Boliden (OTCPK:BDNN.Y) Update Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Boliden - **Industry**: Mining and Metals Key Points and Arguments 2026 Guidance and Outlook - The 2026 guidance includes the first full year of operations for Somincor and Zinkgruvan, contributing to overall production increases [2][3] - Higher grades are expected in open pit mines, with increased mill volume across several mines [2][3] - Aitik's milled volume is projected at 41 million tons, an improvement from the previous year, with copper grades at 0.18% and gold grades at 0.08 grams per ton [6][30] - Garpenberg's production is expected to be 3.7 million tons at 2.9% zinc and 95 grams silver, slightly down from the previous year [6][7] Mine Developments and Permits - An extended permit for Garpenberg allows for higher throughput, although it is subject to potential appeals [3][24] - The Kristineberg expansion and Tara ramp-up are expected to contribute to increased throughput [3][4] - The company is actively working on mine extensions and optimizations, particularly in Somincor and Zinkgruvan [9][11] Financials and CAPEX - The total CAPEX for 2026 is guided at SEK 15 billion, with mine sustaining CAPEX at approximately SEK 6.5 billion [4][35] - The maintenance stop in smelters is expected to impact EBIT by SEK 450 million in 2026, down from SEK 500 million in 2025 [18] - Rönnskär's ramp-up is on track, with an expected annual EBITDA increase of around EUR 150 million as it reaches full production [14][15] Operational Challenges and Adjustments - Odda's commissioning has been delayed by approximately two months due to mechanical and electrical issues [13][70] - The company has encountered oxidization issues in Aitik, which are independent of the diorite problem [22][94] - The Finnish parliament is discussing potential tax increases, which could impact operational costs [3][4] Market Conditions and Pricing - The company has confirmed strong interest from buyers for leach products, indicating favorable market conditions [13] - Rönnskär's updated metal recoveries are expected to positively impact operating profit by SEK 400 million in Q4 2025 [19] Future Investments and Strategic Projects - Future investments are anticipated to maintain production levels, particularly at Garpenberg, which may require additional CAPEX for a new shaft [24][88] - The company is focusing on strategic projects, including the completion of the Aitik dam and the Kristineberg expansion [35][38] Environmental and Compliance Updates - Boliden has completed compliance with global industry standards on tailings management, which is crucial for future operations [11][12] Additional Important Information - The company plans to provide a deeper breakdown of CAPEX and strategic projects during the Capital Markets Day in March [35][39] - Working capital levels are expected to increase with the ramp-up of Odda and Rönnskär, estimated at SEK 500 million and SEK 1 billion respectively [57][58] This summary encapsulates the key points from Boliden's update, highlighting the company's operational outlook, financial guidance, and strategic initiatives for 2026.