Q1 2019 Production Report
25 April, 2019
Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: “Production is 6%(1) lower in the quarter, with two planned longwall moves at Metallurgical Coal accounting for 80% of the reduction. Isolated production issues at Venetia (De Beers), Kumba Iron Ore and Platinum Group Metals made up the balance, mitigated by stronger operational performance from Copper, with a 4% production increase, and the ramp-up at Minas-Rio, which is ahead of plan following the restart of operations in December 2018. By the end of the quarter we had increased our production run-rate, are on track to deliver this year’s production targets and our guidance is unchanged.”
Highlights
- De Beers’ diamond production decreased by 8% to 7.9 million carats driven by lower production at Venetia as it transitions from open pit to underground.
- Copper production increased by 4% to 161,100 tonnes due to strong plant performance and planned higher grades.
- Platinum and palladium production decreased by 5%(2) to 471,900 ounces and by 6%(2) to 326,600 ounces, respectively, due to operational challenges as well as one-off benefits in Q1 2018.
- Kumba’s iron ore production decreased by 12% to 9.5 million tonnes due to plant maintenance.
- Minas-Rio’s iron ore production increased by 61% as its ramp-up progresses well, facilitated by access to higher grade ore in the Step 3 licence area.
- Metallurgical coal production decreased by 25% to 4.2 million tonnes with two longwall moves in the period compared to only one in Q1 2018.
- Thermal coal export production decreased by 2% to 6.6 million tonnes, with solid operational performance across the South African mines offset by lower production at Cerrejón due to dust management.
Production Summary
Q1 2019 | Q1 2018 | % vs. Q1 2018 | |
---|---|---|---|
Diamonds (Mct)(3) | 7.9 | 8.5 | (8)% |
Copper (kt)(4) | 161 | 155 | 4% |
Platinum (koz)(5) | 472 | 498(2) | (5)% |
Palladium (koz)(5) | 327 | 349(2) | (6)% |
Iron ore – Kumba (Mt) | 9.5 | 10.9 | (12)% |
Iron ore – Minas-Rio (Mt)(6) | 4.9 | 3.0 | 61% |
Metallurgical coal (Mt) | 4.2 | 5.5 | (25)% |
Thermal coal (Mt)(7) | 6.6 | 6.8 | (2)% |
Nickel (Kt)(8) | 9.8 | 8.6 | 14% |
Manganese ore (kt) | 874 | 881 | (1)% |
This Production Report for the first quarter ended 31 March 2019 is unaudited.
(1) Copper equivalent production is normalised to reflect closure of Voorspoed (De Beers) and Sibanye-Stillwater Rustenburg material that has transitioned to a tolling arrangement (Platinum Group Metals).
(2) Normalised for the transition of Sibanye-Stillwater Rustenburg material from a purchase of concentrate to a tolling arrangement.
(3) De Beers production is on a 100% basis, except for the Gahcho Kué joint venture which is on an attributable 51% basis.
(4) Contained metal basis. Reflects copper production from the Copper business unit only (excludes copper production from the Platinum Group Metals business unit).
(5) Produced ounces of metal in concentrate. Reflects own mine production and purchases.
(6) Wet basis.
(7) Reflects export production from South Africa and attributable export production from Colombia.
(8) Reflects nickel production from the Nickel business unit only (excludes nickel production from the Platinum Group Metals business unit).
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