South32’s manganese ore production jumps y-o-y in FY’26 as Australian operations rebound

• Australian output nearly triples on strong operational recovery
• South African output eases despite quarterly improvement

South32 reported a strong recovery in its manganese ore business during FY’26 (July 2025-June 2026), with total production increasing 57% y-o-y to 5.116 mnt (wet basis) from 3.257 mnt in FY’25. The sharp improvement was primarily driven by a rebound in Australian operations following the disruptions experienced in the previous financial year.

Australian operations drive growth

Australian manganese ore production surged to 3.031 mnt in FY’26 from 1.106 mnt in FY’25, broadly in line with the company’s revised production guidance. Despite challenges from the wet season and elevated site water levels, operations recovered steadily through the year, enabling a significant increase in output.

Sales from Australian operations stood at 3.59 mnt during FY’26 as the company continued to draw down inventories.

On a quarterly basis, Australian production rose 33% q-o-q to 0.782 mnt in Q4 FY’26, compared with 0.589 mnt in Q3 FY’26, reflecting improving operational momentum.

South African operations remain resilient

South African manganese ore production declined marginally by 3% y-o-y to 2.085 mnt in FY’26 from 2.151 mnt a year earlier.

South32 maintained its FY’27 production guidance at 2,000 kwmt, subject to the continued use of higher-cost trucking.

Quarterly performance also improved, with production increasing 6% q-o-q to 0.528 mnt in Q4 FY’26 from 0.500 mnt in the previous quarter.