Glencore Boosts Australian Coal Output in September Quarter
Mining operations saw an 11 percent increase in thermal and semi-soft coal production for the quarter ending 30 September 2026.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Glencore increased its Australian thermal and semi-soft coal production by 11 percent during the quarter ending 30 September 2026. This equates to 17.5 million tonnes, an increase of 1.7 million tonnes from the June period.
Why it matters
The lift in output followed the completion of a longwall move at the Ulan West mine, boosting overall coal availability. Concurrently, copper metal production at Mount Isa and Townsville surged as smelting operations transitioned to third-party feed.
Glencore produced 17.5 million tonnes of thermal and semi-soft coal in the September quarter, up 1.7 million tonnes from June. Australian zinc production dropped 19 percent year-on-year to 332,600 tonnes, while Mount Isa zinc output fell 37 percent to 131,000 tonnes.
The players
Glencore
Glencore is a major multinational mining and commodities trading company with extensive operational interests across Australia.
The details
The coal production increase was driven by the successful completion of a longwall move at the Ulan West mine. Meanwhile, copper metal production at Mount Isa and Townsville rose to 36,300 tonnes in the September quarter, up from 9,400 tonnes in the June quarter due to the use of third-party feed.
Timeline
The reporting quarter concluded on 30 September 2026.
The Mount Isa copper mine is planned for closure in July 2025.
The Lady Loretta mine is scheduled to close in late 2025.
Market Landscape
Glencore is aligning its output with the 96-101 million tonne full-year energy coal guidance range despite fluctuating metal production. This production shift reflects a broader strategy to manage regional resource depletion as the company approaches site closures in Mount Isa.
The production adjustments, particularly the decline in zinc output and pending mine closures, could influence regional employment levels in Queensland. Customers of the firm should note the focus on energy coal production as the company meets its full-year guidance targets.
The takeaway
Glencore continues to balance its coal output objectives against the logistical challenges of transitioning copper smelting operations. Investors should monitor the progress of full-year guidance targets as key sites in Mount Isa prepare for scheduled decommissioning.
Further reading
For more information on national industrial trends, visit Australia Manufacturing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Australian Mining.
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