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Wed 4 Aug 2004, 9:38 Kumba Resources - Reviewed Group Interim Financial
Release Date: 04/08/2004 07:00:40      Code(s): KMB        
Kumba Resources - Reviewed Group Interim Financial Results For The 12 Months    
                  Ended 30 June 2004                                            
KUMBA RESOURCES LIMITED                                                         
(Registration number 2000/011076/06)                                            
JSE Share code KMB                                                              
ADR CODE       KBREY                                                            
ISIN CODE      ZAE000034310                                                     
Harnessing the power of the earth                                               
REVIEWED GROUP INTERIM FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PHYSICAL INFORMATION FOR THE 12-   
MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2004                                                       
Continued solid operational performance                                         
Record safety performance                                                       
Strong commodity prices impacted by Rand appreciation                           
Second interim dividend of 35 cents per share (55 cents for 12-months to 30 June
2004)                                                                           
GROUP INCOME STATEMENT                                                          
                                               12-months       Year ended       
                                                   ended                        
                                            30 June 2004     30 June 2003       
Reviewed          Audited       
                                                      Rm               Rm       
Revenue                                            8 454            7 469       
Operating expenses                               (7 353)          (6 280)       
Net operating profit                               1 101            1 189       
Net financing costs                                (268)            (244)       
Share of pre-taxation (losses)/income               (29)                2       
from equity-accounted investments                                               
Profit before taxation (note 2)                      804              947       
Taxation                                           (253)            (229)       
Profit from ordinary activities                      551              718       
Minority interest                                   (23)                        
Net profit attributable to ordinary                  528              718       
shareholders                                                                    
Ordinary shares (million)                                                       
- in issue                                           302              297       
- weighted average number of shares                  298              297       
- diluted weighted average number of                 300              299       
shares                                                                          
Attributable earnings per share (cents)                                         
- basic as previously reported                     177,2            241,8       
- basic restated for June 2003                                      243,7       
- diluted as previously reported                   176,0            240,1       
- diluted restated for June 2003                                    242,4       
Dividend paid per share (cents) in                  60,0             85,0       
respect of the previous financial year                                          
Dividend paid per share (cents) in                  20,0                        
respect of the first interim period                                             
Dividend declared per share (cents) in              35,0                        
respect of this interim period                                                  
Reconciliation of headline earnings                                             
Net profit attributable to ordinary                  528              718       
shareholders                                                                    
- Impairment charges                                 124                2       
- Share of associates` goodwill                       30               38       
- Goodwill amortisation                              (4)               21       
- Share of associates` exceptionals                    7                7       
- Net surplus on disposal or scrapping              (65)              (3)       
of property, plant and equipment                                                
- Net surplus on disposal of investment             (72)                        
in joint ventures and associates                                                
- Closure cost                                        35                        
- Taxation effect of adjustments                     (3)                1       
Headline earnings                                    580              784       
Headline earnings per share (cents)                                             
- basic as previously reported                     194,6            264,0       
- basic restated for June 2003                                      266,1       
- diluted as previously reported                   193,3            262,2       
- diluted restated for June 2003                                    264,3       
GROUP BALANCE SHEET                                                             
                                                   As at            As at       
                                            30 June 2004     30 June 2003       
Reviewed          Audited       
                                                      Rm               Rm       
ASSETS                                                                          
Non-current assets                                                              
Property, plant and equipment                      8 428            8 205       
Intangible assets                                     71               98       
Goodwill                                            (50)             (80)       
Investments in associates and joint                                             
ventures (note 6)                                                               
- listed                                              12              100       
- unlisted                                            24               18       
Deferred taxation                                    190              485       
Other financial assets                               299              272       
                                                   8 974            9 098       
Current assets                                                                  
Inventories                                        1 399            1 369       
Trade and other receivables                        1 407            1 333       
Cash and cash equivalents                          1 238              964       
                                                   4 044            3 666       
Total assets                                      13 018           12 764       
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES                                                          
Capital and reserves                                                            
Ordinary shareholders` funds                       5 098            4 891       
Minority interest                                  1 119            1 191       
Total shareholders` funds                          6 217            6 082       
Non-current liabilities                                                         
Interest-bearing borrowings                        2 759            2 801       
Other long-term payables                             570              388       
Non-current provisions                               367              355       
Financial liabilities                                 29                        
Deferred taxation                                  1 103            1 384       
                                                   4 828            4 928       
Current liabilities                                                             
Trade and other payables                           1 073            1 092       
Interest-bearing borrowings                          731              537       
Taxation                                             155               94       
Current provisions                                    14               31       
                                                   1 973            1 754       
Total equity and liabilities                      13 018           12 764       
Net debt                                           2 252            2 374       
Net asset value per share (cents)                  1 689            1 647       
Capital expenditure                                                             
- incurred                                         1 073            1 386       
- contracted                                         486              345       
- authorised but not contracted                      621              624       
Contingent liabilities                                88               50       
Operating lease commitments                          194              237       
Operating sublease rentals receivable                 29               38       
GROUP CASH FLOW                                                                 
                                               12-months       Year ended       
                                                   ended                        
                                            30 June 2004     30 June 2003       
Reviewed          Audited       
                                                      Rm               Rm       
Net cash flows from operating activities           1 490            1 613       
Net financing costs                                (257)            (240)       
Taxation paid                                      (167)            (310)       
Dividends paid in respect of the                   (248)            (283)       
previous financial year and first                                               
interim period                                                                  
Net cash used in investing activities                                           
- capital expenditure                            (1 073)          (1 386)       
- proceeds from disposal of property,                108               44       
plant and equipment                                                             
- proceeds from disposal of associate                100                        
- increase in cash resources on                                                 
acquisition of a controlling interest                                           
in subsidiaries                                                       366       
- acquisition of joint ventures and                                  (34)       
associates                                                                      
- other                                            (120)              (8)       
Net cash outflow                                   (167)            (238)       
Net cash flow from financing activities                                         
- cash flows from issue of shares                    133                        
- borrowings raised                                  308              523       
Net increase in cash and cash                        274              285       
equivalents                                                                     
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of               964              679       
period                                                                          
Cash and cash equivalents at end of                1 238              964       
period                                                                          
GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY                                            
                                                 30 June          30 June       
                                                    2004             2003       
Reviewed          Audited       
                                                      Rm               Rm       
Shareholders` funds at beginning of                4 921            4 816       
period as previously reported                                                   
Prior year adjustment (note 5)                      (30)             (35)       
Adjusted shareholders` funds at                    4 891            4 781       
beginning of period                                                             
Changes in share capital and premium                                            
- issue of shares                                                               
- share premium                                      133                        
- shares issued to Management Share                                     2       
Trust                                                                           
Changes in non-distributable reserves                                           
- currency translation differences                 (189)            (432)       
- financial instruments movements                   (28)               71       
- realised in associate and joint                    (5)             (76)       
venture                                                                         
- transfer of equity-accounted earnings               13             (38)       
- transfer to capital redemption reserve               4                        
- transfer of insurance reserve                                         3       
Changes in retained income                                                      
- net profit for the period                          528              718       
- dividends paid                                   (239)            (252)       
- reduction in dividends paid to                                                
Management Share Trust (note 5)                        2                3       
- realised in associate and joint                      5               76       
venture                                                                         
- transfer of equity-accounted earnings             (13)               38       
- transfer to capital redemption reserve             (4)                        
- transfer of insurance reserve                                       (3)       
Shareholders` funds at end of period               5 098            4 891       
Dividend declared after this interim period amounts to 35 cents per share. STC  
at 12,5% is payable.                                                            
NOTES TO THE REVIEWED FINANCIAL                                                 
STATEMENTS                                                                      
1. Basis of preparation                                                         
The interim financial results are prepared in accordance with International     
Accounting Standard 34 on interim financial reporting and should be read in     
conjunction with the 2003 annual financial statements. The accounting policies  
adopted are consistent with those applied in the annual financial statements for
the year ended 30 June 2003 except for the consolidation of the Management Share
Trust (note 5).                                                                 
                                               12-months       Year ended       
                                                   ended                        
30 June 2004     30 June 2003       
                                                Reviewed          Audited       
                                                      Rm               Rm       
2. Profit before taxation is arrived at                                         
after                                                                           
- depreciation and amortisation                    (644)            (532)       
- financing costs                                  (308)            (321)       
- interest received                                   40               77       
- dividends received                                   5               49       
- net realised foreign exchange                                                 
(losses)/gains on:                                                              
- currency exchange differences                    (117)            (193)       
- revaluation of derivative instruments               81              144       
- net unrealised foreign exchange                                               
gains/(losses) on:                                                              
- currency exchange differences                       67             (92)       
- revaluation of derivative instruments             (60)               19       
- fair value adjustment on financial                   9                        
assets                                                                          
- fair value adjustment on financial                (12)                        
liabilities                                                                     
- impairment charges* (note 3)                     (124)              (2)       
- goodwill amortisation*                               4             (21)       
- net surplus on disposal of investments              73                        
in joint ventures and associates**                                              
- net surplus on disposal of fixed                    65              (3)       
assets***                                                                       
* Based on Circular 3/2004 issued by the South African Institute of Chartered   
Accountants, the impairment charges (R124 million) and goodwill (R4 million     
negative goodwill) have been included in the calculation of net operating       
profit.                                                                         
** During the period Kumba sold its share in Mincor Resources for a purchase    
consideration of R100 million with a net surplus of R73 million.                
The taxation effect of the amount was R22 million.                              
*** Includes a R49 million net surplus from the sale of bulk ore carriers for a 
purchase consideration of R72 million. The taxation effect of the amount was R7 
million.                                                                        
3. Impairment charges                                                           
Impairment of cyanide chemicals plant               (89)                        
Impairment of fixed assets                          (15)                        
Impairment of intangible assets                     (11)                        
Impairment of investments                            (9)              (2)       
                                                   (124)              (2)       
Taxation effect                                       26                        
(98)              (2)       
4. Discontinued operation                                                       
On 21 April 2004 Ticor Limited announced its intention to discontinue its       
chemicals business, included in the heavy minerals segment. The revenue,        
operating results, assets, liabilities and cash flow of the chemicals business  
for the current and previous periods are:                                       
Revenue                                              195              254       
Expenses                                             188              258       
Provision for closure                                 35                        
Impairment charges                                    89                        
Pre-tax loss                                       (122)              (4)       
Income tax expense                                    35                5       
Total assets                                         124              240       
Total external liabilities                            81              100       
Cash inflows from operating activities                 8               37       
Ticor Limited has concluded a sales agreement for the remaining property, plant 
and equipment for a purchase consideration of A$5 million (R21,5 million)       
realising a net surplus of A$2,5 million (R10,8 million) after this interim     
period.                                                                         
5. Consolidation of Kumba Management Share Trust                                
Kumba operates the Kumba Management Share Trust for senior employees and        
executive directors of Kumba. The Trust has been consolidated for the 12-months 
under review. Prior years` figures have been restated. The amount of the        
adjustment for the current and comparable period is as follows:                 
As at            As at       
                                            30 June 2004     30 June 2003       
                                                Reviewed          Audited       
                                                      Rm               Rm       
Income statement impact                                                         
- Reduction of dividends paid to                       2                3       
external parties                                                                
Balance sheet impact                                                            
- Share capital and premium decrease                  33               33       
- Retained income increase                             5                3       
- Current liabilities increase                        13                8       
- Trade and other receivables decrease                15               22       
The amount of the adjustment relating to the 2002 financial statements is a     
decrease of R35 million in shareholders` reserves, a decrease of R3 million in  
financial assets, a decrease of R24 million in trade and other receivables and  
an increase of R14 million in trade and other payables.                         
6. Investments                                                                  
Listed investments                                                              
- market value                                        42              138       
Unlisted investments                                                            
- directors` valuation                                58              108       
7. Reclassification of leave pay provision                                      
During the 12-months under review the provision for leave pay benefits has been 
reclassified as an accrual and is presented as part of trade and other payables.
The comparative figures have been adjusted to reflect this. At 30 June 2004 the 
leave pay benefit accrual is R185 million (2003: R146 million). The basis of    
calculating the leave pay benefits has been amended to total cost of employment,
resulting in an increase in the provision of R36 million.                       
8. Related party transactions                                                   
During the period the company and its subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of   
business, entered into various sale and purchase transactions with associates   
and joint ventures. These transactions were subject to terms that are no less   
favourable than those arranged with third parties.                              
9. JSE Securities Exchange requirements                                         
The interim announcement has been prepared in accordance with the listings      
requirements of the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa.                       
10. Corporate governance                                                        
The group complies with the Code of Corporate Practice and Conduct published in 
the King II Report on Corporate Governance.                                     
11. Auditors` review                                                            
The interim results have been reviewed by the company`s auditors, Deloitte &    
Touche. The unqualified review  opinion is available for inspection at the      
company`s registered office.                                                    
UNAUDITED PHYSICAL INFORMATION (`000 TONNES)                                    
12-months       Year ended       
                                                   ended                        
                                            30 June 2004     30 June 2003       
Iron Ore                                                                        
Production                                        30 052           28 557       
Sales                                                                           
- Export                                          20 380           20 946       
- Domestic                                         9 478            8 770       
Total                                             29 858           29 716       
Coal                                                                            
Production                                                                      
- Power station                                   13 875           13 036       
- Coking                                           2 243            2 207       
- Other                                            2 942            2 769       
Total                                             19 060           18 012       
Sales                                                                           
- Eskom                                           14 370           13 051       
- Other domestic                                   3 989            3 821       
- Export                                           1 095            1 128       
Total                                             19 454           18 000       
Heavy Minerals - Ticor SA Project                                               
Production                                                                      
- Ilmenite                                           258               91       
- Zircon                                              49               53       
- Rutile                                              19               20       
- Pig iron                                            64                3       
- Scrap pig iron                                       9                        
- Chloride slag                                       75                        
- Sulphate slag                                       40                        
Sales                                                                           
- Ilmenite                                            40               50       
- Zircon                                              51               59       
- Rutile                                              22               20       
- Pig iron                                            39                        
- Scrap pig iron                                       7                        
- Chloride slag                                       54                        
- Sulphate slag                                       10                        
Heavy Minerals - Ticor Limited*                                                 
Production                                                                      
- Ilmenite                                           228              214       
- Zircon                                              39               40       
- Rutile                                              18               18       
- Synthetic rutile                                   110               90       
- Leucoxene                                           14               13       
- Pigment                                             51               47       
Sales                                                                           
- Ilmenite                                            42               63       
- Zircon                                              37               42       
- Rutile                                              25               14       
- Synthetic rutile                                    50               41       
- Leucoxene                                           17               10       
Base Metals                                                                     
Production                                                                      
- Zinc concentrate                                   121               91       
- Zinc metal                                         139              115       
- Lead concentrate                                    31               22       
Zinc metal sales                                                                
- Domestic                                            89               92       
- Other                                               53               20       
Lead concentrate sales                                                          
- Export                                              29               30       
Ticor Limited was consolidated from 1 April 2003. The production and sales      
tonnes reflect Ticor`s 50% interest in its Tiwest joint venture. Physical       
information for the other period is provided for comparative purposes only.     
COMMENTS                                                                        
The group has changed its year-end from 30 June to 31 December and is reporting 
interim reviewed results for the 12-month period to 30 June 2004. Audited       
results will be reported for the 18-month period ending 31 December 2004.       
GROUP FINANCIAL RESULTS                                                         
The group maintained its robust operational performance against the backdrop of 
a consistently strengthening rand. The period under review has been marked by an
improvement in production levels complemented by strong sales volumes across the
business commodities.                                                           
Revenue increased by 13% on the comparative period as a result of higher sales  
volumes, higher commodity prices and the consolidation of Australian subsidiary,
Ticor Limited, from 1 April 2003.                                               
EARNINGS                                                                        
The material strengthening of the rand against the US dollar has resulted in    
lower operating margins despite the higher revenue, improved operating          
efficiencies and stringent cost control measures. An average exchange rate of   
R6,86 was realised for the period compared with R9,01 for the comparative period
(-24%). An increase in leave pay accrual to total cost of employment and certain
non-recurring charges relating to Ticor Chemicals Company and Base Metals also  
negatively affected net operating profit.                                       
The lower net operating profit, higher net finance charges, an equity-accounted 
loss and a higher tax charge resulted in profit attributable to ordinary        
shareholders reducing by 26% to R528 million over the comparative period.       
Headline earnings declined by 26% to R580 million or 194,6 cents per share.     
CASH FLOW                                                                       
Net cash outflow for the period was R167 million after total capital expenditure
of R1 073 million, with R759 million invested in new production capacity. Net   
debt, however, decreased by R122 million to R2 252 million with a debt-to-equity
ratio of 36% as a result of the proceeds of shares issued under the management  
share scheme and the translation effect of foreign currency-denominated debt at 
a stronger exchange rate. This compares with a net debt of R2 374 million and a 
debt-to-equity ratio of 39% at 30 June 2003.                                    
SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT                                                  
A significant and commendable reduction on the comparative period in the Lost   
day injury frequency rate (LDIFR) from 3,55 to 2,30 per million man-hours       
worked, on the comparative period has been achieved. This was below the target  
of 2,50, which has subsequently been revised downwards by 30% to 1,75.          
Regrettably the group suffered one fatality during the period. Although this    
represented an all time record performance, Kumba remains committed to zero     
fatalities.                                                                     
The Group`s HIV/Aids prevalence-testing and counselling programme is well       
advanced at all business units. The implementation of pilot antiretroviral      
treatment programmes has commenced at the Zincor refinery, Grootegeluk mine and 
the corporate office.                                                           
The group has made good progress on its international environmental and safety  
certification programmes for all business units (ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001) with
a target to have all business units certified by December 2004.                 
SEGMENT RESULTS                                                                 
6-months ended          12-months ended        
                                     30 June                 30 June            
                                    2004        2003        2004        2003    
                                Reviewed    Reviewed    Reviewed     Audited    
REVENUE                                                                         
Iron Ore                           2 120       1 975       3 934       4 234    
Coal                                 892         823       1 747       1 638    
Heavy Minerals                       815         435       1 591         587    
Ticor SA                            249         160         402         312    
 Ticor Limited *                     566         275       1 189         275    
Base Metals                          616         407       1 087         892    
Industrial Minerals                   44          39          87          78    
Other                                  6          20           8          40    
TOTAL                              4 493       3 699       8 454       7 469    
NET OPERATING PROFIT                                                            
Iron Ore                             374         365         673         882    
Coal                                 192         154         310         279    
Heavy Minerals                        98          42          50          62    
- Ticor SA                          (17)           4        (25)          24    
- Ticor Limited *                    115          38          75          38    
Base Metals                         (10)        (44)        (45)         (9)    
Industrial Minerals                   10          11          20          21    
Other                               (38)        (27)          93        (46)    
- Disposal of non-core                                       122                
interests                                                                       
- Other activities                  (38)        (27)        (29)        (46)    
TOTAL                                626         501       1 101       1 189    
Equity accounted until 31 March 2003. The 2003 results reflect revenue and net  
operating profit for the three months from April to June 2003.                  
OPERATIONS                                                                      
Iron Ore                                                                        
Sishen mine achieved record production for the review period. A replenishment of
low stock levels following the record sales of the previous year, resulted in a 
3% (566 000 tonnes) decline in exports. Domestic sales, which include 261 000   
tonnes over the contractual tonnage, increased by 708 000 tonnes (8%).          
Revenue was 7% lower than for the comparative period as the higher iron ore     
prices (9% increase for the first nine months and 18,62% for the last three     
months of the period under review) were offset by the stronger rand and lower   
export sales. Net operating profit declined by 24% to R673 million despite cost 
saving initiatives that negated the effect of inflation-linked cost increases.  
Coal                                                                            
The business unit achieved record production and sales volumes for the period.  
Sales of power station coal increased by 1,3 million tonnes (10%) due to strong 
demand from the Matimba and Majuba power stations, while higher demand for      
coking coal and improved operating efficiencies increased other domestic sales  
by 4%.                                                                          
Revenue increased by 7% on the comparative period to a record level of R1 747   
million as a result of the strong demand and higher prices. The higher revenue  
and cost containment focus resulted in net operating profit increasing by 11%.  
Heavy Minerals                                                                  
Ticor SA project                                                                
The continued ramp-up of the furnaces according to the planned schedule resulted
in higher production and the first sales of slag and pig iron. Revenue increased
by 29% on the comparative period. The stronger currency and the fact that the   
project is still in a ramp-up phase led to an operating loss for the period.    
In order to be in a position to take advantage of the predicted growth in demand
for titania slag, Ticor SA plans to shut furnace 2 in the current half of the   
calendar year to implement improvements identified during commissioning and to  
effect repairs to the bottom of the furnace shell.                              
Ticor Limited                                                                   
Ticor Limited experienced strong production and good sales performances for the 
period. Production at the Ticor chemical plant was stopped in May 2004,         
following unsuccessful attempts to dispose of the operation as a going concern. 
The company achieved solid results for the period despite a stronger Australian 
dollar, the impact of the chemical plant impairment (R89 million) and a         
provision raised for its closure cost (R35 million) which negatively affected   
net operating profit.                                                           
Base Metals                                                                     
Production of zinc concentrate at Rosh Pinah mine increased by 33% on the       
comparative period to a record annual level of 121 000 tonnes while zinc metal  
production was 21% higher as a result of the commissioning of the Chifeng       
(Hongye) refinery expansion in Inner Mongolia, China. Local sales of zinc metal 
were marginally lower while other sales, which include Chifeng, increased by    
165% on the comparative period.                                                 
Revenue was 22% higher due to the contribution from the Chifeng refinery, which 
is in a ramp-up phase. The rand-denominated average zinc prices were 6,1% lower 
compared with the corresponding period last year.                               
The continued low treatment charges together with impairment provisions raised  
against two investments resulted in an operating loss for the period. As        
cautioned in the group`s interim results released in February 2004, the         
investment in ZnERGY (Pty) Limited, a zinc air fuel battery component           
manufacturing plant, was impaired in the amount of R26 million. An impairment   
charge of R9 million was also raised against a preference share investment made 
in 2000 in a strong US dollar and zinc price environment to facilitate a 5%     
empowerment interest in Rosh Pinah (Pty) Limited.                               
Industrial Minerals                                                             
The business continues to make a positive contribution to the group`s operating 
results despite softer product prices.                                          
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES                                                            
Iron Ore                                                                        
A feasibility study into the expansion of Sishen production (SEP) by 10 Mtpa (in
addition to the 1 Mtpa expansion currently in progress), in part by the creation
of an additional product grade, is due for completion by the end of 2004. A     
revised study on the Sishen South project, incorporating an optimised           
configuration under current international market conditions and exchange rates, 
is being undertaken. Negotiations with Transnet continue in respect of the      
timeous provision of the requisite rail and port infrastructure associated with 
these projects.                                                                 
It is anticipated that final Board approval to proceed with the Hope Downs      
project in Western Australia will be sought before the end of the calendar year,
once outstanding contractual issues with our Australian partner, Hancock        
Prospecting, have been resolved.                                                
During July 2004, an agreement was concluded with the Government of Senegal and 
its agency, Miferso, to commence an exploration programme intended to establish 
the resource base associated with the Faleme iron ore deposit in the south east 
of the country. Technical support will also be provided to Miferso in developing
a business model for funding the infrastructural requirements of the project.   
Coal                                                                            
Good progress made on the outstanding approvals from Transnet in respect of the 
RBCT Phase V expansion should enable the 1 Mtpa Inyanda thermal coal export     
joint venture with Eyesizwe Coal to proceed before the end of the calendar year.
Final approval will allow the project to participate in the prevailing buoyant  
international market conditions.                                                
Approval for the development of a new beneficiation module at Grootegeluk mine, 
at a capital cost of R344 million, to provide up to 0,7 Mtpa of additional      
product suited to the manufacture of market coke, is expected within the current
quarter. Capital expenditure of R91 million was also approved for the           
construction of a jig beneficiation plant at Leeuwpan mine which will increase  
production of thermal coal by 900 000 Mtpa to 2,6 Mtpa. Implementation is       
subject to the conclusion of an offtake agreement with Eskom.                   
The selection of a strategic partner to participate in the further evaluation,  
and possible development of a large, high grade coking coal resource owned by   
Kumba at Moranbah South, in the Bowen Basin of Queensland, Australia, is well   
advanced.                                                                       
Heavy Minerals                                                                  
Exploration of the potential of the Toliara mineral sands deposit in south-     
western Madagascar continues according to plan, with the objective of           
identifying ilmenite feedstock to support additional furnaces at Ticor SA`s     
Empangeni plant. Early results are encouraging as they indicate that the size of
the reserve is in line with original estimates.                                 
Base Metals                                                                     
The production ramp-up of the second, 25 ktpa module at the Chifeng zinc        
refinery has exceeded 90% of full capacity. The roaster plant at Lindong was    
commissioned in May 2004, after a regional earthquake in August 2003 caused     
construction delays.                                                            
Encouraging results of intensive exploration in the vicinity of the Rosh Pinah  
zinc/lead mine in southern Namibia, involving the integrated efforts of surface 
and underground programmes, indicate  potential to extend the resource base of  
the mine.                                                                       
MINING LEGISLATION                                                              
The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act was promulgated on 1 May    
2004. The group has embarked on a co-ordinated empowerment process to achieve a 
sustainable position as a pre-eminent South African-based mining company and    
remains confident that it will meet the requirements of the Act and its         
associated Charter.                                                             
OUTLOOK                                                                         
The strong rand environment has a major negative impact on the resources sector 
with earnings coming under increasing pressure despite operational efficiencies.
This impedes the realisation of growth opportunities and puts at risk expansion 
projects which are in the implementation phase.                                 
The group has embarked on a specific business improvement programme, consisting 
of revenue enhancement and cost-saving initiatives, with a target of delivering 
a sustainable contribution of R800 million to net operating profit from the     
start of the 2006 financial year.                                               
This initiative together with stronger commodity markets marked by an 18,62%    
average increase in the US dollar price of iron ore from 1 April 2004, higher   
coal prices and a modest recovery in the US dollar price of zinc will have a    
positive impact on the group`s results. Earnings will, however, continue to be  
affected by the rand.                                                           
DECLARATION OF DIVIDEND Number 4                                                
The directors have resolved to declare dividend number 4 of 35 cents per share  
in South African currency in respect of the second interim period ended 30 June 
2004. This will result in the total dividend paid in respect of the 12-months   
ended 30 June 2004 being 55 cents share. The dividend is paid to shareholders   
recorded in the books of the company at the close of business on Friday, 10     
September 2004.                                                                 
In compliance with the requirements of the electronic settlement system of the  
JSE Securities Exchange South Africa, the following dates are applicable:       
Last day to trade cum dividend   Friday, 3 September 2004                       
Shares trade ex dividend         Monday, 6 September 2004                       
Record date                      Friday, 10 September 2004                      
Payment date                     Monday, 13 September 2004                      
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 6
September 2004 and Friday, 10 September 2004, both days inclusive.              
On behalf of the Board                                                          
MLD Marole          Dr CJ Fauconnier     DJ van Staden                          
(Chairman)          (Chief Executive)    (Executive                             
                                         Director, Finance)                     
3 August 2004                                                                   
If you have any queries regarding your shareholding in Kumba Resources, please  
call the Transfer Secretaries at +27 11 370 5000.                               
Registered office                                                               
Kumba Resources Limited                                                         
Roger Dyason Road                                                               
Pretoria West, Pretoria, 0002                                                   
TEL NO    +27 12 307 5000                                                       
FAX NO    +27 12 307 4080                                                       
TRANSFER SECRETARIES                                                            
Computershare Investor Services 2004 (Pty) Limited                              
70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001                                          
P O Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107                                               
TEL NO    +27 11 370 5000                                                       
FAX NO    +27 11 688 5221                                                       
DIRECTORS                                                                       
MLD Marole (Chairman)                                                           
Dr CJ Fauconnier* (Chief Executive)                                             
PM Baum BE Davison TL de Beer JJ Geldenhuys                                     
MJ Kilbride* Dr D Konar CF Meintjes* AJ Morgan                                  
WA Nairn SA Nkosi CML Savage Dr NS Segal F Titi                                 
DJ van Staden* RG Wadley* PL Zim                                                
*Executive                                                                      
COMPANY SECRETARY   MS Viljoen                                                  
INVESTOR RELATIONS  Trevor Arran +27 12 307 3292                                
CORPORATE AFFAIRS   Pat Mdoda +27 12 307 4553                                   
SPONSOR             JP Morgan +27 11 507 0300                                   
CAPTIONS ON PICS                                                                
our footprint                                                                   
new generation                                                                  
stakeholder prosperity                                                          
opportunity                                                                     
creating balance                                                                
uplifting our people                                                            
This report is available at Kumba Resources` site at:                           
http://www.kumbaresources.com                                                   
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