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South32
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South32 Limited is a mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia. It was spun out of BHP Billiton on 18 May 2015.[1] It is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange with secondary listings on the Johannesburg and London Stock Exchanges.[2]

Key Information

Products

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The company is a producer of bauxite, alumina, aluminium, metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, copper, molybdenum, gold, silver, lead and zinc.[3]

Operations

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South32 has operations in Australia, South Africa, Mozambique, Colombia and the United States. In addition it has investments in an integrated aluminium business in Brazil and a copper and molybdenum mine in Chile.[4]

Australia

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Brazil

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Chile

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Colombia

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  • Cerro Matoso nickel mine and smelter in northern Colombia (99.94%)

Mozambique

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South Africa

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Exploratory semi-autonomous drilling at South32 Hermosa project in Patagonia, Arizona.

United States

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Former operations

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

South32

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from Grokipedia
South32 Limited is a globally diversified and metals company headquartered in Perth, , that produces commodities essential for global infrastructure, transport, and technology. Formed through the of non-core assets from BHP Group and approved by shareholders on 6 May 2015, with shares beginning to trade on the Australian Securities Exchange on 2 June 2015, the company focuses on sustainable resource development across multiple geographies. The company's portfolio includes operations in six countries across , southern Africa, and the , producing key metals and minerals such as alumina, , , silver, lead, , , and . Notable assets encompass the Worsley Alumina refinery and the Cannington silver-lead-zinc mine in ; the Hillside and Mozal aluminium smelters and multiple manganese operations in ; the Cerro Matoso nickel mine in (sale pending completion in late FY2026); and the Alumar alumina refinery and aluminium smelter in , alongside the developing Hermosa base metals project in , . The company has recently divested its coal operations, including Metallurgical Coal in August 2024, to focus on critical minerals. In fiscal year 2025, South32 reported underlying EBITDA of US$1.928 billion, copper equivalent production of 1,170 thousand tonnes (estimated based on commodity volumes), and total payments to governments of US$487 million, while achieving further reductions in operational . As of 30 June 2025, South32 employed 8,892 people worldwide and has returned significant value to shareholders, including US$2.325 billion through dividends and buybacks in FY2025. The company emphasizes responsible stewardship, community engagement, and innovation to support the global , with a market capitalization reflecting its role as a mid-tier in the resources sector.

History

Spin-off from BHP

In August 2014, BHP Billiton announced its intention to demerge a portfolio of non-core assets to create a new independent mining company, aiming to streamline its operations and enhance shareholder value. The rationale centered on allowing BHP Billiton to concentrate on its primary businesses in iron ore, copper, and petroleum, while unlocking value from the separated assets amid challenging commodity market conditions. This strategic separation was expected to position the new entity with a diversified, cash-generative portfolio and a strong balance sheet, independent of BHP Billiton's core focus. The demerger was formally proposed in March 2015, with the company named South32 in December 2014, reflecting the southern hemisphere locations of most assets. Shareholder approval was obtained in May 2015, and the demerger was implemented on May 25, 2015, through an in-specie distribution of shares. South32 shares commenced trading on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and London Stock Exchange (LSE) on May 18, 2015, on a normal basis; on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), trading began on a when-issued basis on May 18, 2015, with normal settlement on June 2, 2015. The initial asset portfolio transferred to South32 included operations producing alumina, , , , silver, lead, , and , spanning locations in , , , and . Key examples encompassed the Hillside Aluminium smelter in , the mine in , the Cannington silver-lead- mine in , the Cerro Matoso operation in , and the Illawarra assets in . Eligible BHP Billiton shareholders received one South32 share for every BHP Billiton share held as of the record date, resulting in 5,323,762,901 ordinary shares issued for South32. On its debut trading day, South32 achieved an initial of approximately A$11.3 billion.

Post-formation developments

Following its formation in 2015 through a spin-off from , South32 began reshaping its portfolio to emphasize commodities essential for the global , including , , and . This strategic evolution accelerated from 2020 onward, with the company prioritizing investments in high-quality assets to support growing demand for battery metals and technologies. A pivotal early move was the 2018 acquisition of the remaining 83% stake in Arizona Mining Inc. for approximately US$1.3 billion, securing 100% ownership of the Hermosa zinc-lead-silver- project in , . This transaction provided South32 with access to one of the world's largest undeveloped deposits and battery-grade resources, aligning with its focus on critical minerals. Subsequent development advanced with the board's final investment decision in February 2024 to commit US$2.16 billion to the Taylor -lead-silver deposit, targeting first production in the second half of 2026 at an initial rate of 3.3 million tonnes per annum of ore. The adjacent Clark deposit is planned for phased development thereafter, with production expected to commence around 2027-2028 to supply high-purity manganese sulfate for batteries. In 2021, South32 announced the acquisition of a 45% non-operating interest in the copper mine in from Sumitomo Metal Mining for $1.55 billion, with the deal completing in February 2022. This marked the company's entry into large-scale copper production, adding approximately 90,000 tonnes of attributable copper output annually (45% of ~200 kt total production on a 100% basis) and enhancing its exposure to a key metal. The investment complemented South32's manganese and zinc assets by diversifying its base metals portfolio amid rising demand for infrastructure. By 2024, South32 continued its expansion into with a C$29.2 million investment for a 19.9% equity stake in American Eagle Gold Corp., targeting the Nakinilerak (NAK) copper-gold porphyry project in , . This stake, acquired in November 2024, supports ongoing exploration drilling at NAK, where American Eagle holds a 100% option interest, and positions South32 to benefit from potential discoveries in a region prospective for large-scale copper deposits essential to the . In 2025, South32 exercised its top-up right with an additional investment to maintain its 19.9% equity stake in American Eagle Gold Corp. Through these acquisitions and developments up to 2025, South32 has transformed its asset base into a streamlined portfolio centered on critical minerals, with actual growth in production of by 20% and aluminum by 6% in 2025.

Corporate affairs

Headquarters and governance

South32 is headquartered in Perth, , where its group headquarters were established following the company's spin-off from in May 2015. The company operates as a publicly traded entity with shares listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), and (LSE), enabling access to a broad base of international investors. South32 maintains operations in six countries across , southern Africa, and the , supported by a governed by its and board charter. The board consists of nine directors, including eight independent members (the chair and seven non-executive directors) and the as the sole , ensuring a focus on independent oversight. Key board committees include the Risk and Audit Committee, which oversees corporate reporting, , and assurance; the Remuneration Committee, responsible for ; the Committee, addressing environmental and social impacts; and the and Committee, handling board composition and governance practices. South32's governance framework emphasizes ethical conduct and , aligned with the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and JSE listing requirements. Central to this is the Code of Business Conduct, which sets standards for employees, directors, contractors, and partners, prohibiting , , and while mandating adherence to applicable anti-bribery laws globally. The company's Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy implements a risk-based program, including on third parties, pre-approval for interactions with officials, mandatory training, and a confidential reporting mechanism via the EthicsPoint , with investigations overseen by the Business Integrity team and material issues escalated to the Risk and . As of June 30, 2025, South32 employed 8,892 people worldwide. As of October 2025, ownership is dominated by individual investors (approximately 52%) and institutional holders (approximately 40%), with major stakeholders including (approximately 7.3%), (approximately 6.1%), and (approximately 6.1%).

Leadership

South32's leadership is headed by , who has served in the role since the company's formation in 2015. Kerr, a seasoned executive with prior experience at , has overseen the company's diversification and operational expansions across multiple continents. In May 2025, South32 announced that Kerr would step down in late 2026, with Matthew Daley appointed as his successor. Daley, currently the Technical and Operations Director at Anglo American, brings extensive expertise in operations, including previous roles as Executive General Manager for Glencore's Canadian division and leadership in projects at and . He will join South32 as Deputy CEO on February 2, 2026, before assuming the CEO position later that year. The Board of Directors is chaired by Karen Wood AM, who joined the board in 2015 and has served as Chair since 2019. Wood, with a background in and from roles at and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, has guided South32 through key strategic decisions, including portfolio reshaping. In October 2025, the board announced Wood's retirement effective February 2026, electing independent Stephen Pearce as her successor. Pearce, appointed to the board in February 2025, possesses over 35 years of experience in and , notably as former of Fortescue Metals Group and in senior roles at Woodside and . His appointment ensures continuity during the CEO transition. Key executives supporting the leadership team include Sandy Sibenaler, who joined South32 in 2021 and was appointed to the role in 2023, holding qualifications including a and status, overseeing financial strategy and reporting. Other senior roles encompass for Australia Vanessa Torres, with expertise in operational management, and for Southern Africa and Colombia, Noel Pillay. The board comprises independent Non-Executive Directors such as Dr. Xiaoling Liu (technology and sustainability), Carlos Mesquita (mining operations), Mandla Msimang (legal and energy), (sustainability and ), Wayne Osborn (resources and strategy), and Sharon Warburton (governance and risk), providing diverse oversight on governance and risk. At the 2025 Annual General Meeting in October, the board highlighted its focus on , reaffirming the CEO and Chair transitions while noting the retirements of independent Non-Executive Directors Frank Cooper AO, former Chair of the Risk and Audit Committee with deep financial and risk expertise, and Dr. Ntombifuthi Mtoba, effective post-AGM. These changes aim to refresh while maintaining strategic stability.

Commodities produced

Aluminium, alumina, and bauxite

South32 engages in the full aluminium value chain, encompassing mining, alumina refining via the , and primary aluminium smelting through . ore is extracted from deposits and processed into alumina, a white powder that serves as the primary feedstock for production, before being electrolyzed in smelters to produce molten , which is cast into ingots or other forms. These integrated processes enable efficient resource utilization across South32's operations, with a focus on high-quality output to meet global demand. In FY25, South32's alumina production totaled 5.1 million tonnes, with key contributions from sites including Worsley Alumina in (3.7 million tonnes) and Brazil Alumina (1.3 million tonnes), reflecting stable output amid optimizations. Aluminium production reached 1.211 million tonnes, a 6% increase from FY24, driven by expansions at Aluminium (138 kt) and efficiencies at Hillside Aluminium (718 kt) and Mozal Aluminium (355 kt). These volumes underscore South32's position as a significant producer in the global aluminium sector, where the aluminium generated approximately 79% of the company's underlying revenue. South32's aluminium products play a vital role in global supply chains for industries such as , automotive, and , where the metal's lightweight, durable, and recyclable properties are essential for applications like components, structures, and beverage containers. The company supplies high-quality to domestic markets, such as South Africa's semi-fabricators, and exports to international buyers, contributing to the through demand for sustainable materials. Emphasis on low-carbon is evident in initiatives like 100% renewable power usage at Brazil Aluminium and hydroelectric reliance at Mozal Aluminium, alongside coal-to-gas conversions at Worsley Alumina that reduced Scope 1 emissions by 12% compared to FY21 levels.

Manganese

South32's manganese operations primarily involve the production of high-grade from its key assets in and . The Groote Eylandt Mining Company (), in which South32 holds a 60% interest, operates in the of within the high-grade Groote Eylandt province, part of the Carpentaria Basin, where deposits feature -rich sedimentary layers formed over 1.7 billion years ago. Complementing this, Manganese, also with a 60% South32 interest, sources from the Kalahari Manganese Field in the province, known for its extensive supergene-enriched deposits in the Hotazel Formation. These geological settings enable the extraction of grading up to 48% content, positioning South32 as one of the world's largest producers and exporters of . The is primarily used in production, where it serves as a critical input for desulfurization and as a component in stainless and high-strength , accounting for over 90% of global demand. Emerging applications include battery technologies, particularly high-purity manganese sulfate for lithium-ion cathodes in electric vehicles, aligning with the . South32's high-grade products, such as lump ore suitable for direct charging in furnaces and fines for , meet these specifications, supporting its role as a top global supplier amid rising demand projected to grow 5-7% annually through 2030. In FY2025, South32's attributable ore production totaled 3.3 million wet metric tonnes, comprising 1.1 million wet metric tonnes from Australia Manganese and 2.2 million wet metric tonnes from , reflecting a recovery from disruptions while exceeding initial guidance by 9%. Operations at faced significant challenges from Megan in March 2024, which damaged including the and processing facilities, leading to a suspension and reduced output; however, full recovery was achieved by Q4 FY2025, with export sales resuming in May after rebuilding efforts involving over 317,000 labor hours and 970 tonnes of . This resilience underscores South32's operational adaptability in maintaining supply to key markets in and . Processing at these sites involves followed by beneficiation to upgrade ore quality. At , extracted ore undergoes primary crushing, screening, and dense media separation to produce export-grade lump (typically 6-75 mm) and fines (under 6 mm), with additional washing to remove silica and alumina impurities. South Africa Manganese employs similar techniques, including secondary crushing and stockpiling for blending to consistent grades before to the port of Port Elizabeth for export. Logistics are optimized through dedicated infrastructure, such as GEMCO's reconstructed wharf capable of handling vessels, ensuring efficient global distribution while minimizing environmental impact through management and water recycling.

Silver, lead, and zinc

South32 produces high-grade concentrates of lead and , with silver as a valuable , primarily from its operations in polymetallic deposits. These concentrates serve key industrial applications, including for galvanizing in to prevent and for use in batteries supporting storage. Lead finds primary application in lead-acid batteries essential for technologies, while silver contributes to conductive pastes in solar photovoltaic panels, enhancing efficiency in generation. The company's flagship asset for these metals is the Cannington underground mine in , , which accounts for the majority of South32's silver, lead, and zinc output. In 2025, Cannington achieved payable zinc equivalent production of 241,900 tonnes, reflecting a 20% decline due to operational complexities but underscoring its status as one of the world's largest silver producers. Extraction at Cannington involves underground mining followed by ore processing through grinding, sequential flotation, and leaching to yield marketable concentrates. South32 is advancing the Hermosa project in , , targeting the Taylor deposit to expand its , lead, and silver portfolio. The project aims for average annual payable production of approximately 114,000 tonnes in , with first output expected in 2027 following and a flotation-based processing circuit similar to Cannington. This development positions South32 to meet rising demand for these metals in and renewables, where coatings protect infrastructure like wind turbines and solar arrays from .

Nickel and copper

South32's nickel operations historically centered on the Cerro Matoso mine in , which produced ferronickel from , a key intermediate product used in and battery applications. In July 2025, South32 agreed to sell Cerro Matoso to CoreX Holding for nominal consideration plus up to $100 million in contingent payments, with completion expected in late 2025. The mine employed methods to extract the , followed by processing through a smelter to produce the ferronickel . In FY2025, Cerro Matoso achieved payable production of 37.1 thousand tonnes, reflecting operational stability prior to the pending divestment. plays a strategic role in the , particularly as a critical component in high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, where it enhances performance and longevity alongside , , and . South32's copper production is derived from its 45% interest in the open-pit mine in northern , yielding concentrates as the primary product. The operation involves conventional open-pit mining and processing through flotation to produce the concentrates, which are essential for wiring, cabling, and in . For FY2025, delivered 89.7 thousand tonnes of payable , marking a 20% year-on-year increase and underscoring the asset's growing contribution to South32's portfolio. 's conductivity makes it indispensable for the of the global economy, including renewables like wind and generation, as well as , with demand projected to rise significantly through 2040 in clean energy scenarios. Both metals are pivotal to the broader , with supporting battery innovation for EVs and enabling the expansion of low-carbon power grids and renewable installations. South32 has agreed to divest its assets at Cerro Matoso (announced July 2025), with completion expected in late 2025, to focus on higher-growth opportunities in and other commodities.

Operations

Australia

South32's operations in Australia are centered on three key sites: Worsley Alumina in , GEMCO in the , and Cannington in . These facilities focus on mining and alumina refining, manganese ore extraction, and silver, lead, and production, respectively, contributing to the company's diversified portfolio of commodities essential for global industries such as aluminum manufacturing, steel production, and galvanizing. Worsley Alumina, located near Boddington, , and Bunbury in , is an integrated operation where South32 holds an 86% interest. is mined via open-pit methods at the Boddington mine and transported approximately 50 kilometers by overland conveyor to the refinery, where it undergoes the to produce alumina with a metallurgical recovery rate of 92.9%. The refined alumina is then railed 55 kilometers to the Bunbury Port for export to aluminum smelters worldwide. In FY2025, Worsley Alumina produced 3.7 million tonnes of alumina, a 1% decrease from the prior year due to supply constraints, though new mining areas under the Worsley Mine Development Project began operations in Q4 FY2025 to sustain output through at least FY2036. GEMCO, the Groote Eylandt Mining Company, operates on in the , , where South32 holds a 60% interest. The site extracts high-grade ore through , with ore processed on-site and exported via a co-located port facility. Production in FY2025 totaled 1,106 thousand wet metric tonnes of ore, exceeding guidance despite disruptions from Tropical Cyclone Megan in early 2024; exports resumed in Q4 FY2025 following wharf reconstruction, with full capacity anticipated in Q1 FY2026 and expected recovery to 3.2 million tonnes annually thereafter. Cannington, an underground mine near in northwest and wholly owned by South32, produces silver, lead, and concentrates from high-grade . Ore is extracted using conventional methods and transported via enclosed conveyors and rail to processing facilities, with concentrates exported through the Port. In FY2025, production included 10.3 million ounces of silver, 92 thousand tonnes of lead in concentrate, and 80 thousand tonnes of in concentrate, alongside a payable zinc equivalent output of 242 thousand tonnes—a 20% decline from FY2024 due to increased complexity and geotechnical challenges. The operation has a reserve life of approximately six years. These Australian operations collectively support around 3,000 direct jobs, fostering local employment through residential and fly-in-fly-out workforces, while generating significant indirect employment and procurement from regional suppliers—23% at Alumina alone. They drive economic contributions via exports to over 30 countries, bolstering 's position as a major supplier of alumina and , with reliant on efficient rail networks and conveyor systems to minimize environmental impact and optimize transport costs. The segment reported US$279 million in underlying EBITDA for FY2025, underscoring its role in national resource exports.

Africa

South32's operations in Africa are centered in and , encompassing and activities that contribute significantly to the company's global portfolio. The assets include the Hillside Aluminium smelter in , , which is 100% owned by South32, and the Mozal Aluminium smelter in , , in which South32 holds a 63.7% interest. South32's attributable production from these facilities totalled approximately 1,073 thousand tonnes of in FY2025, with Hillside achieving 718 thousand tonnes and Mozal contributing 355 thousand tonnes (63.7% share). The operations, under the South Africa Manganese division, include the Khumani and East Manganese mines in the province, where South32 has a 60% interest in the Hotazel Manganese Mines . These mines produced approximately 2.15 million tonnes of in FY2025, supporting exports of semi-carbonate and high-grade products. The aluminium smelters integrate and processes, with Hillside utilizing advanced AP3XLE for energy efficiency, achieving a 56.8% pot conversion rate, while Mozal benefits from hydroelectric power sourced from the . Manganese production at Khumani and East Manganese focuses on of high-grade ore, with East Manganese ramping up output by 25% in the final quarter of FY2025. These operations employ over 2,500 people at Hillside alone, with 90% being Black South Africans and about 33% women, and 97.8% Mozambican nationals at Mozal, emphasizing local workforce development. Regional operations face notable challenges, particularly energy supply disruptions. Hillside has contended with 's load-shedding and drought-affected hydroelectric shortages, leading to a 22% year-on-year increase in Scope 2 emissions from coal-fired , despite a contract extending to 2031. Mozal similarly relies on hydroelectric power with Eskom backup, but faces uncertainty beyond March 2026, prompting a planned shift to care and maintenance and a $372 million impairment charge in FY2025. Manganese sites experience water stress and higher trucking costs due to a stronger , though rail logistics have improved for exports. To address these, South32 engages in community partnerships, investing over $22 million in South African projects like programs for 98 students in coding and refurbishments at Aquadene Secondary School and Ngwelezana Paediatric Burns Unit, while in , $5.3 million supported road safety and small-to-medium enterprise (SMME) development through the Mozal Trust, benefiting 96 businesses. Infrastructure supports efficient exports, with Mozal's proximity to the port facilitating aluminium shipments to global markets. Manganese utilizes rail and road networks to coastal terminals for exports, aided by recycling initiatives at the Wessels mine to mitigate regional constraints. Additionally, South32 divested its 60% interest in the Metalloys alloy smelter in on June 3, 2025, as part of portfolio optimization, realizing a $44 million profit.

Americas

South32's operations in the Americas include a mix of mature production assets and advanced development projects in , , , and the , emphasizing commodities such as alumina, , , , and battery metals to support global decarbonization efforts. These sites contribute to the company's diversification , leveraging regional resources and for export-oriented production. In FY2025, Americas operations delivered steady output amid ongoing expansions and divestments, with logistics relying on key South American ports for international shipments. The Alumar complex in São Luís, , comprises the Brazil Alumina refinery and the co-located Brazil Aluminium smelter, in which South32 holds a 36% interest in the refinery and 40% in the smelter. The refinery produced 1,340 thousand tonnes of alumina in FY2025, primarily sourced from mined nearby and processed for both internal use and export. The smelter, restarted in FY2022 after a period of care and maintenance, achieved 138 thousand tonnes of production in FY2025, utilizing renewable hydroelectric power to produce low-carbon ingots. Alumina is exported via the dedicated Alumar port terminal, while aluminium shipments utilize the adjacent Port of Itaqui, facilitating deliveries to markets in and . Cerro Matoso, an open-cut and ferronickel smelter in , , where South32 owns a 99.9% stake, produced 37.1 thousand tonnes of payable in FY2025, down 9% from the prior year due to planned lower grades but with improved quarterly performance in the second half. The operation extracts and processes it into ferronickel for production. In July 2025, shortly after FY2025, South32 agreed to divest Cerro Matoso to a subsidiary of CoreX Holding for over , marking a strategic exit from that incurred a but streamlined focus on higher-growth commodities. At the open-pit mine in Chile's , South32's 45% interest (with holding 55%) yielded 88.1 thousand tonnes of payable equivalent production in FY2025, a 20% increase driven by higher plant throughput and recoveries despite lower grades. The mine processes sulphide to produce , , and concentrates. Ongoing expansions include a for a fourth grinding line to increase throughput by about 20%, with a final investment decision anticipated post-FY2025 to support long-term production growth into the 2030s. Concentrates are transported by and rail to the ports of and Angamos for global export. The Hermosa project in the Patagonia Mountains of southern Arizona, United States, is South32's flagship greenfield development targeting zinc, lead, silver, and battery-grade manganese—critical minerals for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. The Taylor deposit, the initial focus, advanced significantly in FY2025 with the start of main shaft sinking and process plant construction, aiming for first production in 2027-2029 pending approvals. The Clark deposit offers further potential for high-purity manganese sulphate. Permitting progressed with the U.S. Forest Service releasing a draft Environmental Impact Statement in May 2025, followed by a public hearing in September 2025; the final EIS is on track for the second half of FY2026. In October 2024, the project received a US$166 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to accelerate critical mineral supply chain development.

Former operations

Divested coal and alloy assets

South32 has divested several and manganese alloy assets as part of its strategic portfolio reshaping, focusing on exiting legacy, capital-intensive operations to prioritize critical minerals essential for the . The company's Metallurgical operations in , , which include the and underground mines, were sold in August 2024 to an entity jointly owned by Golden Energy and Resources (GEAR) and M Resources. The transaction, announced in February 2024, provided South32 with up to US$1.65 billion, comprising US$1.05 billion upfront, US$250 million deferred, and potential earn-outs of up to US$350 million based on production milestones. This divestment marked South32's complete exit from Australian production, following the asset's inclusion in the company's formation via the 2015 spin-off from BHP Billiton. In a smaller-scale transaction, South32 divested its 50% interest in the undeveloped Eagle Downs metallurgical coal project in , , to Stanmore Resources in August 2024. The deal, agreed in February 2024, included US$15 million in cash consideration, a US$20 million contingent payment upon achieving initial production, and a price-linked royalty capped at US$150 million. Eagle Downs, a with Aquila Resources, represented South32's final exposure in post-Illawarra. On the alloy side, South32's manganese alloy operations were streamlined through the June 2025 divestment of the Metalloys smelter in , completed by its Samancor Manganese with Anglo American. The facility, located near the port of and placed on care and maintenance since 2020 due to market conditions, was sold to Khwelamet, an entity owned by Menar Capital. The sale enabled South32 to recognize a gain and refocus Samancor on upstream ore production at its South African and Australian mines. These divestments were driven by South32's strategy to shift away from thermal and metallurgical coal assets, as well as energy-intensive downstream alloys, toward higher-margin opportunities in critical minerals like , , and ore. Proceeds from the sales, particularly the substantial transaction, have been earmarked for reinvestment in growth projects aligned with global decarbonization trends, including base metals expansions. The moves have contributed to a meaningful reduction in South32's , with the exit from operations lowering both operational Scope 1 and 2 emissions and Scope 3 emissions tied to energy-intensive products. For instance, the Illawarra divestment directly supported a year-on-year decline in group emissions intensity during FY25. Regarding workforce impacts, the Illawarra sale preserved approximately 1,300 jobs through transfer to the buyer, while Eagle Downs and Metalloys—being undeveloped or on care and maintenance—involved minimal staff relocations, with South32 emphasizing community support during transitions.

Divested nickel and other assets

In 2025, South32 entered into a binding agreement to divest its Cerro Matoso nickel mine and smelter in , marking the exit from its sole ferronickel operation. The asset, located in the , had been a key part of South32's portfolio since the company's 2015 spin-off from , producing approximately 37,000 tonnes of payable annually through open-cut and on-site . The transaction reflects South32's ongoing , with the divestment expected to complete in late calendar year 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and internal restructuring. The decision to divest Cerro Matoso was driven by low operating margins amid declining nickel grades and volatile market conditions, as evidenced by a 6% drop in South32's production in the nine months to March 2025. Additionally, persistent environmental risks, including pollution-related issues such as elevated levels and respiratory illnesses among nearby communities, contributed to the strategic shift away from the asset. This move allows South32 to refocus on higher-return base metals like and , aligning with global demand for critical minerals in technologies. The agreement stipulates a base consideration of over US$100 million, with potential additional payments linked to future nickel prices exceeding US$15,000 per tonne, equivalent to 12.5% of the excess value in specified periods. The buyer is a of CoreX Holding B.V., owned by Turkish industrialist Robert Yuksel Yildirim, who aims to expand production for and battery applications. South32 recorded a US$130 million impairment charge related to the sale in its FY2025 financial results, classifying Cerro Matoso as a discontinued operation to streamline reporting and emphasize core assets. No other significant disposals have been announced recently, underscoring the targeted nature of this exit.

Sustainability and controversies

Environmental and social initiatives

South32 has committed to achieving net-zero across all scopes by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement's goals to limit global warming to well below 2°C. This includes a target to halve operational emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2035 from the FY21 baseline of 22.2 Mt CO₂-e. In FY2025, the company reported a 1.5 Mt CO₂-e (approximately 7%) reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to FY21, with total operational emissions at 20.7 Mt CO₂-e. The company advances adoption at key operations, such as Mozal Aluminium, which has historically relied on hydroelectric power but increased use of coal-fired electricity in FY2025 due to drought-related supply issues, and Hillside Aluminium, where approximately power is sourced from the national grid with ongoing pursuits of large-scale projects with firming capacity through collaborations with the South African government and . Energy efficiency improvements continue at the site. South32 also emphasizes water stewardship, completing 98% of planned water performance actions across operations and achieving operational of 83% company-wide, with higher rates like 93% at Alumina. Investments in water management infrastructure, including supply projects at South Africa Manganese and Hillside Aluminium, support both operational needs and community access. Environmental management at key sites is certified under ISO 14001 standards, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and integration of sustainable practices. On the social front, South32 fosters Indigenous partnerships in , notably through GEMCO's collaboration with the Anindilyakwa Land Council and other Aboriginal groups, which includes support for , , and rehabilitation programs aligned with the company's Action Plan. In FY2025, the company spent A$23.8 million on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. Social investments extend to , with US$5.3 million allocated in FY2025 to community initiatives including learning programs in , benefiting over 1,800 students across , , and through programs like STEM education and the Hillside Schools’ Refurbishment Project.

Notable environmental and health issues

In 2023, South32's coal mine in (divested in 2024) was fined A$2.9 million after an investigation revealed the unauthorized diversion of up to 6.5 million litres of daily from the metropolitan to the operation over a five-year period, without the required environmental licence. At its Alumina operations in , South32 faced significant opposition to a proposed bauxite mine expansion approved by the federal government in February 2025, with environmental groups protesting potential impacts on the Hotham River, including risks to and local ecosystems from increased mining activity near the waterway. The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in 2024 recommended stringent conditions for the project, including limits on native vegetation clearing and protections for jarrah forests, prompting South32 to appeal aspects of the decision amid concerns over operational viability. The Hermosa project in has drawn scrutiny over water consumption in a drought-prone region, with permits approved in 2025 allowing up to 1,000 acre-feet of annually for processing, raising fears among local communities and hydrologists of depleting aquifers and exacerbating near . Public hearings in 2025 highlighted ongoing concerns, including potential well level drops of up to 10 feet, despite revisions to address U.S. EPA feedback on the project's . South32's Cerro Matoso nickel mine in Colombia has been embroiled in a long-running lawsuit since the 2010s, where Zenú Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities alleged that airborne nickel emissions caused severe health problems, including elevated blood and urine nickel levels, respiratory issues, and higher cancer rates among residents. A 2018 court ruling initially ordered the company to pay damages for environmental contamination and health impacts, but an appeals court overturned the decision later that year, finding insufficient evidence of direct causation, though communities continue to report ongoing pollution and health concerns. In July 2025, South32 announced an agreement to sell the mine to CoreX, with completion expected in late 2025. In July 2024, South32 recorded a US$554 million impairment charge on its Alumina assets, attributed to the EPA's proposed native forest protection conditions that could limit future access and threaten the refinery's long-term sustainability, alongside a separate impairment for Cerro Matoso related to operational and environmental challenges.

References

  1. https://www.south32.net/about-us/south32-at-a-glance
  2. https://www.south32.net/what-we-do/our-locations/australia
  3. https://www.bhp.com/investors/shareholder-information/demerger-taxation-information
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