of them.
Further, the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause
actual results to differ materially from those contained in any
forward-looking statement are not known. Thungela has no duty to, and does not
intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements contained in this
announcement after the date of this document, except as may be required by
law. Any forward-looking statements included in this announcement have not
been reviewed or reported on by the Group's independent external auditor.
Investors are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements and
are encouraged to read the Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31
December 2025 (Annual Financial Statements 2025), which are available from the
Thungela website via the following web link:
https://www.thungela.com/investors/financial-results
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Throughout this results announcement, a range of financial and non-financial
measures are used to assess our performance, including a number of financial
measures that are not defined or specified under International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS Accounting Standards), which are termed 'alternative
performance measures' (APMs). Management uses these measures to monitor the
Group's financial performance alongside IFRS Accounting Standards measures, to
improve the comparability of information between reporting periods. These APMs
should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or as
superior to, measures of financial performance, financial position or cash
flows reported in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards. APMs are not
uniformly defined by all companies, including those in the Group's industry.
Accordingly, these measures may not be comparable with similarly titled
measures and disclosures by other companies. In this results announcement,
APMs are denoted with an asterisk (*).
RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT
This results announcement, including the forward-looking statements, is the
responsibility of the directors of Thungela.
Shareholders are advised that this results announcement is only a select
extract of the information contained in the Annual Financial Statements 2025
and does not contain full or complete details. Any investment decisions by
investors and/or shareholders should be based on a consideration of the full
Annual Financial Statements 2025 as a whole and investors and/or shareholders
are encouraged to review the Annual Financial Statements 2025, which are
available on the Thungela website via the following web link:
https://www.thungela.com/investors/financial-results, and available on the
JSE's cloudlink, at
https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/2026/JSE/ISSE/TGAE/TGAFY2025.pdf
(https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/2026/JSE/ISSE/TGAE/TGAFY2025.pdf)
This results announcement has been prepared in compliance with the JSE Limited
Listings Requirements.
A conference call and webcast relating to the details of this results
announcement will be held at 12:00 SAST (10:00 GMT) on Monday, 23 March 2026.
Registration details for the conference call and webcast are below:
Conference call:
https://services.choruscall.it/DiamondPassRegistration/register?confirmationNumber=7721589&linkSecurityString=160b7e901e
(https://services.choruscall.it/DiamondPassRegistration/register?confirmationNumber=7721589&linkSecurityString=160b7e901e)
Webcast:
https://78449.themediaframe.com/links/thungela260323.html
(https://78449.themediaframe.com/links/thungela260323.html)
(https://protect-za.mimecast.com/s/F6E7CGZ750i1gAxvH0-RlT?domain=us-west-2.protection.sophos.com)
The consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 were
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. who have issued an unqualified audit
opinion thereon. The full independent auditor's report and Annual Financial
Statements 2025 are available for viewing on the Thungela website via the
following web link: https://www.thungela.com/investors/finacial-results.
This results announcement has not been audited or reviewed by the Group's
independent external auditor. Any reference to future financial performance
included in this announcement has not been separately reported on by the
Group's independent external auditor.
The Company's registered office is located at: 25 Bath Avenue, Rosebank,
Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa.
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to
constitute inside information as stipulated under the market abuse regulation
(EU) no. 596/2014 as amended by the market abuse (amendment) (UK mar)
regulations 2019. Upon the publication of this announcement via the regulatory
information service, this inside information is now considered to be in the
public domain.
On behalf of the board of directors
Sango Ntsaluba, Chairperson
Moses Madondo, Chief executive officer
Johannesburg, South Africa
Date of SENS release: 23 March 2026
Investor relations
Hugo Nunes or Shreshini Singh
Email: ir@thungela.com
Media
Hulisani Rasivhaga
Email: hulisani.rasivhaga@thungela.com
(mailto:hulisani.rasivhaga@thungela.com)
UK Financial adviser and corporate broker
Panmure Liberum Limited
Tel: +44 20 3100 2000
Sponsor
Rand Merchant Bank
(A division of FirstRand Bank Limited)
Tel: +27 11 282 8000
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