Anglo American FY13 results

RNS Number : 0667A
Anglo American PLC
14 February 2014
 



 

14 February 2014                                                           

Anglo American announces 6% increase in underlying operating profit(1) to $6.6 billion

 

Financial results reflect improved operational performance, with currency gains offsetting weaker prices

·      6% increase in Group underlying operating profit(1) to $6.6 billion

·      Margin improvement: EBITDA margin increased by 2% to 29%; EBIT margin by 1% to 20%

·      Effective tax rate increased from 29% to 32%

·      7% decrease in underlying earnings(2) to $2.7 billion; underlying EPS of $2.09

·      Special items after tax and non-controlling interest include impairments of $1.9 billion, principally in relation to Barro Alto ($0.7bn), Platinum portfolio review ($0.2bn), Michiquillay ($0.3bn) and Foxleigh ($0.2bn)

·      After total special items and remeasurements, loss attributable to equity shareholders of  $961 million (2012: $1.5 billion loss)

·      Net debt(3) of $10.7 billion as at 31 December 2013 (2012: $8.5bn)

·      Attributable ROCE(4) of 11%, in line with 2012

Business performance improving to support operating profit growth

·      Improved operational performance, particularly in the fourth quarter, reflecting a greater focus on mining processes, costs and margins

·      Impact of lower commodity prices offset by weakening producer currencies

·      Kumba Iron Ore - safety stoppages and pit constraints at Sishen, partially offset by strong performance at Kolomela

·      Metallurgical Coal - record production, cost reductions and improved product mix more than offset by 24% fall in price

·      Copper - record production, led by Los Bronces' fully ramped up Confluencia plant and higher grades and recoveries at Collahuasi, largely offset by lower realised prices

·      Platinum - higher sales volumes supported by rand depreciation, partially offset by input cost increases and lower prices across most metals

·      Diamonds - increased production reflecting improved asset performance and customer demand, with higher realised prices

Project update

·      Minas-Rio 26.5 Mtpa iron ore (Brazil) - 84% completed and FOOS (First Ore On Ship) target of end 2014; capital expenditure on track at $8.8 billion

·      Grosvenor 5.0 Mtpa metallurgical coal (Australia) - longwall production end of 2016; capital expenditure on track at $1.95 billion

Disciplined capital allocation

·      $6.3 billion capital expenditure for 2013. Guidance maintained at $7.0 to $7.5 billion for 2014 and expected to reduce in 2015 and 2016

·      Final dividend maintained at 53 US cents per share, bringing total dividends for 2013 to  85 US cents per share, reflecting the Board's commitment to the rebased dividend

Safety

·      Regrettably, 14 employees and contractors lost their lives, and two others are missing, in work related incidents

·      LTIFR (lost-time injury frequency rate) reduced by 16% to 0.49, the lowest level recorded for the Group

·      We are elevating our focus on achieving zero harm in the workplace, through leadership behaviours at every level, business processes and further strengthening of major risk hazard assessments

 

HIGHLIGHTS

US$ million, unless otherwise stated

Year ended
31 Dec 2013


Year ended

31 Dec 2012(5)


Change

Group revenue including associates and joint ventures(6)

33,063


32,785

1%

Underlying operating profit(1)

6,620


6,253

6%

Underlying earnings(2)

2,673


2,860

(7)%

Underlying EBITDA(7)

9,520


8,860

7%

Net cash inflows from operating activities         

6,792


5,919

15%

Profit /(loss) before tax(8)(9)

1,700


(171)

-

Loss for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company(8)(9)

(961)


(1,470)

35%

Attributable ROCE%(4)

11%


11%

0%






Earnings per share (US$):





Basic loss per share(8)

(0.75)


(1.17)

36%

Underlying earnings per share(2)

2.09


2.28

(8)%

 

(1)  Underlying operating profit is presented before special items and remeasurements and includes the Group's attributable share of associates' and joint ventures' operating profit before special items and remeasurements, unless otherwise stated - see notes 2 and 4 to the Condensed financial statements. For the definition of special items and remeasurements, see note 5 to the Condensed financial statements.

(2)   See note 8 to the Condensed financial statements for basis of calculation of underlying earnings.

(3)   Net debt includes related hedges and net debt in disposal groups. See note 10 to the Condensed financial statements.

(4)   Attributable ROCE reflects the realised prices and foreign exchange during the period, and in line with commitments made as part of Driving Value. Please refer to page 83-84 for the detailed methodology.

(5)   Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details.

(6)   Includes the Group's attributable share of associates' and joint ventures' revenue of $3,721 million (2012: $4,105 million). See note 2 to the Condensed financial statements.

(7)   Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is operating profit before special items, remeasurements, depreciation and amortisation in subsidiaries and joint operations, and includes attributable share of EBITDA of associates and joint ventures. See note 2 to the Condensed financial statements.

(8)   Stated after special items and remeasurements. See note 5 to the Condensed financial statements.

(9)   For the year ended 31 December 2013, special items and remeasurements, including associates and joint ventures, before tax and non-controlling interests, amounted to a loss of $4,435 million (2012: loss of $5,847 million), and after tax and non-controlling interests, amounted to a loss of $3,634 million (2012: loss of $4,330 million). 

Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: "Against a backdrop of weaker growth in the world economy in 2013, particularly in the emerging and developing economies, commodity demand remained soft with a decline in average realised prices for most of the commodities Anglo American produces.

 

For our business, the effects of such a difficult macro-economic environment were exacerbated by operating challenges at key operations and adversarial labour relations in South Africa. Despite the challenges, significant operating improvements in Copper, Metallurgical Coal and Diamonds in the second half of the year and the sharp fall in the South African rand in the final quarter, drove a 6% increase in underlying operating profit to $6.6 billion, with underlying EBITDA increasing to $9.5 billion, up by 7%. After deducting tax and profits attributable to non-controlling interests (e.g. Diamonds, Platinum and Copper), which represented a greater proportion of profit than in 2012, underlying earnings decreased by 7% to $2.7 billion.

 

While we continued to make progress on the safety front, the loss of 14 colleagues, and a further two who are still missing, overshadowed improvements to lost time and total accident frequency rates. We are deeply distressed that people are still being killed and injured while on company business. I am determined that we elevate our focus on achieving zero harm through a combination of leadership behaviours at every level, restructuring our key business processes and further strengthening our work around major risk hazards.

 

Turning to our operations, we have started to make solid progress at Los Bronces and Collahuasi, our two biggest copper interests in Chile, where improvements in waste stripping volumes and process tonnages supported a significant improvement in copper production. At the currently constrained Sishen iron ore mine in South Africa, a redesign of the pit and changes to core operating processes should result in consistently higher production from 2015 onwards. The Sishen challenges have been partially offset by solid performance from Kolomela, which is now operating at well above nameplate capacity. At our underground metallurgical coal mines, production improved by 30%, with Moranbah North lifting longwall output by 39% on the back of an improvement in cutting hours, an increase in automated cutting rates and reduced unplanned downtime. In the South African thermal coal business, the priority is to implement a range of optimisation initiatives aimed at driving greater value across the mines and expansion projects. De Beers had a good year and was able to increase output against a background of rising demand. Meanwhile, our single largest investment, the Minas-Rio iron ore project in Brazil, was 84% complete by the end of the year and remains on track to ship its first iron ore by the end of 2014.

 

Our Platinum business faced the significant challenges of cost pressures, declining productivity, trade union militancy and continuing price pressure. We finalised a "root-and-branch" review of the business to address the changed fundamentals of the platinum industry and to understand the primary drivers of the dramatic reduction in profitability across the sector. Following an extensive but constructive process of engagement with government and the unions, our labour force is being aligned with operational requirements, and we are putting the review's proposals into action across the business and concentrating on those assets with sustained profitability potential, while adjusting production more closely with current product demand.

 

We are making headway on our strategy that sets the path for Anglo American to deliver sustainable returns to shareholders. We are doing so through a change programme called 'Driving Value', which has focused on revitalising our business and laying the foundation for long-term success. We have set demanding but achievable targets and we are determined to meet them by working efficiently and effectively to drive significantly greater value from our asset base. We are seeing early progress, including in our Platinum and Metallurgical Coal businesses, across our Commercial initiatives and in reducing early stage project evaluation costs by $200 million in 2013 alone. Our pathway to increase margins and returns by 2016 is clear.

 

While I expect headwinds to continue in 2014 as we reset the business, the benefits of much-improved operational processes and performance will flow through largely in 2015 and 2016. In the immediate-term, we have already delivered significant sustainable improvements, including early operational improvements, overhead reduction and reducing early-stage project expenditure.

 

The world economy should also strengthen in 2014 and 2015 as we continue to emerge from the challenges of the global financial crisis. China should continue to grow by around 7% and the diminishing effects of fiscal tightening should support a firmer recovery in the US and beyond."



 

Review of 2013

 

Financial Results

 

Anglo American reported underlying earnings of $2.7 billion (2012: $2.9 billion), with underlying operating profit increasing by 6% to $6.6 billion.

 

Underlying operating profit increased owing to De Beers contributing for a full year as a subsidiary, improved sales at both Copper and Platinum and the weakening of the South African rand, partially offset by lower prices across the majority of our commodities.

 

Iron Ore and Manganese generated an underlying operating profit of $3,119 million, a 4% increase. Kumba Iron Ore's underlying operating profit of $3,047 million, closely matched the previous year's, owing to slightly higher average prices and an increase in waste stripping, partially offset by the weaker rand. Samancor reported a more than doubling of underlying operating profit of $210 million, driven by higher manganese ore prices.

 

Metallurgical Coal generated an underlying operating profit of $46 million, an 89% decrease, primarily owing to lower realised export selling prices, partly offset by increased production and sales volumes, the weaker Australian dollar and cost-cutting initiatives.

 

Thermal Coal generated an underlying operating profit of $541 million, a 32% decrease, mainly as a result of lower export thermal coal prices for both South African and Colombian coal and above inflation cost pressure in South Africa, partly offset by the weaker rand and cost containment measures.

 

Copper delivered an underlying operating profit of $1,739 million, in line with 2012, as a result of lower realised sales prices, offset by increased production and sales volumes.

 

Nickel reported an underlying operating loss of $44 million, a $70 million decrease, owing to lower realised prices, a reduction in sales volumes, as well as the non-recurrence of the insurance receivable that benefited the business in 2012.

 

Niobium and Phosphates delivered a combined underlying operating profit of $150 million, a decrease of 11%, mainly driven by lower phosphate prices.

 

Platinum generated an underlying operating profit of $464 million, (2012: loss of $120 million) as a result of increased production and sales and a weaker rand, partly offset by weaker prices.

 

Diamonds generated an underlying operating profit of $1,003 million, a 112% increase, reflecting the Group's increased shareholding, together with improved prices, largely owing to the product mix, and a weaker rand.

 

Other Mining and Industrial reported an underlying operating loss of $13 million, a $181 million decrease, owing to a nil contribution from Scaw South Africa (which was divested in November 2012), a weaker market at the Lafarge Tarmac joint venture, and the Amapá operation not benefiting from the reversal of penalty provisions, as it had in 2012.

 

Corporate costs decreased by 12%, partly driven by the positive impact of the weaker rand.

  

Production

 

Metallurgical Coal, Copper, Platinum and Diamonds all reported production increases for 2013.

 

Iron Ore and Manganese ‒ production of iron ore decreased by 2% to 42.4 million tonnes (Mt), with higher production from Kolomela offset by a weaker performance from Sishen as a result of Section 54 safety stoppages and ongoing pit constraints. Manganese ore production was flat, though alloy output increased.

 

Metallurgical Coal ‒ production increased by 2% to 31.2 Mt, with record metallurgical coal production of 18.7 Mt, benefiting from the longwall improvement programmes at Moranbah North and Capcoal's underground operations, as well as operational improvements at Peace River Coal, partly offset by the impact of flooding at Dawson.

 

Thermal Coalproduction decreased by 2% to 67.6Mt, with improved machine rates and waste treatment at Greenside offset by lower than expected production at New Vaal and Cerrejón. The decrease at New Vaal was owing to wet weather interruptions and reduced demand from Eskom, while Cerrejón was as a result of the 32-day strike in the first quarter of the year, although was partly mitigated by an effective recovery plan.

 

Copper ‒ production increased by 17% to 775 kt, benefiting at Los Bronces from the fully ramped up Confluencia plant and improved ore characteristics, and higher grades and recoveries at Collahuasi.

 

Nickel ‒ production decreased by 12% to 34,400 tonnes following the cessation of production at Loma de Níquel from September 2012, partly offset by increased production at Barro Alto.

 

Niobium ‒ production increased by 2% to 4,500 tonnes, as throughput and recovery improvements offset the decline in ore quality.

 

Phosphates ‒ fertiliser production increased by 6% to 1,199,000 tonnes owing to improved performance following optimised maintenance scheduling, increased plant availability and improved performance at the acidulation and granulation plants.

 

Platinum ‒ equivalent refined platinum production increased by 5% to 2,320,400 ounces as the company recovered from the impact of the strike in the fourth quarter of 2012, partially offset by the production lost from Khuseleka 2, Khomanani and Union North decline shaft being put on to long term care and maintenance from mid-August as a result of the business restructuring.

 

Diamonds ‒ production increased by 12% to 31.2 million carats, largely owing to the full restoration of operations at Jwaneng in the third quarter following the slope failure incident in June 2012. Production from Canada also increased owing to further increases in mining volumes and improved grades at Snap Lake.

 

Capital Structure and Balance Sheet

 

Net assets at 31 December 2013 were $6.4 billion lower than at 31 December 2012 due to net movements in equity including currency translation adjustments, dividends and retained earnings in the year.



 

Net debt

US$ million

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Opening net debt

(8,510)

(1,278)

Underlying EBITDA(2)

 8,806

    7,867

Working capital movements

(1,121)

(526)

Other cash flows from operations

44

29

Cash flows from operations

 7,729

7,370

Capital expenditure including related derivatives

(6,261)

(6,030)

Cash tax paid

(1,201)

(1,799)

Dividends from associates, joint ventures and financial asset investments

264

348

Net interest

(533)

(348)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(1,159)

(1,267)

Attributable free cash flow

(1,161)

(1,726)

Dividends paid to Company shareholders

(1,078)

(970)

Tax on sale of non-controlling interest in Anglo American Sur

(395)

(1,015)

Acquisitions of subsidiaries

-

(4,816)

Disposals

252

439

Movements in non-controlling interests

71

       1,220

Purchase of shares by subsidiaries for employee share schemes

(92)

                   (253)

Other net debt movements

    261

                   (111)

Total movement in net debt

(2,142)

(7,232)

Closing net debt

(10,652)

(8,510)

 

(1)     Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details.

(2)      Underlying EBITDA is underlying operating profit/(loss) before depreciation and amortisation in subsidiaries and joint operations, excluding associates and joint ventures.

 

The reconciliation in the table above is the method by which management reviews movements in net debt and comprises key movements in cash and any significant non-cash movements on net debt items.

 

Net debt increased by $2,142 million to $10,652 million (2012: $8,510 million) and net debt to total capital at 31 December 2013 was 22.2%, compared with 16.3% at 31 December 2012.

 

The working capital increase of $1,121 million (2012: increase of $526 million) represents investment in stock of $562 million (2012: increase of $329 million), increase in debtors of $541 million (2012: increase of $32 million) and a decrease in creditors of $18 million (2012: decrease of $165 million). Within the investment in stock movement, $395 million relates to increases in platinum stock owing to the growth in precious metal stock holding to manage business risk and an increase in the average stock valuation due to higher production costs. The majority of the remaining stock increases reflect strong production performance in the closing months of the year at both Kumba Iron Ore and Copper.This also resulted in increased sales, with a resultant increase in debtors of $373 million.

 

Cash tax paid has decreased to $1,201 million from $1,799 million, owing to tax rebates at both Copper and Metallurgical Coal. Copper received a $191 million rebate owing to overpayment in the prior tax year, while Metallurgical Coal received a net tax refund in 2013 of $43 million (compared to a net payment in 2012 of $330 million) following a reassessment by the Australian Tax Office of the tax instalment rate.

 

The majority of dividends paid to non-controlling interests of $1,159 million (2012: $1,267 million) were to minority shareholders of Copper and Kumba Iron Ore, where external dividends of $474 million and          $663 million were paid respectively (2012: $100 million and $1,120 million).

 

Other net debt movements mainly relate to the Main Street preference share structure, which was established to provide funding via preference shares for a black economic empowerment (BEE) company relating to SIOC. In November 2013, the preference shares held by Anglo American in the company were redeemed for $279 million and a mezzanine debt facility of $85 million repaid. This resulted in the Group reducing net debt by $364 million on the unwinding of the structure.

 

Capital expenditure

 

Total capital expenditure increased from $6,030 million in 2012 to $6,261 million in 2013, predominantly as a result of the increased expansionary spend at Minas-Rio and Grosvenor, and the increased holding in De Beers.

 

Cash capital expenditure is expected to be between $7.0 billion and $7.5 billion in 2014. Net debt is expected to continue to rise in 2014, as expenditure on the Group's projects more than offsets cash generated from operations.

 

Liquidity and funding

 

At 31 December 2013, the Group had undrawn committed bank facilities of $9.3 billion and cash of $7.7 billion.

 

The Group's forecasts and projection, taking accounting of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, indicated the Group's ability to operate within the level of its current facilities for the foreseeable future.

 

Exploration enabling Anglo American's growth

 

Global exploration activity for 2013 focused on greenfield projects across a number of mature and frontier locations, as well as on adding value, through increasing resources and reserves, to our operations and advanced projects.

 

Exploration expenditure for the year amounted to $207 million (2012: $206 million) across 19 countries.

 

Evaluation expenditure

 

Evaluation expenditure decreased by 38% to $326 million, driven by reductions in Copper and Nickel, partly offset by increases in De Beers following the acquisition of the additional interest in August 2012.

 

Projects

 

The Group has a number of projects in the execution phase, as summarised below, and is progressing with the development of other growth projects, including the greenfield Quellaveco copper project in Peru.

 

Minas-Rio

Minas-Rio is expected to produce 26.5 Mt (wet basis) of iron ore per annum and to capture a significant part of the global pellet feed market, with its premium product featuring high iron content and low contaminants. Construction of the project in Brazil continues in line with the revised plan announced in 2012. By the end of 2013, the project was 84% complete and is on schedule to deliver first ore on ship at the end of 2014.

 

Attributable capital expenditure at the Minas-Rio project is on track at $8.8 billion, with cash unit costs in a competitive position in the lower half of the global seaborne iron ore cost curve.

 

The main schedule risks identified at the end of 2012 have been resolved and, over the past year, significant construction and operational progress was made.

 

Grosvenor

The wholly owned greenfield Grosvenor metallurgical coal project is situated immediately to the south of our highly productive Moranbah North metallurgical coal mine in the Bowen Basin of Queensland, Australia. The mine is expected to produce 5.0 Mtpa of high-quality metallurgical coal from its underground longwall operation over a projected mine life of 31 years and to benefit from operating costs in the lower half of the cost curve.

 

The project remains on target for first longwall production in 2016. All key permits and licences are in place. Critical engineering and procurement activities have been completed and the majority of the project budget has been contracted and committed. Surface construction is well advanced; earthworks and concrete are essentially complete; structural, mechanical and piping works are advancing well; and electrical works have commenced. The drift portal works are complete and underground development has commenced with the commissioning of a tunnel boring machine.

 

Venetia

In South Africa, the first blast took place in September 2013 for the construction of an underground mine beneath the open pit at Venetia. With capital investment of $2 billion, the underground expansion represents De Beers' largest ever investment in South Africa. Production is expected to commence from the underground mine in 2021 and will extend the life of the mine to beyond 2040. The projected life of mine plan will treat approximately 129 million tonnes of ore, containing an estimated 94 million carats (Scheduled Inferred Resources constitute 28% - 26.3 Mct - of the estimated carats).

 

Boa Vista Fresh Rock

The Boa Vista Fresh Rock project in Brazil continued to progress during 2013 and is expected to start production later in 2014. The project includes the construction of a new upstream plant that will enable continuity of the Catalão site through processing the fresh rock ore body. Production capacity will increase to approximately 6,500 tonnes of niobium per year (2013: 4,500 tonnes), allowing use of the full plant capacity.

 

Divestment update

 

On 4 January 2013, Anglo American announced that it had reached an agreement to sell its 70% interest in Amapá to Zamin Ferrous Ltd (Zamin). Following the 28 March 2013 major geological event which resulted in the loss of four lives, with a further two people still missing, as well as the loss of the Santana port operation of Amapá and the suspension of all export shipments, Anglo American entered into further discussions with its partner Cliffs Natural Resources (Cliffs) and Zamin. Anglo American subsequently entered into an agreement with Cliffs to acquire its 30% interest in Amapá, subject to certain conditions, and entered into an amended sale agreement with Zamin to reflect Anglo American's disposal of a 100% interest in Amapá to Zamin.

 

On 1 November 2013, Anglo American completed the acquisition from Cliffs and simultaneously completed the sale of the 100% interest in Amapá to Zamin for an initial total consideration of approximately $134 million, net of certain completion adjustments. In addition, Zamin will pay Anglo American conditional deferred consideration of up to a maximum of $130 million in total, payable over a five year period and calculated on the basis of the market price for iron ore. As part of the transaction, Anglo American has assumed responsibility for, and the risks and rewards of, certain insurance claims including those relating to the Santana port incident, through the purchase of the claims from Amapá at the full claim value. 

 

Dividends

 

Analysis of dividends

US cents per share

 

2013

 

2012

Interim dividend

32

32

Recommended final dividend

53

53

Total dividends

85

85

 

Anglo American's dividend policy is to provide a base dividend that will be maintained or increased through the cycle. Consistent with the policy, the Board has recommended to maintain the final dividend of 53 US cents per share, giving a total dividend of 85 US cents per share for the year (2012: 85 US cents per share), subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 24 April 2014.

 

The maintenance of the level of the dividend reflects the Board's confidence in the underlying business. This recommendation is consistent with the commitment to have a disciplined balance between the maintenance of a strong investment grade rating, returns to shareholders and sequencing of future investment in line with resulting funding capacity. From time to time any cash surplus to requirements will be returned to shareholders.

 

Outlook

 

In the near term, the world economy is expected to strengthen in 2014 and 2015 as it continues to emerge from the challenges of the global financial crisis. China should continue to grow by around 7% and the diminishing effects of fiscal tightening should support a firmer recovery in the US and beyond.

 

In the medium term, the US, Europe and Japan should experience a normalisation of their underlying economic growth rates as the impact of the financial crisis fades. A successful reform programme in China should lay the foundations for more sustainable growth. Looking beyond the short term hiatus in emerging markets, we expect continuing robust economic growth in the medium to longer term as they benefit from continued convergence of living standards.

 

In China and other emerging economies, there remains significant potential for further urbanisation and industrialisation to support robust growth and demand for key commodities, including crude steel (iron ore, and metallurgical coal), copper, nickel and thermal coal. The emergence of the expanding middle class will support rising intensity of consumption for later cycle products, PGMs and diamonds, and will also benefit the phosphates business to the expected benefit of Anglo American's diversified commodity portfolio and differentiated competitive position. 

 

Supply growth in the near to medium term poses challenges to the prices of some global commodities, most notably iron ore and copper. However, in the long term, prices for Anglo American's products are expected to be supported by supply constraints in many jurisdictions and the challenges producers face in bringing new supply into production. Economic uncertainty, as we are seeing currently, tends to restrain new supply; in the longer term Anglo American therefore expects to see tightening market fundamentals and a recovery in price performance to support further margin improvement and returns.



Selected major projects

 

  Approved


 

Segment

Project

Country


Greenfield/ Brownfield

First

production

date

Full

production

date

Capital

expenditure

$bn(1)

Production volume(2)


 

Iron Ore and Manganese

Minas-Rio

Brazil

G

2014

2016

8.8(3)

26.5 Mtpa iron ore pellet feed(4)


 

Metallurgical Coal

Grosvenor

Australia

G

2014

2016

2

5.0 Mtpa metallurgical


 

Thermal Coal

Cerrejón P40

Colombia

B

2013

2015

<2

8.0 Mtpa thermal


 

Copper

Collahuasi expansion Phase 2

Chile

B

2013

2014

<1

20 ktpa copper


 

Platinum

Twickenham

South Africa

G

2013

2024

<2

202 kozpa refined platinum


 


Bathopele Phase 5

South Africa

B

2013

2017

<1

Replace 128 kozpa refined platinum


 

Diamonds

Jwaneng - Cut-8

Botswana

B

2016

2018(5)

3(6)

approximately 10 million carats pa

 


Venetia U/G

South Africa

B

2021

2024

~2

approximately 4 million carats pa


Niobium and Phosphates

Boa Vista Fresh Rock

Brazil

B

2014

2015

<1(7)

6.5 ktpa niobium production


 











 

(1)   Capital expenditure shown on 100% basis in nominal terms.

(2)   Represents 100% of average incremental or replacement production, at full production, unless otherwise stated.

(3)   Capital expenditure, post-acquisition of Anglo American's shareholding in Minas-Rio, includes 100% of the mine and pipeline, and an attributable share of the port.

(4)   Iron ore pellet feed on wet tonnes basis at 8% moisture.

(5)   Waste stripping at Cut-8, an extension to Jwaneng mine, began in 2010. Carat recovery will commence in 2016, with Cut-8 becoming the main ore source for Jwaneng from 2018.

(6)   Infrastructure expenditure of approximately $450 million has already been spent. Project expenditure, including infrastructure expenditure, is likely to total approximately $3 billion and is anticipated to create access to an estimated 113 million carats over the life of the mine.

(7)   An extension to mine life by mining the unweathered ore after oxides have been depleted. New processing plant (from crushing to leaching) required.

 

 

  

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Media


Investors

 

UK

James Wyatt-Tilby

Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 8759


UK

Paul Galloway

Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 8718

 

Emily Blyth

Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 8481

 


Caroline Crampton

Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 2192

 

South Africa

Pranill Ramchander

Tel: +27 (0)11 638 2592


Sarah McNally

Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 8747

 

Anglo American is one of the world's largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Our portfolio of mining businesses meets our customers' changing needs and spans bulk commodities - iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal; base metals and minerals - copper, nickel, niobium and phosphates; and precious metals and minerals - in which we are a global leader in both platinum and diamonds. At Anglo American, we are committed to working together with our stakeholders - our investors, our partners and our employees - to create sustainable value that makes a real difference, while upholding the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all our businesses and geographies. The Company's mining operations, pipeline of growth projects and exploration activities span southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.

www.angloamerican.com

 

      

Webcast of presentation: 

A live webcast of the results presentation, starting at 9.00am UK time on 14 February 2014, can be accessed through the Anglo American website at www.angloamerican.com

 

Note: Throughout this results announcement, '$' denotes United States dollars and 'cents' refers to United States cents; operating profit includes attributable share of associates' and joint ventures' operating profit and is before special items and remeasurements, unless otherwise stated; special items and remeasurements are defined in note 5 to the Condensed financial statements. Underlying earnings, unless otherwise stated, is calculated as set out in note 8 to the Condensed financial statements. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is operating profit before special items and remeasurements, depreciation and amortisation in subsidiaries and joint operations and includes attributable share of EBITDA of associates and joint ventures. Tonnes are metric tons, 'Mt' denotes million tonnes and 'kt' denotes thousand tonnes, unless otherwise stated.

 

Forward-looking statements

This announcement includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement, including, without limitation, those regarding Anglo American's financial position, business and acquisition strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including development plans and objectives relating to Anglo American's products, production forecasts and reserve and resource positions), are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Anglo American, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

 

Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding Anglo American's present and future business strategies and the environment in which Anglo American will operate in the future. Important factors that could cause Anglo American's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, levels of actual production during any period, levels of global demand and commodity market prices, mineral resource exploration and development capabilities, recovery rates and other operational capabilities, the availability of mining and processing equipment, the ability to produce and transport products profitably, the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on market prices and operating costs, the availability of sufficient credit, the effects of inflation, political uncertainty and economic conditions in relevant areas of the world, the actions of competitors, activities by governmental authorities such as changes in taxation or safety, health, environmental or other types of regulation in the countries where Anglo American operates, conflicts over land and resource ownership rights and such other risk factors identified in Anglo American's most recent Annual Report. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be construed in light of such risk factors and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Anglo American expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking (except as required by applicable law, the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Takeover Code"), the UK Listing Rules, the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, the Listings Requirements of the securities exchange of the JSE Limited in South Africa, the SWX Swiss Exchange, the Botswana Stock Exchange and the Namibian Stock Exchange and any other applicable regulations) to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Anglo American's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

 

Nothing in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that future earnings per share of Anglo American will necessarily match or exceed its historical published earnings per share.

 

Certain statistical and other information about Anglo American included in this announcement is sourced from publicly available third party sources. As such, it presents the views of those third parties, though these may not necessarily correspond to the views held by Anglo American.

  

 

 

Financial review of Group results

 

Underlying operating profit

$ million

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Iron Ore and Manganese

3,119

3,011

Metallurgical Coal

46

405

Thermal Coal

541

793

Copper

1,739

1,736

Nickel

(44)

26

Niobium and Phosphates

150

169

Platinum

464

(120)

Diamonds

1,003

474

Other Mining and Industrial

(13)

168

Exploration

(207)

(206)

Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs

(178)

(203)

Operating profit including associates and joint ventures before special items and remeasurements

6,620

6,253

 

(1)   Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details.

 

Anglo American reported underlying earnings of $2.7 billion (2012: $2.9 billion), with underlying operating profit increasing by 6% to $6.6 billion.

 

Underlying operating profit increased owing to De Beers contributing for a full year as a subsidiary, improved sales at both Copper and Platinum and the weakening of the South African rand, partially offset by lower prices across the majority of our commodities.

 

Attributable ROCE was in line with 2012 at 11% as a consequence of a higher proportion of operating profit coming from our businesses that are not wholly-owned: Anglo American Platinum, De Beers, Anglo American Sur and Kumba Iron Ore. Average attributable capital employed increased from $38 billion in 2012 to $40 billion in 2013 due to the capital expenditure in 2013 partially offset by the weakening of the South African rand in which 29% of our balance sheet is denominated. With the exception of Foxleigh, Peace River Coal and the Barro Alto impairment, all impairments and loss on disposal/exit have been taken as a reduction to capital employed.

 

Underlying operating profit increased, despite the fall in realised prices for most of the commodities produced by the Group, owing to the impact of the weaker South African rand and Australian dollar, the increased holding in De Beers and improved production at Copper and Platinum.

 

The Group's results are affected by currency fluctuations in the countries where the operations are based. The strengthening of the US dollar against the South African rand and the Australian dollar resulted in a $1,702 million positive exchange variance in underlying operating profit compared with 2012. CPI inflation had a negative $595 million impact on underlying operating profit compared with the prior year.

 

Special items and remeasurements after tax and non-controlling interestinclude: relating to Barro Alto ($0.7 billion), Michiquillay ($0.3 billion) and Foxleigh ($0.2 billion); loss on disposal of Amapá ($0.1 billion) and exit from Pebble ($0.3 billion); and increased onerous contract provisions at Callide ($0.3 billion). Full details of the special items and remeasurements charges are in note 5 to the Condensed financial statements.

 

Net finance costs, before remeasurements, and excluding associates and joint ventures, were $276 million (2012: $299 million) lower than 2012 due to the increased capitalised interest and the gain on fair value hedges partially offset by increased net debt levels during the year.

 

The effective rate of tax, before special items and remeasurements and including attributable share of associates' and joint ventures' tax, increased from 29% in 2012 to 32%. This is higher due to the impact of various prior year adjustments and the remeasurement of certain withholding tax provisions across the Group. In future periods it is expected that the effective tax rate will remain above the United Kingdom statutory tax rate. Group underlying earnings per share were $2.09 compared with $2.28 in 2012.

 

Reconciliation of loss for the year to underlying earnings

$ million

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Loss for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company

(961)

(1,470)

Operating special items (including associates and joint ventures)

3,291

7,039

Operating remeasurements (including associates and joint ventures)

550

112

Non-operating special items

469

594

Non-operating remeasurement

-

(1,990)

Financing remeasurements

130

88

Special items and remeasurements tax

(590)

(1,110)

Non-controlling interests on special items and remeasurements

(216)

(403)

Underlying earnings(2)

2,673

2,860

Underlying earnings per share ($)

2.09

2.28

 

Summary income statement

$ million

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint operations before special items and remeasurements

6,168

5,493

Operating special items

(3,211)

(6,977)

Operating remeasurements

(550)

(116)

Operating profit/(loss) from subsidiaries and joint operations

2,407

(1,600)

Non-operating special items and remeasurements

(469)

1,396

Share of net income from associates and joint ventures

168

421

Profit from operations, associates and joint ventures

2,106

217

Net finance costs before remeasurements

(276)

(299)

Financing remeasurements

(130)

(89)

Profit/(loss) before tax

1,700

(171)

Income tax expense

(1,274)

(393)

Profit/(loss) for the financial year

426

(564)

Attributable to:

Non-controlling interests

1,387

906

Equity shareholders of the Company

(961)

(1,470)

Basic loss per share ($)

(0.75)

(1.17)

Group operating profit including associates and joint ventures before special items and remeasurements(3)

6,620

6,253

Operating profit from associates and joint ventures before special items and remeasurements

452

760

Net finance costs (before special items and remeasurements)

(36)

(75)

Income tax expense (before special items and remeasurements)

(158)

(197)

Non-controlling interests (before special items and remeasurements)

(15)

(6)

Special items and remeasurements

(80)

(57)

Special items and remeasurements tax

3

(3)

Non-controlling interests on special items and remeasurements

2

(1)

Share of net income from associates and joint ventures

168

421

 

(1)  Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 of the condensed financial statements for details.

(2)  See note 8 to the Condensed financial statements.

(3)  Operating profit before special items and remeasurements from subsidiaries and joint operations was $6,168 million (2012: $5,493 million) and attributable share from associates and joint ventures was $452 million (2012: $760 million). For special items and remeasurements, see note 5 to the Condensed financial statements.

IRON ORE AND MANGANESE

$ million

(unless otherwise stated)

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Underlying operating profit

3,119

3,011

Kumba Iron Ore

3,047

3,042

Iron Ore Brazil

(31)

(5)

Samancor

210

103

Projects and corporate

(107)

(129)

Underlying EBITDA

3,390

3,262

Capital expenditure

2,517

2,139

Share of Group underlying operating profit

47%

48%

Attributable return on capital employed %          

19%

21%

 

(1) Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details.

Financial and operational overview

Underlying operating profit increased by 4% from $3,011 million to $3,119 million, principally as a result of stronger average export iron ore prices at Kumba and higher prices, reduced costs and improved volumes at Samancor. This was partly offset by a decrease in export iron ore and increased costs at Kumba.

Safety and environment

Kumba Iron Ore

Kumba completed the year without loss of life. The overall safety performance, however, suffered some setbacks, which were reflected in a worsening lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) of 0.18 (2012: 0.10). Kumba has renewed its focus on entrenching individual responsibility and behaviour, while various processes are under way to improve employee engagement through regular and visible interaction with leadership, as well as hazard identification.

Environmental compliance is important to Kumba. To that extent, all environmental management plans were approved by South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources. Kumba's targeted savings for 2013 were 271,834 GJ of energy and 39,949 tonnes CO2e greenhouse gases. Kumba continues to implement energy and water savings projects, some of which have already delivered quantifiable gains. Several savings projects are still at a conceptual stage, but actual savings in 2013 are estimated to be 133,394 GJ of energy and 30,574 tonnes CO2e greenhouse gases.

Iron Ore Brazil


The Minas-Rio project continues to be developed in a safe and responsible way, with no loss of life recorded during the year and more than 33 million man-hours worked without any lost-time injuries.

Markets

The global steel and iron ore markets have generally been stable in 2013, and better than anticipated. An increase in global steel production of 3% to 1,582 Mt (2012: 1,529 Mt), supported demand for iron ore. Sustained government infrastructure spend in East Asia, as well as steel mill restocking prior to the winter season, assisted this rise. China, the main producer of steel worldwide, increased its production by an unexpectedly strong 7% this year to 779 Mt (2012: 731 Mt). Growth in Japan and Korea was also above expectations, and Europe has stabilised during the year, which supported global demand.

 

Seaborne iron ore supplies increased by 10% in 2013 to 1,324 Mt (2012: 1,208 Mt), as the increase from Australia more than compensated for lower supplies from India and flat exports from Brazil.

 

Iron ore prices were strong and averaged 4% higher at $135/tonne (Platts 62% Fe CFR China)             (2012: $130/tonne). Index prices reached a high of $160/tonne in February 2013, but fell to a low of $110/tonne in May 2013, before stabilising at around $135/tonne towards the end of the year. Kumba's pricing mechanism continued to evolve with prices in China now mostly based on index values around the discharge date. In other markets, we largely continue to use a quarterly pricing mechanism.

Operating performance

Kumba Iron Ore

Underlying operating profit increased slightly from $3,042 million to $3,047 million principally as a result of 1% stronger average export iron ore prices and the impact of the weaker South African rand, partly offset by a 1% decrease in export sales volumes. Total operating costs rose by 20% in local currency terms, driven primarily by above-inflation cost increases and the mining of 47.5 Mt of additional waste at Sishen and Kolomela mines.

Total iron ore output decreased by 2% to 42.4 Mt mainly due to production losses at Sishen mine, partially offset by the strong performance at Kolomela. Total tonnes mined at Sishen rose by 22% to 208.8 Mt   (2012: 171.6 Mt), of which waste mined amounted to 167.8 Mt, an increase of 26% (2012: 133.5 Mt) as the planned waste ramp-up continues to alleviate the current pit constraints. The mine's iron ore production, however, decreased by 8% to 30.9 Mt (2012: 33.7 Mt). Production from the DMS plant was mainly impacted by availability of material from the pit and resulted in 12% lower output for the year. At the Jig plant, production was in line with the prior year although still below design capacity owing to feedstock quality constraints. The mine was hampered further by several Section 54 safety stoppages relating to the operation of trackless mobile machinery in August 2013 and subsequent gradual ramp-up of the mine. The Sishen mine pit is currently constrained, resulting in insufficient exposed ore. A production recovery plan to address the current pit constraints and a longer-term operational optimisation strategy are being implemented.

Kolomela continued its strong performance in 2013, increasing production by 26% to 10.8 Mt (2012: 8.5 Mt). Production exceeded monthly design capacity for most of the year, and reached a new record level of 1.04 Mt for the month during October 2013. Kolomela's total tonnage mined increased by 38% to 59.9 Mt (2012: 43.5 Mt), of which waste mined amounted to 46.7 Mt (2012: 33.5 Mt), an increase of 39%.

Production at Thabazimbi mine was 24% lower at 0.6 Mt (2012: 0.8 Mt), mainly as a result of partial plant shutdowns towards the end of 2013. An agreement regulating the sale and purchase of iron ore between Sishen Iron Ore Company (SIOC) and ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited (ArcelorMittal S.A.), which became effective on 1 January 2014, may enable Thabazimbi life of mine to be extended through the introduction of low-grade beneficiation technologies.

Kumba's total sales volumes were 1% lower at 43.7 Mt (2012: 44.4 Mt) as both export and domestic sales volumes decreased by 1% to 39.1 Mt (2012: 39.7 Mt) and 4.6 Mt (2012: 4.7 Mt), respectively. The lower export sales volumes were mainly the result of production losses at Sishen which reduced export stock levels across the value chain, but were mostly offset by the performance from Kolomela. Export sales volumes to China accounted for 68% of the company's total export volumes for the year, compared to 69% in 2012. Sales volumes to Japan and South Korea rose by 13% to 8.3 Mt and represented 21% of total export sales, with the remaining 11% going to Europe. In 2014, this mix is expected to change slightly as more iron ore is shipped to China and less to Europe.

Total finished product stockpiles amounted to 2.8 Mt at the end of the year, compared to 3.7 Mt at the end of 2012.

Kumba spent $455 million on stay-in-business capital (2012: $383 million), mainly on heavy mining equipment such as haul trucks and shovels for Sishen and Kolomela mines in support of the waste mining ramp-up.

Iron Ore Brazil

Iron Ore Brazil generated an underlying operating loss of $31 million, reflecting the pre-operational state of the Minas-Rio project.

Samancor

Underlying operating profit more than doubled to $210 million (2012: $103 million), driven by higher prices and focused cost control, supported by strong volumes.

Production of ore was flat at 3.3 Mt (attributable basis) owing to a consistently strong operating performance and improved plant productivity at both GEMCO in Australia and Hotazel in South Africa. Alloy production increased by 27% to 251,100 tonnes (attributable basis) as production was restored at TEMCO in Australia following the production suspension in 2012.

Projects

Kumba Iron Ore

Kumba's aims to capitalise on its current mining right holdings and existing infrastructure to develop and sustain a project pipeline that enables a return to optimal levels of production, maintenance of these levels and growth in accordance with the needs of the market.

Kumba is focused on restoring Sishen mine to its full capacity but is also looking to facilitate the expansion of Sishen mine to the west. A comprehensive feasibility study has been completed for the relocation of the Dingleton community and the company has engaged in an extensive consultation process with interested and affected parties, the community and the relevant government departments. The plan to resettle the community in the town of Kathu in the Northern Cape Province is expected to cost an estimated $457 million (nominal) over a four to six year period.

At Kolomela, technical studies have confirmed the mine's capacity at 10 Mtpa, 1 Mtpa above its original design capacity. Kumba is currently studying opportunities for further incremental expansion of Kolomela's production.

Significant progress has been made in the progression of the Sishen Western Expansion Project (SWEP). Project development remains within budget, and construction activities have been completed. A major milestone in the development of the project was the relocation of the Transnet railway line from its previous position to the west of the current Sishen pit, to the far western extent of the SIOC property. The relocation of the railway line was completed in May 2013.

As a consequence of Transnet having previously held the surface rights over the SWEP rail properties, the rail properties were excluded from the Sishen Mining Right area. SIOC applied to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to obtain the necessary rights in relation to the rail properties, which were granted by the DMR on 11 February 2014. The granting of the mining right gives SIOC access to approximately 33% of the Sishen reserve included in SIOC's Life of Mine plan which is located on either side of the affected area. This portion of the reserve, which had been classified as probable, can now be reclassified as proven. SIOC will accordingly proceed with the implementation of its mining plan and will start waste stripping in the affected area from the second half of 2014.

 

Iron Ore Brazil

Construction of the 26.5 Mtpa Minas-Rio iron ore project continues in line with the revised plan announced in 2012. By the end of 2013, the project was 84% complete overall and is on schedule to deliver first ore on ship at the end of 2014.

The main schedule risks identified at the end of 2012 have been resolved and over the past year significant construction and operational progress has been made.

Highlights during 2013 include:

·      The mine's cave suppression permit was granted in March and mine access approved in May, allowing stripping of surface overburden to be completed;

·      Land release for the 230 kV transmission line was obtained, and the transmission line has been completed, ahead of schedule;

·      Closure of the tailings dam was achieved in April, as planned, and the dam is near completion;

·      The pipeline and land-access permits were obtained on schedule and 481 kilometres of pipe (representing 91% of the total 525 kilometre length) had been installed by the end of 2013.

·      No outstanding permits or licences now impede the construction process, while good progress is being made in converting the installation permits to operating licences;

·      The beneficiation plant is 83% complete. Civil engineering work has finished on the first ball mill and primary crusher, while the long-distance conveyor belt is almost assembled;

·      Assembly of the ship-loader at Açu is 96% complete and caissons are being placed in position for the 2,624 metre-long breakwater.

Potential risks for 2014 are being addressed and mainly relate to manpower availability to complete construction activities at the beneficiation plant and the completion of the breakwater.

Capital expenditure remains in line with the previously announced cost of $8.8 billion, including a centrally held contingency of $600 million. To date, $5.6 billion has been spent on the project and it is envisaged that $3.2 billion (inclusive of the $600 million contingency) will need to be spent in order to deliver the project.

Samancor

The $279 million GEEP2 project (Anglo American's 40% share: $112 million) was delivered, on schedule and budget, in the third quarter of 2013. The project will increase GEMCO's beneficiated product capacity from 4.2 Mtpa to 4.8 Mtpa through the introduction of a dense media circuit by-pass facility. The expansion will also address infrastructure constraints by increasing road and port capacity to 5.9 Mtpa, creating 1.1 Mtpa of latent capacity for future expansion.

The $91 million (100% basis) high-carbon ferromanganese furnace at the Metalloys smelter in South Africa was delivered, on schedule and budget, in the first quarter of 2013. The project will add an additional 130,000 tonnes of capacity per year.

Outlook

In 2014, it is anticipated that global crude steel demand will grow by 3%, with China's production rising to approximately 806 Mt, while growth in production in other developing countries is expected to be countered by a reduction in output in some of the developed markets. It is anticipated, however, that the supply and demand balance will shift in the second half of 2014 owing to more supply from Australia and Brazil as demand growth begins to slow. This is expected to put some pressure on the iron ore price in the second half of the year.

The Sishen mine recovery and optimisation plan expects a phased production increase from 30.9 Mt in 2013, to approximately 35 Mt in 2014. As the ore body dips and thins out towards the west, waste stripping of up to 270 Mtpa will be required for the production of 37 Mtpa at current marketing specifications, planned for 2016.

Kumba anticipates total iron ore production, excluding Thabazimbi, of between 44 and 46 Mt in 2014. Export sales volumes are expected to be in line with 2013 levels.

The recovery in manganese ore pricing continued into 2013; however, muted demand expectations are expected to limit the rate and extent of the recovery in the near term.

Kumba Iron Ore update

21.4% undivided share of the Sishen mine mineral rights

On 28 March 2013 the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) dismissed the appeals of the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and Imperial Crown Trading 289 (Pty) Ltd (ICT) against the decision of the North Gauteng High Court, which, inter alia, confirmed that Sishen Iron Ore Company (Pty) Ltd (SIOC) became the exclusive holder of the mining rights at the Sishen mine in 2008 when the DMR converted SIOC's old order rights, and further set aside the grant of a prospecting right to ICT by the DMR. The SCA held that as a matter of law and as at midnight on 30 April 2009, SIOC became the sole holder of the mining right to iron ore in respect of the Sishen mine, after ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited (ArcelorMittal S.A.) failed to convert its undivided share of the old order mining right.

Both ICT and the DMR lodged applications for leave to appeal against the SCA to the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court hearing was held on 3 September 2013.

On 12 December 2013 the Constitutional Court granted the DMR's appeal in part against the SCA judgment. In a detailed judgment, the Constitutional Court clarified that SIOC, when it lodged its application for conversion of its old order right, converted only the right it held at that time (being a 78.6% undivided share in the Sishen mining right). The Constitutional Court further held that ArcelorMittal S.A. retained the right to lodge its old order right (21.4% undivided share) for conversion before midnight on 30 April 2009, but failed to do so. As a consequence of such failure by ArcelorMittal S.A., the 21.4% undivided right remained available for allocation by the DMR.

The Constitutional Court ruled further that, based on the provisions of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), only SIOC can apply for the residual 21.4% undivided share of the Sishen mining right. The grant of the mining right may be made subject to such conditions considered by the Minister to be appropriate, provided that the proposed conditions are permissible under the MPRDA. SIOC had previously applied for this 21.4%, and continues to account for 100% of what is mined from the reserves at Sishen mine. SIOC has however, in compliance with the Constitutional Court order, submitted a further application to be granted this right.

As a further consequence of this finding, the High Court's ruling setting aside the prospecting right granted by the DMR to ICT also stands.

The findings made by the Constitutional Court are favourable to both SIOC and the DMR. SIOC's position as the only competent applicant for the residual right protects SIOC's interests. The DMR's position as custodian of the mineral resources on behalf of the nation, and the authority of the DMR to allocate rights, has also been ratified by the Court.

ArcelorMittal S.A. supply agreement

The dispute between SIOC and ArcelorMittal S.A. regarding the contract mining agreement had been referred to arbitration in 2010. In December 2011 the parties agreed to delay the arbitration proceedings until the final resolution of the mining rights dispute (see above).

Interim Pricing Agreements were implemented to 31 December 2013.

In November 2013 SIOC and ArcelorMittal S.A. entered into a new Supply Agreement regulating the sale and purchase of iron ore between the parties which became effective from 1 January 2014. This agreement, subject to certain express conditions, is contemplated to endure until the end of Life of Mine for the Sishen mine.

The conclusion of this agreement settled the arbitration and the various other disputes between the companies.

Following the Constitutional Court ruling (see above), the sale of iron ore from SIOC to ArcelorMittal S.A. will remain regulated by the recently concluded Supply Agreement.

 

 

METALLURGICAL COAL

$ million

(unless otherwise stated)

Year ended

31 Dec 2013(1)

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(2)

Underlying operating profit

46

405

Underlying EBITDA

612

877

Capital expenditure

1,050

1,028

Share of Group underlying operating profit

0.7%

6%

Attributable return on capital employed %          

1%

9%

 

(1)   Throughout the Metallurgical Coal commentary, all volumes are expressed on an attributable basis.

(2)   Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details.

 

Financial and operational overview

Metallurgical Coal recorded an underlying operating profit of $46 million, 89% lower than the 2012 figure of $405 million. This was attributable to a 24% decrease in the average quarterly HCC benchmark coal price, partially offset by the implementation of significant cost reductions initiated in 2012, a 9% increase in metallurgical coal sales volumes, and favourable exchange rate movements in the Australian dollar.

A focus on high margin products has resulted in a favourable product mix towards higher quality coking coal, with the proportion of sales of HCC to PCI increasing by 3% to 70%.

Metallurgical Coal continues to focus on cost reductions, with Australian and Canadian export FOB cash unit costs reducing by 8% and 15%, respectively.

Safety and environment

There were no fatal injuries at Metallurgical Coal's operations in 2013. The lost-time injury frequency and total recordable frequency rates of 1.00 and 1.48 were the lowest on record and represent a respective improvement of 43% and 36% over 2012. These results are attributable to visible and proactive leadership presence in the field, increased accountability and specific monitoring of supervisor safety performance. A reduction in the overall high level risk profile was achieved through formal contractor management improvements and increased focus on the management of high level risks, such as those associated with vehicles and machinery.

To assist in mitigating the emissions that may contribute to climate change and reduce exposure to the carbon pricing mechanism, Metallurgical Coal has expanded the German Creek Power Station by more than 12 MW per annum and, in doing so, reduces CO2e emissions by capturing methane that would otherwise be vented, and producing electricity. Metallurgical Coal has also implemented a number of asset optimisation projects that improve heavy mining equipment efficiency in order to reduce fuel usage.

Markets

Anglo American weighted average achieved sales prices ($/tonne)

2013

2012

Export metallurgical coal (FOB)

140

178

Export thermal coal (FOB Australia)

84

96

Domestic thermal coal

39

37

 

Attributable sales volumes ('000 tonnes)

2013

2012

Export metallurgical coal

19,045

17,413

Export thermal coal

6,372

6,043

Domestic thermal coal

6,125

6,921

 

Australian metallurgical coal production continued at record levels in the second half of 2013, with seaborne exports reaching an all-time high of 16.3 Mt in October 2013 (194 Mt annualised), and totalling 169.7 Mt for the year (2012: 144.5 Mt). This increased production, combined with sustained high export levels from the US and Canada, created an oversupply of seaborne metallurgical coal for the year.

Quarterly benchmark prices for seaborne metallurgical coal dropped sharply in the latter half of the year, reaching a four-year low of $145/tonne in the third quarter. The average 2013 HCC quarterly price fell by 24% to $159/tonne from the 2012 average of $210/tonne.

Around 75% of Anglo American's metallurgical coal sales were placed against term contracts with quarterly negotiated price settlements, while the balance of sales comprised short-term priced transactions. Hard coking coal accounted for 70% of Metallurgical Coal's export metallurgical coal sales in 2013, an increase of 3%, as a result of the focus on high margin production.

Operating performance

Attributable production ('000 tonnes)

2013

2012

Export metallurgical coal

18,656

17,664

Export thermal coal

6,264

6,046

Domestic thermal coal

6,239

6,925

 

Export metallurgical coal production increased by 6% to a record 18.7 Mt, while export thermal coal production increased 4% to 6.3 Mt. Production improved by 30% at the underground operations owing to a significant step-change in performance over the past 18 months. Production at the open cut operations decreased by 5%, mainly as a result of excessive rainfall causing flooding and rail disruptions in the first quarter, and planned capacity reductions. Metallurgical Coal's sustained focus on costs reduced FOB costs by 10%, despite export volumes increasing by 5%.

Moranbah North's underground operation delivered record production. Output rose by 39% following best practice longwall performance, driven in turn by a 45% year-on-year improvement in cutting hours, an increase in automated cutting, and a reduction in unplanned downtime.

Performance improved by 16% year-on-year at Capcoal's underground operation, through increased reliability of the longwall with a 15% improvement in cutting hours and improved coal clearance system uptime.

Record coal production was achieved at Foxleigh open cut mine, with a 4% increase over the prior year, on the back of productivity improvements arising from increased equipment availability and optimal alignment of equipment to pit conditions.

In Canada, Peace River Coal increased coal production by 22%, reflecting improvements in mining design, greater productivity in mining operations as well as yield and throughput enhancements in the coal preparation plant.

Export thermal coal production was 4% higher for the year following productivity improvements.

Projects

The wholly owned Grosvenor project remains on target for first longwall production in 2016. All key permits and licences are in place. Critical engineering and procurement activities have been completed and the majority of the project budget has been contracted and committed. Surface construction is well advanced; earthworks and concrete are essentially complete; structural, mechanical and piping works are advancing well; and electrical works have commenced. The drift portal works are complete and underground development has commenced with the commissioning of a tunnel boring machine.

As announced in July 2013, the capital costs to develop the Grosvenor project increased by $250 million to $1.95 billion owing to scope changes resulting from an investigation into the drift failure at Moranbah North in 2011 that led to a complete redesign of the Grosvenor drift and its construction method. Costs have also been impacted by adverse exchange rate movements during the construction phase.

Outlook

An oversupply of metallurgical coal has been generated by strong metallurgical production from Australia and high US exports, with metallurgical coal prices expected to remain subdued into 2014.

US exports are starting to reduce in response to lower prices; however, record Australian production has more than offset any reductions. Capacity increases from Australian greenfield supply in the second half of 2014 will continue to limit any significant price improvement.

Seaborne metallurgical coal demand is expected to increase to around 305 Mt in 2014, approximately 8% higher than 2013.

 

Metallurgical Coal is positioned to take advantage of any future coal price increases as a result of its focus on delivering high margin, low cost capacity, and the demonstrated benefits of asset optimisation initiatives.

 



 

THERMAL COAL

$ million

(unless otherwise stated)

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Underlying operating profit

541

793

South Africa

356

482

Colombia

228

358

Projects and corporate

(43)

(47)

735

972

Capital expenditure

217

266

Share of Group underlying operating profit

                     8%

                      13%

Attributable return on capital employed %          

                   23%

                      35%

 

(1) Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details.

 

Financial and operational overview

Thermal Coal generated an underlying operating profit of $541 million, a 32% decrease over the prior year, primarily driven by lower average export thermal coal prices, partly offset by the impact of the weaker South African rand. Business performance was also affected by a 32 day strike at Cerrejón in the first quarter.

Safety and environment

Sadly, three colleagues lost their lives while working at Thermal Coal operations in South Africa. One contractor was also fatally injured at Cerrejón, in Colombia. Thorough incident investigations were conducted to ensure that the root causes of these incidents are understood, addressed and shared across the Group.

Over the past five years, Thermal Coal has continued to improve its performance in relation to injuries, which is reflected in the 42% reduction in lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) from 0.31 in 2008 to the current 0.18. Cerrejón achieved an LTIFR of 0.16, the lowest in the operation's history.

Thermal Coal's energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) and water footprints are managed through the implementation of Anglo American's WETT and ECO2MAN programmes, and energy and GHG levels are trending well below business as usual projections.

Markets

Anglo American weighted average achieved sales prices ($/tonne)

2013

2012

South Africa export thermal coal (FOB)

77

92

South Africa domestic thermal coal

19

21

Colombia export thermal coal (FOB)

73

89

 

Attributable sales volumes ('000 tonnes)

2013

2012

South Africa export thermal coal

17,502

17,151

South Africa domestic thermal coal(1)

39,044

40,110

Colombia export thermal coal

11,152

10,926

 

(1)  Includes domestic metallurgical coal of 91,800 tonnes in 2012.

 

International seaborne demand continues to grow (7% to 961 Mt); however the supply response to date has kept pace with demand. In 2013, the international thermal coal seaborne market remained in oversupply, despite supply disruptions that included the effects of industrial action in Colombia. This has kept prices suppressed and discouraged investment.

Thermal coal prices generally continued their declining trend over the year, although with some volatility. Delivered prices into Europe (API2) fell below $75/tonne in June, their lowest in three years, before regaining some lost ground with a fourth quarter average price of $84.3/tonne. The average API2 price index was $81.5/tonne for the year. The average API4 (FOB, Richards Bay) index price also fell below $75/tonne in June, while the average for the year fell by approximately 14% to $80/tonne (2012: $93/tonne) to close at $85/tonne (2012: $89/tonne).

Generally, the lower prices have forced producers to seek productivity gains and ramp up volumes in order to reduce unit costs. In conjunction with newly commissioned infrastructure projects, this has resulted in strong supply-side performance from various export countries. Depreciation of the Australian dollar and South African rand, which declined by 6% and 18% respectively against the US dollar, provided some relief for producers.

Asia accounted for 75% of South African thermal coal shipments, 3% lower than 2012. South African thermal coal shipments out of RBCT reached a record high of 70.2 Mt, an increase of 3% over the prior year (2012: 68.3 Mt), bolstered by Transnet Freight Rail (TFR)'s improved performance. TFR also had a record calendar year with 70.5 Mt railed to RBCT, a 3% improvement over 2012 (68.5 Mt).

Operating performance

Attributable production ('000 tonnes)

2013

2012

South Africa export thermal coal

17,031

17,132

Colombia export thermal coal

11,002

11,549

South Africa Eskom coal

33,567

33,706

South Africa domestic other(1)

5,992

6,293

 

(1) Includes domestic metallurgical coal of 74,100 tonnes for 2012.

 

South Africa

Underlying operating profit from South African operations decreased by 26% to $356 million, driven by 16% lower average export thermal coal prices, partially offset by the impact of the weaker South African rand (2013: $/ZAR 9.65, 2012: $/ZAR 8.21). However, the continuation of cost control measures has contained cost increases in line with CPI in local currency terms, despite above-CPI increases for several major cost components.

Export production at 17.0 Mt was in line with the prior year with a 13% improvement in performance at Greenside offset by lower production at Goedehoop, owing to challenging mining conditions, and Landau following the slower than anticipated plant ramp-up following maintenance.

Colombia

At Cerrejón, underlying operating profit of $228 million was 36% down on 2012, owing to the impact of lower thermal coal prices, partly offset by significant cost efficiencies (8% lower than 2012) and marginally higher sales volumes of 11.2 Mt as the operation recovered strongly from the 32 day strike in the first quarter.

Projects

In South Africa, the 11 Mtpa New Largo project has reached the feasibility stage gate and engagement with Eskom to finalise the coal supply agreements is ongoing. The project is expected to be presented for board approval once the necessary permits have been obtained for both the first and second stages of the project and the coal supply and other commercial agreements have been concluded.

The Cerrejón expansion project (P40), to increase the port and logistics chain capacity to handle a total mine output of 40 Mtpa (an additional 8.0 Mtpa), is progressing on schedule and budget.



 

Outlook

Demand for seaborne thermal coal is forecast to remain strong, driven mainly by strong growth in Asia with China and India remaining the key markets. Atlantic demand is likely to be steady in the short term as new coal-fired capacity is being offset by the closure, in certain cases at the insistence of regulators, of older power stations.

The significant tonnages of domestic coal produced by China and India, the two largest thermal coal import markets, will continue to act as a restraint on imported coal prices, a situation likely to be exacerbated as domestic producers adjust their prices to stay competitive against imported coal.



BASE METALS & MINERALS - COPPER

$ million

(unless otherwise stated)

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Underlying operating profit

1,739

1,736

2,402

2,288

Capital expenditure

1,011

1,214

Share of Group underlying operating profit

26%

28%

Attributable return on capital employed %(2)        

25%

29%

 

(1) Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details.

(2) Removing outstanding tax liabilities relating to the AA Sur divestment in 2012 and 2013, copper attributable ROCE would fall to 24% in 2012, and 24% in 2013.

Financial and operational overview

Copper generated an underlying operating profit of $1,739 million, in line with the prior year. Higher sales volumes from Los Bronces and Collahuasi, leading to lower unit costs were offset by the decline in the average realised copper price. Operating profit also benefited from lower power prices, exploration and study costs.

In September 2013, Anglo American gave notice of its decision to withdraw from the Pebble copper project in Alaska. As a result, the investment in Pebble was written off in full, resulting in a charge of $311 million including exit costs.

Safety and environment

During the year, Copper recorded a single loss of life arising from a height-related incident at its Mantos Blancos operation. The lost-time injury frequency rate was unchanged at 0.20. The business's safety endeavours continue to concentrate on risk and change management, learning from incidents and contractor management processes.

Water supply is one of the major challenges for our operations and process optimisation continues in order to minimise water consumption. The recirculation system at Los Bronces is now recycling 100% of processed water and several new water supply projects at Los Bronces were implemented during the year. Significant progress has also been made on the Mantoverde desalination plant, which is expected to start delivering water to the operation in the first quarter of 2014. As a result of the initiatives, water savings of 44% have been delivered compared to business as usual.

Ongoing reviews by our operations have highlighted challenges from an environmental standpoint where we are evaluating potential environmental impacts generated by our operations or where we have not sufficiently implemented measures to compensate. These are primarily centered around mine affected water quality and back log in reforestation programs per original permit conditions. These anomalies are being addressed in conjunction with the environmental agencies.

Copper's social development strategy aims to deliver a lasting, net-positive benefit to its host communities, notably in the fields of education and local economic development. One notable programme is the Emerge enterprise development programme, for which the government of Chile awarded Copper with the prestigious 'More for Chile' award. This initiative, begun in 2006, has supported more than 40,000 entrepreneurs, of whom more than 80% are women. In Peru, the business has made a substantial contribution to early education through its programme of working with children aged nought to three, as well as with their mothers and fathers in order to improve parenting skills.



 

Markets

Average price

2013

2012

Average market prices (c/lb)

332

361

Average realised prices (c/lb)

326

364

 

The copper price rose at the start of 2013 to a high of 374 c/lb, buoyed by Chinese buying ahead of the Lunar New Year and a temporary resolution to the fiscal stalemate in the US. Underwhelming macro-economic data releases and a sharp rise in LME inventories followed, which resulted in prices retreating to 301 c/lb by the end of June. A hot summer in China, increasing financial demand and tightness in the scrap market then underpinned a modest recovery. However, strong mine supply and surging concentrate imports began to weigh on sentiment by November, with prices falling back to 314c/lb, before ending the year at     335 c/lb. For the full year, the realised price averaged 326 c/lb, a decrease of 10% compared with 2012. This included a negative provisional price adjustment of $92 million versus a positive adjustment of $47 million for 2012.

Operating performance

Attributable production (tonnes)

2013

2012

Copper

774,800

659,700

 

Attributable copper production of 774,800 tonnes was 17% higher than in 2012, driven by improved operating performance at Los Bronces and Collahuasi.

Production at Los Bronces was 14% higher at 416,300 tonnes, owing to continued strong throughput performance. Reduced mine congestion and de-bottlenecking at the primary crushers has improved continuity of ore supply and throughput at both processing plants. Improvements implemented in the Confluencia milling and flotation processes have also resulted in higher recoveries. Mine development continues, with the initial opening of the next two phases of ore supply completed during the period. Large-scale mining equipment is now in place in these phases, with development stripping accelerating in the second half of 2013.

At Collahuasi, production increased by 58%, with Anglo American's attributable output climbing to 195,600 tonnes. Following the SAG 3 stator motor replacement and repowering in the second quarter of the year, plant stability and mill throughput performance have improved significantly. Production also benefited from higher than planned grades.

Production at El Soldado decreased by 4% to 51,500 tonnes, owing to lower grades. The development of the next major phase of ore supply has slowed as mining activities intersected a geological fault, impacting ore availability in the last quarter of the year. The lack of ore has been partially mitigated by the processing of slag from the nearby Chagres smelter.

Production at Mantoverde decreased by 9% owing to lower grades, while Mantos Blancos production was in line with the prior year.

During 2013, Copper undertook a full review of its contracted services processes, identifying a number of improvements which are now being implemented. Cost savings have already started to be realised and the benefits are expected to increase.

Projects

In Peru the Quellaveco project was evaluated as part of the Group asset review, which resulted in a decision to reconfigure the project so that its economic returns are more robust. A final review of the project is expected during 2015. During the intervening period, work will continue on the project site aimed mainly at progressing the Asana river diversion tunnel along with various social and community programmes, thereby solidifying the already high social support for the project.

In the Los Bronces District, the conceptual study of the Los Sulfatos deposit has commenced and the permits required to start sub-surface hydrogeological drilling were received in the final quarter of 2013.

Outlook

Production levels in 2014 are expected to be impacted by lower ore grades at Los Bronces and Collahuasi. At Los Bronces, costs are expected to rise as a result of ongoing mine development, along with restoring mine flexibility. At El Soldado, the lack of ore availability is expected to result in a decrease in production over the next two years before recovering in 2016.

Challenges remain in managing continuing industry-wide input cost pressures; however the contracted services review conducted in 2013 is expected to alleviate some of this pressure. Ongoing market concerns arising from uncertainties over the near term outlook for the global economy and new supply coming on line may lead to short term volatility in the copper price. The long term fundamentals for copper, however, remain strong, predominantly driven by robust demand from the emerging economies and supply constraints owing to ageing mines and steadily declining average grades.

BASE METALS & MINERALS - NICKEL

$ million

(unless otherwise stated)

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Underlying operating (loss)/profit

(44)

26

Underlying EBITDA

(37)

50

Capital expenditure(2)

(28)

100

Share of Group underlying operating profit

(0.7)%

                        0.4%

Attributable return on capital employed %          

(2)%

                         1%

 

(1) Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details.

(2)  In 2013, cash capital expenditure for Nickel of $76 million is offset by the capitalisation of $104 million of net operating cash inflows generated by Barro Alto which has not yet reached commercial production.

 

Financial and operational overview

Nickel reported an underlying operating loss of $44 million. The 2012 underlying operating profit of $26 million included a self-insurance recovery of $57 million, in addition to which 2013 underlying operating profit was affected by a 14% decline in the LME nickel price and increased discounts arising from weaker market conditions, compensated in part by reductions in corporate and project spend. The underlying operating result for Barro Alto continues to be capitalised.

A more challenging market outlook, the need for furnace rebuilding and updated operational planning has led to a reduced valuation for Barro Alto, for which an impairment, post tax, of $529 million (relating to a value-in-use carrying value assessment) and write-off of $195 million (relating to existing furnace equipment which is to be rebuilt) were recognised in 2013.

Safety and environment

Nickel operated without any loss of life in 2013, but recorded a 55% deterioration in lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) to 0.17 (2012: 0.11). This prompted an increased focus on risk and change management and on preventing incidents during the upcoming rebuild and maintenance stoppages.

There has been good progress towards the business' 2015 environmental targets, with initiatives delivering water savings of 2.6 million m3, energy savings of 3.3 million GJ and CO2 savings of 37,000 tonnes since 2011.

Markets

Average price

2013

2012

Average market price (c/lb)

680

794

Average realised price (c/lb)(1)

646

771

 

(1) Realised prices are now reported inclusive of Barro Alto sales. This has led to the restatement of the 2012 realised price from 765 c/lb to 771 c/lb.

 

After increasing moderately to 804 c/lb, LME nickel prices fell to a low of 622 c/lb in July owing to economic concerns. These price declines led to a reduction in demand owing to the way in which stainless steel producers pass on raw material costs to their buyers with a one month lag. Further pressure came from the impact of increasing new nickel supply, most notably nickel pig iron in China.

The nickel market recorded a surplus of 102,000 tonnes for the year compared with a surplus of 48,000 tonnes in 2012. Nickel consumption increased by 9.1% to 1.9 million tonnes, but supply also rose following the ramping up of a number of new nickel plants. The growth in conventional supply was lower than expected as a result of problems at a number of new operations.

 

 

Operating performance

Attributable nickel production (tonnes)

2013

2012

Nickel

34,400

39,300

 

Nickel production decreased by 12% to 34,400 tonnes, primarily as a consequence of the cessation of mining and production activities at Loma de Níquel.

Barro Alto produced 25,100 tonnes of nickel in 2013, 16% higher than 2012. This increase reflects improved operational stability in the second half of the year, following the planned line 2 sidewall rebuild and subsequent metal run-out in the first half.

Despite this improvement, equipment sensitivities remain. Barro Alto's furnace rebuild was a focus in the second half of the year, with evaluation of the optimal design and construction scenario, as well as early engineering activities now well progressed. The first rebuild is expected to commence in late 2014.

Codemin produced 9,300 tonnes of nickel in 2013, slightly lower than 2012, as a result of a planned decline in grade.

Outlook

Production in 2014 is expected to be similar to 2013, as close monitoring of Barro Alto facilitates greater operational stability in advance of the furnace rebuilds. The first rebuild is expected to commence in late 2014 and the second in late 2015, with the rebuilds and associated ramp-ups fully completed during 2016. We currently expect production at Barro Alto and Codemin to be between 20,000 and 25,000 tonnes in 2015 and between 35,000 and 38,000 tonnes in 2016, although this forecast may be revised as the Barro Alto rebuild timetable is finalised.

 

Short term prices are expected to remain under pressure owing to the prevailing macro-economic environment and ramp up of new nickel supply. If the change in Indonesian government policy (announced in early 2014) to ban nickel ore exports is sustained, this will tighten the nickel market and support strengthening prices. In any event, medium to longer term nickel prices are expected to improve owing to forecast demand growth outstripping that of supply.



BASE METALS & MINERALS - NIOBIUM & PHOSPHATES

$ million

(unless otherwise stated)

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Underlying operating profit

150

169

Niobium

89

81

Phosphates

79

91

Projects and corporate

(18)

(3)

176

196

Capital expenditure

237

94

Share of Group underlying operating profit

                      2%

3%

Attributable return on capital employed %          

                  24%

32%

 

(1) Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details.

 

Financial and operational overview

Operating profit decreased by 11% to $150 million with lower realised sales prices at both Niobium and Phosphates and higher study costs in the year, partly offset by lower cash costs and the positive impact of the weaker Brazilian real on operating costs.

Safety and environment

During 2013, no fatal incidents were recorded in our Niobium and Phosphates business, which also saw a marginal improvement in the lost-time injury frequency rate to 0.31 (2012: 0.39).

Detailed investigations of these incidents revealed that the root causes related largely to inadequate risk assessment and inadequate change management processes. The outcomes of these investigations, coupled with those conducted for medium and high potential incidents and existing safety priorities, resulted in a renewed focus on risk management training, a refinement of operational risk management procedures, and specific initiatives to address transportation risks, improve learning from incidents and increase safety communications.

Greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption were higher in the year, mainly owing to changes in the Brazilian energy matrix. The consumption volume remained approximately level with 2012, but the CO2 conversion factor, as advised by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, was increased in the year. Specific initiatives to reduce natural gas consumption at Cubatão's Dicalcium Phosphate unit resulted in a 31,135 GJ saving, while the phosphoric acid plants in Cubatão and Catalão achieved a combined 14,300 GJ reduction in electricity consumption.

Water consumption was marginally reduced owing to increased recycling, from 8.30 Mm3 in 2012 to 8.27 Mm3 in 2013.

Markets

Niobium

In 2013, our Niobium business exported 4,675 tonnes of niobium, representing an increase of 11% over the previous year. However, the average realised price was $39 per kg of niobium, a reduction of 5% compared with the $41 per kg achieved in 2012.

Demand for niobium decreased by 5% owing to the lacklustre pace of recovery in the European markets and tighter economic policies in China. In response to strong competition from producers in Brazil and Canada, putting downward pressure on prices, the Niobium business developed a more diversified geographical sales portfolio in order to capitalise on spot supply opportunities in other countries such as South Korea, Turkey, India, the UAE and Taiwan.

 

Phosphates

Global demand for phosphates decreased during 2013, mainly as a result of high inventories, adverse weather conditions in the US which affected the timing of crop planting, exchange rate fluctuations, and by a reduction in the phosphates subsidy offered to farmers in India. Although some major phosphate suppliers reduced their output in response to the weaker demand environment, prices for the year as a whole were subdued, with an average monoammonium phosphate (MAP) price of $494/tonne, a 16% reduction over 2012.

Demand for phosphate fertilisers in Brazil totalled approximately 11.8 Mt in 2013, a 7% increase, mainly owing to increased production of soybean and corn crops. Domestic production of phosphate fertiliser products was 1% lower at 7.3 Mt, resulting in the levels of imported intermediate fertilisers reaching 5 Mt, an increase of approximately 20%. Brazil is running a high inventory position following a strong import programme in the first half of 2013, with stocks at year end of 1.9 Mt estimated to be approximately 27% higher than the prior year.

Operating performance

Niobium

Underlying operating profit of $89 million was 10% higher than in 2012, with higher sales volumes, lower cash costs and the positive impact of the weaker Brazilian real on operating costs, partly offset by lower realised sales prices and increased study costs.

Production of 4,500 tonnes was 2% higher, as throughput and recovery improvements offset the decline in ore quality.

Phosphates

Underlying operating profit decreased by 13% to $79 million, with lower selling prices and higher study costs only partly offset by lower labour and sulphur costs and the positive impact of the weaker Brazilian real on operating costs.

Fertiliser production increased by 6% to 1,199,000 tonnes, owing to improved performance following optimised maintenance scheduling, increased plant availability and enhanced performance at the acidulation and granulation plants.

Projects

Niobium

The Boa Vista Fresh Rock project continued to progress and is expected to start production later in 2014. The project includes the construction of a new upstream plant that will enable continuity of the Catalão site through processing the Fresh Rock ore body. Production capacity will increase to approximately 6,500 tonnes of niobium per year (2013: 4,500 tonnes), allowing use of the full plant capacity. Both Niobium and Phosphates have a series of smaller optimisation projects to improve plant capacity and productivity and to release the full potential of the reserve base, including upstream and downstream de-bottlenecking projects and tailings initiatives. The upstream project is expected to contribute to production in 2014, while the downstream projects will deliver additional volumes in 2016. The tailings initiatives will increase niobium production through the recovery of waste from Goiás II.

Phosphates

Goiás II is a brownfield project that aims to double the production of phosphate fertiliser concentrate at the same site through the doubling of plant capacity and is expected to increase the production of high analysis fertilizers to 7,225 ktpa by 2018. Goiás II represents an opportunity to capture market share that is currently supplied by imports. A conceptual study for the project was developed towards the end of 2012, and is expected to enter the feasibility stage in 2014.



Outlook

Niobium

The three main niobium producers have all announced brownfield expansion plans though none is expected to be producing at full capacity in 2014. Demand for niobium is expected to increase by around 5% in line with the expected increase in production of crude steel and niobium bearing alloys in the final product mix of steel.

The outlook for 2014 is expected to be more positive owing to continued gradual recovery in the major economies, with growth still driven by China and India and a moderate recovery in the US and Japan.

Phosphates

The fertiliser market is expected to show some improvement in both demand and prices in 2014, driven by a return to more normal levels of demand following adverse weather conditions in the US which affected the timing of crop planting, and a reduction in the phosphates subsidy offered to farmers in India in 2013.

PLATINUM

$ million

(unless otherwise stated)

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Underlying operating profit/(loss)

464

(120)

Underlying EBITDA

1,048

580

Capital expenditure

608

822

Share of Group underlying operating profit

                     7%

                        (2)%

Attributable return on capital employed %          

                    6%

                        (2)%

 

(1) Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details.

 

Financial and operational overview

Platinum recorded an underlying operating profit of $464 million in 2013, compared with an underlying operating loss of $120 million in 2012. This was primarily due to a weaker average South African rand against the dollar and an increase in sales volumes, which were partly offset by lower realised basket prices, and cost increases.

Cash operating costs per equivalent refined platinum ounce increased by 4% to ZAR17,053 (2012: ZAR16,364), primarily owing to increases in the costs of labour, electricity, diesel and key inputs of processing operations, partly offset by higher production. Productivity, however, increased by 9% to 6.57m2 (2012: 6.05m2).

Safety and environment

Platinum recorded its best ever safety performance, however, six employees sadly lost their lives on company operations during 2013. The company extends its sincere condolences to their families, friends and colleagues. Four fatal injuries were due to falls of ground and one involved moving machinery. The final incident is still under investigation to determine whether this was work-related or not. The company's safety performance has shown very encouraging progress since 2007, with fatal injury and lost-time injury frequency rates declining by 60% and 49%, respectively.

The proactive management of safety risks has resulted in a continued fall in safety stoppages from the high in 2011, though the number of Section 54s remained level with 2012, at 72. In addition, 46,261 ounces of production were lost as a result of safety stoppages (2012: 17,000 ounces), though this was well below 138,000 ounces in 2011.

Potable water used for primary and non-primary activities decreased by 6% to 17.3 million m3 (2012: 18.4 million m3). The decrease in potable water consumption was influenced mainly by the consistent use of treated sewage water at Rustenburg operations to offset the use of potable water. Platinum remains committed to striving towards zero use of potable water for industrial purposes.

There was one material environmental incident in 2013, with the occurrence of a a tailings spillage from the Blinkwater tailings dam at Mogalakwena mine. The incident, now contained and at an advanced stage of clean-up, affected the Mohlosane river for 2.5 kilometres. The incident was caused by void tunnelling in the tailings dam starter wall, and solutions have been put in place to prevent a recurrence.

Markets

In 2013, gross global platinum demand increased by 507,000 ounces, or 6.3%, as increases in industrial and investment demand more than offset declines from the autocatalyst and jewellery sectors. Primary platinum supply grew by 60,000 ounces, or 1%, as increased supply from South Africa and Zimbabwe exceeded declines in Russia and North America. Secondary supplies from recycled autocatalyst, jewellery and industrial scrap decreased by 29,000 ounces, or 1%, resulting in a 0.4% increase in gross global platinum supply of 31,000 ounces. The resultant platinum deficit of 856,000 ounces was satisfied by cumulative above-ground stocks at market prices during the course of the year.

Gross global palladium demand decreased by 437,000 ounces, or 4%, as reduced demand from the jewellery, industrial and investment sectors far exceeded the increase in autocatalyst demand. Primary palladium supply reduced by 160,000 ounces, or 3%, as the reduction in supply from Russia and the rest of world more than offset the increases from South Africa, Zimbabwe and North America. Secondary supplies from recycled autocatalyst, jewellery and industrial scrap increased by 179,000 ounces, or 8%, resulting in flat gross global palladium supply. The resultant palladium deficit for the year of 621,000 ounces was also satisfied by cumulative above-ground stocks at market prices during the year.

In 2013, gross global rhodium demand increased by 19,000 ounces, or 2%. Although autocatalyst demand remained flat, this was more than compensated by increases in industrial and investment demand. Primary supply decreased by 3% and secondary supply increased by 9%, keeping gross supply flat and with a resultant market deficit of 9,000 ounces.

Autocatalysts

Global light vehicle sales grew by 3.8% in 2013, to 84.2 million units, driven by growth in China and North America, offset by declines in India, Russia and Europe. Gross demand for platinum in autocatalysis declined by 5%, owing largely to lower vehicle production in the diesel-dominant Indian and European markets. Palladium use in autocatalysis increased by 3%, in line with global growth in gasoline vehicle production, with an increase in palladium purchases for autocatalysis in China offsetting weakness in other markets. Gross rhodium use in autocatalysis was flat in 2013, as the increase in Chinese demand was offset by weakness in other markets.

Jewellery

The Chinese platinum jewellery market accounted for 67% of gross global jewellery demand in 2013, and is positioned to grow as disposable income increases and the effective market development by PGI continues. Platinum jewellery sales in China continued to benefit from the narrow price premium to gold; gross demand, however, decreased by 5%. The weak platinum price also reduced the volume of jewellery recycled, resulting in flat net demand. The much smaller markets of Europe, North America and India all increased in 2013, and this, combined with lower Japanese recycled volumes, saw net global platinum jewellery demand increase by 86,000 ounces, or 5%.

Industrial

In 2013, platinum use in industrial applications increased by 250,000 ounces, or 14%, owing to growth in electrical and glass applications.

Palladium industrial use declined by 146,000 ounces as increased substitution by base metals in electronic capacitors and by ceramics in dentistry exceeded palladium's increased use in polyester manufacture.

In 2013, industrial use for rhodium increased by 9,000 ounces, or 6%, following inventory changes in glass manufacture and capacity increases in oxo-alcohol and acetic acid manufacture.

Investment

Platinum investment demand increased by 457,000 ounces, or 102%, owing to the rand-denominated platinum ETF launched in April 2013. Palladium investment demand declined by 451,000 ounces, or 98%, as a result of ETF disinvestment. Rhodium investment demand increased by 8,000 ounces, or 20%.

Operating performance

Production

Equivalent refined platinum production totalled 2.32 million ounces, up 5% on 2012. Platinum's own mines, including Western Limb Tailings Retreatment, produced 1.5 million of equivalent refined platinum ounces, which was 2% higher year on year but in line with the company's strategy.

Production at Khomanani mine, Khuseleka 2 shaft and Union North decline was suspended in August 2013, in line with the proposed restructuring plans. The resources from these mines have now been integrated into the surrounding operations. As a result of these initiatives, 250,000 ounces of annualised unprofitable production have been removed.

The industrial action at Platinum's mining operations from 27 September 2013 to 10 October 2013 resulted in a loss of platinum production of 44,000 ounces. The company quickly ramped up to full production following the strike, with little further loss of production.

Production at the Western Limb operations (Rustenburg, Union and Amandelbult mines) was affected by the industrial action during the second half of 2013. In addition, platinum production at Tumela and Dishaba mines decreased by 2% year on year owing to shortages of production crews and supervisors. The redeployment of labour programme following the placement of mines on care and maintenance was completed in the final quarter of the year and benefits arising from resulting productivity improvements should be seen in 2014.

Production at the Rustenburg mines increased by 12,700 ounces, or 3 %, while output from Union mines declined by 9%. At Mogalakwena mine, output increased by 12% to a record 335,800 ounces(1) following higher throughput at the concentrators and improved head grade. Equivalent refined platinum production at Unki increased by 2% to 63,200 ounces as the mine bettered its ramp-up schedule, reaching steady state production levels ahead of expectations.

Refined platinum production at 2.4 million ounces, remained constant year on year, primarily due to increased feed from mining operations and improved performance at the Anglo American Platinum Converting Process (ACP) plant which has been operating at a steady state level since production issues caused by a high-pressure leak were resolved at the end of the second quarter of 2013. Refined production of palladium was relatively flat year on year, decreasing by 1%, while rhodium decreased by 5%. Palladium and rhodium variances are a result of a different source mix from operations and different pipeline processing times for each metal. Nickel production saw a 28% increase as technical challenges in the new nickel tank house are being resolved and as ramp up continues.

Projects

In an environment of capital austerity, careful consideration is taken to determine how projects are prioritised in line with the company's strategy to increase scrutiny over capital allocation. Projects including the development of Twickenham and expansion of production capacity at Mogalakwena mine are in line with the longer term strategy of increasing shallow, mechanised and lower cost production and continue to be progressed.

Outlook

The global platinum market is expected to remain balanced in the short term, with increasing deficits over the medium term as steady demand growth in autocatalyst, jewellery and industrial applications exceeds growth in supply from secondary recycled sources and capital-constrained mining supply. The platinum price remains below sustainable incentive levels despite significant reductions in cumulative above-ground stocks in 2012 and 2013. The record high in platinum investment demand from ETFs, bars and coins in 2013 is unlikely to be repeated and some disinvestment from the greater than 850,000 oz holding in the South Africa based ETF should not be ruled out.

 

Continued deficits in the palladium market are likely in the short and medium term owing to increased production of gasoline vehicles and supply growth being limited by platinum supply constraints. Above ground stocks of palladium are estimated to be far higher than those of platinum; however, demand growth is expected to more than offset the negative price sentiment associated with elevated stock levels.

 

Following the implementation of the portfolio review, Platinum is expected to keep baseline production flat at 2.3 to 2.4 million platinum ounces in 2014, with production lost from the mines closed in 2013 offset by production from higher margin operations through the implementation of various operational improvement plans. Platinum continues to aim to align output with expected demand, and to maintain flexibility to meet potential improvements in demand.

 

Cost inflation will remain a challenge in 2014, as the inflationary pressures from above inflation wage increases and electricity increases in particular, offset the cost reductions realised following the Platinum restructuring. As of 11 December 2013, Platinum settled on a two-year wage agreement with NUM and UASA at an average wage increase of 8.1% for the period. Negotiations with AMCU and NUMSA are continuing, with the related current strike impacting production. Cash unit costs are estimated to increase to around R18,000-R19,000 per equivalent refined platinum ounce for 2014.

(1) Includes 16Koz produced at the Messina Baobab plant as part of a toll concentrating agreement.

Platinum's project portfolio has been aligned with the proposals of the business restructuring, and capital expenditure guidance will be ZAR6 billion to ZAR7.3 billion for 2014, excluding pre-production costs, capitalised waste stripping and interest.

DIAMONDS

$ million

(unless otherwise stated)

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Underlying operating profit

1,003

474

1,451

712

Capital expenditure

551

161

Share of Group underlying operating profit

                    15%

 8%

Attributable return on capital employed %          

                   11%

  10%

 

(1)   Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details. Amounts based on the Group's 45% shareholding to 16 August 2012 (except for capital expenditure as defined) and a 100% basis thereafter. De Beers' 2012 attributable ROCE contains 8 months with DeBeers as an associate at 45% subsidiary, and 4 months as a fully consolidated entity with shareholding at 85%.

Financial and operational overview

De Beers' operating profit totalled $1,003 million, an increase of 112% compared with 2012, driven by the Group's increased shareholding and a greater than 35% improvement in the underlying results of the business. The improvement reflected higher sales revenues and tight cost control, which benefited from favourable exchange rate movements.

Markets

Despite global macro-economic uncertainty, diamond jewellery sales increased in local currency terms in all major diamond markets, except India. In India, challenging economic conditions and a devaluation of the rupee resulted in a decline in demand. The US market posted positive growth, with a generally strong holiday season in the fourth quarter. China continued to show positive growth rates, but at levels consistent with slower economic development.

Although the De Beers rough price index increased slightly in the first half, a combination of weaker polished prices, high levels of stock in the cutting centres and tightening liquidity resulted in some of this increase being reversed in the second half. The price decrease, together with an increase in polished sales, saw the rough market stabilise and start to improve toward the end of the year.

Safety, health and environment

De Beers operated without any loss of life in 2013 and improved its lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) considerably from 0.32 in 2012 to 0.19 in 2013. The company continues to improve its monitoring of leading indicators to ensure an increasingly proactive response to emerging risks.

In 2013, 14 new cases of occupational disease were reported. The occupational disease incidence rate remains well below the target of 1 per 200,000 man-hours worked, with the biggest issue being noise-induced hearing loss. The company continues to focus on occupational hygiene management, as well as on efforts to ensure fitness to work, occupational exposure control, incident reporting and reducing absenteeism arising from illness.

Operating performance

Mining and manufacturing

De Beers' full year production increased by 12% to 31.2 million carats (2012: 27.9 million carats) with improvements across all regions, particularly in Botswana and Canada.

In Botswana, higher production was driven by Jwaneng's recovery from the slope failure in June 2012, which followed completion of the remediation programme in the third quarter. Production at Orapa was slightly higher than 2012, despite unplanned maintenance on plant No. 1, which returned to full operation in October.

In South Africa, full production was restored at Venetia after the mine was impacted by very heavy flooding in the Limpopo province at the start of the year. Shortfalls in ore mined were mitigated by the processing of ore stockpiles. Production improved steadily in the third quarter, with full recovery by the fourth quarter.

In Canada, performance at Snap Lake improved significantly, with carats recovered up approximately 50% as a result of a focus on throughput and mining efficiency. At Victor, carat recovery exceeded expectations and was broadly in line with the prior year.

In Namibia, Debmarine Namibia performed strongly, largely due to the contribution of the MV Mafuta following its production upgrade in early 2013. Namdeb also performed well, with carat recovery higher than in 2012.

While Element Six experienced a challenging start to the year, performance improved in the second half, driven by the introduction of new products and a continued focus on cost control. In July, Element Six opened its Global Innovation Centre in the UK. The centre is the world's largest and most sophisticated synthetic diamond research and development facility, and will be a key enabler for growth in 2014 and beyond.

Sales

Sales increased slightly to $6.4 billion in 2013 (2012: $6.1 billion on a comparable basis). De Beers' rough diamond price index has increased 2% since the start of the year, while average realised rough diamond prices were 5% higher, driven by the product mix.

De Beers successfully completed the migration of its sales activities from London to Botswana ahead of schedule, hosting international Sights in Gaborone in November and December.

Brands

Forevermark saw strong growth in 2013, with door numbers up by 39% on 2012. This growth was driven primarily by the core markets of the US, China, Japan and India. The brand is now available at more than 1,200 retail partners in 12 markets. Since the launch of Forevermark, more than 870,000 diamonds have received the Forevermark inscription and unique identification number. The inscription is a promise that each diamond has met the brand's high standards of quality, ethical integrity and provenance.

De Beers Diamond Jewellers opened new directly operated stores in Shanghai and Hong Kong's Times Square. Through franchise partnerships it also opened stores in Kuala Lumpur, Baku, Vancouver and Kiev.

Projects

In Botswana, infrastructure construction at Debswana's Jwaneng Cut-8 project is complete. Cut-8 will provide access to an estimated 96 million tonnes of ore to be treated, containing approximately 113 million carats of mainly high quality diamonds, and extend the life of one of the world's richest diamond mines to at least 2028.(1)

In South Africa, the first blast took place in September 2013 for the construction of an underground mine beneath the open pit at Venetia. With capital investment of $2 billion, this represents De Beers' largest ever investment in South Africa. Underground mine production is expected to start in 2021 and will extend the life of the mine to beyond 2040. The life of mine plan will treat approximately 129 million tonnes of ore, containing an estimated 94 million carats.(2)

In Canada, the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board approved a pioneer Land Use Permit for Gahcho Kué, which allows land-based site works to commence in preparation for deliveries planned for the 2014 winter road season.

Outlook

De Beers expects a slight strengthening in growth in diamond jewellery demand in 2014, driven by continued gradual improvements in the global economic outlook. The US and China are expected to continue to be the main engines of growth for polished diamonds, while most other markets are expected to show positive growth in local currency, with final dollar denominated results being partly dependent on currency fluctuations. Rough diamond manufacturers, in India in particular, face continued pressures regarding levels of bank financing. In India, further volatility of the rupee may potentially affect rough diamond sales. In the medium to long term, industry fundamentals are expected to strengthen as diamond production plateaus and demand continues to increase.

(1)  Scheduled Inferred Resources (below 401 metres) included in the Cut-8 estimates constitute 77% (86.7 Mct) of the estimated carats. Not all inferred resources may be upgraded to reserves, even after additional drilling. The numbers given are scheduled tonnes and carats as per the 2013 life-of-mine plan.

(2) The current mining rights expire in 2038; Venetia mine will apply to extend the mining rights at the appropriate time in the future. Scheduled Inferred Resources constitute 28% (26.3 Mct) of the estimated carats. Not all inferred resources may be upgraded to reserves, even after additional drilling. The numbers given are scheduled tonnes and carats as per the 2013 life-of-mine plan.

OTHER MINING & INDUSTRIAL

$ million

(unless otherwise stated)

Year ended

31 Dec 2013

Year ended

31 Dec 2012(1)

Underlying operating (loss)/profit

(13)

168

Underlying EBITDA

81

289

Capital expenditure

53

171

Share of Group underlying operating profit

(0.2)%

3%

 

(1) Certain balances related to 2012 have been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 1 to the Condensed financial statements for details.

Amapá

Amapá recorded a nil underlying operating profit for the 10 months to the completion of the divestment of the operation on 1 November 2013. All profits and losses generated by Amapá from the signing of the sales agreement at the end of 2012 to completion were for the account of the purchaser and therefore the underlying operating loss of $7 million incurred in the period has been excluded from the Group results. The loss of $7 million (2012: $54 million profit) was mainly due to the suspension of export shipments following the event on 28 March 2013 (see below). The reversal of penalty provisions, as a result of contract renegotiations, which had a beneficial impact on 2012 underlying operating profit, was not repeated in 2013.

On 28 March 2013, a major geological event occurred which resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, with a further two people still missing, as well as the loss of the Santana port operation of Amapá and the suspension of all export shipments. A detailed and independent technical investigation was conducted and a report was shared with the authorities and the investigation commissions in September 2013. The independent investigation report indicates that the incident was not caused by operational factors, but was a result of an unpredictable combination of factors, including geotechnical factors.

On 4 January 2013, Anglo American announced that it had reached an agreement to sell its 70% interest in Amapá to Zamin Ferrous Ltd (Zamin). Following the 28 March event, Anglo American entered into further discussions with its partner Cliffs Natural Resources (Cliffs) and Zamin. Anglo American subsequently entered into an agreement with Cliffs to acquire its 30% interest in Amapá, subject to certain conditions, and entered into an amended sale agreement with Zamin to reflect Anglo American's disposal of a 100% interest in Amapá to Zamin.

On 1 November 2013, Anglo American completed the acquisition from Cliffs and simultaneously completed the sale of the 100% interest in Amapá to Zamin for an initial total consideration of approximately $134 million, net of certain completion adjustments. In addition, Zamin will pay Anglo American conditional deferred consideration of up to a maximum of $130 million in total, payable over a five year period and calculated on the basis of the market price for iron ore. As part of the transaction, Anglo American has assumed responsibility for, and the risks and rewards of, certain insurance claims including those relating to the Santana port incident, through the purchase of the claims from Amapá at the full claim value 

Tarmac

Tarmac reported an underlying operating loss of $6 million, compared with a profit of $73 million in 2012. Tarmac's underlying EBITDA was $88 million, 41% lower than in 2012. The results of 2012 included 100% of the contribution from Tarmac Quarry Materials, which formed part of the Lafarge Tarmac joint venture with effect from 7 January 2013.

Building products

A significant improvement in trading performance was driven by higher sales volumes and continued focus on managing the cost base in order to enhance margins and reduce operating costs. Unlike in 2012, there was minimal disruption from poor weather, which enabled building activity to continue throughout the year. During 2013, the market improved in certain sectors, particularly housing, and forecasts indicate that this improvement will continue in 2014.

Middle East

The Middle East business experienced a lull in activity levels and profitability in 2013, following the completion of three major projects in 2012 and early 2013. The road building market remains extremely competitive due to new entrants over the past two to three years, while some customers are becoming competitors through developing their own in-house asphalt and surfacing capability. The outlook for 2014, however, is now more positive, as several major schemes have been approved across the region and the forward order book is strengthening. The business has continued to focus on managing down key costs by improved raw material procurement, productivity and energy consumption initiatives and rationalisation of the workforce.

Lafarge Tarmac joint venture

On 7 January 2013, following final clearance from the UK Competition Commission, Anglo American and Lafarge announced the completion of the transaction to create an incorporated joint venture known as Lafarge Tarmac.

The Group's share in the underlying operating profit for the newly formed joint venture was $9 million, but cannot be validly compared to 2012 due to the separations and combinations of the merger. Despite weaker markets and no surplus carbon credit sales, revenue from the continuing operations contributing to the joint venture increased as a result of higher year-on-year volumes across all key product lines. Although cement prices declined during the year, largely as a result of the entry of a new competitor, excellent progress has been made with the integration process, with synergy delivery of $38 million (100%), which was 23% above original expectations. Although selected market indicators are pointing towards an improvement in 2014, Lafarge Tarmac remains cautious about the underlying strength of recovery within the construction sector.

On 14 January 2014, the UK Competition Commission (CC) published its final report relating to the investigation into the aggregates, cement and ready mix concrete (RMX) markets. In this report the CC concluded that there were aspects of the cement markets that had adverse effects on competition. Accordingly it has determined that, amongst other remedies, Lafarge Tarmac is required to divest of a cement plant (either the Cauldon or Tunstead cement plants, plus relevant depots), and (if required by a prospective purchaser) a number of RMX plants. The CC has determined that the prospective purchaser cannot be one of the existing cement producers in Great Britain. Lafarge Tarmac disputes the conclusions of the CC and is reviewing its options taking into account the best interests of its employees, contractors, customers and shareholders.

 

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