Aluminium production at South32 was largely unchanged in the year to date.
In its March 2026 report published this week, the Australian headquartered mining and metals company said aluminium production was largely unchanged relative to the prior year to date period.
It said its Hillside Aluminium South Africa facility continued to test its maximum technical capacity, capitalising on higher aluminium prices, while
It said it had implemented measures across its operations to mitigate potential supply chain impacts arising from the conflict in the Middle East.
"While not currently experiencing diesel fuel shortages, we continue to closely monitor the situation," it said in the report.
It added that the conflict in the Middle East has resulted in higher global freight rates and raw material input prices which, together with generally stronger producer currencies, are expected to result in cost inflation should these external pressures continue across the remainder of the financial year.
Brazil Aluminium production decreased by 11% (or 4kt) to 33kt in the March 2026 quarter, following the previously advised pot outages and energy disruptions experienced in December 2025.
The operator has implemented measures to deliver sustained improvement in process stability, with all three potlines demonstrating improved stability and output to finish the March 2026 quarter. FY26 production guidance remains unchanged at 135kt.
Sales decreased by 40% in the March 2026 quarter, reflecting the timing of export shipments.
Hillside Aluminium saleable production was largely unchanged at 538kt in the nine months ended March 2026, as the smelter continued to test its maximum technical capacity, despite the impact of load-shedding.
FY26 production guidance remains unchanged at 720kt.
Sales decreased by 16% in the March 2026 quarter as a shipment slipped to the June 2026 quarter.
Mozal Aluminium showed a dip in production during the first nine months of FY26 as the smelter was previously announced to be placed under care and maintenance, which was then implemented on March 15, 2026. The remainder of finished goods is to be drawn during the April-June quarter or Q4 2026.
