South32 reiterates guidance as first-half alumina production lifts 3%
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The news: Diversified miner South32 has reiterated its full-year production guidance after delivering a 3% gain in first-half alumina production and costs in line with guidance.
The numbers: South32’s aluminium production increased by 2% in the half year to December 2025, as the Hillside Aluminium operation continued to “test its maximum technical capacity”.
Copper production from the Sierra Gorda project for the first-half of FY26 was in-line with the previous corresponding period.
The context: Across South32’s operations, first half operating unit costs were in line or below FY26 guidance.
During the period, pot relining ceased at the Mozal Aluminium project in Mozambique ahead of its entry into care and maintenance from March 2026. South32 has been unable to secure a power agreement for the facility.
The company also invested USD338 million in its Hermosa project in Arizona during the first half of FY26. The funding was to progress construction at the Taylor zinc-lead-silver deposit and to complete the exploration decline for the Clark battery-grade manganese deposit.
What they said: “We continued to deliver consistent operating results, with FY26 production guidance maintained across our operated assets and first half operating unit costs tracking in line with guidance,” South32 CEO Graham Kerr said.
The source: ASX
