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Mon 1 Aug 2011, 15:18 PAM - Palabora Mining - Unaudited interim report and dividend announcement
PAM
PAM                                                                             
PAM - Palabora Mining - Unaudited interim report and dividend announcement      
for the six months ended 30 June 2011                                           
Palabora Mining                                                                 
Company Limited and its Subsidiaries                                            
(a member of the Rio Tinto Group)                                               
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)                                  
(Registration Number: 1956/002134/06)                                           
JSE Code: PAM    ISIN: ZAE000005245                                             
("Group" or "Palabora" or "Company")                                            
UNAUDITED INTERIM REPORT AND DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENT                              
for the six months ended 30 June 2011                                           
COMMENTARY                                                                      
Group financial highlights                  Six months   Six months             
                                           ended        ended                   
For the period ended                        30 June      30 June                
2011         2010                    
Net profit for the period        R`million  758          306                    
Basic earnings per share         Cents      1 568        632                    
Earnings before interest, tax,   R`million  1 429        668                    
depreciation and amortisation                                                   
(EBITDA)                                                                        
Headline earnings                R`million  764          304                    
Headline earnings per share      Cents      1 580        630                    
Dividend per share (declared)    Cents      931          207                    
Overview                                                                        
The Managing Director, Anthony (Tony) Lennox said, "Palabora continued to       
deliver operational improvements that have led to a strong performance in       
the first half of the year with profit after tax of R758 million, 148%          
higher than R306 million for the comparative period in 2010 and exceeding       
full year 2010 profit after tax of R595 million on the back of firming          
product prices. We are confident these improvement initiatives will             
continue to deliver positive results on the prospects for the remainder of      
the year if copper and magnetite prices maintain current trends and levels.     
Exploratory and developmental works are ongoing on the Lift II project          
below the current Lift I footprint. The order of magnitude studies have         
been finalised and the Palabora Board has approved the project to proceed       
to the pre-feasibility stage. The approval highlights Palabora`s ability to     
develop and mine the additional copper and magnetite deposit which if           
approved will extend the life of the copper operations by up to 12 years        
from the end of the current Lift I operations. Palabora is positive that        
the additional studies will confirm our expectation of the ore reserve body     
to further extend the life of mine for the mutual benefit of all our            
stakeholders. To this end Tony said, "I am pleased to advise that Palabora      
now has a dedicated growth team led by Nick Fouche to spearhead growth          
projects including the magnetite expansion."                                    
Both winder drums were replaced in February and April and we anticipate         
increased hoisting rates of underground material. The various measures          
implemented from mid-2010 have seen improvement in the smelter performance      
and we anticipate further improvements after the shutdown in August to          
rebuild the reverb furnace.                                                     
The Board declared an interim dividend of R9,31 per share.                      
Safety                                                                          
The safety of all our employees and contractors remains a top priority          
throughout our operations. The progressive Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate      
(LTIFR) improved to 0,20 from 0,34 for the same period in 2010. The             
importance of safety and safe work practices continues throughout the           
organisation by creating more awareness and implementation of the current       
safety programmes.                                                              
Production                                                                      
Underground dry ore hoisted at 5,3 million tonnes at an average head grade      
of 0,66% is in line with the 5,5 million tonnes at an average head grade of     
0,65% for the corresponding period in 2010. Production was impacted by the      
slowing down of hoisting rates in the first quarter pending the replacement     
of both winders, one each in February and April 2011. A steady increase in      
hoisting rates is expected for the remainder of the year. Business              
improvement initiatives are currently undertaking a winder optimisation         
project with recommendations for further improvement in hoisting rates          
anticipated towards the end of the year.                                        
Underground ore treated at 5,8 million tonnes was higher than both ore          
hoisted and the comparative period in 2010 of 5,6 million. Production was       
however impacted by a primary crusher failure during the first quarter and      
overruns in the scheduled girth gear replacement at the automills at the        
end of May and beginning of June. The overrun impact was mitigated through      
increased slag processing and suspension of toll milling to ensure              
throughput to the smelter. Normal operations together with commencement of      
toll milling were quickly restored through effective disaster recovery and      
maintenance planning to ensure uninterrupted copper supplies to our             
customers.                                                                      
Concentrate produced was 120kt at an average grade of 30,1% and in line         
with the corresponding period in 2010 at an average copper grade of 30,4%.      
New anode production increased 22% to 33kt compared to 27kt for the             
comparative period in 2010. The operational challenges experienced at the       
smelter in 2010 are being resolved through intervening measures implemented     
from mid 2010 with expected continued performance improvements after the        
August reverb furnace rebuild. Production was constrained by acid disposal      
challenges due to excess supply in the local market. Palabora continues to      
explore alternative markets in the SADC region.                                 
Improved throughput from the smelter resulted in refined copper increasing      
23% to 32kt from 26kt for the corresponding period in 2010. The tankhouse       
operated an average of 14 sections compared to the 10 sections during the       
first half of 2010.                                                             
Sales volume                                                                    
Whilst copper sales volumes at 34kt have remained in line with the              
comparative period in 2010, there has been a significant improvement in the     
sales mix with copper rod increasing 44% to 27.1kt compared to 18.8kt for       
the period ended 30 June 2010. Rod sales for 2010 included 4.9kt of             
imported rod to meet customer contractual commitments following operational     
challenges at the smelter and rod plant during the first half of 2010. The      
improvement in the copper sales mix towards rod reflects our continued          
commitment to the local rod market and the additional value this delivers       
to Palabora and its stakeholders. Lower margin rod imports were substituted     
by higher margin cathode imports of 6.7kt against 1.8kt for the period          
ended 30 June 2010. The rod casting plant benefitted from increased             
throughput from the smelter. The plant however suffered a taphole blockage      
which affected rod supply to the market in April. The causes of the             
blockage were investigated and findings and improvements are being              
finalised before implementation.                                                
Six months ended  Six months ended                    
                          30 June 2011 (kt) 30 June 2010 (kt)  % change         
Copper rod                 27,1              18,8               44              
Cathode                    3,4               6,2                (45)            
Reverts                    1,7               5,1                (67)            
Refined copper scrap       1,8               4,1                (56)            
Total copper               34,0              34,2               (1)             
Magnetite volumes were 24% higher at 1 693kt compared to 1 366kt for the        
period ended 30 June 2010 as a result of improved train availability to         
transport material to port. We continue to restrict production below the        
current operational capacity due to logistical constraints on wagon             
availability.                                                                   
Magnetite (kt)             1 693             1 366              24%             
Transnet has informed Palabora of the expected suspension and closure of        
the Brakspruit rail bridge for a period of three weeks from September as        
the existing bridge needs to be repaired.                                       
Palabora will consult with all relevant stakeholders including Transnet to      
ensure the continued supply of magnetite and vermiculite to our customers.      
Following these discussions, it is anticipated that Palabora will use road      
transport to facilitate the movement of magnetite and vermiculite to            
Gravelotte and Hoedspruit for onward railage to the ports of Maputo,            
Richards Bay and Durban. The unexpected disruption will impact on magnetite     
and vermiculite sales volumes as the use of the alternative transport           
centres of Gravelotte and Hoedspruit do not allow for similar transport         
volumes and capacity while additional maintenance activities on the rail        
network will also result in additional disruptions.                             
The proposed arrangements are consistent with the disaster management plans     
undertaken by the Group during last year`s Brakspruit bridge incident.          
Palabora will endeavour to replicate and implement the successful               
Brakspruit disaster management plans to ensure minimum impact on the local      
communities while continuing to supply our customers given the constraints.     
Turnover                                                                        
Post hedge turnover increased by 38% to R4 billion from R2,9 billion for        
the comparative period in 2010 on the back of firming product prices and        
higher magnetite sales volumes. The LME copper price averaged USc/Ib 426,       
31% up from USc/Ib 324 for the comparative period in 2010. Post hedge           
copper revenue increased by 19% to R1,7 billion on 34kt compared to R1,5        
billion on 34.2kt for the previous period.                                      
Magnetite revenue increased by 68% to R2 billion on 1.7Mt compared to R1,2      
billion on 1.4Mt realising average prices of R1 162 and R857 per ton for        
2011 and 2010 respectively. Demand for magnetite in the Asian market            
especially China remains strong. Magnetite contribution to Group operating      
profitability was at 80% due to increasing prices and volumes over a fairly     
constant cost base due to the historical stock piles which do not carry any     
historical mining costs.                                                        
Vermiculite revenue increased 26% to R234 million on 82kt compared to R186      
million on 85kt for the six months to 30 June 2010. Sales volumes were          
impacted by inland and sea logistical constraints. Realised prices firmed       
to R2 862 from R2 177 per ton for the six months period ending 30 June 2011     
and 2010 respectively.                                                          
Cost of sales                                                                   
Cost of sales increased by 6% to R1,6 billion compared to R1,5 billion for      
the comparative period in 2010. Supplementary copper purchases were lower       
at R444 million on 6.7kt compared to R536 million on 9.7kt in 30 June 2010      
following improved operational performance at the smelter.                      
Selling and administration expenses                                             
Selling expenses increased by 25% to R900 million compared to R718 million      
mainly as a result of increased magnetite sales volumes of 1.7Mt against        
1.4Mt in 2010 as well as higher railage costs. Administration expenses          
increased by 69% to R364 million mainly due to above inflation increase in      
salaries and power costs, the effects of the initial costs associated with      
the business improvement initiatives, costs associated with the programme       
designed to improve the operating image of Palabora across all                  
stakeholders, costs associated with the outsourcing of the internal audit       
function and implementation of King III Code of Corporate Governance and        
cost overruns associated with the unexpected additional decontamination of      
land arising from the ZBS plant site.                                           
Net finance income                                                              
Higher net finance income is associated with the weakening ZAR against the      
US$ on US$ net debt balances where the ZAR ended at R6,83/US$ compared to       
R6,64/US$ at the end of 2010.                                                   
Working capital                                                                 
Anode and refined copper inventory has increased compared to 31 December        
2010 due to both improved smelter and refinery performance and additional       
production ahead of the planned smelter August shut-down to rebuild the         
reverb furnace which will result in no anode production. The Company will       
continue to mine and treat ore during this period which will be smelted and     
refined once the reverb furnace is brought back on-line.                        
Trade and other receivables increased by 37% to R1 184 million compared to      
R864 million at 31 December 2010 in line with growth in revenue. Cash and       
cash equivalents increased to R1,7 billion, up from R1,6 billion as at 31       
December 2010.                                                                  
Cash flow from operating activities and capital expenditure                     
Cash flow from operating activities before interest, dividends and tax          
increased by 206% to R948 million from R310 million in 2010 on the back of      
increased profitability associated with higher prices across all main           
products and higher magnetite volumes. Net cash generated for the six           
months ended 30 June 2011 is R239 million compared to cash utilised of R280     
million for the comparative period in 2010.                                     
Net cash generated for the six-month period to 30 June 2011 increased by        
R18 million due to higher final 2010 dividend, provisional tax payment and      
higher sustaining capital expenditure over the same period in 2010.             
Sustaining capital expenditure increased to R129 million in the six months      
to June 2011 from R53 million in the comparative prior year from the            
scheduled replacement strategies of production assets as these reach the        
end of their economic life. Capital expenditure also includes R36 million       
relating to the acquisition of the nickel plant following the dissolution       
of the Nickel Plant joint venture with a third party, scheduled reverb          
smelter shut down costs of R16 million and R37 million relating to the          
replacement of the winder drums earlier in the year. Palabora has               
maintained a strong cash balance of R1,7 billion compared to R1,1 billion       
at 30 June 2010.                                                                
Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment ("BBBEE")                                
Palabora concluded a BBBEE transaction with its new Black Economic              
Empowerment ("BEE") partners on 10 June 2010. The agreements were lodged        
with the Department of Mineral Resources on 2 July 2010, for final              
approval. The BBBEE transaction was approved by Palabora`s shareholders on      
15 October 2010 with 99 percent of the shareholders present voting in           
favour. The transaction is not yet effective as the suspensive conditions       
in terms of the agreement have not yet been met. Palabora is awaiting for       
approval of its application for conversion of old order mining rights to        
new order mining rights from the DMR. Palabora continues to engage with the     
DMR to ensure the implementation of the transaction.                            
National Treasury has proposed in its latest Tax amendment bill the             
suspension of Section 45 of the Income Tax Act. This section would have         
resulted in the BBBEE transaction being effected in a tax neutral manner.       
Palabora has made representations on the impact of this suspension on the       
proposed BBBEE transaction to National Treasury and discussions are             
ongoing.                                                                        
Declaration of dividend                                                         
An interim cash dividend of 931 cents per share has been declared.              
Payment in South African Rand will be made on Monday, 5 September 2011 to       
shareholders recorded in the register of Palabora Mining Company as at 2        
September 2011. The last day to trade to qualify for the dividend will be       
Friday, 26 August 2011 and the shares will trade ex-dividend from Monday,       
29 August 2011. Share certificates may not be dematerialised or                 
rematerialised between Monday, 29 August 2011 and Friday, 2 September 2011,     
both days inclusive.                                                            
This financial report does not reflect this dividend payable, which will be     
recognised in shareholders` equity as an appropriation of retained earnings     
for the year ended 31 December 2011. The final dividend relating to the         
2010 financial year of R350 million was paid during the period.                 
Corporate governance                                                            
Mr Nhlanhla Hlubi was appointed as an independent non-executive director of     
the Company, with effect from 1 February 2011. Mr Hlubi is currently a          
director and Head of Compliance and Risk Management in the retail division      
at Alexander Forbes. He is an admitted Attorney with over 10 years` post        
admission experience in financial planning, legal, regulatory compliance        
and risk management. He has held numerous positions in the financial            
services industry as a Financial Consultant and Regional Legal Advisor.         
Mr Lindsay Kirsner resigned as non-executive director of the Board, with        
effect from 3 February 2011. Mr Kirsner has changed roles within Rio Tinto      
from Rio Tinto Copper to Business Development.                                  
With effect from 4 February 2011, Mr Craig Kinnell was appointed as non-        
executive director of the Company. Mr Kinnell is currently a Chief              
Marketing Officer within Rio Tinto Copper since July 2010 and has global        
responsibility for the marketing strategy, logistics, customer relationship     
management, product stewardship and sales of all copper products,               
molybdenum, precious metals, rhenium, nickel and all associated by-products     
at Kennecott Utah Copper, Northparkes, Oyu Tolgoi and Eagle Nickel mines.       
He also leads the development of marketing strategy for Copper projects and     
works closely with Operations and Rio Tinto`s Executive Committee.              
The Board would like to express its utmost gratitude and thanks to Mr M B       
Snyder, for his hard work and dedication to the Group. Mr M B Snyder was        
the interim acting Chief Financial Officer, while a comprehensive               
recruitment process was concluded. The Board welcomes Ms Dikeledi Nakene        
who has been appointed Chief Financial Officer from 18 April 2011. Mr M B       
Snyder will continue to work within the Rio Tinto Group.                        
Ms Dikeledi Nakene was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Ex Officio      
Board member with effect from 18 April 2011. Ms Nakene joins the Company        
with board experience in finance, management and internal and external          
auditing. She is a chartered accountant - CA(SA) and certified internal         
auditor (CIA). She has held numerous senior positions including Executive       
General Manager, Audit Partner, Chief Financial Officer for the Department      
of Sport, Arts and Culture as well as chairperson of the Audit Committee        
for Food and Beverage SETA. Ms Nakene holds a BCom Accounting cum laude         
(University of the North); BCompt Honours (University of South Africa); and     
a higher diploma in Taxation Law (Wits). In addition she is a member of         
several professional organisations including the Institute of Internal          
Auditors and South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.                  
At 30 June 2011 the Palabora Board was constituted as follows:                  
Directors                                        Alternate directors            
1. Clifford N Zungu (Chairman)                                                  
2. Anthony W Lennox (Managing Director)*                                        
3. Dikeledi Nakene (Chief Financial Officer)*                                   
4. Francine A du Plessis                                                        
5. Ray Abrahams                                                                 
6. Nhlanhla A Hlubi                                                             
7. Willan J Abel                                                                
8. Jo-Anne S Yuen                                Coen H Louwarts#               
9. Craig Kinnel+                                                                
*Executive Director      Australian      #Dutch      +British                   
Appreciation                                                                    
These good results are testimony to the diligence and hard work from the        
Board of Directors, management and staff. We remain grateful to our             
customers and the Phalaborwa community for their continuing support.            
CN Zungu         AW Lennox            DL Nakene                                 
Chairman         Managing Director    Chief Financial Officer                   
28 July 2011                                                                    
GROUP SELECTED STATISTICS                                                       
There have been no material changes to the information disclosed in the         
annual report in compliance with paragraph 8.63(m) of the JSE Listings          
Requirements for the year ended 31 December 2010.                               
                                  Six       Six months                          
                                  months    ended                               
                                  ended                                         
30 June   30 June 2010                        
                                  2011                                          
Revenue                                                                         
Copper (net of hedge)   R`million  1 725     1 454                              
Magnetite               R`million  1 967     1 170                              
Other by-products       R`million  86        102                                
Industrial minerals     R`million  234       186                                
Net profit before tax   R`million  1 104     439                                
Copper                                                                          
Dry ore hoisted         millions   5,3       5,5                                
                       tonnes                                                   
Average copper grade    % Cu       0,66      0,65                               
Copper in concentrates  kilo       36,0      36,4                               
produced                tonnes                                                  
Cathode produced        kilo       32,1      25,8                               
                       tonnes                                                   
Average copper price    USc/lb     438,2     331,1                              
realised                                                                        
Average LME copper      USc/lb     425,8     324,3                              
price for half year                                                             
Average sales ZAR/US$   R/US$      6,90      7,52                               
exchange rate                                                                   
Spot ZAR/US$ exchange   R/US$      6,83      7,64                               
rate                                                                            
Average copper price    R/ton      66 516    54 919                             
realised (pre hedge)                                                            
Average copper price    R/ton      50 809    42 570                             
realised (post hedge)                                                           
Vermiculite                                                                     
Vermiculite sold        tonnes     81 874    85 249                             
Average vermiculite     R/ton      2 862     2 177                              
prices realised                                                                 
Magnetite                                                                       
Magnetite sold          tonnes     1 693     1 365 997                          
                                  090                                           
Average magnetite       R/ton      1 162     857                                
price realised                                                                  
Anode slimes                                                                    
Anode slimes sold       tonnes     95        43                                 
Nickel sulphate                                                                 
Nickel sulphate sold    tonnes     168       127                                
Average nickel          R/ton      34 365    28 815                             
sulphate prices                                                                 
realised                                                                        
Sulphuric acid                                                                  
Sulphuric acid sold     tonnes     53 241    20 243                             
Average sulphuric acid  R/ton      98        97                                 
prices realised                                                                 
Marginal ore                                                                    
concentrate purchased                                                           
Volumes                 tonnes     -         800                                
Cost                    R`million  -         30                                 
Unit purchased price               -         37 705                             
Imported blister                                                                
Volumes                 Tonnes     -         2 149                              
Cost                    R`million  -         119                                
Unit purchased price               -         55 248                             
Imported cathode                                                                
Volumes                 Tonnes     6 726     1 800                              
Cost                    R`million  444       96                                 
Unit purchased price               65 980    53 353                             
Imported rod                                                                    
Volumes                 Tonnes     -         4 913                              
Cost                    R`million  -         289                                
Unit purchased price               -         58 887                             
Cash flow                                                                       
Net cash from           R`million  239       (280)                              
operating activities                                                            
Cash and cash           R`million  1 708     1 091                              
equivalents as at 30                                                            
June                                                                            
Costs                                                                           
Production cost         R`million  1 131     1 040                              
(excluding concentrate                                                          
purchases)                                                                      
Cost of sales           R`million  1 603     1 504                              
Capital expenditure                                                             
and commitments                                                                 
Capital expenditure     R`million  218       53                                 
Contracts placed at     R`million  138       74                                 
end of period                                                                   
Investments                                                                     
Fair value of unlisted  R`million  410       368                                
investments                                                                     
Share capital                                                                   
Authorised ordinary     R`000      100 000   100 000                            
shares of R1 each                                                               
Issued ordinary shares  000        48 337    48 337                             
of R1 each                                                                      
Net asset value per     R/share    61        46                                 
share                                                                           
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT                                         
Six months   Six months                  
                                       ended        ended                       
                                       30 June      30 June                     
                                       2011         2010                        
Note  R`m          R`m                         
Sale of products                        4 543        3 332                      
Hedge loss realised                     (531)        (420)                      
Revenue                                 4 012        2 912                      
Cost of sales                           (1 603)      (1 504)                    
Gross profit                            2 409        1 408                      
Selling and distribution costs          (900)        (718)                      
Administration expenses                 (364)        (216)                      
Other operating costs                   (50)         (55)                       
Other income                            17           16                         
Exploration costs                 4     (40)         -                          
Other expenses                          (7)          (2)                        
Profit before net finance cost    5     1 065        433                        
and tax                                                                         
Net finance income                6     39           6                          
Finance cost                            (31)         (30)                       
Finance income                          70           36                         
Profit before tax                       1 104        439                        
Income tax expense                7     (346)        (133)                      
Profit for the half year                758          306                        
Profit attributable to:                                                         
Equity holders of the parent            758          306                        
Earnings per share attributable                                                 
to the equity holdersof the                                                     
parent (expressed in cents per                                                  
share)                                                                          
- Basic and diluted earnings per  8     1 568        632                        
share (cents)                                                                   
- Headline earnings per share     9     1 580        630                        
(cents)                                                                         
The notes are an integral part of these condensed Group results.                
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME                        
Six months   Six months         
                                                ended        ended              
                                                30 June      30 June            
                                                2011         2010               
R`m          R`m                
Profit for the half year                         758          306               
Other comprehensive income/(loss):                                              
Available-for-sale investments                                                  
- Valuation gains arising during the half year   7            4                 
Exchange differences on translation of foreign   6            -                 
operations                                                                      
Cash flow hedges:                                                               
- Mark to market (loss)/gain arising during the  (77)         342               
half year                                                                       
- Transferred to profit for the half year        531          420               
- Hedge ineffectiveness                          2            2                 
Income tax relating to components of other       (131)        (216)             
comprehensive income                                                            
Other comprehensive income for the half year,    338          552               
net of tax                                                                      
Total comprehensive income for the half year     1 096        858               
Total comprehensive income attributable to:                                     
Equity holders of the parent                     1 096        858               
The notes are an integral part of these interim condensed Group results.        
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION                          
                                                As at        As at              
                                                30 June      31 Dec             
                                                2011         2010               
Note   R`m          R`m                
Assets                                                                          
Non-current assets                               4 002        4 281             
Property, plant and equipment                    2 712        2 877             
Intangible assets                                7            8                 
Other financial assets                           410          398               
Deferred income tax assets                10     873          998               
Current assets                                   3 927        3 298             
Stores                                           107          113               
Product inventories                              928          680               
Trade and other receivables                      1 184        864               
Cash and cash equivalents                        1 708        1 641             
Total assets                                     7 929        7 579             
Equity                                                                          
Equity attributable to owners of the                                            
parent                                                                          
Share capital and premium                        629          629               
Other reserves                                   (1 463)      (1 801)           
Retained earnings                                3 798        3 390             
Total equity                                     2 964        2 218             
Liabilities                                                                     
Non-current liabilities                          2 971        3 385             
Other financial liabilities               11     1 296        1 672             
Close down and restoration obligation            612          617               
Retirement benefits obligation                   172          168               
Deferred income tax liabilities           10     891          928               
Current liabilities                              1 994        1 976             
Other financial liabilities               11     960          1 049             
Close-down and restoration obligation            2            -                 
Retirement benefits obligation                   8            8                 
Borrowings                                12     99           98                
Trade and other payables                         619          573               
Related party payables                           246          203               
Current income tax liabilities                   60           45                
Total liabilities                                4 965        5 361             
Total equity and liabilities                     7 929         7 579            
The notes are an integral part of these interim condensed Group results.        
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY                           
                           Attributable to owners of parent                     
                           Share    Share    Other      Retained                
capital  premium  reserves   earnings  Total         
                           R`m      R`m      R`m        R`m       R`m           
Balance at 1 January 2010   48       581      (2 151)    3 201     1 679        
Total comprehensive         -        -        350        589       939          
income for the year                                                             
Dividends paid              -        -        -          (400)     (400)        
Balance at 31 December      48       581      (1 801)    3 390     2 218        
2010                                                                            
Total comprehensive         -        -        338        758       1 096        
income for the half year                                                        
Dividends paid              -        -        -          (350)     (350)        
Balance at 30 June 2011     48       581      (1 463)    3 798     2 964        
The notes are an integral part of these interim condensed Group results.        
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS                                  
                                                 Six months  Six months         
                                                 ended       ended              
30 June     30 June            
                                                 2011        2010               
                                                 R`m         R`m                
Cash flows from operating activities                                            
Cash generated from operating activities          948         310               
Interest paid                                     (4)         (3)               
Interest received                                 19          14                
Dividends paid                                    (350)       (300)             
Income tax paid                                   (374)       (301)             
Net cash generated/(utilised in) from operating   239         (280)             
activities                                                                      
Cash utilised in investing activities                                           
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment      (218)       (53)              
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and     -           3                 
equipment                                                                       
Investment in available-for-sale financial asset  (5)         (3)               
Dividend income                                   2           2                 
Net cash used in investing activities             (221)       (51)              
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash          18          (331)             
equivalents                                                                     
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the     1 641       1 395             
year                                                                            
Effects of exchange rate changes on the balance   49          27                
of cash held in foreign currencies                                              
Cash and cash equivalents at end of half period   1 708       1 091             
The notes are an integral part of these interim condensed Group results.        
NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONDENSED GROUP RESULTS                                    
1. CORPORATE INFORMATION                                                        
Palabora extracts and beneficiates copper, magnetite and vermiculite from       
its mines in the Limpopo Province. It is the primary aim of the Group, a        
member of the worldwide Rio Tinto Group, to achieve excellence in all           
aspects of its activities and to develop the Group`s resources and assets       
in a socially and environmentally responsible way for the maximum benefit       
of its shareholders, employees, customers and the community in which it         
operates. It is the Group`s firm belief that efficient and profitable           
operations go hand in hand with high-quality products and comprehensive and     
effective safety, health and environmental protection programmes.               
The Group is incorporated and domiciled in South Africa and is listed on        
the JSE Limited ("JSE"). The address of its registered office is 1 Copper       
Road, Phalaborwa, 1389.                                                         
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Palabora for the     
half year ended 30 June 2011 were authorised for issue in accordance with a     
resolution of the Board of Directors passed on 28 July 2011.                    
2. BASIS OF PREPARATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES                                 
2.1 Basis of preparation                                                        
The condensed consolidated interim financial information for the six months     
ended 30 June 2011 has been prepared in accordance with International           
Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34, Interim Reporting, as well as Schedule 4 of     
the South African Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008, IFRS and the AC 500            
standards as issued by the Accounting Practices Board and the disclosure        
requirements of the JSE`s Listing Requirements.                                 
The interim financial report does not include all the information and           
disclosure requirements in the annual financial statements, and should be       
read in conjunction with the Group`s annual financial statements for the        
year ended 31 December 2010.                                                    
2.2 Significant accounting policies                                             
The condensed consolidated interim financial report has been prepared in        
accordance with the historical cost convention except for certain financial     
instruments, which are stated at fair value, and is presented in Rand,          
which is Palabora`s functional and presentation currency.                       
Except as described below, the accounting policies applied in the               
preparation of the interim condensed consolidated Group results are             
consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group`s annual         
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2010.                       
The following new standards and amendments to standards are mandatory for       
the first time for the financial year beginning 1 January 2011:                 
- IFRS 1 (Amendment): First-time Adoption of International Financial            
Reporting Standards - Limited Exemptions from Comparative IFRS 7                
Disclosures for First-time Adopters (effective for financial periods            
beginning on or after 1 July 2010) - The additional amendment relieves          
first-time adopters of IFRS from presenting comparative information for new     
three level classification disclosures required by March 2009 amendments to     
IFRS 7 `Financial Instruments: Disclosures`. The amendment is not               
applicable to the Group;                                                        
- IAS 24 (Revised): Related Party Disclosures (effective for financial          
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011) - The revision simplifies the     
disclosure requirements for government-related entities and clarifies the       
definition of related parties. The amendment may require additional             
disclosure at year end;                                                         
- IAS 32 (Amendment): Financial Instruments: Presentation (effective for        
financial periods beginning on or after 1 February 2010) - Accounting for       
rights issues (including rights, options and warrants) that are denominated     
in a currency other than the functional currency of the issuer;                 
- IFRIC 13: Customer loyalty programmes (effective for financial periods        
beginning on or after 1 January 2011) - The meaning of the term `fair           
value` is clarified in the context of measuring award credits under             
customer loyalty programmes. The amendment is not applicable to the Group;      
- IFRIC 14 (Amendment): The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum           
Funding Requirements and their Interaction- Prepayment of minimum funding       
requirements (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1           
January 2011) - This amendment applies in the limited circumstances when an     
entity is subject to minimum funding requirements and makes an early            
payment of contributions to cover those requirements. The amendment permits     
such an entity to treat the benefit of such an early payment as an asset.       
The amendment does not have an impact on the Group pension scheme;              
- IFRIC 19: Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments         
(effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010) - This      
interpretation provides guidance on how to account for the extinguishment       
of a financial liability by the issue of equity instruments. The amendment      
is not currently applicable; and                                                
- Improvements to IFRS 2010 - (effective for financial periods beginning on     
or after 1 July 2010 or 1 January 2011) - A collection of amendments to         
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). These amendments are       
the result of conclusions the Board reached on proposals made in its annual     
improvements project.                                                           
3. PRESENTATION CHANGE                                                          
3.1 Operating segments                                                          
The magnetite joint product cost and overhead allocation methods have been      
restated to align these with the manner the segments are monitored and          
reported by management. The revised allocation method implemented and           
presented in the Groups`s annual financial statements for the year ended 31     
Decemeber 2010 reports operating results in a manner that is consistent         
with the operating and production profile of each segment. Costs allocated      
to the magnetite joint product relate to those costs incurred to mine the       
magnetite material from the underground operations and processed through        
the concentrator (new arisings material). No mining or concentrator costs       
are allocated to the historic magnetite stockpiles.                             
The change resulted in a restatement of previously reported operating           
segment profits.                                                                
                               Joint-    By-                                    
product:  products:   Industrial                 
                       Copper  Magnetite Other       minerals     Total         
Period ended 30 June    R`m     R`m       R`m         R`m          R`m          
2010                                                                            
Reportable segment      20      309       92          -            421          
operating profit - as                                                           
reported previously                                                             
Change in overhead      20      (23)      (7)         10           -            
allocation                                                                      
Change in joint-        75      (75)      -           -            -            
product allocation                                                              
Change in               27      (27)      -           -            -            
depreciation                                                                    
allocation                                                                      
Reportable segment      142     184       85          10           421          
operating profit - as                                                           
reported currently                                                              
4. EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT COST                                             
                                    Six months ended   Six months ended         
                                    30 June 2011       30 June 2010             
R`m                R`m                      
Lift II Development Cost             (40)               -                       
Lift II development costs relate to pre-feasibility drilling and                
development of a copper mineralisation area under the current footprint.        
5. PROFIT BEFORE TAX AND NET FINANCE COST                                       
                                    Six months ended   Six months ended         
                                    30 June 2011       30 June 2010             
                                    R`m                R`m                      
Profit before tax and net finance                                               
cost is stated after charging,                                                  
amongst other items:                                                            
Depreciation on property, plant and  (363)              (234)                   
equipment                                                                       
Amortisation on intangible assets    (1)                (1)                     
Employee benefit expense             (496)              (406)                   
6. NET FINANCE)/INCOME                                                          
Six months ended   Six months ended         
                                    30 June 2011       30 June 2010             
                                    R`m                R`m                      
Finance cost                         (31)               (30)                    
Interest expense on borrowings       (4)                (3)                     
Unwinding of discount on close-down  (22)               (19)                    
and restoration costs                                                           
Net foreign exchange loss on         (5)                (8)                     
operating activities                                                            
Finance income                       70                 36                      
Interest income on short-term bank   16                 12                      
deposits                                                                        
Interest income on available-for-    3                  2                       
sale financial asset                                                            
Net foreign exchange gain on         51                 22                      
financing activities                                                            
Net finance income                   39                 6                       
7.INCOME TAX EXPENSE                                                            
The major components of income tax expense are:                                 
                                    Six months ended   Six months ended         
30 June 2011       30 June 2010             
                                    R`m                R`m                      
Normal income tax                    (354)              (172)                   
South African                                                                   
- Mining tax: current                (336)              (166)                   
- Mining tax: prior year             -                  1                       
- Non-mining tax: current            -                  (1)                     
Foreign                                                                         
- Current                            (18)                (6)                    
Secondary tax on companies           (35)               (29)                    
Deferred income tax                                                             
South African                                                                   
- Current                            43                 68                      
Income tax expense reported in the   (346)              (133)                   
income statement                                                                
The tax rate reconciliation is as                                               
follows:                                                                        
                                    %                  %                        
Current standard rate                28,0               28,0                    
Adjusted for:                                                                   
- Actual state share and state       -                  0,6                     
share deduction on mining tax                                                   
- Dividend income                    (1,7)              (0,1)                   
- Disallowable expenditure           -                  0,5                     
- Tax rate differential of foreign   1,9                -                       
subsidiaries                                                                    
- Secondary tax on companies         3,1                7,0                     
- Prior year provision               -                  (1,8)                   
- Other                              -                  (3,9)                   
Effective tax rate                   31,3               30,3                    
8. EARNINGS PER SHARE                                                           
Basic and diluted                                                               
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable      
to equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary      
shares in issue during the year. There are no potential or actual dilutive      
effects on the Group`s share capital.                                           
Six months ended   Six months ended         
                                    30 June 2011       30 June 2010             
                                    R`m                R`m                      
Reconciliation of net profit for                                                
earnings per share                                                              
Net profit attributable to equity    758                306                     
holders of parent                                                               
Reconciliation of weighted average                                              
number of ordinary shares                                                       
Weighted average number of ordinary  48                 48                      
shares of basic and diluted                                                     
earnings per share                                                              
Earnings per share (cents)           1 568              632                     
9. HEADLINE EARNINGS                                                            
                                 Profit before   Tax        Profit after        
                                 tax             expense    tax                 
R`m             R`m        R`m                 
Six months ended 30 June 2011                                                   
Profit per income statement       1 104           (346)      758                
Loss on disposal of property,     6               -          6                  
plant and equipment                                                             
Headline profit                   1 110           (346)      764                
Six months ended 30 June 2010                                                   
Profit per income statement       439             (133)      306                
Profit on disposal of property,   (2)             -          (2)                
plant and equipment                                                             
Headline profit                   437             (133)      304                
                                    Six months ended   Six months ended         
30 June 2011       30 June 2010             
                                    R`m                R`m                      
Headline earnings per share (cents)  1 580              630                     
10. DEFERRED INCOME TAX                                                         
Six months ended   Year ended               
                                    30 June 2011       31 December 2010         
                                    R`m                R`m                      
At beginning of period               70                 130                     
Tax charged to income statement      43                 82                      
Tax charged to statement of other    (131)              (142)                   
comprehensive income                                                            
At end of period                     (18)               70                      
Deferred tax assets arising from:                                               
Provisions                           241                237                     
Derivative financial instruments     632                761                     
Other                                -                  -                       
873                998                      
Deferred tax liabilities arising                                                
from:                                                                           
Accelerated capital allowances       (762)              (808)                   
Available-for-sale investment        (115)              (111)                   
Other                                (14)               (9)                     
                                    (891)              (928)                    
Net deferred tax                     (18)               70                      
(liabilities)/assets                                                            
Comprising:                                                                     
Deferred income tax asset            873                998                     
Deferred income tax liabilities      (891)              (928)                   
(18)               70                       
11. OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES                                                 
Derivative financial instruments - Cash flow hedges                             
At 30 June 2011, the Group held a commodity swap contract designated as a       
hedge of expected future sales to local customers under which the Group         
receives a fixed price in Rand in relation to a monthly notional quantity       
of copper sales as detailed below and pays a floating price based on the        
arithmetic average (mean) of the US$ LME Cash Settlement Price, converted       
to Rand at the average SA Rand/US dollar exchange rate for the calculation      
period. The cash flows paid under the terms of the hedging instrument are       
designed to reduce variability in the Rand proceeds of the copper sales as      
set out in the table below.                                                     
As at 30 June 2011 the cash flow hedges of the expected future sales were       
assessed to be highly effective and the ineffective portion of R2 million       
was recognised directly in the statement of other comprehensive income.         
Table of terms: 30 June 2011                                                    
Average                                      
                                   hedged        Hedged      Derivative         
Maturity               Quantity     price         value       liability         
Year                   tonnes       ZAR/t         R`m         R`m               
2011                   10 913       15 739        172         596               
2012                   21 137       15 739        333         990               
2013                   16 330       15 739        257         670               
                      48 380                     762         2 256              
Unamortised                                                   -                 
component of non-                                                               
observable inception                                                            
gain                                                                            
Total of derivative                                           2 256             
financial instrument                                                            
Non-current                                                                     
Derivative financial                                          1 296             
instrument                                                                      
Total non-current                                             1 296             
portion                                                                         
Current                                                                         
Derivative financial                                          960               
instrument                                                                      
Total current                                                 960               
portion                                                                         
Total of derivative                                           2 256             
financial instrument                                                            
                                                                                
Table of terms: 31                                                              
December 2010                                                                   
                                   Average                                      
                                   hedged        Hedged      Derivative         
Maturity               Quantity     price         value       liability         
Year                   tonnes       ZAR/t         R`m         R`m               
2011                   21 825       15 739        344         1 038             
2012                   21 137       15 739        333         969               
2013                   16 330       15 739        257         703               
59 292                     934         2 710              
                                                                                
Unamortised                                                   11                
component of non-                                                               
observable inception                                                            
gain                                                                            
Total of derivative                                           2 721             
financial instrument                                                            
Non-current                                                                     
Derivative financial                                          1 672             
instrument                                                                      
Total non-current                                             1 672             
portion                                                                         
Current                                                                         
Derivative financial                                          1 038             
instrument                                                                      
Unamortised                                                   11                
component of non-                                                               
observable inception                                                            
gain                                                                            
Total current                                                 1 049             
portion                                                                         
Total of derivative                                           2 721             
financial instrument                                                            
12. BORROWINGS                                                                  
                             Effective     Six months ended  Year ended         
                             interest rate 30 June 2011      31 December        
                                                             2010               
Description of      Currency  %             R`m               R`m               
loan                                                                            
                                                                                
Revolving credit    ZAR       Jibar+2       48                48                
facility -                                                                      
Tranche A                                                                       
Revolving credit    USD       Libor+2       51                50                
facility -                                                                      
Tranche B                                                                       
Total borrowings                            99                98                
The revolving credit facility (RCF) consists of a tranche A of 47,5 million     
Rand, and a tranche B of 7,5 million US dollars. Each revolving facility        
loan is repayable on the last day of its interest period (quarterly).           
13. DIVIDENDS PAID                                                              
The following dividends were declared and paid:                                 
                                     Six months ended   Year ended              
30 June 2011       31 December 2010        
                                     R`m                R`m                     
Previous year final dividend:                                                   
724 cents per qualifying ordinary     350                300                    
share (2010: 620 cents)                                                         
Interim dividend:                                                               
207 cents per qualifying ordinary     -                  100                    
share                                                                           
350                400                     
After the respective reporting dates                                            
the following dividends were                                                    
proposed by the directors. The                                                  
dividend declared is recognised in                                              
the period it is paid.                                                          
Dividends declared:                                                             
931 cents per qualifying ordinary     450                350                    
share (2010: 724 cents)                                                         
Secondary tax on companies due on     45                 35                     
closing date of dividend cycle                                                  
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS                                                  
Six months ended   Year ended              
                                     30 June 2011       31 December 2010        
                                     R`m                R`m                     
The following transactions were                                                 
carried out with related parties:                                               
Recovery of travel and staff costs    2                  1                      
Purchases of goods and services       318                316                    
Key management compensation           5                  8                      
(executive directors)                                                           
15. OPERATING SEGMENTS                                                          
Management has determined the operating segments based on the reports           
reviewed by the strategic steering committee that are used to make              
strategic decisions. The committee considers the business from a product        
perspective. The products are divided in the following segments:                
Copper - Produces and markets refined copper;                                   
Joint-product: Magnetite - markets processed current arisings and built-up      
stockpiles of magnetite, a joint-product from the copper mining process;        
By-products: Includes anode slimes, sulphuric acid and nickel sulphate; and     
Industrial minerals - Produces and markets vermiculite.                         
Reportable segments are as follows:                                             
Joint-    By-                                   
                                product:  products:  Industrial                 
                      Copper    Magnetite Other      minerals    Total          
                      R`m       R`m       R`m        R`m         R`m            
Period ended 30 June                                                            
2011                                                                            
External customers                                                              
revenue                                                                         
Sales from products    2 256     1 967     86         234         4 543         
Hedge loss realised    (531)     -         -          -           (531)         
Reportable segment     1 725     1 967     86         234         4 012         
revenue                                                                         
Reportable segment     414       943       38         42          1 437         
operating profit                                                                
before                                                                          
depreciationand                                                                 
amortisation                                                                    
Depreciation           (251)     (52)      (7)        (7)         (317)         
Reportable segment     163       891       31         35          1 120         
operating profit                                                                
Period ended 30 June                                                            
2010                                                                            
External customers                                                              
revenue                                                                         
Sales from products    1 874     1 170     102        186         3 332         
Hedge loss realised    (420)     -         -          -           (420)         
Reportable segment     1 454     1 170     102        186         2 912         
revenue                                                                         
Reportable segment     329       211       88         15          643           
operating profit                                                                
before depreciation                                                             
and amortisation                                                                
Depreciation           (187)     (27)      (3)        (5)         (222)         
Reportable segment     142       184       85         10          421           
operating profit                                                                
Reconciliation of reportable segment operating profit to profit after tax:      
Six months ended   Six months ended         
                                    30 June 2011       30 June 2010             
                                    R`m                R`m                      
Reportable segment operating profit  1 120              421                     
Unallocated amounts:                                                            
- Other                              (8)                25                      
- Depreciation and amortisation of   (47)               (13)                    
tangible and intangible assets                                                  
- Net finance income cost            39                 6                       
Profit from operations before tax    1 104              439                     
Income tax expense                   (346)              (133)                   
Profit after tax                     758                306                     
16. COMMITMENTS                                                                 
Commitments contracted for at the balance sheet date were R138 million (31      
December 2010: R119 million). Capital expenditure that was approved by the      
Board, but not contracted for at 30 June 2011 amounts to R220 million (31       
December 2010: R245 million).                                                   
17. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES                                                      
Legal matters                                                                   
Various legal matters, including labour cases before the CCMA, are in           
progress. The potential exposure is approximately R1 million.                   
Land claims                                                                     
Presently four land claims have been filed regarding the government-owned       
property that Palabora uses for its mining operations. The four tribes have     
joined together and are represented by one legal advisor. Clarifications of     
the claims and Palabora`s defences are being pursued through legal              
channels. The legal exposure is uncertain.                                      
18. EVENTS AFTER REPORTING DATE                                                 
Dividend declaration                                                            
The Board resolved to declare a dividend of 931c per share at a meeting         
held on 28 July 2011. This financial report does not reflect this dividend      
payable, which will be recognised in shareholders` equity as an                 
appropriation of retained earnings in the year ending 31 December 2011.         
Company secretary:                                                              
KN Mathole                                                                      
Transfer Secretaries:                                                           
Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited                                   
70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001                                          
PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107                                                
Registered Office:                                                              
1 Copper Road, Phalaborwa, 1389                                                 
PO Box 65, Phalaborwa, 1390                                                     
The full report is available on our website at: www.palabora.com                
Date: 01/08/2011 15:18:01 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.                  
The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the    
JSE Limited (`JSE`). The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or            
implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or   
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employees and agents accept no liability for (or in respect of) any direct,     
indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind or nature,     
howsoever arising, from the use of SENS or the use of, or reliance on,          
information disseminated through SENS.
Profile Group (Pty) Ltd. has taken care in preparing all information on this website, but does not accept any liability for errors or out-of-date information.
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