10 April 2015

Vedanta Resources plc

Production Release for the Fourth Quarter and

Full Year ended 31 March 2015

Highlights

·    Q4 Oil & Gas production at normalised level, full year production lower due to the planned maintenance shutdown in  Q2 FY2015

·    Record quarterly and full year production of mined metal at Zinc India

·    Q4 and full year production at Zinc International impacted by unplanned interruptions

·    Commenced iron ore production at Karnataka, final approvals awaited at Goa; record annual production of Pig Iron

·    Continued strong production in Q4 at Copper India leading to record annual copper cathode production

·     Higher quarterly  production at Copper Zambia but full year production lower due to shaft interruptions;  Shaft # 1 of Konkola Deep mine back on line in Q4

·    Record quarterly and full year Aluminium production, new Jharsuguda-II and Korba-II smelters ramping up well

·    Record quarterly and full year production at Lanjigarh Alumina refinery

Tom Albanese, Chief Executive Officer, Vedanta Resources plc, said: "We continue to focus on the execution of our defined strategy and, despite volatile commodity markets, we remain confident in our diversified business model. In particular, record levels of production in Zinc and Aluminium over the year underpin our confidence in achieving greater operational performance and enhancing production across our well-invested and low-cost asset base, and from the start-up of new capacities."

Oil and Gas

Average gross production for FY2015 was 211,670 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), 3% lower than the previous year. This was largely on account of planned maintenance activity at Mangala Processing Terminal at Rajasthan, higher than expected water cut at Bhagyam in Rajasthan and suspension of gas sales at Ravva for around three months. Some of the losses were partially offset by higher production at Cambay and better performance of the Mangala field in Rajasthan. In the Rajasthan block, the Aishwariya field crossed a production of 30,000 boepd in the third quarter.

Both offshore assets have performed exceptionally during the year. The Ravva block achieved over 30,000 bopd in Q4 FY2015 after three and a half years, driven by successful application of 4D seismic technology, better than expected results from the infill drilling program and the contribution from the RE-6 exploration well. Production at Cambay grew 8% year on year and 3% quarter on quarter, driven by successful well interventions and well ramp-up.

In Q4 FY2015, average gross operated production and working interest production were 4% and 7% lower year on year at 215,553 boepd and 132,929 boepd, respectively.  At Rajasthan, fourth quarter production was lower at 174,206 boepd due to higher than expected water cut at Bhagyam field.
DA 1 (Development Area -1) and DA2 (Development Area -2) produced gross averages of 150,489 boepd and 23,717 boepd respectively.

Gas development in the Raageshwari Deep Gas (RDG) field in Rajasthan continues to be a priority. Management Committee approval has been received on the RDG Field Development Plan for 100 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) production and work on execution, planning and contracting is underway. In FY2015, RDG gas production was 16 mmscfd and is expected to increase to 25 mmscfd during FY2016.

Zinc - India

Mined metal production for full year was at 887,000 tonnes, an annual record.  In Q4 FY2015, mined metal production was 269,000 tonnes, significantly higher than Q3 FY2015 and Q4 FY2014, reaching a historical high. The increase is in line with earlier guidance on the mine plan of the Rampura Agucha and Sindesar Khurd mines, driven by higher ore production during the quarter.

Integrated refined zinc, lead and silver metal production was lower by 3%, 5% and 11% respectively during the year due to lower mined metal production in the first half and lower silver grades at the Sindesar Khurd mine. However, higher mined metal production volumes were achieved in the second half resulting in accretion to mined metal inventory.

During Q4, integrated refined zinc output was a quarterly record, up by 21% compared to last year. Integrated lead and silver production were also higher by 14% and 9% respectively, in line with mined metal production.

Zinc - International

Mined metal output for the year was 14% lower compared with last year primarily due to lower production at Lisheen by 22,000 tonnes and unplanned disruptions at Skorpion.

The Lisheen mine, which is near the end of its life, is expected to end production in mid FY 2016. At Skorpion Q4 FY2015 production was lower by c.10,000 tonnes due to a fire incident in the cell house resulting in a 23 day refinery shutdown during January 2015, followed by a gradual ramp-up.

COP in Q4 FY2015 was higher at c. US$ 1,500/tonne due to lower volumes and higher maintenance expenses at Skorpion.

At the Gamsberg Phase 1 project announced in November, with a design capacity of 4.4 mtpa of ore and 250 ktpa zinc metal in concentrate, the current focus is on putting together a world class project team to drive project delivery including the critical pre-stripping and associated activities. As announced earlier, capex for the project has been rephased, however, the first ore production is maintained for FY2018.  The ramp-up to full capacity, though will be in line with the capital

rephasing. 

We are also reviewing opportunities for extension of mine life at Skorpion by evaluating new resources at increased depth that could extend mine life from FY2018 to FY2020.

Iron Ore

During the quarter, we have had good progress in Karnataka and Goa towards recommencing mining.

At Karnataka, production recommenced on 28 February 2015, following receipt of all requisite clearances and approvals, at an annual capacity of 2.29 mtpa. About 0.3 mt of saleable ore was produced during the quarter and the sales are expected to resume through e-auctions in Q1 FY2016.

During the quarter, the Ministry of Environment and Forest revoked its earlier order which had kept the environment clearances for iron ore mines in Goa in abeyance. We have been allocated with an interim annual mining quantity of c.5.5 million tonnes of saleable ore. Mining is expected to commence post monsoons, after receipt of remaining approvals from the Government.

During the year, production of pig iron ramped up from 510kt in FY2014 to a record production of 611kt. In March 2015, further de-bottlenecking of the Pig iron plant was completed resulting in capacity increase from 625kt to 700kt.

Copper - India and Australia

Full year copper cathode production at Tuticorin was a record at 362,000 tonnes, despite the 23 day planned maintenance shutdown in Q1 FY2014. The 160MW power plant at Tuticorin continued to operate at a high Plant Load Factor of 86%.

Copper mine at Australia remains under care and maintenance and we continue to evaluate various options for restart.

Copper - Zambia

FY2015 mined metal production was 10% lower at 116kt. Production at Konkola underground mine was negatively affected as remediation and critical maintenance was being carried out at the shafts. Shaft #1 resumed partial hoisting in March 2015 and work at Shaft #4 is expected to be completed by Q3 FY2016. At Nchanga, FY2015 mined production was affected by lower grades and a transformer failure at the Tailings Leach Plant (TLP). During the year, TLP primary copper production was at 52,000 tonnes.

During Q4, mined metal production from the Konkola underground mine was higher on account of higher equipment and shaft availability, leading to 11% higher integrated copper production.

Custom volumes remained constrained by blending challenges from concentrates available in the market. On 23 February 2015, the Government amended the documentation requirements to reclaim VAT on future exports. This will enable us to resume purchase and treatment of third-party concentrate and thereby increase the smelter utilization.

Aluminium

At the Lanjigarh Alumina refinery, Q4 production was robust and at record levels allowing us to achieve 98% of the permitted capacity of 1 million tonnes in FY2015. The production numbers for FY2014 are not comparable due to a temporary suspension of production till July 2013.

In FY2015, production was stable at the 500kt Jharsuguda-I and 245kt Korba-I smelters. At the new 325kt Korba- II smelter, 84 pots were commissioned during the year and produced 71,000 tonnes. Ramp up to full capacity will take place during the course of H1 FY2016 along with the ramp up of the 1,200 MW power plant. Out of the two captive power units of 300 MW each, the first unit is expected to be commissioned in Q1 FY2016. The BALCO 270MW power plant will be available for captive consumption as a back-up for pot ramp-up support.

We have also commenced the start-up of the first pot line of 312.5 kt of the 1.25 mtpa Jharsuguda II smelter, using surplus power from the 1,215 MW power plant. 82 pots have been started so far and are under trial run. Ramp-up of the remaining pots of the first pot line will commence in April 2015, using power from one 600MW unit of the 2,400 MW power plant.

Domestic coal availability improved during Q4 due to higher e-auction quantities from Coal India.

In the recently concluded coal block auctions conducted by the Government, BALCO emerged as the highest bidder for two operating coal mines (Chotia Block with reserves of 15.5 mt and production capacity of 1mtpa; and Gare Palma IV/1 Block with reserves of 44 mt and production capacity of 6 mtpa) We will commence production at the Chotia mine in the next few months after transfer of mining lease and other approvals for which BALCO has applied to Government authorities. BALCO has moved to the court regarding the Government's non-approval of its winning bid for the Gare Palma IV/1 block and the matter is sub-judice.

Power

The Jharsuguda 2,400MW power plant operated at lower PLF of 39% during the year and 36% in Q4 on account of lower market demand. However, during FY2016 significant capacity is expected to be utilised internally as we operate the plant for ramp-up of aluminium pot-lines.

Out of the two 300MW units of the 1,200 MW Korba Power Plant meant for commercial power, one 300 MW unit is currently under trial run, and will be commissioned during Q1 FY2016. The second commercial unit is expected to be commissioned during Q2 FY2016.

The first 660MW unit of the Talwandi Sabo power plant was capitalized in December 2014 and 1,213 million units of power were sold including the trial run production. Plant availability for Q4 FY2015 was 85%. The second unit was synchronised in Q4 FY2015 and is expected to be commissioned in Q1 FY2016; the third unit is expected to be synchronised in Q2 FY2016.

Corporate

Review of Carrying Value of Assets

The company is reviewing the carrying value of its assets and long term price assumptions in light of the recent weakness in commodity prices. Any impact of changes to these assumptions on the carrying values will be a non-cash charge reflected in the preliminary results for FY2015.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015

Under the provisions of The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 (MMDR  Act) passed by the Indian Parliament in March 2015, existing holders of mining leases may have to pay an additional levy of up to 100% of the royalty as District Mineral Foundation (DMF) contribution for the benefit of the areas in which mines operate. This MMDR Act overrides the earlier Presidential ordinance promulgated in January 2015 which had prescribed the contribution to DMF up to a maximum of 33% of the Royalty. The detailed rules and amount of such contribution to DMF have not yet been notified by the Government. Our Zinc India, Iron Ore and Bauxite mining operations may be liable for such contributions to DMF.

 Production Summary (Unaudited)                                                                   (in '000 tonnes, except as stated)        

1.     Including Internal Gas Consumption

2.     Excluding captive consumption of 1,910 tonnes in Q4 FY2015 vs 1,991 tonnes in Q4 FY2014 and 7,775 tonnes in FY2015 vs 7,262tonnes in FY2014                                  

3.     Excluding captive consumption of 318,000 ounces in Q4 FY2015 vs 334,000 ounces in Q4 FY2014 and 1,293,000 ounces in FY2015 vs 1,232,000 ounces in FY2014

4.     Including trial run production of 14,000 tonnes in Q4 FY2015, 5,000 tonnes in Q3 FY2015 and 19,000 tonnes in FY2015

5.     Including trial run production of nil in Q4 FY2015, nil in Q3 FY2015 and 24,000 tonnes in FY2015

6.     Including trial run production of 10 million units in Q4 FY2015, nil in Q3 FY2015 and 10 million units in FY2015

7.     Including trial run production of nil in Q4 FY2015, 243 million units in Q3 FY2015 and 264 million units in FY2015

8.     VGCB refers to Vizag General Cargo Berth

Commodity Prices and Exchange Rates

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About Vedanta Resources plc

Vedanta Resources plc ("Vedanta") is a London listed diversified global natural resources company. The group produces aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, silver, iron ore, oil & gas and commercial energy. Vedanta has operations in India, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Ireland, Liberia, Australia and Sri Lanka. With an empowered talent pool globally, Vedanta places strong emphasis on partnering with all its stakeholders based on the core values of entrepreneurship, excellence, trust, inclusiveness and growth. For more information, please visit www.vedantaresources.com.

Disclaimer

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" - that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "should" or "will." Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, uncertainties arise from the behaviour of financial and metals markets including the London Metal Exchange, fluctuations in interest and or exchange rates and metal prices; from future integration of acquired businesses; and from numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different that those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.