Anglo American (LON:AAL) has released largely strong production results for Q4 2016 with production increases across all commodities bar copper and met coal. Diamond production of 7.8mnct was up 10% YoY reflecting curtailed production in 2015 and also the increased contribution from Gahcho Kue in Canada. Platinum production of 610koz was up 2% YoY in Q4 meaning full year production of 2.38mnoz was also up 2% YoY.
Copper production of 147kt was down 19% YoY in Q4 and 10% YoY to 577kt for the full year. This was due to unplanned disruptions as well as planned sequencing of lower grades at Los Bronces. Nickel production of 11kt was up 4% YoY in Q4 meaning full year production of 45kt was up 47% YoY driven by the ramp up of additional capacity.
Iron ore production at Kumba was strong, up 9% YoY to 12mnt in Q4, however, full year production was 8% lower YoY at 42mnt. The optimisation of the pit shell did not take effect until H2 2016 hence the weaker annual output. The ramp up at Minas Rio continued strongly, however, with production of 4.9mnt up 49% YoY with full year production of 16.1mnt up 76% YoY. Met coal production was 2% lower YoY in Q4 and the full year at 5.4mnt and 21mnt respectively following the sale of Foxleigh. Thermal coal production up 4% in Q4 to 8mnt was insufficient to offset the sale of Callide meaning full year production of 33mnt was down 4%.
Polymetal (LON:POLY)
Polymetal (POLY LN) has announced strong Q4 2016 production results with gold equivalent production of 375koz, up 21% YoY. This was primarily driven by stronger gold production, up 30% YoY to 285koz in Q4 while silver production was down 3% YoY to 3mnoz. Full year production of 1.27mnoz gold equivalent was marginally ahead of full year guidance of 1.26mnoz.
POLY expect gold equivalent production of 1.4-1.55mnoz, however, cash costs are expected to rise versus 2016 to between US$600-650/oz from US$525-575/oz and on an AISC basis to US$775-825/oz from US$700-750/oz.
KAZ Minerals (LON:KAZ)
KAZ Minerals (LON:KAZ) has announced strong Q4 production results with 140kt of copper produced in the full year, up 73% YoY and in line with guidance. Gold production was strong and ahead of guidance with 40koz produced in Q4 meaning that full year production of 120koz was up 245% due to elevated grades at Bozshakol.