- Quarterly production drops amid scheduled maintenance
- CY’25 production guidance increased from Minas-Rio
Anglo American, a major global iron ore miner, announced its operational results for the third quarter of 2025 (Q3CY’25). The company’s total iron ore production touched 14.3 million tonnes (mnt), registering a 10% fall from 15.9 mnt in Q2CY’25. On a y-o-y basis, production fell by 9% from 15.75 mnt in Q3CY’24. The quarterly dip in volumes are primarily due to lower production from Minas-Rio as a result of the planned pipeline inspection in August, which is carried out every five years.
Kumba iron ore output remains largely stable y-o-y
Kumba’s iron ore production in Q3CY’25 stood at 9.25 mnt, stable against 9.26 mnt in Q2CY’25. However, production fell slightly y-o-y, by 2% from 9.2 mnt in Q2CY’24. The steady output reflects a flexible approach to managing Sishen and Kolomela as an integrated operation. While production at Sishen dipped 6% y-o-y due to maintenance ahead of 2026 project, this was offset by an 8% increase at Kolomela.
Kumba sales edge up y-o-y
Sales volume from Kumba rose by 6.5% y-o-y to 9.4 mnt in Q3CY’25 compared to 8.82 mnt in the same period last year. However, sales fell by 3.9% q-o-q as compared to 9.77 mnt in Q2CY’25. Finished stock at the end of the quarter stood at 7.3 mnt, with mine stocks drawn down to 5.5 mnt and port inventories at 1.8 mnt. The rise in annual volumes was mainly driven by improved third-party logistics performance and higher port stock availability, which supported smoother shipments.
Minas-Rio pellet feed output drops 19% y-o-y
Minas-Rio produced 5.09 mnt of pellet feed in Q3CY’25, down 23.7% from 6.68 mnt in Q2CY’25 and 19% lower y-o-y from 6.3 mnt. The quarterly decline was mainly due to a 23-day planned shutdown in August for pipeline inspection and maintenance, which was completed ahead of schedule.
Minas-Rio’s pellet feed sales drop y-o-y
Sales from Minas-Rio reached 5.02 mnt in Q3CY’25, marking an 24.4% drop q-o-q from 6.64 mnt in Q2CY’25. Meanwhile, on a y-o-y basis, sales dipped 21% from 6.36 mnt in Q3CY’24, attributed to variations in the shipping schedule.
Better price realisation supports momentum
The average realised price from Minas-Rio stood at $88/wet metric tonne (FOB Brazil) on a year-to-date basis. The premium reflected the high-quality product with ~67% Fe content, though it was partly offset by provisionally priced sales volumes during the period.
Production guidance increased post maintenance
Iron ore production guidance for CY’25 increased to 58-62 mnt, with Kumba at 35-37 mnt and Minas-Rio at 23-25 mnt.
Additionally, Kumba’s output remains subject to third-party rail and port availability.
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