South32 Sees Strong Manganese Rebound, Lifts Copper and Aluminium Output

Australia’s South32 Ltd (ASX:S32) reported a sharp rebound in manganese production for the June quarter, with output surging to 1.1 million wet metric tons (wmt), more than double the 534,000 wmt recorded a year earlier. The recovery follows the resumption of operations after delays caused by Tropical Cyclone Megan.

Despite the production boost, South32 expects its Australian manganese division to report an underlying EBITDA loss of $100 million to $120 million for fiscal 2025, as the business continues to recover from cyclone-related disruptions.

The diversified miner also recorded a 20% increase in copper production and a 6% rise in aluminium output for the full year, signaling operational strength across its core assets. The company emphasized continued investment in its Hermosa project in Arizona, committing $517 million to the asset this year as part of its U.S. growth strategy.

As part of portfolio optimization, South32 completed the divestment of its Cerro Matoso operation in Colombia, aligning with its strategy to focus on high-potential, low-carbon projects. The company's shares rose nearly 2% in early Sydney trading, hitting A$2.95, as investors reacted positively to the production update and strategic developments.

South32’s quarterly performance reflects its resilience and focus on critical minerals like manganese, copper, and aluminium—key inputs for electric vehicles and energy transition technologies. The ongoing development of the Hermosa project further positions the company to benefit from rising U.S. demand for domestically sourced critical minerals.

With improving operational momentum and a clear focus on future-facing metals, South32 continues to reshape its global portfolio while navigating short-term weather-related setbacks. The strong production rebound and strategic investments reinforce its long-term growth trajectory in the global mining sector.