Tungsten Market

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EQ Resources (EQR) Conference Transcript
2025-07-24 01:00
Summary of EQ Resources (EQR) Conference Call - July 23, 2025 Industry Overview - **Tungsten Market Significance**: Tungsten is classified as a critical mineral, essential in Australia, the European Union, and the US [1] - **Global Reserves and Production**: Global tungsten reserves are approximately 3.7 million tonnes, with annual production around 79,000 to 80,000 tonnes, indicating a small market size [2] - **Production Concentration**: China, Russia, and North Korea account for about 87% of total tungsten production and 60% of global reserves, highlighting geopolitical risks affecting supply [2] Market Dynamics - **Geopolitical Tensions**: The US Department of Defense is set to ban Chinese tungsten imports by January 2027, while China has also restricted its exports, leading to a significant supply reduction in the Western market [3] - **Price Trends**: Tungsten prices have increased by approximately 40% over the last six months, reaching around $4.50 per MTU (10 kg trading unit) [3] Company Performance and Strategy - **Production Capacity**: EQ Resources produced 1,700 tonnes in the twelve months ending March 31, 2025, positioning itself as a significant player in the tungsten market [6] - **Capital Raising**: The company raised $24.6 million to reduce debt and support operations, including a €5 million debt repayment in Spain [7] - **Development Projects**: Ongoing developments at Barracupada in Spain and Mt. Carbine in Queensland are crucial for future production increases [7][12] Operational Insights - **Asset Details**: The Soloro asset in Spain has a seven-year mine life with potential extensions, while Mt. Carbine has a 19-year mining permit and significant untapped resources [9][11] - **Ore Recovery Improvements**: The company aims to enhance ore recovery rates from 30% to 60-70% through the installation of ore sorters [9][10] Collaborations and Funding Opportunities - **US Ex-Im Bank Interest**: A letter of interest from the US Ex-Im Bank could provide up to $34 million in funding for Mt. Carbine's development [7] - **Strategic Partnerships**: Collaborations with Hartech Metals in Vietnam and Almed Technologies in the US are expected to strengthen market position and funding opportunities [13][14] Market Outlook - **Supply Chain Shortages**: The tungsten market is tightening, with increasing demand from defense, industrial, mining, and construction sectors [5][16] - **Investment Rationale**: The company presents a strong investment case due to its expandable operations, secured offtakes at spot pricing, and focus on ESG performance [16][17] Conclusion - **Future Prospects**: EQ Resources is well-positioned to capitalize on the tightening tungsten market, with ongoing developments and strategic partnerships enhancing its growth potential [18]
EQ Resources (EQR) Earnings Call Presentation
2025-07-24 00:00
Company Overview - EQ Resources has a market capitalization of A$108 million and a share price of A$0038[19] - The company's annual production is 1735 tonnes of WO3[19] - The company raised A$246 million in 2025 to reduce debt and progress development[20] Tungsten Market - Global Tungsten reserves are 37 million tonnes with an annual production of 79kt WO3[12] - Restricted countries hold 63% of global reserves and produce 87% of annual production[12] Barruecopardo (Spain) - The mine has a mining lease until 2044[26] - A$200 million capex investment pre-EQR Acquisition in January 2024[26] - Production is targeted to reach 1300 tonnes WO3 per year[26] - Open Cut Proven reserves contain 682 million tonnes with 016% WO3[25] Mt Carbine (Australia) - Minimum 8-year mine life uses only 19% of reserves[30] - Production is targeted to increase to 1750 tonnes WO3 per year[30] - Open Cut Probable reserves contain 536 million tonnes with 028% WO3[29]