South32 achieves record production at Brazil Alumina in the September quarter; output up 14% QoQ

South32 reported alumina production of 1.3 million tonnes in the first quarter, unchanged from the prior quarter. But the production increased 13% year-on-year.

Production at Brazil Alumina increased by 14% quarter-on-quarter to a record 356,000  in the September 2019 quarter as the refinery benefitted from the installation of package boilers, enabling the benefits of the De-bottlenecking Phase One project to be realised. Production was up 17% YoY.

Sales declined 19% QoQ to 304,000 tonnes in the September quarter. FY20 production guidance remains unchanged at 1.33 million tonnes.

"Achieved record production at Brazil Alumina and another strong quarter at Worsley Alumina as we deliver initiatives to sustainably increase to nameplate capacity from FY20," South32 said.

Production at Worsley Alumina decreased 4% quarter to 952,000 tonnes in the September quarter. Production was up 11% year-on-year.

“Worsley Alumina hydrate production increased by 4% (or 33kt) to 967kt in the September 2019 quarter as the hydrate circuit operated at an annualised rate of 4.5mtpa (100% basis), whilst alumina saleable production decreased by 4% (or 44kt) to 952kt as a scheduled calciner shut was completed. FY20 production guidance remains unchanged at 3,965kt with the refinery to benefit from improved calciner availability and the drawdown of excess hydrate stocks over the remainder of the year,” South32 said.

Sales from Worsley Alumina stood at 918,000 tonnes, down 11% quarter-on-quarter, but up 8% year-on-year.