[Ferro-Alloys.com] Anglo American Manganese Preliminary Results 2024

Operational and financial review of Group results for the year ended 31 December 2024

Operational performance

Anglo American’s 40% attributable share of saleable production

Underlying EBITDA* by segment

Operational and financial metrics

Attributable manganese ore production has decreased 38% to 2.3 Mt (2023: 3.7 Mt), due to the ongoing temporary suspension of the South32 Australian operation following the impacts of the tropical cyclone Megan. The weather event caused widespread flooding and significant damage to critical infrastructure. Operational recovery focused on re-establishing critical services and undertaking a substantial dewatering programme, enabling a phased return to mining activities in June 2024, which have steadily increased during the fourth quarter. Investment in crucial infrastructure, which included a critical bridge connecting the northern mining pits and the primary concentrator, as well as the wharf infrastructure, continues.

The sale of the South African manganese alloy smelter, which has been on care and maintenance since March 2020, is subject to certain conditions and is expected to complete by the end of 2025.

Financial performance

Underlying EBITDA decreased by 50% to $116 million (2023: $231 million), primarily driven by a 49% decrease in export sales from the Australian operation, following the damage caused by the tropical cyclone in March 2024 and the weaker average realised manganese ore price. This was partially offset by lower operating costs. Insurance proceeds of $60 million (40% basis) for the cyclone damage have been received to date, with a further $60 million of claims approved in the fourth quarter.

The 2024 average benchmark price for manganese ore (Metal Bulletin 44% manganese ore CIF China) increased by 17% to $5.56/dmtu (2023: $4.75/dmtu), reflecting the tightened seaborne market impacted by the cyclone damage to critical infrastructure at the South32 Australian operation in March, which elevated prices. However, in the second half of the year, overall supply recovered in the seaborne market, while global steelmaking margins weakened, resulting in prices falling in Q4 2024 to below that seen in Q4 2023.

Commodity prices                                                                                                                                                                       

• [Editor:tianyawei]