Anglo American reports a 4% increase in total production on a copper equivalent basis in the first quarter of 2018, compared to the same period of 2017(1).
Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: “Our operations have made a solid start to 2018, delivering a 4% increase in total production. This reflects our consistent focus on driving efficiency across our portfolio and continuing our strong performance of Q4 2017 despite the suspension of operations at Minas-Rio.”
Highlights
- De Beers production increased by 15% reflecting a ramp-up in production in response to sustained healthy trading conditions and the inclusion of production from Gahcho Kué.
- Copper production increased by 9% to 154,900 tonnes with strong operational performance and higher grade at Los Bronces and improved plant performance at Collahuasi.
- Platinum production increased by 7% and palladium by 9% due to improved operational performances across the portfolio. The sale of Union mine was completed on 1 February 2018.
- Kumba Iron Ore production increased by 4% to 10.9 million tonnes driven by improved productivity at Kolomela.
- Minas-Rio production decreased by 30% to 3.0 million tonnes primarily as a result of the suspension of the operation following a leak in the pipeline that carries iron ore slurry from the mine to the port.
- Metallurgical coal production increased by 6% due to performance improvements at Moranbah and the continued ramp-up of Grosvenor.
Production Summary
| |
Q1 2018 |
Q1 2017 |
% vs. Q1 2017 |
| Diamonds (Mct)(2) |
8.5 |
7.4 |
15% |
| Copper (kt)(3) |
155 |
143 |
9% |
| Platinum (koz)(4) |
614 |
572 |
7% |
| Palladium (koz)(4) |
407 |
373 |
9% |
| Iron ore – Kumba (Mt) |
10.9 |
10.5 |
4% |
| Iron ore – Minas-Rio (Mt)(5) |
3.0 |
4.3 |
(30)% |
| Metallurgical coal (Mt) |
5.5 |
5.2 |
6% |
| Thermal coal (Mt)(6) |
6.8 |
7.5 |
(10)% |
| Nickel (Kt)(7) |
8.6 |
9.9 |
(13)% |
| Manganese ore (kt) |
881 |
823 |
7% |
This Production Report for the first quarter ended 31 March 2018 is unaudited.
(1) Copper equivalent production is normalised for Bokoni being placed on care and maintenance in 2017.
(2) De Beers production is on a 100% basis, except for the Gahcho Kué joint venture which is on an attributable 51% basis.
(3) Contained metal basis. Reflects copper production from the Copper business unit only (excludes copper production from the Platinum business unit).
(4) Produced ounces. Reflects own mine production and purchases of metal in concentrate.
(5) Wet basis.
(6) Reflects export production from South Africa and Colombia.
(7) Reflects nickel production from the Nickel business unit only (excludes nickel production from the Platinum business unit).
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