South32 maintains production guidance amid increased manganese output

South32 has reported increased production in manganese and alumina for the September 2026 quarter while maintaining its full-year production guidance for FY27. Manganese output rose 14% to 15% as operations in Australia and South Africa benefited from improved weather and underground productivity.

At Worsley Alumina in Western Australia, saleable production increased by 2% to 966,000 tonnes. Conversely, zinc-equivalent production at Cannington fell 27% due to temporary mining rate reductions, though the company mitigated this by processing lower-grade stockpiles.

The company also reported a rise in net cash to US$297 million and an 11% increase in copper equivalent production at Sierra Gorda. South32 is moving toward becoming a focused upstream base metals company, following shareholder approval for the sale of its aluminium value chain assets to Alcoa.