South32’s manganese ore production rises 6% y-o-y in Q1FY27

• Australian output rebounds as rainfall disruptions ease
• South African production gains contrast with lower sales

South32 reported a 6% y-o-y increase in manganese ore production to 1.49 mnt (wet basis) in Q1FY27 (July-September 2026), compared with 1.405 mnt in Q1FY26. Higher output from Australian and South African operations supported the growth, although sales declined across both regions during the quarter.

Australia production recovers as weather disruptions ease

Australian manganese ore production increased 6% y-o-y to 0.902 mnt in Q1FY27 from 0.854 mnt in Q1FY26. Higher utilisation of the primary processing circuit supported the recovery as the impact of heavy rainfall in the preceding quarter subsided. South32 maintained its FY27 production guidance at 2.65-2.90 mnt, subject to potential wet-season impacts.

However, sales from Australian operations declined 9% y-o-y to 0.861 mnt from 0.944 mnt in Q1FY26. Despite improved production, quarterly sales remained lower, reflecting a divergence between output and shipments.

South African output improves on Wessels productivity

South African manganese ore production rose 7% y-o-y to 0.588 mnt in Q1FY27 from 0.551 mnt in Q1FY26, supported by improved underground productivity at the Wessels mine. South32 retained its FY27 production guidance at 2 mnt, while continuing to monitor market conditions and optimise the use of higher-cost trucking.

In contrast, sales declined 16% y-o-y to 0.460 mnt from 0.548 mnt a year earlier. South32 attributed the decrease to lower trucked volumes in response to market conditions and a shipment being deferred to the December 2026 quarter.

Note: South32’s financial year runs from July to June.