Anglo American interim results 2018

26 July 2018

Anglo American Interim Results 2018

Continued performance improvement supports 11% underlying EBITDA increase to $4.6 billion

 

Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: "We have delivered another strong performance during the first half, with an 11% increase in underlying EBITDA to $4.6 billion and a 19% return on capital employed. We have also made good progress against our disciplined capital allocation objectives, strengthening the balance sheet with net debt down to $4 billion, delivering an increase in the dividend commensurate with earnings, and continuing to invest prudently across the business. This strong financial result derives from our consistent productivity improvements in the underlying operations and a stronger price environment for many of our products.

 

"We have continued to build on the significant productivity improvements of recent years, delivering a further two percentage point improvement⁽¹⁾ in the first six months of 2018. A 6% increase in copper equivalent production volumes⁽²⁾ helped deliver $0.4 billion⁽³⁾ of cost and volume improvements in the first half, out of the $0.8 billion targeted for the full year, against a backdrop of rising input cost inflation and the temporary suspension at Minas‑Rio.

 

"We see significant further potential to deliver enhanced returns from the portfolio, with our business model and relentless focus on innovation and business improvement resetting our performance benchmarks. As we now move forward to develop the world-class Quellaveco copper project in Peru, in conjunction with our partner Mitsubishi, we are excited about the opportunities we see across the business."

 

Highlights - six months ended 30 June 2018

·      Reduced net debt* to $4 billion, an 11% reduction since end 2017 - 0.4x net debt / underlying EBITDA*

·      Generated underlying EBITDA* of $4.6 billion, an 11% increase, and $1.6 billion of attributable free cash flow*

·      Profit attributable to equity shareholders of $1.3 billion

·      Achieved cost and volume improvements of $0.4 billion⁽³⁾ - on track for the full year

·      Minas-Rio pipeline inspection on track, with remedial work to be completed in Q4 2018, prior to restart

·      Increased interim dividend of $0.49 per share - 40% of first half underlying earnings*

 

Six months ended US$ million, unless otherwise stated	30 June 2018	30 June 2017	Change
Underlying EBITDA*	4,577	4,116	11%
Underlying earnings*	1,565	1,536	2%
Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company	1,290	1,415	(9)%
Underlying earnings per share* ($)	1.23	1.19	3%
Earnings per share ($)	1.02	1.09	(6)%
Dividend per share ($)	0.49	0.48	2%
Group attributable ROCE*	19%	18%	6%

 

⁽¹⁾    Productivity indexed to 2012 benchmark.

⁽²⁾    Excludes the impact of the suspension of operations at Minas-Rio. Including this, the increase is 3%.

⁽³⁾    Excludes the impact of the suspension of operations at Minas-Rio.

 

 

 

 

SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE

Safety

Anglo American's safety performance is the subject of very significant management attention in order to eliminate the causes of harm in the workplace. Two people lost their lives in the first six months of 2018, and one person has lost their life during July. All three incidents took place in South Africa, one in each of our Platinum, Coal and Diamonds businesses. We have put in place an Elimination of Fatalities Taskforce to enable a more thorough understanding of the underlying causes of fatal incidents, in parallel with a focused programme addressing management of fatal risks across the business.

 

The Group's total recordable case frequency rate for the first half of the year provides a broader picture of the significant progress that is being made, with 2.62 injuries per million hours worked - a 31% improvement over the same period in 2017 and a 24% improvement over the record performance rate achieved for 2017 as a whole.

 

Environment

Environmental incidents have been reduced materially in recent years due to a continued focus on detailed operational planning. In the first half of 2018, four significant environmental incidents were reported. These included the two separate leaks of non-hazardous material from the Minas‑Rio iron ore pipeline in Brazil in March. Both leaks were stopped without delay, there were no injuries and a thorough clean-up of the surrounding area was completed. The pipeline is undergoing a thorough technical examination in order to ensure its integrity.

 

Responsible mining

Anglo American launched its innovative Sustainability Strategy in March 2018, aligned to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. This ambitious strategy set out a series of stretch goals relating to: the long term prosperity of our host communities; the protection of the natural environment (with a focus on biodiversity, water and energy efficiency and climate change); the proactive shaping of policy and ethical standards to drive greater trust and transparency amongst our stakeholders; and a new collaborative approach to supporting regional development.

 

Anglo American has a long track record as a leader in sustainable, responsible mining. Such attributes were recognised in April 2018 in the inaugural Responsible Mining Index, across all metrics and particularly in relation to economic development, community wellbeing and lifecycle management.

 

 

 

Operational and financial review of Group results
for the six months ended 30 June 2018

 

OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

 

We have continued to drive improvement in asset performance through the Operating Model, facilitated by an enhanced focus on the Group's key assets as a result of work undertaken to upgrade the portfolio. Copper equivalent production increased by 6%, excluding the impact of the stoppage at Minas-Rio, primarily driven by a continued strong performance at Metallurgical Coal, Copper and De Beers, as well as improved production at Platinum, partly offset by geological challenges at Thermal Coal - South Africa.

 

Metallurgical coal production increased by 17% to 10.8 Mt (H1 2017: 9.2 Mt), driven by a sustained strong performance from Moranbah and the full ramp-up of Grosvenor.

 

Copper production rose by 10% to 312,900 tonnes (H1 2017: 283,400 tonnes), driven by productivity improvements at mine and plant and planned higher ore grades at both Los Bronces and Collahuasi. This more than offset the effect of a three-month planned maintenance at Collahuasi that was completed in July 2018.

 

De Beers' rough diamond production increased by 8% to 17.5 million carats (H1 2017: 16.1 million carats) in line with the expected continuation of strong demand. This was facilitated by the contribution from the ramp‑up of Gahcho Kué in Canada and an incremental increase at Jwaneng, partly offset by the temporary suspension of production at Venetia following a fatality.

 

At Platinum, production of platinum increased by 4% to 1,233,400 ounces (H1 2017: 1,189,100 ounces) and palladium by 5% to 813,200 ounces (H1 2017: 774,900 ounces). This was driven, in particular, by a robust performance at Mogalakwena. Refined metal production decreased by 3% for platinum, to 1,075,300 ounces (H1 2017: 1,105,600 ounces), and by 6% for palladium, to 686,500 ounces (H1 2017: 726,500 ounces) as planned maintenance constrained processing capacity.

 

Kumba's production of iron ore increased by 3% to 22.4 Mt (H1 2017: 21.9 Mt), driven by plant efficiencies at Kolomela, partly offset by marginally lower production at Sishen.

 

At Thermal Coal - South Africa, total export production decreased by 9% as Mafube transitioned to a new pit and areas of the Goedehoop South and Khwezela North operations transitioned towards closure, offset by continued underground productivity improvements at Greenside.

 

Group copper equivalent unit costs increased by 5%, driven mainly by stronger producer currencies. In local currency terms, the cost increase was limited to 1% as a strong operational performance across the portfolio largely offset lower production at Thermal Coal - South Africa and inflationary pressures, including higher diesel and energy prices across the Group.

 

Excluded from the Group copper equivalent result is the effect of Minas-Rio suspending operations from March 2018, following two pipeline leaks. The pipeline inspection is on track, with the technical inspections underway and pipeline replacement construction work expected to be completed in Q4 2018. There is no change to the earnings impact of the pipeline incident from the guidance provided in April, with an anticipated 2018 underlying EBITDA loss of $300-$400 million.

 

  

 

 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

 

 

UNDERLYING EBITDA*

Group underlying EBITDA increased by 11% to $4.6 billion (H1 2017: $4.1 billion), with the underlying EBITDA margin in line with the prior period at 30%. This was driven by strong pricing across the Group, particularly in copper and the platinum basket of metals, and continued productivity improvements and cost control across the portfolio, more than offsetting the impact of inflation across the Group and suspension of Minas-Rio operations. A reconciliation of 'Profit before net finance costs and tax', the closest equivalent IFRS measure to underlying EBITDA, is provided within note 3 to the Condensed financial statements.

 

Underlying EBITDA* by segment

$ million	6 months ended 30 June 2018	6 months ended 30 June 2017
De Beers	712	786
Copper	966	586
Platinum	511	276
Iron Ore	454	925
Coal	1,640	1,382
Nickel and Manganese	420	257
Corporate and other	(126)	(96)
Total	4,577	4,116

 

Underlying EBITDA* reconciliation H1 2017 to H1 2018

The reconciliation of underlying EBITDA from $4.1 billion in H1 2017 to $4.6 billion in H1 2018 allows an understanding of the controllable factors (e.g. cost and volume), and those largely outside of management control (e.g. price, foreign exchange and inflation) that drive the Group's performance.

 

$ billion
H1 2017 underlying EBITDA*		4.1
Price		0.8
Foreign exchange		(0.2)
Inflation		(0.2)
Net volume and cost improvements		0.4
Volume	0.2
Cash cost	0.2
Minas-Rio		(0.3)
H1 2018 underlying EBITDA*		4.6

 

Price

Average market prices for the Group's basket of commodities and products increased by 8%, contributing $0.8 billion of improvement to underlying EBITDA. In respect of copper, the realised price increased by 13%. The price achieved for the platinum basket of metals was 26% higher, largely driven by palladium and rhodium, which recorded increases of 29% and 113% respectively.

 

Foreign exchange

Stronger producer country currencies reduced underlying EBITDA by $0.2 billion, mainly owing to a 7% strengthening of the South African rand and an 8% strengthening of the Chilean peso against the dollar.

 

Inflation

The Group's weighted average CPI for the period was 4%, in line with the same period in the prior year, principally influenced by South Africa, which saw local CPI of 5%. The impact of inflationary cost increases reduced underlying EBITDA by $0.2 billion.

Volume

Increased volumes across the portfolio benefited underlying EBITDA by $0.2 billion, driven by a robust performance at Metallurgical Coal's longwall operations and higher grades and strong mine and plant performance at Copper, as well as Platinum drawing down refined inventory levels. Lower export thermal coal production from South Africa partly offset these improvements.

 

Cost

The Group's cost improvements benefited underlying EBITDA by $0.2 billion, with cost reductions outweighing the effects of above‑CPI inflationary pressure on the mining industry related to higher diesel and electricity prices. The positive cost achievement reflected the improved operational performance at Metallurgical Coal's Moranbah-Grosvenor complex and continued cost-saving initiatives at Platinum and Copper.

 

Minas-Rio

Group underlying EBITDA reduced by $0.3 billion owing to the impact of the suspension of operations at Minas-Rio from March 2018. Production decreased to 3.2 Mt (H1 2017: 8.7 Mt). 

 

UNDERLYING EARNINGS*

Profit for the financial period decreased by 7% to $1.6 billion (H1 2017: $1.8 billion) which reflected the net charge of $0.3 billion in special items discussed below. Group underlying earnings were in line with the prior period at $1.6 billion (H1 2017: $1.5 billion), driven by an 11% increase in underlying EBITDA, partly offset by increased depreciation and amortisation charges during the period.

 

Reconciliation from underlying EBITDA* to underlying earnings*

 

$ million	6 months ended 30 June 2018	6 months ended 30 June 2017
Underlying EBITDA*	4,577	4,116
Depreciation and amortisation	(1,402)	(1,185)
Net finance costs and income tax expense	(1,214)	(1,057)
Non-controlling interests	(396)	(338)
Underlying earnings*	1,565	1,536

 

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation and amortisation increased to $1.4 billion (H1 2017: $1.2 billion), reflecting the Gahcho Kué diamond mine reaching commercial production, as well as increased production at the Moranbah metallurgical coal mine and the effect of stronger local currencies.

 

Net finance costs and income tax expense

Net finance costs, before special items and remeasurements, excluding associates and joint ventures, were $0.2 billion (H1 2017: $0.2 billion). Increases in LIBOR were partially offset by lower average borrowings during the year as a result of gross debt reductions.

 

The underlying effective tax rate was 34.2% for the six months ended 30 June 2018 (H1 2017: 30.2%). The effective tax rate in 2018 was impacted by the relative levels of profits arising in the Group's operating jurisdictions, partly offset by a benefit from the reassessment of deferred tax balances, primarily in Brazil. In future periods, the underlying effective tax rate is expected to be above the United Kingdom statutory tax rate.

 

Non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests of $0.4 billion (H1 2017: $0.3 billion) principally relate to minority shareholders in Kumba, Copper and De Beers.

 

SPECIAL ITEMS AND REMEASUREMENTS

Special items and remeasurements are a net charge of $0.3 billion (H1 2017: net charge of $0.1 billion) and include an impairment of $0.1 billion relating to De Beers' South African operations, the write down to fair value of Platinum's investment in Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine and loss on disposals of $0.1 billion (Union), partly offset by net gains on disposal relating to the disposal of the Eskom-tied mines in South Africa (Thermal Coal - South Africa) and Drayton mine (Metallurgical Coal).

 

Full details of the special items and remeasurements recorded are included in note 9 to the Condensed financial statements.

 

CASH FLOW

Cash flows from operations

Cash flows from operations were in line with the first six months of 2017 at $3.7 billion, with an increase in underlying EBITDA from subsidiaries and joint operations being offset by working capital outflows.

 

Cash outflows on operating working capital were $0.1 billion (H1 2017: inflows of $0.2 billion), driven mainly by an increase in inventories at Platinum as a result of refining capacity constraints due to maintenance work on the processing assets, and at Kumba owing to rail constraints. These were partly offset by inflows in operating receivables across the Group.

 

Group capital expenditure*

$ million	6 months ended 30 June 2018	6 months ended 30 June 2017
Expansionary	280	135
Stay-in-business	592	404
Development and stripping	372	296
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment	(10)	(36)
Total	1,234	799
Capitalised operating cash flows	(14)	(68)
Total capital expenditure	1,220	731

 

Capital expenditure increased to $1.2 billion (H1 2017: $0.7 billion). Stay-in-business capital expenditure increased to $0.6 billion (H1 2017: $0.4 billion), driven by stronger local currencies as well as a rise in planned maintenance spend at Collahuasi (Copper) and Mogalakwena (Platinum). The increase in expansionary capital expenditure was driven by the ongoing development of the Venetia underground mine in South Africa (De Beers) and early works at the Quellaveco copper project in Peru.

 

In line with previous guidance, capital expenditure for FY 2018 is expected to be between $2.6 and $2.8 billion (2017: $2.2 billion).

 

Attributable free cash flow*

The Group generated attributable free cash flow of $1.6 billion (H1 2017: $2.7 billion). Stronger underlying EBITDA generation in H1 2018 was offset by increased capital expenditure, higher tax payments in Metallurgical Coal and Copper, and higher dividends paid to minorities.

 

Dividends

In line with the Group's established dividend policy to pay out 40% of underlying earnings, the Board are recommending an interim dividend of $0.49 per share, equivalent to $630 million.

 

 

 

NET DEBT*

$ million	2018	2017
Opening net debt* at 1 January	(4,501)	(8,487)
Underlying EBITDA* from subsidiaries and joint operations	3,895	3,554
Working capital movements	(99)	231
Other cash flows from operations	(54)	(106)
Cash flows from operations	3,742	3,679
Capital expenditure*	(1,220)	(731)
Cash tax paid	(758)	(298)
Dividends from associates, joint ventures and financial asset investments	396	340
Net interest(1)	(171)	(204)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests	(383)	(86)
Attributable free cash flow*	1,606	2,700
Dividends to Anglo American plc shareholders	(681)	-
Disposals	90	(100)
FX and fair value movements	(187)	5
Other net debt movements(2)	(314)	(339)
Total movement in net debt*(3)	514	2,266
Closing net debt* at 30 June	(3,987)	(6,221)

 

⁽¹⁾    Includes cash inflows of $30 million (H1 2017: $62 million), relating to interest payments on derivatives hedging net debt, which are included in cash flows from derivatives related to financing activities.

⁽²⁾    Principally made up of the purchase of shares for employee share schemes and losses recognised on bond buybacks.

⁽³⁾    Net debt excludes the own credit risk fair value adjustment on derivatives of $11 million (H1 2017: $28 million).

 

Net debt (including related derivatives) of $4.0 billion decreased by $0.5 billion since 31 December 2017, and by $2.2 billion since 30 June 2017, representing gearing of 12% (H1 2017: 19%). Net debt at 30 June 2018 comprised cash and cash equivalents of $6.3 billion (H1 2017: $7.4 billion) and gross debt, including related derivatives, of $10.2 billion (H1 2017: $13.6 billion). The reduction in net debt was driven by $1.6 billion of attributable free cash flow, partly offset by the payment of dividends to Group shareholders in May 2018 (dividend payments resumed in H2 2017) and other net debt movements.

 

BALANCE SHEET

Net assets of the Group decreased during the period by $0.9 billion to $28.0 billion (31 December 2017: $28.9 billion) as the profit for the period was more than offset by the effects of foreign exchange on operating assets denominated in local currency, and dividend payments to Company shareholders and non-controlling interests. Capital expenditure of $1.2 billion was largely offset by depreciation and amortisation of $1.4 billion.

 

ATTRIBUTABLE ROCE*

Attributable ROCE increased to 19% (H1 2017: 18%), primarily owing to the 8% improvement in attributable underlying EBIT to $3.2 billion (H1 2017: $2.9 billion), reflecting higher prices, improved sales volumes at Metallurgical Coal and Copper and the continued delivery of cost-efficiency programmes across the Group. This improvement was partially offset by inflation, stronger producer country currencies and the Minas-Rio production stoppage. Average attributable capital employed has increased to $27.3 billion (H1 2017: $27.1 billion) due to capital expenditure and the strengthening of producer currencies, partially offset by the impact of depreciation and disposals.

 

 

LIQUIDITY AND FUNDING

In March 2018, the Group completed the repurchase of $1.5 billion (including the cost of unwinding associated derivatives) of US- and Euro-denominated bonds with maturities from April 2019 to April 2021. The Group also issued a $0.7 billion 10-year bond in the US bond markets.

 

In May 2018, the Group completed the repurchase of $0.6 billion (including the cost of unwinding associated derivatives) of US-denominated bonds with maturities between May 2020 and September 2020.

 

These transactions, as well as $0.5 billion of bond maturities during H1 2018, have reduced short-term refinancing requirements, increased the weighted average maturity of outstanding bonds by approximately one year to 5.1 years and reduced gross debt.

 

In March 2018, the Group replaced a number of credit facilities maturing between March 2019 and March 2020 with a total value of $5.4 billion, with a $4.5 billion credit facility maturing in March 2023.

 

PORTFOLIO UPGRADE

In H1 2018, the Group completed a number of previously announced transactions primarily aimed at continuing to upgrade the quality of the portfolio, including the disposal of the Drayton coal mine (Metallurgical Coal) in Australia, the disposal of the Eskom-tied domestic thermal coal operations in South Africa, the disposal of Platinum's 85% interest in Union Mine and 50.1% interest in Masa Chrome Company, and a reduction in Platinum's listed interest in Royal Bafokeng Platinum Limited in South Africa from 11.4% to 2.6%.

Anglo American also entered into several transactions during the period, the completion of which is expected in the second half of 2018. These included agreements for Mitsubishi to increase its interest in the Quellaveco copper project in Peru from 18.1% to 40% and the sale of the New Largo thermal coal project and Old New Largo closed colliery in South Africa.

In July 2018, the Group agreed the sale of Platinum's 33% interest in the Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine joint venture in South Africa. Also in July, the Group entered into agreements for the acquisition by De Beers of Peregrine Diamonds Ltd (the owner of the Chidliak diamond resource in Canada) and the acquisition by Platinum of Glencore's 39% interest in the Mototolo joint venture (in which Platinum currently holds 50%).

 

Other portfolio changes

In July 2018, Platinum announced that it had subscribed for interests in two UK-based venture capital funds. Platinum's commitment to the funds is matched by a commitment from South Africa's Government Employees Pension Fund represented by the Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd. Also in July, Anglo American completed a sale and leaseback transaction with M&G Investments with the intention of redeveloping and relocating the Group's London headquarters to Charterhouse Street in Farringdon.

 

THE BOARD

There have been no changes to the Board of Anglo American plc in 2018 to date. The names of the Directors and the skills and experience the Board members bring to the Anglo American Group are set out in the Annual Report 2017 and on the Group's website www.angloamerican.com/about-us/leadership-team/board.

 

  

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Anglo American plc 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 faced by the Group at the 2017 year-end are set out in detail in the strategic report section of the Annual Report 2017. Subsequent to the publication of the Annual Report 2017, the Group has undertaken a further review of the risks it faces and, as a result, the 2018 principal risks are listed below. Further detail on each of these principal risks will be published in the Annual Report 2018.

 

·      Catastrophic risks

·      Political and regulatory

·      Investor activism

·      Future demand for diamonds

·      Future demand for PGMs

·      Cyber security

·      Safety

·      Commodity prices

·      Corruption

·      Operational performance

·      Water security

·      Natural catastrophe

 

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.

 

 

www.angloamerican.com
 

Operations review for the six months ended 30 June 2018

DE BEERS

 

Financial and operational metrics(1)
	Production volume		Sales volume	Price	Unit cost*	Revenue*	Underlying EBITDA*	Underlying EBITDA margin	Underlying EBIT*	Capex*	Attrib. ROCE(7)*
	'000 carats		'000 carats(2)	$/ct(3)	$/ct(4)	$m(5)	$m		$m	$m(6)
De Beers		17,495	17,845	162	67	3,192	712	22%	412	156	8%
Prior period		16,142	18,434	156	63	3,131	786	25%	548	74	11%
Botswana (Debswana)		12,087	-	155	31	-	263	-	234	34	-
Prior period		11,124	-	165	26	-	272	-	256	36	-
Namibia (Namdeb Holdings)		1,044	-	545	272	-	90	-	73	19	-
Prior period		863	-	568	237	-	105	-	92	8	-
South Africa (DBCM)		2,111	-	106	73	-	71	-	2	66	-
Prior period		2,511	-	133	64	-	127	-	54	48	-
Canada(8)		2,253	-	157	51	-	126	-	52	17	-
Prior period		1,644	-	435	67	-	69	-	25	(28)	-
Trading		-	-	-	-	-	253	-	249	-	-
Prior period		-	-	-	-	-	281	-	278	2	-
Other(9)		-	-	-	-	-	(91)	-	(198)	20	-
Prior period		-	-	-	-	-	(68)	-	(157)	8	-

 

⁽¹⁾  Prepared on a consolidated accounting basis, except for production, which is stated on a 100% basis except for the Gahcho Kué joint venture in Canada, which is on an attributable 51% basis.

⁽²⁾  In 2017, consolidated sales volumes (H1 2018: 17.8 million carats; H1 2017: 18.4 million carats) exclude pre-commercial production sales volumes from Gahcho Kué. Total sales volumes (100%), which are comparable to production, were 18.8 million carats (H1 2017: 20.0 million carats). Total sales volumes (100%) include pre-commercial production sales volumes from Gahcho Kué and De Beers' JV partners' 50% proportionate share of sales to entities outside De Beers from Diamond Trading Company Botswana and Namibia Diamond Trading Company.

⁽³⁾  Pricing for the mining business units is based on 100% selling value post-aggregation of goods. The De Beers realised price includes the price impact of the sale of non-equity product and, as a result, is not directly comparable to the De Beers unit costs, which relate to equity production only.

⁽⁴⁾  Unit cost is based on consolidated production and operating costs, excluding depreciation and operating special items, divided by carats recovered.

⁽⁵⁾  Includes rough diamond sales of $2.9 billion (H1 2017: $2.9 billion).

⁽⁶⁾  In 2017, includes pre-commercial production capitalised operating cash inflows from Gahcho Kué.

⁽⁷⁾  Underlying EBIT used in the calculation of De Beers' attributable ROCE is based on the prior 12 months, rather than the annualised H1 performance, owing to the seasonality of sales and underlying EBIT profile of De Beers.

⁽⁸⁾  In 2017, for Canada, price excludes Gahcho Kué contribution from sales related to pre-commercial production, which were capitalised in the first half of 2017. Unit costs include Gahcho Kué contribution following achievement of commercial production on 2 March 2017.

⁽⁹⁾  Other includes Element Six, downstream, acquisition accounting adjustments, projects and corporate.

 

Financial and operational overview

Underlying EBITDA decreased by 9% to $712 million (H1 2017: $786 million) due to unit cost increases driven by the impact of unfavourable exchange rate movements and a higher proportion of waste mining costs having been expensed rather than capitalised, mitigated by higher production. Underlying EBITDA was also impacted by the lower trading margins experienced in the period.

 

Total revenue increased marginally to $3.2 billion (H1 2017: $3.1 billion), while rough diamond sales were steady at $2.9 billion. The average realised rough diamond price increased by 4% to $162/carat (H1 2017: $156/carat) due to a 1.6% increase in the average rough price index and an improvement in the sales mix, driven by the substantial volumes of lower value goods sold in H1 2017, following the Indian demonetisation programme in late 2016. Excluding this impact, the average value of the production mix was lower in H1 2018 as a higher proportion of lower value carats was delivered from Orapa (Botswana) and Gahcho Kué (Canada). Consolidated sales volumes of 17.8 million carats were 3% lower (H1 2017: 18.4 million carats).

 

Other revenue includes Element Six, where revenue was in line, and De Beers Jewellers, whose results have been consolidated following the acquisition in March 2017 of LVMH's 50% interest.

 

Markets

Preliminary data indicates a slight improvement in global consumer demand for diamond jewellery, in US dollar terms. This was driven by growth in the US and China, and was further amplified by positive exchange rate movements in China and Japan against the dollar. India was softer in dollar terms, with prevailing consumer caution, resulting from both macro-economic factors and regulatory changes affecting the jewellery sector.

 

Midstream sentiment was positive on the back of strong demand from the US and China in Q4 2017, and conditions overall remained favourable, with midstream inventory within normal levels and a slight strengthening of polished diamond prices since the start of the year.

 

Operating performance

Mining and manufacturing

Rough diamond production increased by 8% to 17.5 million carats (H1 2017: 16.1 million carats), including the contribution from the ramp-up of Gahcho Kué in Canada, in line with the expected continuation of strong demand.

 

In Botswana (Debswana), production increased by 9% to 12.1 million carats (H1 2017: 11.1 million carats) in response to stronger market conditions. Production at Jwaneng was 2% higher owing to a 10% increase in plant throughput. At Orapa, a 16% rise in output was driven by the continued ramp-up of Plant 1, the successful restart of the Damtshaa operation and commissioning of the Letlhakane tailings plant. In June 2017, Jwaneng processed its first ore from Cut-8, which is now the mine's main source of ore.

 

In Namibia (Namdeb Holdings), production increased by 21% to 1.0 million carats (H1 2017: 0.9 million carats). Production from the marine operation was 2% higher following improved availability of the Mafuta crawler vessel and technology-led optimisation of the drill fleet. Production at the land operations increased by 99% to 0.3 million carats (H1 2017: 0.2 million carats), driven by access to consistently higher grades.

 

In South Africa (DBCM), production declined by 16% to 2.1 million carats (H1 2017: 2.5 million carats). The reduction was primarily due to a period of suspended production at Venetia following a fatal incident, as well as geotechnical issues at Voorspoed restricting access to the resource. Construction continued on the Venetia Underground Project, which is expected to become the mine's principal source of production from 2023.

 

In Canada, production increased by 37% to 2.3 million carats (H1 2017: 1.6 million carats) owing to the ramp‑up of Gahcho Kué, which entered commercial production in March 2017, as well as slightly improved grades at the mine. Higher grades were also achieved at Victor, where output increased by 16% to 0.4 million carats. Victor, which has been operating successfully since 2008, is due to close within the next 12 months when the open pit is expected to have been depleted. The closure of Snap Lake, which is currently on extended care and maintenance, is progressing, with flooding having been completed, thereby minimising holding costs.

 

Brands 

De Beers Jewellers opened new stores in Xi'an in China and in Kowloon in Hong Kong, and launched new franchise partnerships in Russia and Saudi Arabia. In May, De Beers Jewellers launched a new online store in partnership with Farfetch, a global marketplace for the luxury fashion industry, selling its fine diamond jewellery to a new audience, shipping throughout 100 countries and via 10 language sites.

 

Forevermark™ is now available in more than 2,300 retail outlets and in April launched a new partnership in Indonesia, its 26^th market. In May, the brand celebrated its 10^th anniversary (and the introduction of its 1,000^th door in China) with the launch of a new retail concept, Libert'aime™ by Forevermark, incorporating an innovative in-store offering with online and social media platforms, specifically focused on targeting Millennials.

 

De Beers also launched a number of new initiatives including a pilot of the first blockchain technology initiative to span the diamond value chain. The platform, called Tracr^TM, will provide a single, tamper-proof and permanent digital record for every diamond registered on the platform. Tracr^TM will also underpin confidence in diamonds and the diamond industry by ensuring that all registered diamonds are conflict-free and natural, while also enhancing efficiency across the sector.

 

In April, De Beers announced the launch of GemFair, a pilot programme to create a secure and transparent route to market for ethically sourced artisanal and small-scale mined (ASM) diamonds. GemFair will use dedicated technology to record ASM production at mine sites that meet demonstrable ethical standards, with the aim of purchasing rough diamonds from approved locations. This will help to improve working conditions and livelihoods for those working in the sector. If successful, the technology used in GemFair will be integrated with the Tracr^TM blockchain platform.

 

In May, De Beers announced the launch of Lightbox Jewelry (Lightbox) that will begin selling a brand of laboratory-grown diamond jewellery in the US from September 2018, offering consumers high-quality, fashion jewellery designs at lower prices than existing laboratory-grown diamond offerings. Lightbox was launched in response to research undertaken by De Beers that demonstrated consumers see laboratory-grown diamonds as fun, fashion products suited to more casual occasions, and which should be accessibly priced. As such, Lightbox will provide a completely new offering in the fashion jewellery category. To support Lightbox, De Beers is investing a total of $94 million over four years in a new production facility near Portland, Oregon, which will utilise Element Six's operational expertise in laboratory-grown diamonds. Once fully operational, the plant will be capable of producing approximately 500,000 rough carats of laboratory grown diamonds a year.

 

Outlook

The outlook for 2018 global consumer demand remains positive in most of the main diamond-consuming countries, based on world economic prospects, positive consumer sentiment and continued investment in marketing.

 

For 2018, forecast diamond production (on a 100% basis, except Gahcho Kué on an attributable 51% basis) remains unchanged at 34-36 million carats, subject to trading conditions.

 

 

 

COPPER

Financial and operational metrics
	Production volume	Sales volume	Price	Unit cost*	Revenue*	Underlying EBITDA*	Underlying EBITDA  margin(2)	Underlying EBIT*	Capex*	Attrib. ROCE*
	kt	kt(1)	c/lb(2)	c/lb(3)	$m(4)	$m		$m	$m
Copper	313	306	297	142	2,429	966	52%	668	368	23%
Prior period	283	259	264	148	1,609	586	40%	303	225	10%
Los Bronces	175	172	-	151	1,062	544	51%	374	89	-
Prior period	155	144	-	164	767	317	41%	150	95	-
Collahuasi(5)	115	111	-	116	708	465	66%	360	128	-
Prior period	109	98	-	122	493	285	58%	184	87	-
Other operations	23	23	-	-	659	33	22%	10	151	-
Prior period	20	17	-	-	349	36	19%	21	43	-
Projects and corporate	-	-	-	-	-	(76)	-	(76)	-	-
Prior period	-	-	-	-	-	(52)	-	(52)	-	-

 

⁽¹⁾  Excludes 71 kt third-party sales (H1 2017: 37 kt).

⁽²⁾ Excludes impact of third-party sales.

⁽³⁾  C1 unit cost includes by-product credits.

⁽⁴⁾  Revenue is shown after deduction of treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs).

⁽⁵⁾  44% share of Collahuasi production, sales and financials.

 

Financial and operating overview

Underlying EBITDA increased by 65% to $966 million (H1 2017: $586 million), driven by higher production and lower unit costs across all operations, supported by a 20% increase in the average LME copper price. The reduction in unit costs was achieved despite an 8% strengthening in the Chilean peso and other input-cost inflationary pressures, reflecting the focus on cost reduction initiatives across the portfolio. Production increased by 10% to 312,900 tonnes (H1 2017: 283,400 tonnes), with strong performances at both Los Bronces and Collahuasi. At 30 June 2018, 120,300 tonnes of copper were provisionally priced at 301 c/lb.

 

Markets

	H1 2018	H1 2017
Average market price (c/lb)	314	261
Average realised price (c/lb)	297	264

 

 

The differences between market price and realised price are largely a function of the timing of sales across the year and provisional pricing adjustments.

 

The average copper price increased by 20%, reflecting robust demand fundamentals and positive investor sentiment. Prices weakened towards the end of the period, however, in response to uncertainty over the US/China trade disputes and resulting risk aversion by investment funds.

 

Operating performance

At Los Bronces, production increased to 174,700 tonnes (H1 2017: 154,800 tonnes) as a result of strong mine and plant performance, as well as an increase in ore grade (0.73% vs 1H 2017: 0.69%). C1 unit costs decreased by 8% to 151 c/lb (H1 2017: 164 c/lb), with the increase in production, underlying cost savings and higher by-product credits (primarily molybdenum) more than offsetting the effect of the stronger Chilean peso and cost inflation.

 

At Collahuasi, Anglo American's attributable share of copper production was 115,300 tonnes, an increase of 6% (2017: 108,700 tonnes), with the operation continuing to build on the record performance seen in 2017. A sustained strong plant performance and planned higher grades more than offset the impact of a planned three‑month major maintenance of Line 3 (responsible for 60% of plant throughput) to replace the stator motor on one of the two ball mills. The maintenance was completed in the first half of July 2018. C1 unit costs were 116 c/lb (H1 2017: 122 c/lb), with the increase in production and continued cost-saving initiatives more than offsetting the stronger Chilean peso and cost inflation. During Q2, new float cells were commissioned, which are expected to enhance copper recoveries by 2%.

 

Production at El Soldado increased by 15% to 22,900 tonnes (H1 2017: 19,900 tonnes), owing largely to the temporary suspension of mine operations during H1 2017, which resulted in 6,000 tonnes of lost production. C1 unit costs increased marginally to 234 c/lb (H1 2017: 233 c/lb), with the increase in production offset by the stronger Chilean peso and cost inflation.

 

Operational outlook

Production guidance for 2018 remains unchanged at 630,000-660,000 tonnes.

 

 

PLATINUM

Financial and operational metrics
	Production volume platinum	Production volume palladium	Sales volume platinum	Realised Basket price	Unit cost*	Revenue*	Underlying EBITDA*	Underlying EBITDA  margin(5)	Underlying EBIT*	Capex*	Attrib. ROCE*
	koz(1)	koz(1)	koz(2)	$/Pt oz(3)	$/Pt  oz(4)	$m	$m		$m	$m
Platinum	1,233	813	1,117	2,318	1,591	2,755	511	30%	328	216	14%
Prior period	1,189	775	1,119	1,843	1,522	2,144	276	19%	112	126	4%
Mogalakwena	273	295	241	2,887	1,400	701	316	45%	240	98	-
Prior period	226	251	204	2,391	1,448	488	179	37%	115	58	-
Amandelbult	220	103	204	2,345	1,764	482	82	17%	51	20	-
Prior period6)	204	94	202	1,776	1,635	360	13	3%	(14)	15	-
Other operations(7)	190	130	166	-	-	538	27	6%	(33)	98	-
Prior period	239	150	224	-	-	492	15	3%	(45)	53	-
Purchase of concentrate(8)	550	285	506	-	-	1,034	116	11%	100	-	-
Prior period	520	280	489	-	-	804	88	11%	75	-	-
Projects and corporate	----	-	-	-	-	-	(30)	-	(30)	-	-
Prior period	----	-	-	-	-	-	(19)	-	(19)	-	-

 

⁽¹⁾    Production disclosure reflects own-mined production and purchase of metal in concentrate.

⁽²⁾    Sales volumes exclude the sale of refined metal purchased from third-parties.

⁽³⁾    Average US$ basket price. Excludes the impact of the sale of refined metal purchased from third-parties.

⁽⁴⁾    Total cash operating costs - includes on-mine, smelting and refining costs only. 2017 restated to include third-party tolling cost.

⁽⁵⁾  Underlying EBITDA margins exclude the impact of the sale of refined metal purchased from third-parties. In addition, the total Platinum margin excludes purchase of concentrate.

⁽⁶⁾  Excludes 4koz of platinum production now included in purchase of concentrate.

⁽⁷⁾  Includes Unki, Union (prior to disposal), Platinum's share of JVs and revenue from trading activities.          

⁽⁸⁾  Purchase of concentrate from joint ventures, associates and third-parties for processing into refined metals.

 

Financial and operating overview

Underlying EBITDA increased by 85% to $511 million (H1 2017: $276 million), largely as a result of stronger prices and higher sales volumes for both palladium and rhodium. Lower local currency costs, driven by ongoing cost improvement initiatives, were offset by the stronger South African rand, resulting in a 5% increase in US dollar costs to $1,591/ounce (H1 2017: $1,522/ounce).

 

Markets

	H1 2018	H1 2017
Average platinum market price ($/oz)	941	960
Average palladium market price ($/oz)	1,007	793
Average rhodium market price ($/oz)	1,987	929
Average gold market price ($/oz)	1,318	1,238
US$ realised basket price ($/Pt oz)	2,318	1,843
Rand realised basket price (R/Pt oz)	28,695	24,400

 

 

Despite the lower platinum price, stronger palladium and rhodium prices supported a 26% higher basket price in dollar terms. The average platinum price declined by 2% in dollar terms, owing to the effect of the stronger dollar and the expected weakness in the European light-duty vehicle diesel market. The average palladium price of $1,007 per ounce was 27% higher as a rise in global production of petrol vehicles and tighter emissions legislation have driven higher demand from the automotive sector, keeping the metal in deficit.

 

 

Operating performance

Total platinum production (metal in concentrate), including both own mined production and purchase of concentrate, increased by 4% to 1,233,400 ounces (H1 2017: 1,189,100 ounces). Total palladium production (metal in concentrate), including both own-mined production and purchase of concentrate, was 5% higher at 813,200 ounces (H1 2017: 774,900 ounces).

 

Own mined

Own mined production is inclusive of ounces from Mogalakwena, Amandelbult and other operations (Unki, Union (prior to disposal on 1 February 2018) and 50% of JV production). Own mine production increased by 2% to 683,200 ounces (H1 2017: 668,800 ounces), while palladium production increased by 7% to 528,300 ounces (H1 2017: 494,400 ounces). Excluding Union, platinum and palladium production both increased by 14%, owing to strong performances from all operations.

 

Mogalakwena increased platinum production by 21% to 272,900 ounces (H1 2017: 225,800 ounces), and palladium output by 18% to 295,500 ounces (H1 2017: 251,200 ounces). The increase resulted from higher grades from the Zwartfontein pit and increased concentrator throughput and recoveries.

 

Amandelbult platinum production increased by 8% to 220,200 ounces (H1 2017: 203,700 ounces), while palladium output increased by 10% to 102,900 ounces (H1 2017: 93,600 ounces). The improvements reflect the early benefits of the turnaround plan at Amandelbult, with increased development at Dishaba increasing the immediately available ore reserves.

 

Platinum production from other operations decreased by 21% to 190,100 ounces (H1 2017: 239,200) and palladium production 13% to 129,900 ounces (H1 2017: 149,600). The decrease was driven by the sale of Union mine to Siyanda Resources ("Siyanda"), from which date Union production was purchased as concentrate. This was offset in part by Platinum's share of JV's platinum production increasing by 11% to 137,100 ounces (H1 2017: 123,300 ounces) and palladium production increasing by 10% to 88,500 ounces (H1 2017: 80,700 ounces).

 

Purchase of concentrate

Purchase of concentrate increased by 6% and 2% for platinum and palladium respectively. The inclusion of concentrate from Union following the sale to Siyanda was partly offset by the closing down of unprofitable ounces from Bokoni, which was placed onto care and maintenance in H2 2017 (H1 2017: 37,900 ounces of platinum and 27,900 ounces of palladium).

 

Refined production

Refined platinum production decreased by 3% to 1,075,300 ounces (H1 2017: 1,105,600 ounces), while refined palladium production was 6% lower at 686,500 ounces (H1 2017: 726,500 ounces). This reduction was primarily due to the removal of unprofitable production from Bokoni and Maseve, both placed onto care and maintenance in H2 2017.

 

Refined platinum production was lower than production of metal in concentrate by approximately 140,000 ounces due to the planned rebuild of Mortimer smelter, which was completed during H1 2018, and maintenance work on the processing assets. It is expected that the backlog of work-in-progress inventory will be processed by year end, despite the planned rebuild of Polokwane Smelter and the Unki smelter commissioning in Q3 2018.

 

Sales volumes

Platinum sales volumes, excluding refined metals purchased from third-parties, of 1,117,100 ounces were marginally lower (H1 2017: 1,119,300 ounces), while palladium sales increased by 15% to 733,500 ounces (H1 2017: 636,200 ounces) as refined production was supplemented by drawing down on refined inventory levels. In addition, trading activities generated further sales volumes of 65,600 platinum ounces and 53,000 palladium ounces.

 

 

 

Operational outlook

Guidance of platinum production (metal in concentrate) for 2018 has been modestly increased following the strong operational performance in the first six months. It is now expected to be 2.40-2.45 million ounces (previously 2.3-2.4 million ounces). Refined production and sales are expected to be in line with the revised production guidance. Palladium production (metal in concentrate) is expected to be in line with guidance of 1.5-1.6 million ounces; refined production and sales are expected to be lower, owing to a loss arising from the annual stock count.

 

 

 

IRON ORE

Financial and operational metrics
	Production volume	Sales volume	Price	Unit  cost*	Revenue*	Underlying EBITDA*	Underlying EBITDA margin	Underlying EBIT*	Capex*	Attrib. ROCE*
	Mt(1)	Mt	$/t(2)	$/t(3)	$m	$m		$m	$m
Iron Ore	-	-	-	-	1,900	454	24%	245	153	2%
Prior period	-	-	-	-	2,365	925	39%	759	73	16%
Kumba Iron Ore	22.4	21.2	69	35	1,590	574	36%	417	138	28%
Prior period	21.9	21.2	71	32	1,627	700	43%	586	81	49%
Minas-Rio (Iron Ore Brazil)	3.2	3.2	70	-	310	(74)	-	(126)	15	(6)%
Prior period	8.7	8.6	66	29	738	253	34%	201	(8)	8%
Projects and corporate	-	-	-	-	-	(46)	-	(46)	-	-
Prior period	-	-	-	-	-	(28)	-	(28)	-	-

 

⁽¹⁾  Minas-Rio production is Mt (wet basis).

⁽²⁾    Prices for Kumba Iron Ore are the average realised export basket price (FOB Saldanha). Prices for Minas-Rio are the average realised export basket price (FOB Açu) (wet basis).

⁽³⁾    Unit costs for Kumba Iron Ore are on an FOB dry basis. Unit costs for Minas-Rio are not disclosed for 2018 due to the suspension of operations; 2017 unit costs are on an FOB wet basis.

 

Financial and operating overview

Kumba

Underlying EBITDA of $574 million was 18% lower (H1 2017: $700 million), driven mainly by the stronger South African rand, a 9% increase in FOB unit costs and a $2/tonne decrease in the average realised iron ore price. In addition to the impact of foreign exchange, the increase in unit costs was largely driven by cost inflation, including higher rail and fuel costs. This was partly offset by productivity gains in mining and processing that led to a 3% increase in production, and through higher iron quality and achieved lump premiums.

 

Export sales volumes were flat at 19.5 Mt (H1 2017: 19.5 Mt), despite derailments and rail constraints experienced since 2017. Total finished product stock held at the mine and port increased from 4.3 Mt at end December 2017 to 6.2 Mt at end June 2018, reflecting the impact of the rail constraints.

 

Minas-Rio

Minas-Rio recorded an underlying EBITDA loss of $74 million (H1 2017: $253 million gain), reflecting the suspension of operations from March 2018, following the two leaks in the iron ore pipeline. The average FOB realised price of $70/wet metric tonne (equivalent to $77 dry metric tonne) increased by $4/tonne, or 6%.  

 

Markets

	H1 2018	H1 2017
Average market price (IODEX 62% Fe CFR China - $/tonne)	70	74
Average market price (MB 66% Fe Concentrate CFR - $/tonne)	93	88
Average realised price (Kumba export - $/tonne) (FOB Saldanha)	69	71
Average realised price (Minas-Rio - $/tonne) (FOB wet basis)	70	66

 

Kumba's outperformance over the IODEX (Platts) 62% Fe CFR China index was primarily due to the higher iron (Fe) content and the relatively high proportion (approximately 67%) of lump in the overall product portfolio.

 

Minas-Rio also produces higher grade products (higher iron content and lower gangue) than the reference product used for the IODEX 62% Fe CFR China index. IODEX 62% is referred to for comparison purposes only.

 

Operating performance

Kumba

Sishen's production decreased by 2% to 15.3 Mt (H1 2017: 15.6 Mt) mainly due to a strategic decision to increase product quality and the value of product railed, to mitigate the impact of the rail constraints caused by derailments. Waste volumes mined increased by 13% to 87 Mt (H1 2017: 77 Mt) as a result of the continued improvement in fleet efficiencies. 

 

Kolomela's production increased by 14% to 7.2 Mt (H1 2017: 6.3 Mt) owing to an improvement in plant efficiencies and the DMS modular plant which has fully ramped up and delivered 0.3 Mt. Waste movement volumes increased by 4% to 26 Mt (H1 2017: 25 Mt) due to increased primary equipment efficiencies, supporting higher production levels.

 

Minas-Rio

Minas-Rio's production decreased by 64% to 3.2 Mt (H1 2017: 8.7 Mt), primarily due to the suspension of operations from March 2018, following two leaks in the iron ore pipeline.
 

Operational outlook

Kumba

Full year production guidance for Kumba has been revised to 43-44 Mt (previously 44-45 Mt), more closely aligned to rail supply levels. Waste movement guidance for Sishen and Kolomela remains unchanged at 170‑180 Mt and 55-57 Mt, respectively.

 

Minas-Rio

The detailed pipeline inspection work is on track. A 4km section of the pipeline, where the leaks occurred will be replaced as a precautionary measure and is expected to be completed in Q4 2018, followed by the restart of the operation, subject to normal regulatory authorisations. There is no change to the earnings impact of the pipeline incident from the guidance provided in April, with an anticipated 2018 underlying EBITDA loss of $300‑$400 million.

 

Full year production guidance for Minas-Rio remains at 3 Mt, reflecting production delivered to date.

 

Legal

The transfer of Thabazimbi to ArcelorMittal SA

Sishen Iron Ore Company Proprietary Limited (SIOC) and ArcelorMittal SA announced in 2016 that they had entered into an agreement to transfer Thabazimbi mine to ArcelorMittal SA, subject to the fulfilment of certain

conditions precedent (CPs). On 10 July 2018, SIOC received the grant letter from the DMR in respect of Section 11 of the MPRDA approving the cession of the Thabazimbi mining rights to ArcelorMittal SA.

 

The current deadline for compliance with the remaining CPs is 28 September 2018, unless extended by agreement. The agreement is expected to become effective during the fourth quarter of 2018, at which time the employees, assets and liabilities will transfer to ArcelorMittal SA at a nominal purchase consideration and by ArcelorMittal SA assuming the assumed liabilities.

 

 

 

COAL

Financial and operational metrics
	Production volume	Sales volume	Price	Unit cost*	Revenue*	Underlying EBITDA*	Underlying  EBITDA  margin(5)	Underlying EBIT*	Capex*	Attrib. ROCE*
	Mt(1)	Mt(2)	$/t(3)	$/t(4)	$m	$m		$m	$m
Coal	-	-	-	-	3,877	1,640	48%	1,300	306	77%
Prior period	-	-	-	-	3,403	1,382	46%	1,120	221	63%
Metallurgical Coal	10.8	10.7	194	66	2,089	1,157	55%	931	219	100%
Prior period	9.2	9.1	193	64	1,775	943	53%	781	154	81%
Thermal Coal -  South Africa	8.8	8.7	88	48	1,374	341	36%	272	87	65%
Prior period	9.6	8.8	72	41	1,242	281	33%	225	67	51%
Thermal Coal - Colombia	5.2	5.2	79	35	414	190	46%	145	-	34%
Prior period	5.2	5.4	71	31	386	183	47%	139	-	34%
Projects and corporate	-	-	-	-	-	(48)	-	(48)	-	-
Prior period	-	-	-	-	-	(25)	-	(25)	-	-

 

⁽¹⁾    Production volumes are saleable tonnes. South African production volume is export production only and excludes Eskom-tied operations volumes of 2.8 Mt (H1 2017: 12.0 Mt) and other domestic production of 4.9 Mt (H1 2017: 3.7 Mt). Metallurgical Coal production volumes excludes thermal coal production volumes of 0.5 Mt (H1 2017: 0.8 Mt).

⁽²⁾  South Africa sales volume is export only and excludes domestic volumes of 7.9 Mt (H1 2017: 16.1 Mt) and non-equity traded sales of 4.7 Mt (H1 2017: 3.4 Mt). Metallurgical Coal sales volumes exclude thermal coal sales of 0.7 Mt (H1 2017: 0.9 Mt).

⁽³⁾    Metallurgical Coal realised price is the weighted average hard coking coal and PCI sales price achieved. Thermal Coal - South Africa realised price is the weighted average export thermal coal price achieved. Excludes third-party sales.

⁽⁴⁾  FOB cost per saleable tonne, excluding royalties. Metallurgical Coal excludes study costs. Thermal Coal - South Africa unit cost is for the trade operations.

⁽⁵⁾  Excludes impact of third-party sales and Eskom-tied operations.

 

Financial and operating overview

Metallurgical Coal

Underlying EBITDA increased by 23% to $1,157 million (H1 2017: $943 million), due to a 17% increase in production and a marginal improvement in the metallurgical coal realised price. Hard coking coal volumes accounted for 87% of metallurgical coal sales volumes (H1 2017: 89%). US dollar unit costs increased by 3% to $66/tonne (H1 2017: $64/tonne), partly attributable to the stronger Australian dollar.

 

Thermal Coal - South Africa

Underlying EBITDA increased by 21% to $341 million (H1 2017: $281 million). A 22% increase in the export thermal coal price was offset by a 2% decline in export sales. US dollar unit costs for the export trade operations increased by 17% to $48/tonne (H1 2017: $41/tonne), due to the stronger South African rand ($4/tonne impact) and lower production ($2/tonne impact).

 

The sale of the Eskom-tied domestic thermal coal operations, consisting of New Vaal, New Denmark, and Kriel collieries, as well as four closed collieries to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seriti Resources Holdings Proprietary Limited was completed on 1 March 2018.

 

Thermal Coal - Colombia

Underlying EBITDA increased to $190 million (H1 2017: $183 million), with higher export thermal coal prices partly offset by a 3% decrease in sales volumes.

 

 

 

Markets

Metallurgical coal

	H1 2018	H1 2017
Average market price for premium low-volatility hard coking coal ($/tonne)(1)	209	179
Average market price for premium low-volatility PCI ($/tonne)(1)	145	117
Average realised price for hard coking coal ($/tonne)	198	195
Average realised price for PCI ($/tonne)	129	124

 

⁽¹⁾  Represents average spot prices. 

 

Average realised prices differ from the average market price owing to differences in material grade and timing of contracts.

 

Spot prices in H1 2018 were supported by stronger steelmaking margins globally and some supply disruptions in Queensland owing to weather impacts.

 

Thermal coal

	H1 2018	H1 2017
Average market price ($/tonne, FOB Australia)	104	81
Average market price ($/tonne, FOB South Africa)	97	79
Average market price ($/tonne, FOB Colombia)	82	74
Average realised price - Export Australia ($/tonne, FOB)	99	87
Average realised price - Export South Africa ($/tonne, FOB)	88	72
Average realised price - Domestic South Africa ($/tonne)	20	20
Average realised price - Colombia ($/tonne, FOB)	79	71

 

The average realised price for thermal coal will differ from the average market price owing to timing and quality differences relative to the industry benchmark. The difference in the realised price compared with the market price, between H1 2017 and H1 2018, reflects changing quality mix owing to a higher proportion of secondary products being sold into the export market.

 

The thermal coal market was buoyed by strong demand from China that could not be met by domestic production, as extreme temperatures put pressure on the Chinese electricity grid. On the supply side, loading out of Indonesia remained constrained owing to weather-related, labour and regulatory problems. Australian supply was affected by rail maintenance issues; lower Colombian and South African production also contributed to the tight market in H1 2018.

 

Operating performance

Metallurgical Coal

Production from the underground longwall operations was 27% higher at 7.0 Mt (H1 2017: 5.5 Mt), and included 1.3 Mt from the ramp-up of Grosvenor and sustained strong performance at Moranbah which produced 3.0 Mt. Grasstree's output fell by 0.7 Mt owing to a longwall move that took place during the period.

 

Thermal Coal - South Africa

Total export production decreased by 9% as Mafube transitioned to a new pit and areas of the Goedehoop South and Khwezela North operations transitioned towards closure, partly offset by continued underground productivity improvements at Greenside.

 

Thermal Coal - Colombia

Anglo American's attributable production from its 33.3% ownership of Cerrejón was 5.2 Mt, in line with H1 2017.

Operational outlook

Metallurgical coal

Export metallurgical coal production guidance for 2018 is unchanged at 20-22 Mt.

 

Export thermal coal

Full year production guidance for export thermal coal has been revised down to 28-30 Mt (previously 29-31 Mt) owing to dust-related stoppages at Cerrejón and challenging geology at the Thermal Coal - South Africa operations approaching the end of mine life.

 

NICKEL AND MANGANESE

Financial and operational metrics
	Production volume	Sales volume	Price	Unit cost*	Revenue*	Underlying EBITDA*	Underlying EBITDA margin	Underlying EBIT*	Capex*	Attrib. ROCE*
	t	t	c/lb	c/lb(1)	$m	$m(2)		$m(2)	$m
Nickel and Manganese	-	-	-	-	857	420	-	350	15	29%
Prior period	-	-	-	-	652	257	-	192	7	16%
Nickel	19,400	20,100	632	378	280	88	31%	45	15	5%
Prior period	21,200	20,800	442	363	203	15	7%	(25)	7	(3)%
Samancor(3)	1.8	1.8	-	-	577	332	57%	305	-	162%
Prior period	1.7	1.7	-	-	449	242	54%	217	-	116%

 

⁽¹⁾  C1 unit cost.

⁽²⁾  Nickel segment includes $4 million projects and corporate costs (H1 2017: $4 million).

⁽³⁾    Production, sales and financials include ore and alloy. Production and sales are million tonnes (Mt).

 

Financial and operating overview

Nickel

Underlying EBITDA increased to $88 million (H1 2017: $15 million), primarily reflecting the higher nickel price.

 

Nickel unit costs increased by 4% to 378 c/lb (H1 2017: 363 c/lb) as result of lower production following a 40‑day planned maintenance stoppage in H1 2018, and lower energy surplus sold on the spot market, partially offset by favourable exchange rates and an improved operational performance.

 

Samancor

Underlying EBITDA increased by 37% to $332 million (H1 2017: $242 million), driven mainly by higher realised manganese ore and alloy prices.

 

Markets

Nickel

 

	H1 2018	H1 2017
Average market price (c/lb)	629	443
Average realised price (c/lb)	632	442

 

The average market price is the LME nickel price, from which ferronickel pricing is derived. Ferronickel is traded based on discounts or premiums to the LME price, depending on market conditions, supplier products and consumer preferences. Differences between market prices and realised prices are largely due to variances between the LME and the ferronickel price.

 

The nickel price improved by 42% to 629 c/lb (H1 2017: 443 c/lb). Prices in H1 2017 came under pressure from concerns around increased future supply growth ‒ though these proved to be unfounded. Nickel demand continued to increase in the first six months of 2018, driven by strong demand for stainless steel, and the emergence of the fast-growing electric vehicle sector. Supply also increased, though not to the extent expected by some, leading to an overall deficit in the market.

 

Manganese

The average benchmark manganese ore price (Platts 44% manganese ore CFR Tianjin) increased by 32% to $7.45/dmtu (H1 2017: $5.63/dmtu) on the back of strong demand from China's steel manufacturing sector that resulted in manganese ore stocks at Chinese ports reaching near 12-month lows in February 2018.

Operating performance

Nickel

Nickel output decreased by 8% to 19,400 tonnes (H1 2017: 21,200 tonnes) due to the 40-day planned maintenance stoppage to replace the rotary kiln refractories at Barro Alto, which was completed on schedule. Barro Alto produced 15,100 tonnes (H1 2017: 16,900 tonnes), while Codemin produced 4,300 tonnes (H1 2017: 4,300 tonnes).

 

Samancor

Manganese ore output increased by 5% to 1.75 Mt (attributable basis) (H1 2017: 1.67 Mt). Production from the Australian operations was 13% higher due to increased concentrator throughput and higher yields as a result of favourable weather during the wet season and the availability of suitable feed types. Production from the South African operations decreased by 8% due to the impact of the planned extended shutdown at Wessels.

 

Production of manganese alloys increased by 19% to 84,000 tonnes (attributable basis)
(2017: 70,800 tonnes), mainly as a result of improved furnace stability at the Australian operations. In South Africa, manganese alloy production continued to utilise only one of the operation's four furnaces.

 

Operational outlook

Nickel

Production guidance for 2018 remains unchanged at 42,000-44,000 tonnes.

 

 

CORPORATE AND OTHER

Financial metrics
	Revenue*	Underlying EBITDA*	Underlying EBIT*	Capex*
	$m	$m	$m	$m
Segment	2	(126)	(128)	6
Prior period	2	(96)	(103)	5
Exploration	-	(48)	(48)	-
Prior period	-	(43)	(43)	-
Corporate activities and unallocated costs	2	(78)	(80)	6
Prior period	2	(53)	(60)	5

 

Financial and operating overview

Corporate and other reported an underlying EBITDA loss of $126 million (H1 2017: $96 million loss).

 

Exploration

Exploration expenditure increased to $48 million (H1 2017: $43 million), reflecting increased exploration activities across most commodities, but predominantly in diamonds.

 

Corporate activities and unallocated costs

Underlying EBITDA amounted to a $78 million loss (H1 2017: $53 million loss), driven primarily by a year‑on‑year loss recognised in the Group's self-insurance entity, reflecting higher net claims and settlements during 2018, partly offset by higher premium income.