AECI Limited, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed chemicals and mining solutions group, has reported a significant improvement in its earnings performance during the first five months of 2025. According to its voluntary trading update, the company’s cumulative EBITDA run rate rose to approximately R 1 billion, up from R 800 million at the end of 2024—a growth of nearly 24% across its core operations.

This milestone reflects acceleration in AECI’s transformation strategy and strong momentum from initiatives overseen by its Transformation Management Office. It also follows the formal disposal of the Much Asphalt business, which contributed non‑core restructuring benefits and supported the broader optimisation of the group’s portfolio.

For the full financial year 2024, AECI had identified non-recurring costs—amounting to nearly R 860 million—including transformation project expenses, divestiture costs, statutory shutdowns, and turnaround work. These one‑offs weighed on reported earnings, resulting in a 12.7% drop in EBITDA to R 3.03 billion and a 77% to 72% decline in basic earnings per share compared with the previous year.

Despite this, AECI Chemicals delivered approximately 25% EBITDA growth in 2024, while the mining division encountered a 13% EBITDA decline, reflecting temporary operational headwinds during plant maintenance activities. The second half of the year showed signs of recovery in mining, particularly in Central Africa and the Asia‑Pacific region.

Looking ahead, the company remains committed to executing its transformation roadmap, scaling cost efficiencies, finalising the remaining divestments, and reinvesting in core businesses to sustain momentum. Its strategic plans include consolidating group headquarters, optimizing international operations, and positioning for long-term growth.