Media releases

DRDGOLD REPORTS 10% INCREASE IN GOLD PRODUCTION AND 42% RISE IN OPERATING PROFIT

Key features for the quarter ended September 2026 (vs September 2025)

• Gold production increased by 10% to 1 307kg (42 021oz), supported by a 15% improvement in yield.
• Operating profit increased by 42% to R1.6 billion, with revenue up 31% to approximately R3.0 billion.
• Growth capital expenditure decreased by 29% to R555.7 million as certain Vision 2028 projects progressed towards completion.
• Free cash inflow of R725.8 million, with R2.5 billion in cash and cash equivalents and no bank debt.

Johannesburg, South Africa. 20 October 2026. DRDGOLD Limited (JSE: DRD, A2X: DRD, NYSE: DRD) has reported a strong start to the 2027 financial year, with higher gold production, improved yields and stronger operating profit for the quarter ended 30 September 2026 compared with the corresponding quarter ended 30 September 2025.

Gold production increased despite a 5% reduction in tonnage throughput to 6.2 million tonnes. Revenue increased by 31%, supported by a 14% increase in gold sold and a 14% improvement in the average Rand gold price received.

DRDGOLD CEO, Niël Pretorius said: “We have had a good start to the financial year, with higher gold production and with the gold price still working in our favour, allowing us to continue to invest in the future of the business.”

DRDGOLD’s Vision 2028 capital programme continued to advance, with major infrastructure projects approaching key delivery milestones. Growth capital expenditure decreased by 29% to R555.7 million as certain Vision 2028 projects progressed towards completion, while all-in costs declined by 10% to R1 562 538 per kilogram.

By quarter-end, construction of the Regional Tailings Storage Facility at Far West Gold Recoveries (FWGR) was 77% complete, with 99% of the work required for beneficial occupation completed. The timing of occupation remains subject to regulatory approvals and favourable weather conditions.

The DP2 Plant expansion was substantially complete, with commissioning scheduled for October 2026. Construction of the Libanon reclamation station began in September, while Ergo’s Daggafontein Tailings Storage Facility was commissioned in July.

Group cash operating costs increased by 12% quarter-on-quarter to R1.3 billion, mainly due to higher reagent and  diesel costs, the purchase and processing of higher-grade third-party material and increased labour and other costs at FWGR ahead of commissioning the DP2 Plant expansion and the elution and smelthouse facility.

DRDGOLD generated free cash inflow of R725.8 million during the quarter and ended September 2026 with cash and cash equivalents of R2.5 billion, after paying a final dividend of R1.0 billion for FY2026. The Group remained free of bank debt.

DRDGOLD's strong cash position allows it to continue funding its capital programme without taking on debt. The Group is also favourably positioned to consider an interim dividend in February 2027, subject to prevailing conditions and unforeseen events.

DRDGOLD remains on track to achieve its FY2027 production guidance of 160 000oz to 170 000oz, with cash operating costs and all-in sustaining costs expected to remain within guidance of approximately R1 099 000 per kilogram and R1 230 000 per kilogram, respectively.

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