South32 withdraws Mozal guidance as Mozambique unrest continues
Contingency plans have been implemented at Mozal Aluminium as the transporting of raw materials to the operation has been affected by unrest
10 December 2024 - 23:13
byJacqueline Mackenzie
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Diversified mining and metals group South32 has withdrawn production guidance for Mozal Aluminium as escalating civil unrest in Mozambique has affected the transport of raw materials to the operation.
The group has implemented contingency plans at Mozal Aluminium as the transport of raw materials to the operation is being hit by road blockages.
“We have implemented contingency plans to mitigate operational impacts and we are working with relevant stakeholders.
“We are withdrawing production guidance for Mozal Aluminium as we respond to the evolving situation,” it said on Tuesday.
At the time of releasing its annual results, South32 advised that it expected to produce 360 kilotonnes of aluminium at Mozal, up from 314 kilotonnes in the 2024 financial year. It maintained this guidance at the most recent quarterly update, when it reported that Mozal's production was up 12%.
The group added that the safety and wellbeing of its people at Mozal Aluminium were its priority.
“Our workforce is safe and there have been no security incidents at Mozal Aluminium,” South32 said.
Business Day reported that antigovernment protests in Mozambique forced the shutdown of two power stations near the SA border on Saturday, causing electricity shortages across the south of the country and in neighbouring Zambia.
Demonstrators arrived at the Ressano Garcia and Gigawatt thermoelectric power stations demanding a halt of energy production as part of protests against the October general election results, which gave another five-year term in power to the Frelimo party that has ruled since 1975.
Antigovernment protests in Mozambique have been continuing since the results of the country’s general elections were announced on October 24, paralysing business and public transportation.
At least 103 people have been killed in protests so far, according to the Mozambican election monitoring group Plataforma Eleitoral Decide.
Protests in Ressano Garcia, on the Mozambican side of the Lebombo border post, have forced the closure of the crossing several times.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
South32 withdraws Mozal guidance as Mozambique unrest continues
Contingency plans have been implemented at Mozal Aluminium as the transporting of raw materials to the operation has been affected by unrest
Diversified mining and metals group South32 has withdrawn production guidance for Mozal Aluminium as escalating civil unrest in Mozambique has affected the transport of raw materials to the operation.
The group has implemented contingency plans at Mozal Aluminium as the transport of raw materials to the operation is being hit by road blockages.
“We have implemented contingency plans to mitigate operational impacts and we are working with relevant stakeholders.
“We are withdrawing production guidance for Mozal Aluminium as we respond to the evolving situation,” it said on Tuesday.
At the time of releasing its annual results, South32 advised that it expected to produce 360 kilotonnes of aluminium at Mozal, up from 314 kilotonnes in the 2024 financial year. It maintained this guidance at the most recent quarterly update, when it reported that Mozal's production was up 12%.
The group added that the safety and wellbeing of its people at Mozal Aluminium were its priority.
“Our workforce is safe and there have been no security incidents at Mozal Aluminium,” South32 said.
Business Day reported that antigovernment protests in Mozambique forced the shutdown of two power stations near the SA border on Saturday, causing electricity shortages across the south of the country and in neighbouring Zambia.
Demonstrators arrived at the Ressano Garcia and Gigawatt thermoelectric power stations demanding a halt of energy production as part of protests against the October general election results, which gave another five-year term in power to the Frelimo party that has ruled since 1975.
Antigovernment protests in Mozambique have been continuing since the results of the country’s general elections were announced on October 24, paralysing business and public transportation.
At least 103 people have been killed in protests so far, according to the Mozambican election monitoring group Plataforma Eleitoral Decide.
Protests in Ressano Garcia, on the Mozambican side of the Lebombo border post, have forced the closure of the crossing several times.
With Tom Gould
MackenzieJ@arena.africa
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South 32 keeps full-year guidance barring Australia Manganese
Mozambican protesters shut down two power stations
Ongoing protests in Mozambique hit operations at Lebombo border post
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