[Ferro-Alloys.com] Manganese production decreased by 5% in the December 2023 half year, as lower yields impacted secondary production at Australia Manganese, and South Africa Manganese completed planned maintenance.

AUSTRALIA MANGANESE (60% SHARE)

Australia Manganese saleable production decreased by 9% (or 165kwmt) to 1,679kwmt in the December 2023 half year, as PC02 output declined due to lower yields, contributing 7% of total production (H1 FY23: 10%). FY24 production guidance remains unchanged at 3,400kwmt with the operation expected to continue to achieve strong primary output and return the PC02 circuit to nameplate production rates during the June 2024 quarter.

Sales increased by 13% in the December 2023 half year as improved road haulage capacity and alternative shipping solutions supported a planned drawdown in inventory. Our average realised price for manganese ore sales was a discount of approximately 5% to the high grade 44% manganese lump ore index22 on a M-1 basis (FY23: 6% discount), reflecting lower planned ore grades, as well as price realisations for our PC02 product.

SOUTH AFRICA MANGANESE (ORE 54.6% SHARE)

South Africa Manganese saleable production increased by 2% (or 18kwmt) to 1,111kwmt in the December 2023 half year, while production decreased by 23% (or 145kwmt) in the December 2023 quarter as we completed a planned maintenance shut at our Mamatwan mine. FY24 production guidance remains unchanged at 2,000kwmt.

Sales increased by 9% in the December 2023 quarter with a carry-over shipment from the prior quarter. Our realised price for manganese ore sales was a premium of approximately 5% to the medium grade 37% manganese lump ore index23 on a M-1 basis (FY23: 6% premium) as we continued to optimise our sales mix.

Source: S32 Quarterly Report December 2023

• [Editor:tianyawei]