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Power cuts hit Lynas; Canaccord flags fiscal-2026 earnings risk
MINING.COM· 2025-11-26 00:06
Core Viewpoint - Lynas Rare Earths is facing production shortfalls at its Kalgoorlie cracking-and-leaching plant due to repeated grid interruptions, which will impact its finished product output from the Malaysian refinery [1][2]. Production Impact - The company estimates a shortfall equivalent to one month's production this quarter, exacerbated by scheduled maintenance at its Malaysian kilns [2]. - Canaccord Genuity has revised its December-quarter neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) output forecast to approximately 1,800 tonnes, projecting a 20% revenue drop to about A$220 million ($142 million) and a 35% decline in quarterly EBITDA to around A$77 million [3]. Market Reaction - Lynas shares in Sydney experienced a nearly 30% decline from late October to November 6, before slightly recovering to a closing price of A$15.02, with a market capitalization of A$15.1 billion ($9.7 billion) [4]. Operational Challenges - The Kalgoorlie facility operates under an interruptible supply scheme, leading to reliability issues and intensified shortages in November [5]. - The company is exploring short-term off-grid options while collaborating with the Western Australian government and Western Power, expecting to recover lost production within the financial year ending June 30 [5]. Long-term Considerations - Disruptions at the Kalgoorlie plant could have lasting effects, as it is Australia's first downstream rare earths processing plant with a capacity of about 9,000 tonnes per year of NdPr finished product [6]. - The Malaysian facility, the world's largest single separation facility, targets a capacity of approximately 12,000 tonnes per year of NdPr separation as part of its growth plan [6]. Inventory Management - Despite the disruptions, Lynas asserts it will still produce sufficient finished product to meet key customer needs this quarter, with inventories potentially mitigating immediate sales impacts [7].