Anglo American delivered a 109% increase in manganese ore production in the second quarter of 2025, supported by solid performances in copper and iron ore, as the company continued to advance its portfolio simplification strategy.

Manganese ore production rose to 745,600 tonnes in Q2 2025, following the restart of mining activities at the Australian operations, which had been temporarily suspended due to cyclone-related damage in March 2024. Export sales resumed from mid-May, contributing to the sharp recovery and boosting second-quarter volumes.

Copper production for the quarter reached 173,300 tonnes, a 3% increase from Q1 2025. The rise was driven by improved performance at the Collahuasi mine in Chile and strong throughput at the Quellaveco mine in Peru. Quellaveco delivered 76,700 tonnes of copper, a 2% increase quarter-on-quarter, despite slightly lower grades. Anglo American noted that plant stability and recovery optimisation remain key priorities for the operation in the second half of the year.

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The company also reported that in Chile, copper output totalled 96,600 tonnes—up 9% quarter-on-quarter. Production at Los Bronces fell by 15% compared to Q1, impacted by lower throughput, but this was offset by a 36% quarter-on-quarter increase at Collahuasi, reflecting improved water supply and plant performance. Development of the Donoso 2 phase at Los Bronces is progressing and is expected to open by early 2027.

Iron ore production rose to 15.9 million tonnes in Q2 2025, a 3% increase from the previous quarter. Minas-Rio in Brazil contributed 6.7 million tonnes, a 3% quarterly improvement supported by higher plant efficiency. Kumba Iron Ore reported 9.3 million tonnes, up from 9.0 million tonnes in Q1, as higher output at Kolomela offset lower volumes at Sishen due to maintenance.

Diamonds and steelmaking coal which is part of Anglo American’s exiting businesses, recorded lower output. Rough diamond production dropped 32% quarter-on-quarter to 4.1 million carats, reflecting reduced activity in response to weaker market demand. Steelmaking coal production declined by 8% from Q1 to 2.1 million tonnes, impacted by the ongoing suspension of operations at Grosvenor and the March incident at Moranbah. However, higher volumes at Aquila and Capcoal helped partially offset the decline.

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Nickel production was 9,500 tonnes in Q2 2025, down 3% from the previous quarter, as operations processed lower-grade ore. The company reiterated that it expects to complete the sale of its nickel business to MMG Singapore Resources, subject to regulatory approvals.

Production and unit cost guidance for copper and iron ore remains unchanged. Copper unit costs were adjusted within regions, with lower costs in Peru due to higher by-product credits and reduced charges, and higher costs in Chile due to production mix changes.

Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad said the company remains on track with its reorganisation plans. “We continue to reshape our business for the longer term,” he said. “Looking beyond this transitionary year, we will emerge as a highly differentiated, higher margin and more cash generative business.”