The miner shed over 3.7% after two of its business divisions — Amplats and Kumba — warned they expected full-year earnings to shrink more than previously flagged.
December is a period that sees lower levels of exploration and resource announcements, and last month was every bit as disappointing as expected, an SNL report shows.
The company pointed to the transition of its Argyle mine from open pit to underground, as well as a shift toward processing lower-grade ore at Diavik as the main reasons for the drop.
The world’s second largest iron ore miner is targeting a 18% output increase this year, adding to a mounting global glut that has driven down the commodity price.
The situation may soon change, as authorities have began talks with the country’s top miners, signalling the possibility of a compromise over the country’s new tax regime.