Kumba Iron Ore's total production decreased by 19% to 7.5 million tonnes (Mt) for the third quarter ended 30 September 2026, down from 9.2 Mt a year earlier.
The decline was largely due to the planned temporary shutdown of the Sishen dense-media-separation (DMS) plant to enable the ultra-high-dense-media-separation (UHDMS) project main tie-in.
Despite lower production, total sales increased by 3% to 10.0 Mt, supported by the drawdown of finished stock, which decreased to 4.8 Mt from 7.0 Mt in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, it said.
Kumba achieved an average year-to-date realised FOB export iron ore price of $86/wmt, a 9% premium over the average benchmark price of $79/wmt.
"We delivered a resilient third quarter performance, supported by safe and focused operational and project execution...
Despite these headwinds, Kumba continued to realise a premium to benchmark prices, underpinned by the quality of its lump iron ore products and its diversified customer base," said company chief executive Mpumi Zikalala.
Ore railed to port decreased by 8% to 9.4 Mt, largely reflecting the impact of a derailment that reduced volumes railed by 0.4 Mt.
The Sishen UHDMS project continues to advance, with overall progress at approximately 60% and construction approximately 50% completed.
The main tie-in remains on track for completion before the end of 2026.
Kumba's full-year 2026 guidance remains unchanged, with production at 31–33 Mt and sales at 35–37 Mt.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
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