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TMC the metal company (TMC) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-14 21:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, TMC reported a net loss of $74.3 million or $0.20 per share, compared to a net loss of $20.2 million or $0.06 per share in the same period of 2024 [32] - Free cash flow for Q2 2025 was negative $10.7 million, an improvement from negative $12.2 million in Q2 2024 [33] - The company had pro forma cash of approximately $120 million as of June 30, 2025, which includes proceeds from various capital raises [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) indicated a combined project net present value (NPV) of over $23 billion, with a clear capital-efficient path to first production [9] - The estimated recoverable nodules for the PFS is 164 million wet tons, with an assumed production start date in Q4 2027 [21] - Annual production in steady state is modeled at 10.8 million tons of wet nodules, with expected revenue per dry ton of approximately $600 during steady state production [22][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The revenue mix is expected to be 45% from nickel products, 28% from manganese, 17% from copper, and 9% from cobalt [24] - The company is positioned in the first quartile of the cost curve, with C1 nickel cash costs just over $1,000 per ton, making it profitable in nearly any nickel price environment [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - TMC aims to adapt to a capital-light approach while advancing its projects, maintaining a unique position in the seabed mining industry [8] - The company has renewed partnerships with Nauru and Tonga, focusing on a science-based approach to develop the industry sustainably [12] - TMC is exploring funding opportunities from various U.S. government departments to support its projects [41][67] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the regulatory path and the support from the U.S. government, indicating a favorable environment for seabed mining [45][60] - The anticipated ramp-up period post-permitting is expected, with production targeted for Q4 2027 [10] - Management highlighted the importance of securing domestic supply chains and advancing U.S. mineral independence [14] Other Important Information - The company welcomed new board members with extensive experience in energy, finance, and law, enhancing its strategic capabilities [14] - TMC's partnerships with Korea Zinc and other stakeholders are expected to facilitate the development of refining capacity in the U.S. [13][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What work needs to be done to get through the feasibility level and the timeline? - Management emphasized focusing on final agreements with partners and preparing for the investment decision to meet the Q4 2027 production target [40] Question: What are the next major steps or milestones regarding permitting under NOAA? - Management indicated that the closing of the comment period and expected regulatory changes would facilitate faster permitting [42][44] Question: What main factors could accelerate or slow down progress towards production? - Management noted that government support and regulatory clarity are encouraging, with normal business risks being manageable [52][53] Question: Can you clarify the difference between provisional approval and final approval? - Management explained that provisional approval would provide confidence while the final approval process is completed, which is expected by the end of the year [79][82]
TMC Welcomes U.S. Executive Order to Expedite Permitting and Evaluate Offtake of Critical Minerals from Nodules in the High Seas
Newsfilter· 2025-04-25 13:00
Entitled ‘Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources', the Executive Order directs Commerce Secretary Lutnick to expedite deep seabed mineral exploration licenses and commercial recovery permits in international waters under the existing U.S. seabed mining codeThe Order also directs the Secretaries of Defense and Energy to address the feasibility of using the National Defense Stockpile for nodule-derived minerals and of entering into offtake agreements, while reviewing and revising domest ...