Anglo American H1 2015 Results

 

 

 

 

HALF YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT

 

for the six months ended 30 June 2015

 

24 July 2015

Anglo American Interim Results 2015

Improved operational performance and accelerated cost and capex reductions to mitigate price weakness

á       Group underlying EBIT⁽¹⁾ of $1.9 billion, a 36% decrease due to sharply weaker commodity prices ($1.9 billion⁽²⁾ underlying EBIT impact), partially offset by weaker producer country currencies and cost reductions ($0.6 billion underlying EBIT benefit)⁽³⁾

á       Commodity price-driven impairments of $3.5 billion after tax, including $2.9 billion at Minas-Rio

á       Productivity improvements and indirect and capital cost reductions accelerated, with disposals being progressed:

-     $1.5 billion⁽⁴⁾ of operating and indirect cost reductions and productivity gains targeted in H2 2015 and 2016 (operating costs $800 million, productivity gains $400 million, indirect costs $300 million)

-     Additional capital expenditure reductions of up to $1.0 billion by end 2016

-     $1.6 billion of disposal proceeds delivered in July 2015

á      Improved operational performance and cash flows delivering net debt of $13.5 billion as at 30 June 2015 (31 December 2014: $12.9 billion), with $15.0 billion of liquidity maintained. Following receipt of Lafarge Tarmac proceeds, net debt is $11.9 billion.

-     Production volumes increased by 8% (Cu eq.)⁽³⁾

-     Unit costs decreased by 5% (local currency) and 14% in US dollar terms⁽³⁾

Financial highlights US$ million, unless otherwise stated	6 months ended 30 June 2015		6 months ended 30 June 2014	Change
Underlying EBIT(1)	1,883		2,932	(36)%
Underlying earnings(5)	904		1,284	(30)%
Group revenue(6)	13,346		16,144	(17)%
Underlying EBITDA(7)	3,280		4,328	(24)%
(Loss)/profit before tax(8)	(1,920)		2,945	-
(Loss)/profit for the financial period attributable to equity shareholders of the Company(8)	(3,015)		1,464	-
Underlying earnings per share (US$)(5)	0.70		1.00	(30)%
Dividend per share (US$)	0.32		0.32	-
Attributable ROCE%(9)	8%		10%	-
Notes to the highlights and table are shown at the bottom of this section.

 

Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: "The transformation of Anglo American that I set out 18 months ago is progressing, despite considerable external challenges. I expect the operational turnaround to generate $1.2 billion⁽⁴⁾ of underlying EBIT upside over the next 18 months, in addition to the $1.7 billion delivered to date. Structurally, we are focusing the portfolio around those assets that are of the scale and quality to generate most value to the Group. We expect to generate proceeds of at least $3 billion from asset sales, including the $1.6 billion received from the sale of our 50% interest in Lafarge Tarmac. We are unrelenting in enforcing strict cost and capital discipline across Anglo American, building upon the unit cost reductions delivered to date. Combined with planned capital expenditure reductions of up to $1.0 billion by end 2016, we are on track to deliver our long term net debt target of $10 billion to $12 billion, with net debt after the Lafarge Tarmac proceeds at $11.9 billion.

 

"Having defined our portfolio and significantly improved operational performance, now is the right time to accelerate the right-sizing of the organisation that supports the future business; we are targeting a $500 million⁽⁴⁾ total cost saving, of which $300 million will be realised from our ongoing core business, through the reduction of 6,000 overhead and other indirect roles, a 46% decrease, including those that will transfer with the businesses we are divesting. Post asset sales, we expect to have reduced our number of assets from 55 to 40 and reduced total employees by 35%, while maintaining copper equivalent production. As a result, and following the asset disposals and further business improvement, our underlying EBITDA margin of 25% in the first half of 2015 would increase to 35% on a like for like basis, representing a 40% improvement off a substantially lower cost base."

 

Mark Cutifani added: "Safety performance is my first priority and I am saddened to report that we lost five colleagues in incidents in South Africa, Australia and Brazil in the first half of the year. There is no acceptable reason for us not to ensure a safe working environment for all our people and our work to consign all safety incidents to history continues with absolute determination.

 

"The first six months of 2015 saw considerable further price decreases for our products amidst a volatile market environment and economic uncertainty in certain key markets. Our work to drive yet greater operational performance and productivity has continued, with a 14% decrease in copper equivalent unit costs (in US dollar terms). Cash costs were down $600 million⁽³⁾, partially offsetting the $1.9 billion underlying EBIT impact of sharply weaker commodity prices. Looking to the balance of this year and into next, I expect the current period of volatile markets and economic uncertainty, fuelled in part by pockets of geopolitical tension, to continue.

 

"Overall performance for the half year was solid and largely in line with our expectations, reflecting a number of planned or otherwise expected impacts, such as the rebuild of the nickel furnaces in Brazil and the water shortage in our Copper business in Chile. Of particular note was the performance of the Platinum business following last year's strike, with the Mogalakwena open pit delivering strong volume, productivity and unit cost improvements, while Rustenburg also showed greater productivity with its now optimised mine plan. Cost control is a major focus, particularly given our footprint in certain high inflation jurisdictions, and we recorded strong unit cost decreases in Coal and De Beers.

 

"In Iron Ore, Kumba's production volume was in line with 2014 while US dollar unit costs improved by 4%. The Kolomela mine continued to perform strongly although we have adjusted the mine plan at Sishen to reflect the current market environment and have revised Kumba's volume guidance downwards for 2015 and 2016. Taking into account the volatility in the iron ore market, and to protect against the downside, we are positioning Kumba for a $45 per tonne benchmark iron ore price by optimising the Sishen pit design and restructuring overheads and support services while preserving the life of the mine.

 

"We are taking the same approach to costs at Minas-Rio in Brazil. The ramp-up of the operation is progressing and we are now in a position to reduce targeted FOB unit costs by $5 per tonne to $28-30 per tonne once full run-rate is reached in Q2 2016. Given the significant further weakness in iron ore prices, we reviewed our near-and longer-term price assumptions at the mid-year, resulting in a $2.9 billion post-tax write down in the carrying value of Minas-Rio.

 

"Our Coal businesses in Australia and South Africa delivered a 3% underlying EBIT increase due to a combination of productivity improvements, including unit cost reductions of 13% in Australia and 3% in South Africa in local currency terms, and volume discipline in Canada.

 

"De Beers saw a continuation of the market weakness of late 2014 during the first six months of 2015, resulting in a 25% underlying EBIT decrease. In response to these market conditions, the business has revised production guidance for 2015 to 29 to 31 million carats, while continuing to focus on its operational metrics. De Beers also reduced unit costs by 10% in dollar terms.

 

"We are making fundamental changes to transform Anglo American - operationally, structurally and culturally - into a fit for purpose organisation with an enhanced resource endowment. Combined with our diversified strategy across the early, mid and late cycle demand segments, we are ensuring that the business is sustainable through the commodity price cycles, as well as shorter-term price shocks, and offers investors attractive and differentiated exposure to the mining industry."

  

 

 

 

 

Notes to the highlights and table on page 1&2

 

⁽¹⁾ Underlying EBIT is operating profit presented before special items and remeasurements, and includes the Group's attributable share of associates' and joint ventures' underlying EBIT. See notes 4 and 6 to the Condensed financial statements for underlying EBIT. For definition of special items and remeasurements, see note 7 to the Condensed financial statements.

⁽²⁾  Excludes De Beers.

⁽³⁾  Platinum strike underlying EBIT impact of $0.4bn included in cash cost benefit. Cu equivalent production is (2)% if adjusting for 2014 Platinum strike and excluding Peace River Coal Care & Maintenance impact. Cu equivalent unit costs adjusted for Platinum strike would be 2% increase in local currency and (7)% lower in USD.

⁽⁴⁾  Underlying EBIT improvement targets are broken down as follows:

- $1.5 billion of underlying EBIT benefits from the core business, broken down by:

-           $1.2 billion of operational improvements, including $0.8 billion of operating cost reductions and $0.4 billion productivity gains

-           $0.3 billion of indirect cost reductions

- Indirect costs are targeted to fall by a total of $0.5 billion, of which $0.3 billion is from core operations (above) and $0.2 billion will  be realised through the divestment of non-core assets.

⁽⁵⁾ See note 6 and 10 to the Condensed financial statements for basis of calculation of underlying earnings.

⁽⁶⁾  Includes the Group's attributable share of associates' and joint ventures' revenue of $1,788 million (30 June 2014: $1,923 million). See note 4 to the Condensed financial statements.

⁽⁷⁾ Underlying EBITDA is underlying EBIT before depreciation and amortisation in subsidiaries and joint operations, and includes the Group's attributable share of associates' and joint ventures' underlying EBITDA.

⁽⁸⁾  Stated after special items and remeasurements. See note 7 to the Condensed financial statements.

⁽⁹⁾  Attributable ROCE is based on underlying performance, and reflects realised prices and foreign exchange during the current period. Where ROCE relates to a period of less than one year, the return for the period has been annualised (with the exception of De Beers when presented as an individual business unit- see footnote on page 21).

Financial review of Group results for the six months ended 30 June 2015

 

Summary

 

Anglo American reported underlying earnings of $0.9 billion (H1 2014: $1.3 billion), with underlying EBIT decreasing by 36% to $1.9 billion.

 

Falling prices were seen across most products ($1.9 billion impact⁽¹⁾), with the realised price of iron ore down 41%, platinum down 19%, copper 18% and HCC down 15%. This was partially mitigated by a solid cost performance and favourable exchange rates.

 

A strengthening of the US dollar against the South African rand and the Australian dollar more than offset the impact of CPI on the Group result ($0.4 billion favourable to underlying EBIT vs H1 2014). The Group's overall cash costs decreased in real terms as a result of cost-reduction initiatives across the Group and falling input costs such as diesel, rubber and steel.

 

Net debt increased by $0.6 billion to $13.5 billion (31 December 2014: $12.9 billion) and total capital expenditure has reduced by $0.6 billion to $2.1 billion, as expansionary projects approach completion and SIB capital expenditure is reduced. On 17 July 2015, Anglo American received $1.6 billion for its 50% interest in Lafarge Tarmac, reducing net debt to $11.9 billion.

 

The first six months of 2015 have seen significant further weakness and ongoing volatility in the prices of the bulk commodities, particularly iron ore and metallurgical coal. Anglo American has therefore reviewed its near-and longer-term commodity price assumptions at the mid-year, while also noting the gradual and ongoing reduction of consensus prices within what remains a wide range of forecasts. As a result, Anglo American has recorded non-cash impairments within special items at 30 June 2015 relating to Minas-Rio and Coal assets of $3.5 billion after tax.

 

Operational performance (production/costs)

 

Operational performance was encouraging across the majority of businesses. Total Australia and Canada coal production increased 4% despite Peace River Coal (which produced 0.9 Mt in H1 2014) being placed on care and maintenance in December 2014. Minas-Rio produced 3.0 Mt (wet basis) in H1 2015 after commencing operations in the fourth quarter of 2014 and reaching First Ore On Ship (FOOS) on 25 October 2014. In addition, total equivalent refined platinum production increased by 55%, primarily due to the non-recurrence of the industrial action which took place in 2014. In contrast, nickel production decreased by 34%, as a result of the furnace rebuild at Barro Alto. Copper production decreased by 10% largely as a result of the shutdowns of the processing plants at Los Bronces to manage water reserve levels.

 

The first half of 2015 saw a positive performance on costs. Coal Australia AUD FOB cash costs decreased by 13% due to increased productivity at underground mines and cost reductions. Copper unit costs increased by 4%, with lower volumes at Los Bronces due to water conservation measures being the primary driver. The Group continued to experience falling mining inflation, with Chile, Australia and South Africa experiencing below CPI cost inflation vs. H1 2014.

 

 

 

⁽¹⁾  Excludes De Beers.

 

 

 

Income Statement

 

Underlying EBIT

 

$ million	6 months ended 30 June 2015	6 months ended 30 June 2014
Iron Ore and Manganese	510	1,229
Coal	267	260
Copper	174	760
Nickel	-	26
Niobium	32	34
Phosphates	41	9
Platinum	272	(1)
De Beers	576	765
Corporate and other	11	(150)
Total	1,883	2,932

 

 

Underlying Earnings

Group underlying earnings were $0.9 billion, a 31% decrease (H1 2014: $1.3 billion).

 

		6 months ended 30 June 2015
$ million	Underlying EBIT	Net finance costs and income tax expense	Non-controlling interests	Underlying earnings
Iron Ore and Manganese	510	(192)	(178)	140
Coal	267	(66)	(4)	197
Copper	174	(70)	(42)	62
Nickel	-	(2)	-	(2)
Niobium	32	(15)	-	17
Phosphates	41	(18)	-	23
Platinum	272	(55)	(42)	175
De Beers	576	(155)	(61)	360
Corporate and other	11	(85)	6	(68)
Total	1,883	(658)	(321)	904

 

 

Net finance costs

Net finance costs, before special items and remeasurements, excluding associates and joint ventures, were $161 million (H1 2014: $73 million). The increase was driven by lower interest income due to a reduction in cash from $8.5 billion to $7.0 billion and foreign exchange losses in the current period, primarily driven by the weakening Brazilian real, compared to gains in the comparative period.

 

Tax

The effective rate of tax, before special items and remeasurements including attributable share of associates' and joint ventures' tax, decreased from 31.5% for the six months ended 30 June 2014 and 29.8% for the year ended 31 December 2014 to 28.0%. This lower rate was due to the net impact of certain prior year adjustments, the remeasurement of withholding tax provisions across the Group and the relative levels of profits arising in our operating jurisdictions. In future periods, it is expected that the effective tax rate will remain above the United Kingdom statutory tax rate.

 

Reconciliation to (loss)/profit for the period from underlying earnings

 

$ million	6 months ended 30 June 2015	6 months ended 30 June 2014
Underlying earnings	904	1,284
Operating special items	(3,319)	(61)
Operating remeasurements	(109)	179
Non-operating special items	(155)	19
Financing special items and remeasurements	69	45
Special items and remeasurements tax	(413)	(4)
Non-controlling interests on special items and remeasurements	49	(4)
Share of associates' and joint ventures' special items and remeasurements	(41)	6
(Loss)/profit for the financial period attributable to equity shareholders of the Company	(3,015)	1,464
Underlying earnings per share (US$)	0.70	1.00

 

Special items and remeasurements

Special items and remeasurements primarily relate to impairments in respect of the Minas-Rio iron ore project of $2.5 billion pre-tax ($2.9 billion post-tax) and Capcoal, Peace River Coal and other assets within the Coal segment of $0.8 billion pre-tax ($0.6 billion post-tax). Full details of the special items and remeasurements charges are to be found in note 7 to the Condensed financial statements.

 

Group ROCE

Attributable ROCE declined to 8% in H1 2015 (30 June 2014: 10%) primarily as a consequence of weaker commodity prices, partially offset by improved operational performance, depreciating foreign exchange, a lower proportion of post-tax earnings attributable to non-controlling interests and lower average attributable capital employed. Average attributable capital employed decreased from $38.7 billion in 31 December 2014 to $35.5 billion in H1 2015, driven by impairments at Minas-Rio and the Coal assets, partially offset by ongoing capital expenditure.

 

Attributable ROCE is defined as annualised underlying EBIT divided by average capital employed for the period, where capital employed is net assets excluding net debt and financial asset investments, attributable to equity shareholders of Anglo American plc. It is calculated based on achieved prices and foreign exchange. Refer to page 52 for further details.

 

The previous ROCE measure, used to track the Driving Value programme, incorporated a number of adjustments, principally to reverse the impact of certain impairments and acquisition fair value adjustments. The new attributable ROCE measure has been developed to allow a clearer link to the published financial statements. Comparatives have been restated to align with the current period presentation, and capital employed by segment is disclosed in note 4 to the Condensed financial statements. The Driving Value ROCE is disclosed on page 52.

 

Net debt

Net debt (including related hedges) of $13,496 million was $625 million higher than at 31 December 2014 and $1,981 million higher than at 30 June 2014, representing gearing of 32.8% (31 December 2014: 28.6%). Net debt is made up of cash and cash equivalents of $7,033 million (31 December 2014: $6,747 million) and gross debt including related derivatives of $20,529 million (31 December 2014: $19,618 million). The increase in net debt compared with full-year 2014 was driven by capital expenditure of $2,113 million, the payment of dividends of $680 million to Company shareholders and $196 million to non-controlling interests, and interest payments of $456 million. This was partially offset by cash generated from operating activities of $2,715 million.

 

Following the issue of $3.2 billion of bonds in 2014, the Group issued further bonds of $2.2 billion consisting of $1.5 billion through accessing the US bond markets and $0.7 billion under the Euro Medium Term Note programme during the period.

 

On 17 July 2015, Anglo American received cash proceeds of $1.6 billion for its 50% interest in Lafarge Tarmac, reducing net debt from $13.5 billion at 30 June 2015 to $11.9 billion.

 

Anglo American's objective is to maintain a strong investment grade rating, which demands rigorous capital discipline. We recognise that over the next year and a half we will have limited flexibility owing to heavier capital expenditure commitments as we complete the development of Minas-Rio in Brazil, and Grosvenor in Australia, after which we expect capital expenditure to be moderated. Anglo American is targeting a long‑term net debt level of $10 billion to $12 billion.

 

Cash flow

Net cash inflows from operating activities were $2,715 million (30 June 2014: $3,510 million), a decrease of 23%, driven by the 24% decrease in underlying EBITDA. This was partially offset by reduced cash tax paid, driven by lower earnings and one-off tax payments in the prior year.

 

Outflows on working capital in the current period were $15 million (30 June 2014: inflows of $180 million). This reflected a $59 million increase in inventories primarily due to the Platinum stock adjustment ($181 million) and lower volumes sold at De Beers, as well as a $65 million decrease in creditors across a number of segments, offset by a $109 million decrease in operating receivables primarily in Platinum.

 

Net cash used in investing activities of $2,343 million (30 June 2014: $2,753 million) was primarily attributable to expenditure on property, plant and equipment of $2,035 million (30 June 2014: $2,667 million). Expenditure on property, plant and equipment has decreased by 24% against H1 2014, mainly owing to lower expenditure at Minas-Rio and lower stay‑in‑business expenditure as a result of weakening exchange rates and cost-cutting initiatives.

 

Net cash inflows from financing activities were $24 million (30 June 2014: cash outflow $39 million). This included cash receipts on issuance of bonds of $2,159 million, offset by net repayments of borrowings of $545 million, dividend payments to Company shareholders and non-controlling interests totalling $876 million, as well as interest payments of $456 million.

 

Liquidity and funding

At 30 June 2015, the Group had undrawn committed bank facilities of $7.9 billion and cash of $7.0 billion. The Group's forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, indicate the Group's ability to operate within the level of its current facilities for the foreseeable future.

 

At 30 June 2015, Anglo American's ratings were Moody's Baa2 (negative outlook) and Standard & Poor's BBB- (stable outlook).

 

Dividends

An interim dividend of 32 US cents per share (30 June 2014: 32 US cents per share) has been declared.  

 

The Board

On 22 July 2015, Tony O'Neill was appointed to the Board as an executive director. Mr O'Neill joined Anglo American as Group Director - Technical in September 2013, with responsibility for mining and technology, business performance, projects and SHE (safety, health and environment). Mr O'Neill's appointment to the Board signals the Group's commitment to engineering excellence and its continuing drive to achieve best practice operational, safety and environmental performance. 

 

 

Principal risks and uncertainties

 

Anglo American is exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties which may have a financial, operational or reputational impact on the Group, and which may also have an impact on the achievement of social, economic and environmental objectives.

 

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group at the year-end were set out in detail in the operating and financial review section of the Annual Report 2014 (pages 43 to 47), and have not changed significantly since. Key headline risks relate to the following:

 

á      Commodity prices

á      Liquidity risk

á      Currency risk

á      Inflation

á      Safety and health

á      Environment

á      Political, legal and regulatory

á      Operational risk and project delivery

á      Event risk

á      Employees

á      Infrastructure

á      Community relations

á      Information and cyber security

á      Portfolio restructuring

 

The Group is exposed to changes in the economic environment, as with any other business. Details of any key risks and uncertainties specific to the period are covered in the operations review section.

 

The Annual Report 2014 is available on the Group's website www.angloamerican.com.

 

Operations review for the six months ended 30 June 2015

 

In the operations review on the following pages, underlying EBIT includes the attributable share of associates' and joint ventures' EBIT and is before special items and remeasurements unless otherwise stated. Capital expenditure is defined as cash expenditure on property, plant and equipment, including related derivatives, proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and direct funding for capital expenditure from non-controlling interests.

 

IRON ORE AND MANGANESE

Key performance indicators
	Production volume	Sales volume	Price	Revenue	Underlying EBITDA	Underlying EBIT	Capex	ROCE
	Mt(1)	Mt	$/tonne(2)	$m	$m	$m	$m
Segment	n/a	n/a	n/a	2,013	693	510	829	8%
Prior period	n/a	n/a	n/a	2,894	1,381	1,229	1,312	13%
Kumba Iron Ore	22.6	26.0	61	1,723	654	513	274	32%
Prior period	22.8	22.5	104	2,466	1,293	1,182	305	78%
Iron Ore Brazil	3.0	2.6	50	n/a	(10)	(11)	555	(1)%
Prior period	-	-	n/a	n/a	(6)	(9)	1,007	(0)%
Samancor(3)	1.7	1.7	n/a	290	77	36	n/a	11%
Prior period	1.7	1.8	n/a	428	137	99	n/a	24%
Projects and Corporate	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	(28)	(28)	n/a	n/a
Prior period	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	(43)	(43)	n/a	n/a

 

⁽¹⁾    Iron Ore Brazil production is Mt (wet basis).

⁽²⁾    Prices for Kumba Iron Ore (Kumba) are the average realised export basket price (FOB Saldanha). Prices for IOB are average realised export basket price (FOB Au).

⁽³⁾  Production and sales include ore and alloy.

 

Financial and operating overview

Kumba

Underlying EBIT decreased by 57% to $513 million (H1 2014: $1,182 million), mainly attributable to the 46% fall in the iron ore benchmark price to an average of $60/tonne. Realised export prices averaged $61/tonne, which was 41% lower than in 2014. Total cash costs, however, declined by 4%, with costs associated with the 12% increase in waste mined being offset by an 11% weakening of the South African rand against the US dollar.

Record export sales of 23.2 Mt (H1 2014: 19.7 Mt) were achieved, an increase of 18%, on the back of an improved logistics performance and the shipment of 2.3 Mt through the multi-purpose terminal at the Saldanha port. As a result, Kumba reduced its stockpile at the port by 1.3 Mt, while total finished-product stocks decreased to 4.0 Mt at 30 June 2015 compared with 6.5 Mt at the 2014 year-end.

Iron Ore Brazil

First ore on ship was achieved in October 2014 and the project ramp-up is expected to continue into 2016. Total project capital expenditure remains estimated at $8.4 billion. Of that amount, $7.8 billion had been accounted for by 30 June 2015, with $0.6 billion expected to be spent to complete the project. The remaining capex mostly relates to the completion of the port breakwater, land and mine-equipment purchases, filtering expansion, beneficiation plant civil works and mechanical completion.

 

Underlying EBIT is likely to be capitalised until early 2016, by which time the Minas-Rio project is expected to have achieved 80% of its commercial production capacity. In H1 2015, Iron Ore Brazil's capitalised underlying EBIT loss was $145 million, primarily due to high unit costs being incurred in the ramp-up phase and weaker iron ore benchmark prices.

 

Samancor

Underlying EBIT decreased by 64% to $36 million, driven primarily by lower manganese prices combined with an 8% decrease in ore sales.

Markets

Iron ore

	2015	2014
Average market prices (IODEX 62% Fe CFR China spot price - $/tonne)(1) Average realised prices (Kumba export - $/tonne) (FOB Saldanha)	60 61	111 104

 

⁽¹⁾    Different products are priced against a number of different indices in the market. IODEX 62% has been used in this instance as a generic industry benchmark against which to compare average realised prices.

 

Seaborne iron ore prices have continued the downtrend in 2015 with the IODEX 62% Fe CFR China spot price falling 46% year on year (YoY) to average $60/dmt in H1 2015. The continued rise in seaborne supply from the major supply regions (up ~6% YoY) has coincided with a slowdown in global crude steel production (down ~2% YoY), resulting in an oversupplied seaborne market. High-cost marginal suppliers are withdrawing from the market in response to the low-price environment. However, this is being offset as growth projects reach completion.

 

Manganese ore

The first half of 2015 has seen significant weakness in manganese ore prices. The 44% Mn index has fallen almost 30% since the start of the year, bringing the year-to-date average to $3.47/dmtu CIF China, down from $4.56/dmtu in 2014. Slowing global crude steel production and increased supply from low-cost sources (including South African railed volumes) have displaced marginal suppliers, while the global cost curve has also shifted downwards owing to weaker producer FX, the impact of lower oil prices on cash costs and lower ocean freight rates.

Operating performance

Kumba

Sishen's production declined by 5% to 16.1 Mt (H1 2014: 17.0 Mt) owing to mining feedstock constraints to the plants, while waste tonnes mined reached 107.7 Mt, an increase of 24% (H1 2014: 86.9 Mt). The implementation of the Operating Model in the North mine continues to improve operating equipment productivity and is now being rolled out to both the pre-strip mining and heavy mining equipment maintenance areas of the mine.

Kolomela maintained its strong performance, increasing output by 7% to 5.9 Mt (H1 2014: 5.5 Mt). Waste mined increased by 8% to 26.3 Mt (H1 2014: 24.4 Mt).

Thabazimbi produced 0.6 Mt (H1 2014: 0.3 Mt), while waste-mining volumes decreased by 45% to 8.4 Mt (H1 2014: 15.4 Mt). On 16 July 2015 Kumba announced the closure of Thabazimbi mine, as the mine has reached the end of its life.

Volumes railed to the port were 11% higher at 21.8 Mt (H1 2014: 19.7 Mt).

Phase 2 of the Dingleton project, the relocation of the 428 remaining houses, buildings and businesses, is progressing well and expected to be completed by 2016.

Iron Ore Brazil

Minas-Rio produced 3.0 Mt of iron ore (wet basis), marginally behind the original ramp-up schedule due to early adjustments required at the filtration plant. A remediation plan has now been put in place and the operation has experienced a rise in productivity and in plant and machinery availability. The pace of production increased towards the end of the second quarter and 2015 guidance is unchanged at 11 Mt to 14 Mt (wet basis). Export sales of all products in H1 amounted to 2.6 Mt on a wet basis.

Samancor

Production of manganese ore has remained consistent at 1.6 Mt (attributable basis). However, production volumes were impacted in Q2 by planned shutdowns in the South African operations combined with unplanned industrial action. The decrease in production in South Africa was slightly offset by an improvement in the Australian operations, where production benefited from improved ore recovery and plant utilisation.

Production of manganese alloys decreased by 8% to 126,200 tonnes (attributable basis) as a result of the suspension of operations at Metalloys in South Africa.

Operational outlook

Kumba

Given the weaker outlook and volatility in the iron ore market, Kumba is reducing its cash costs and positioning itself for $45/tonne (assumed lump premium of $0.20/dmtu) benchmark iron ore price (62% Fe CFR China). This has led to the company undertaking a number of interventions, including reducing overhead costs, maintaining a strong focus on capital discipline, reconfiguring the operations by revising the mine plans at Sishen and Kolomela, and maintaining the focus on product quality.

Sishen's life-of-mine (LoM) plan has been reconfigured and optimised for cash flow in the near-term (2015 to 2017). The waste target for 2015 has been revised down to 200 Mt from 240 Mt, with a ramp-up to 230 Mt from 2018. The production outlook has been moderated to 33 Mt for 2015, 36 Mt in 2016 and 2017 and rising to 38 Mt thereafter. The average LoM stripping ratio remains at 3.9.

Kolomela is expected to produce in excess of 11 Mt in 2015, with production expected to ramp up to 13 Mt within the next two years. Kolomela's waste profile has also been optimised to conserve cash. Mining will now concentrate on two primary pits, with the third pre-stripping pit being rephased to 2019. As a result, waste tonnages are being reduced from 42 Mt - 46 Mt to 35 Mt - 38 Mt over the next three years, with waste of 35 Mt planned for 2015. The LoM stripping ratio has been maintained at 3.1.

Capital expenditure has been reduced accordingly and rephased to conserve cash, with a significant reduction in stay-in-business capital of $675 million over the next three years. Deferred stripping has been reduced by $170 million over the next three years, mainly due to the revised waste-mining profile at Sishen.

Iron Ore Brazil

Iron ore production of between 11 Mt and 14 Mt (wet basis) is expected in 2015. Nameplate capacity of 26.5 Mt is expected to be reached by Q2 2016, with production of between 24 Mt and 26 Mt (wet basis) expected in 2016.

In response to the current pricing environment, Iron Ore Brazil's cost base is under review, with cost-efficiency and reduction programmes in place.

FOB cost guidance for the operation at steady state has been revised to $28 - $30/tonne, principally due to the weaker Brazilian real. Unit costs achieved in H1, however, were above this target, as expected during a ramp-up period.

 

COAL

Key performance indicators
	Production volume	Sales volume	Price	Revenue	Underlying EBITDA	Underlying EBIT	Capex	ROCE
	Mt	Mt	$/tonne(1)	$m	$m	$m	$m
Segment	47.9	50.7	n/a	2,608	589	267	416	10%
Prior period	48.5	48.0	n/a	2,856	638	260	436	8%
Australia/Canada	16.3	16.4	100	1,271	324	101	379	6%
Prior period	15.7	15.7	117	1,509	307	18	403	0%
South Africa	25.7	28.5	60	1,000	182	129	37	20%
Prior period	26.9	26.8	75	975	227	178	33	28%
Colombia	5.9	5.8	58	337	107	61	n/a	14%
Prior period	5.9	5.5	67	372	135	95	n/a	19%
Projects/corporate	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	(24)	(24)	n/a	n/a
Prior period	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	(31)	(31)	n/a	n/a

 

⁽¹⁾  Australia and Canada is the weighted average metallurgical coal sales price achieved. South Africa is the weighted average export thermal coal price achieved.

Financial and operating overview

Australia and Canada

Australia and Canada recorded an underlying EBIT of $101 million, an increase of $83 million over the same period last year. The overall increase in underlying EBIT reflected significant cost reductions of $141 million and a weaker AUD impact of $181 million. A 14% reduction in the average quarterly hard coking coal (HCC) benchmark coal price reduced underlying EBIT by $236 million and was partially mitigated by higher production volumes. All operations have lowered local currency unit costs, with underground operations reducing by 22% and open cut operations by 5%. Placing Peace River Coal into care and maintenance benefited H1 2015 EBIT by $38 million.

 

South Africa

South Africa's underlying EBIT of $129 million on a like for like basis was 17% lower (excluding $22 million of profit from the sale of a block of Coal Resources in H1 2014). This was due to a 20% reduction in the export thermal coal price, which had a $132 million negative impact, partially offset by increased sales volumes and cost reductions of $48 million and the benefit of a weaker rand to the value of $63 million.

 

Local currency FOB cash unit costs at export mines decreased by 3%, with improved productivity and cost reductions in labour, including contractors, and maintenance.

Colombia

Underlying EBIT declined by 36% to $61 million, mainly owing to weaker prices reducing underlying EBIT by $40 million, offset in part by higher sales volumes, lower costs as a result of a detailed cost-control programme and favourable exchange rates.

Markets

Metallurgical coal

	2015	2014
Average market prices ($/tonne)(1) Average realised prices ($/tonne, FOB)(2)	113 100	132 117

 

⁽¹⁾  Represents the quarterly average benchmark for premium low-vol hard coking coal.

⁽²⁾    Average realised price of various grades of metallurgical coal including hard and semi-soft coking coal and PCI coal.

 

Metallurgical coal prices saw a decline in the first half of 2015, driven mainly by a sharp reduction in Chinese imports as a result of the imposition of quality standards testing. This diverted material into other markets and impacted both spot and contract prices. Spot prices fell from $113/tonne at the beginning of 2015 to a multi-year low of $85/tonne in May (TSI Premium HCC FOB AUS $/tonne), before recovering slightly by the end of the half, averaging $99/tonne in H1 2015, down from $120/tonne in H1 2014. Demand from India continues to rise, although not enough to absorb the excess supply. High-cost supply has started to exit the market with US supply contracting 13% YoY to May in 2015, while supply from Australia has been relatively stable.

Thermal coal

	2015	2014
Average market price ($/tonne, FOB Australia) Average realised prices - Export Australia ($/tonne, FOB) Average realised prices - Export South Africa ($/tonne, FOB) Average realised prices - Domestic South Africa ($/tonne) Average realised prices - Colombia ($/tonne, FOB)	63 61 60 18 58	76 81 75 19 67

 

Thermal coal prices were in line with where they finished in 2014 - averaging around $62/tonne FOB (for Newcastle and Richards Bay) in H1 2015. Overall, soft demand has prevailed in the first half, driven predominantly by a drop-off in Chinese import demand. India continues to increase imports, albeit at a slower pace than previously seen. On the supply side, Indonesian volumes are being withdrawn from the market in response to the overall weak demand.

Operating performance

Australia and Canada

Total coal production increased by 4% despite Peace River Coal (which produced 0.9 Mt in the first half of 2014) being placed on care and maintenance in December 2014. Total Australian production increased by 10%, benefiting from a strong performance at the underground longwall operations.

 

In Australia, export metallurgical coal production increased by 3%, with increases from the underground operations offsetting lower open cut volumes, which were affected by Cyclone Marcia. Production of export thermal coal increased by 60%, reflecting higher volumes at all thermal producing operations and a change in product mix at Dawson.

 

Underground operation production increased by 29%, largely through a step-change in productivity at Capcoal's Grasstree underground operation. Moranbah production increased by 26% as there was a longwall move in H1 2014 and the impacts of the equipment design issues, scheduled for rectification in Q3 2015, have been tightly managed through the current longwall panel.

 

Production at the Australian open cut operations increased by 3%, with strong output from Callide and Foxleigh partly offsetting lower production at Dawson owing to the effects of Cyclone Marcia, as well as lower volumes at Capcoal, where plant and rail capacity was prioritised for Capcoal's Grasstree underground operation's higher margin coal.

South Africa

Trade production increased by 4%, with an 11% increase from underground operations more than offsetting a 6% decrease from open cut operations. Export production totalled 8.6 Mt, a 4% increase, driven by productivity improvements across all trade mines.

 

The 11% underground production increase was underpinned by productivity improvements following the implementation of the Management Operation System at Goedehoop and Zibulo, which together more than compensated for the planned closure of one section at Goedehoop.

 

Open cut production was affected by industrial action at Kleinkopje, as well as the challenges associated with the ageing of the current Coal Reserve at Mafube. This was partly offset by a 15% increase in output at Landau, arising mainly from productivity improvements initiated at the mine.

 

Domestic production at 14.6 Mt decreased by 10%, primarily owing to Eskom reducing offtake from New Vaal and New Denmark, exacerbated by unplanned maintenance in Q2 on the dragline at Isibonelo.

 

Colombia

Anglo American's share of Cerrej-n's output of 5.9 Mt increased by 1% as the operation benefited from productivity improvements to its waste-hauling trucks and favourable weather conditions.

Operational outlook

Australia and Canada

Metallurgical coal production in 2015 is expected to remain broadly flat at 20.0 Mt to 21.0 Mt as the increase in output from Capcoal's Grasstree underground operations will be offset by Peace River Coal having been placed onto care and maintenance and an extended longwall move at Moranbah in Q3 in order to rectify the equipment design issues.

 

South Africa

Export production is expected to be approximately 17.5 Mt to 18.0 Mt in 2015, as productivity improvement benefits compensate for the challenges associated with the ageing of the current Coal Reserves. Export thermal coal sales will be 1.0 Mt to 1.5 Mt higher than production due to the planned drawdown of 2014 closing stock.

 

Colombia

Anglo American's share of production is expected to be approximately 11.5 Mt, subject to weather and market conditions.

BASE METALS & MINERALS

 

COPPER

Key performance indicators
	Production volume	Sales volume	Realised price	Revenue	Underlying EBITDA	Underlying EBIT	Capex	ROCE
	kt	kt	c/lb	$m	$m	$m	$m
Copper	356	344	253	1,836	537	174	309	5%
Prior period	396	388	307	2,555	1,106	760	312	22%

Financial and operating overview

Copper recorded an underlying EBIT of $174 million, a decrease of $586 million. The decrease in underlying EBIT was largely due to a 14% decline in the average LME copper price, as well as declines in by-product prices, which impacted revenue by $437 million. In addition, an 11% decrease in sales volumes further impacted revenue by $274 million. The decrease in revenue was partially mitigated by a $149 million reduction in underlying operating costs due to cost management initiatives and productivity improvements. At 30 June 2015, 173,600 tonnes of copper were provisionally priced at 261 c/lb resulting in a negative underlying EBIT adjustment of $133 million, versus a negative underlying EBIT adjustment of $64 million for H1 2014.

Markets

	2015	2014
Average market prices (c/lb) Average realised prices (c/lb)	269 253	314 307

 

LME copper prices came under renewed pressure in late H1 2015 after recovering from January lows, averaging 269 c/lb. Funds turned bearish, as uncertainty over Greece's and China's economy persisted. Demand growth in China, responsible for over 45% of copper consumption, was sluggish in H1. In contrast, global refined production has grown and mine supply has advanced as expansion programmes continue.

Operating performance

Production at Los Bronces was 192,100 tonnes, a 13% decrease due to lower throughput following the shutdowns of the Plant 1 and Confluencia processing plants for 79 days and 11 days respectively in order to manage water-reserve levels. This was partially offset by higher grades, with a net impact on production of c.28,000 tonnes. In Santiago, there was no rain during June, a record, while total precipitation levels in H1 2015 were only 10% of an average year, with only 5.6 millimetres of rainfall. The expected water-supply constraints were taken into account in the mining and processing plans for the year, which include actively managing the use of both plants. Additional water-efficiency and supply projects were implemented during the period. Full-year production is still partially dependent on weather conditions in H2.

 

Anglo American's share of Collahuasi's production of 95,300 tonnes decreased by 10%. This was mainly due to lower ore feed, as a result of planned primary crusher and SAG 3 maintenance, as well as speed restrictions imposed on the two smaller processing lines in the second quarter following the detection of vibrations. This issue is being addressed during the second half of 2015.

 

Production at El Soldado decreased by 11% to 16,200 tonnes due to expected lower ore availability arising from the previously reported intersection with a geological fault. Production from AA Norte increased by 4% in aggregate to 52,800 tonnes following operational improvements, despite the effects of heavy rainfall interrupting operations during the last week of March 2015.

Operational outlook

Production levels are planned to increase over the remainder of the year as plant operating times increase at both Los Bronces and Collahuasi. As stated above, full-year production volumes will be affected by the weather to some extent. Full-year production guidance remains unchanged at 720,000 to 750,000 tonnes.