Media Centre
Production Report for the three months to 30 September 2009 and Interim Management Statement
Production Report for the three months to 30 September 2009 and Interim Management Statement
12 November 2009Highlights:
- Ferrochrome production was 36,773 tonnes for the quarter to 30 September 2009, up sharply from the June 2009 quarter due to the start up of the second furnace
- Ferrochrome sales were down from 41,916 tonnes in the June 2009 quarter when the Company was selling inventory plus production, to 36,383 tonnes in the September quarter
- Inventory remained stable at 9,752 tonnes, compared to 9,362 tonnes at 30 June 2009
- Net cash balance of ZAR433m as at 30 September 2009 (30 June 2009: ZAR340m)
- Ferrochrome price was US$0.89 per pound for the September 2009 quarter, compared to US$0.69 for the June 2009 quarter
Post-period highlights
- Ferrochrome price has increased to US$1.03 per pound for the December quarter of 2009
| Three months to 30 September
2009 (tonnes) |
Three months to 30 June 2009 (tonnes) |
Three months to 30 September
2008 (tonnes) | |
| Production | 36,773 | 18,437 | 59,470 |
| Ferrochrome sales | 36,383 | 41,916 | 28,025 |
| Ferrochrome stock at quarter end | 9,752 | 9,362 | 33,265 |
Commenting on the operational update, Chief Executive Officer
David Kovarsky said:
"Following increased ferrochrome demand and general shortages
during the quarter we made a decision to start up the second
furnace on 17 August 2009, having switched on the first furnace on
20 April 2009. The start up went smoothly and production is now
running at full Eskom constrained capacity. With the prospect of
continued ferrochrome price increases through 2010, IFL is well
placed to take full advantage of its strategic access to growth in
stainless steel production.”
Ferrochrome market conditions
Since the beginning of 2009, global stainless steel production
volumes have steadily increased and although there has been a
recent slowdown over the quarter under review, it is expected that
the upward trend will resume from the beginning of 2010.
Production
Production for the quarter to September 2009 was 36,773 tonnes
compared with 18,437 tonnes in the previous quarter when only one
furnace was in operation and 59,470 tonnes for the quarter to 30
September 2008 when both furnaces were running at full capacity
after allowing for electricity constraints. Both furnaces are now
running smoothly and achieved Eskom constrained nameplate capacity
towards the end of October.
Sales
Ferrochrome sales were 36,383 tonnes for the quarter compared with
41,916 tonnes in the previous quarter when the Company was selling
stockpiled material as well as production. These sales were
executed in all of the Company’s traditional markets: China,
Europe and the United States. The strength of the Rand has
adversely impacted achieved ZAR revenues and reduced margins.
Inventory and costs
Costs have been well controlled during the quarter.
Stock levels were low in the June quarter due to increased sales
and are currently low as IFL turned on its second furnace part-way
through the September quarter. The Company is now rebuilding
inventory to more normal levels in response to expected increases
in electricity prices due to regulatory tariff charges and seasonal
pricing and in response to expected increases in the ferrochrome
price.
Capital expenditure
Total capital expenditure budgeted for the remainder of the
financial year is ZAR350 million which includes ZAR190 million for
the electricity co-generation project and ZAR80 million for mine
development.
The mine capital programme has begun with the MG2 decline expected
to be completed by the end of November 2009. Development of the MG1
decline has commenced.
Construction of the co-generation plant, which will allow the
Company to generate 10% of its electricity requirements at
significantly lower cost, after allowing for carbon credits, is
well underway and will be commissioned in the second half of
2010.
Cash
The Company’s balance sheet remains strong with net cash of
ZAR433m at the end of September 2009 and the ZAR500 million Bank of
China working capital facility in place. The Company will continue
its prudent management of cash and resources.
Outlook
Due to a lack of transparency in demand from developing economies
and the outlook for the Rand and electricity costs, the Company
remains cautious in the near term. However, on an operational
level, the Company’s furnaces are operating efficiently,
mining development has commenced as planned and the development of
our co-generation project is on track. Our strategic relationships
are key in harnessing the growth in demand in China and our belief
in the outlook for stainless steel demand in the long term remains
intact.
Other than as detailed above in this Interim Management Statement, there have been no material events or transactions in the period from 1 October 2009 to 12 November 2009.
For further information please visit www.ifml.com or contact:
| International Ferro Metals
Limited David Kovarsky, Chief Executive Officer |
+27 82 650 1192 |
| Brunswick Group Patrick Handley / Carole Cable |
+44 (0) 20 7404 5959 |
| Numis Securities
Limited John Harrison / Stuart Skinner |
+44 (0) 20 7260 1000 |
About International Ferro Metals:
International Ferro Metals produces ferrochrome, the essential
ingredient in stainless steel, from its integrated chromite mine
and ferrochrome processing operations in South Africa.
International Ferro Metals is listed on the London Stock Exchange
under the symbol IFL.
Forward Looking Statements
This announcement contains certain forward looking statements which
by nature, contain risk and uncertainty because they relate to
future events and depend on circumstances that occur in the future.
There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or
developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied
by these forward looking statements.
View the full press release in PDF format
« Back


