Glencore’s coal production came in at 61.1 million t, which was 2.3 million t (4%) higher than 1H16, reflecting expected increases in the Australian thermal portfolio and improved metallurgical coal production.
Production of Australian metallurgical coal totalled 2.7 million t, increasing by 0.7 million t (35%) compared to 1H16/ Glencore reported this was because the comparable period was impacted by geological challenges at Oaky Creek.
Australian thermal and semi-soft production was 31.7 million t – 2.2 million t (7%) higher than 1H16, reflecting productivity initiatives at South Blakefield and Bulga, an expected increase at Ulan with the comparable period impacted by longwall moves, and Glencore’s increased equity ownership of the Newlands and Collinsville mines.
South African thermal coal production of 13.5 million t was in line with 1H16, reflecting improved operating performances, particularly at Tweefontein, offset by scheduled mine closures (Springlake and Hlagisa) in 2017.
Glencore’s Prodeco production finished at 8 million t, which was 0.3 million t (4%) down on 1H16, reflecting disruption due to unusually heavy rainfall in 2Q17.
In Cerrejón, Glencore’s share of production was 5.2 million t, up 0.3 million t (6%) on 1H16, reflecting an easement of dust emission restrictions.