Company Overview - The Group is the sole fully integrated washed coking coal producer and exporter in Mongolia[13] - As of January 25, 2024, the Company became a 50% equity holder in EM, expecting first gold production from BKH mine in 2Q 2025[15] Coal Resources and Reserves - Total coal resources are 1,052 million tonnes, with 714 million tonnes above 300m and 338 million tonnes below 300m[14] - Total coal reserves are 630 million tonnes, including 601 million tonnes of coking coal and 29 million tonnes of thermal coal[14] - Total marketable coal reserves are 382 million tonnes, comprising 277 million tonnes of coking coal and 105 million tonnes of middling/thermal coal[14] Gold & Silver Resources and Reserves - Total gold resources are 1,192 Koz and total silver resources are 3,542 Koz[16] - Total gold reserves are 514 Koz and total silver reserves are 221 Koz[16] Industry Overview (China) - China's crude steel production is 1,019 million tonnes, a 1% increase, and coke production is 493 million tonnes, a 4% increase[20] - China's coking coal consumption is 592 million tonnes, and coking coal import is 103 million tonnes, a 61% increase[20, 21] Operational Performance - Washed coking coal products sales volume reached 6.7 million tonnes in 2023[28] - ROM coal production was 9.8 million tonnes in 2023, a 2.1x increase compared to 4.7 million tonnes in 2022[28] - Mongolian coal export reached 27.7 million tonnes in 2023, a 2.2x increase compared to 12.1 million tonnes in 2022[28] ASP & Cost Metrics - HCC ASP (average selling price) increased from $147.1/t in 2022 to $160.2/t in 2023[31] - Effective royalty rate decreased from 22% in 2022 to 16.5% in 2023[33] - HCC operating cash cost at DAP GM decreased from $98.6/t in 2022 to $77.4/t in 2023[36] Financial Performance - Revenue increased 1.9x from $546 million in 2022 to $1.03 billion in 2023[39] - EBITDA increased 3.8x from $134 million in 2022 to $509 million in 2023[39] - Profit increased 4.1x from $59 million in 2022 to $240 million in 2023[39] Balance Sheet - Debt to EBITDA ratio decreased from 2.79 in 2022 to 0.42 in 2023[45] - Debt to total asset ratio decreased from 20.5% in 2022 to 10.7% in 2023[45] - Debt to equity ratio decreased from 40.3% in 2022 to 18.3% in 2023[45] Sustainability Reporting (GHG Emissions) - Scope 1 direct emissions are 1.2 million tCO2e (3.8%), Scope 2 indirect emissions are 16.8 thousand tCO2e (0.1%), and Scope 3 indirect emissions are 29.5 million tCO2e (96.1%)[46] - Total emissions are 30.7 million tCO2e, with an emissions intensity of 2.11 tCO2e/ROMt[46]

Company Overview - Ramaco Resources, Inc. operates and develops high-quality, low-cost metallurgical coal in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia, and is emerging as a producer of rare earth elements and critical minerals [3] - The company has active mining complexes in Central Appalachia and the Brook Mine in Sheridan, Wyoming, where significant deposits of rare earth elements have been discovered [3] - Ramaco holds approximately 50 intellectual property patents, pending applications, exclusive licensing agreements, and various trademarks related to its operations [3] Leadership Changes - Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto has joined Earth & Water Law, LLC as a partner while continuing her role on the Board of Directors of Ramaco Resources [1][2] - Aurelia has over 20 years of experience in agriculture, wildlife conservation, and energy development, including her recent position as the 14th Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality [1] - The leadership of Aurelia has been recognized for driving innovation and fostering collaboration within the company, contributing significantly to its direction and success [2]

Company Overview - Ramaco Resources, a small coal miner based in Kentucky, has discovered a significant deposit of rare earth elements at its Brook Mine in Wyoming, which it purchased for $2 million [2][3] - The company has a market capitalization of $571 million and primarily mines coal for steel production in West Virginia and Virginia [3] Discovery and Potential Impact - The Brook Mine is estimated to contain up to 1.7 million tons of rare earth oxides, which could significantly alter the company's fortunes [2] - This discovery aligns with U.S. efforts to reduce dependence on China for rare earth elements, which are critical for national defense [3][4] National Security and Supply Chain - The U.S. relied on foreign countries for approximately 10,000 metric tons of rare earths in 2023, with China accounting for 70% of imports [4] - Ramaco's Brook Mine could help alleviate a national strategic supply shortfall of rare earths and critical minerals, allowing the U.S. to process its ores domestically [5] Production Capacity - The Brook Mine is projected to produce an estimated 1,400 metric tons of rare earth elements annually, marking the first new rare earth facility in the U.S. in over 70 years [5]

Hallador Energy Company (HNRG) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 12, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Sean Mansouri - Founder & CEOBrent Bilsland - President, CEO & ChairmanMarjorie Hargrave - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Nick Giles - Senior Research Analyst Operator Good afternoon. Thank you for attending Hallador Energy's First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. Later, we will conduct a question and answer ses ...

Hallador Energy Company (HNRG) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 12, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Sean Mansouri - Founder & CEOBrent Bilsland - President, CEO & ChairmanMarjorie Hargrave - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Nick Giles - Senior Research Analyst Operator Good afternoon. Thank you for attending Hallador Energy's First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. Later, we will conduct a question and answer ses ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, adjusted EBITDA was $10 million, down from $29 million in Q4 2024, with a net loss of $9 million compared to a net income of $4 million in Q4 2024 [31] - Class A EPS showed a loss of $0.19 in Q1 versus a gain of $0.06 in Q4 [31] - Key U.S. metallurgical coal indices fell 3% in Q1 compared to Q4, while the Australian benchmark index dropped approximately 9% during the same period [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Company-wide production reached a quarterly record of 1 million tons, annualizing to 4 million tons, despite losing about 150,000 tons due to adverse weather conditions [8][41] - Cash cost per ton sold was under $100 for the second consecutive quarter, placing the company in the first quartile of U.S. metallurgical coal producers [8][33] - The company is reducing its 2025 production guidance to between 3.9 million to 4.3 million tons, down from previous expectations of 4.2 million to 4.6 million tons [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The metallurgical coal market remains under pressure, driven by weak steel mill profitability and strong Chinese steel exports, which have negatively impacted global steel prices [53][54] - The Australian premium low vol index increased to $190.5 per ton, up from a recent low of $166, driven by supply disruptions and steady restocking demand [51] - Domestic end users are taking shipments at a consistent rate, with commitments of 3.7 million tons at an average fixed price of $152 per ton [50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on not forcing production into a weak market, maintaining the option to increase production if market conditions improve [10] - Plans to expand production by an additional 2 million tons are in place, contingent on market clarity, with a potential increase in production capacity from the Maven Low Vol Complex and Berwind Complex [11] - The Brookline Rare Earth project is seen as a significant opportunity, with plans to initiate large-scale mining in June and construction of a pilot plant expected to begin later in the summer [23][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about potential market recovery, citing recent increases in Australian benchmark prices and anticipated supply cuts from higher-cost producers [12] - The company is well-positioned to withstand near-term market weakness due to strong liquidity and a solid balance sheet [39] - Management remains cautious about the current market conditions but is optimistic about the long-term potential of the critical minerals market [30] Other Important Information - The company has appointed Mike Wolichuk as Executive Vice President to oversee the Critical Minerals project, bringing over 30 years of experience in the field [15] - The Brook Mine is projected to produce approximately 1,400 metric tons of critical mineral oxides per year, with over 95% of expected revenue derived from a basket of seven rare earth elements and critical minerals [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the guidance for sales mix and cost improvements moving into the second half? - Management indicated that Q2 sales guidance implies a pickup in the back half of the year, with costs expected to be at the higher end of the range due to lower tonnage [64][65] Question: Could the Brook Mine be included in the Fast 41 projects for federal benefits? - Management clarified that the Brook Mine was not included as it already has permits, but they are exploring federal assistance for financing and procurement [68][71] Question: Is there a desire to bring in a financing or operating partner for the Brook Mine? - Management stated they are not seeking a joint venture partner and plan to finance the project independently, leveraging existing partnerships for development [76][77] Question: What is the breakdown of CapEx for sustaining versus growth projects? - Management noted a reduction in CapEx guidance, with a focus on maintenance CapEx and deferring some growth projects due to current market conditions [82][83] Question: What are the implications of met coal being declared a potential critical mineral? - Management expressed hope for federal support but noted that immediate benefits are uncertain; they anticipate potential assistance with permitting [88][90]

Financial Performance & Growth - Ramaco's revenue reached $666 million in 2024[11] - Adjusted EBITDA was $106 million in 2024[11] - Net income was $11 million in 2024[11] - Sales volume was 4 million tons in 2024[11] - Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was less than 0.7x[11] - Cash costs per ton decreased by 17% from $118 in 1Q24 to $98 in 1Q25[14, 26] - The company anticipates growing production at least 10% in 2025 compared to 2024[46] 2025 Guidance - The company projects production between 3900 thousand tons and 4300 thousand tons in 2025[34] - Sales are guided between 4100 thousand tons and 4500 thousand tons[34] - Capital expenditures are estimated between $55 million and $65 million[34] Rare Earth Elements (REE) & Critical Minerals Potential - The Brook Mine has a significant percentage of magnetic REEs and is rich in gallium, germanium, and scandium[59] - Over 40% of the total estimated REO basket consists of primary magnetic REOs, gallium, germanium, and scandium[60]

Summary of Barclays Metals & Mining Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Metals & Mining, with a focus on the steel production sector in China and global commodity markets [1][7] Key Points and Arguments 1. **China's Steel Production**: - CISA estimates that nationwide steel production is up 5.4% year-to-date as of late April, contrasting with NBS's 1.1% increase to March [2] - Speculated output restrictions of 50 million tons of crude steel could lead to significant price increases due to low inventories, although rebar futures have fallen by 2.4% week-over-week [2] - Implementing a 50 million ton cut would require a 13.2% decline in average daily production for the remainder of the year, which may be challenging due to economic impacts on local economies [2] 2. **Commodity Price Movements**: - Iron ore prices have seen fluctuations, with a recent increase of 1% for 62% fines, currently at $98.2 per ton [14] - EU HRC prices remain stable at €652 per ton, with a 0% change week-over-week [15] - Copper prices increased by 1% to $9,473 per ton, reflecting a 10% rise over the past month [14] 3. **China's Economic Indicators**: - China's foreign exchange reserves increased by $41 billion month-over-month to approximately $3.3 trillion [9] - Total trade value in April reached 3.84 trillion yuan ($531.46 billion), up 5.6% year-over-year, with exports at 2.27 trillion yuan (+9.3% YoY) and imports at 1.57 trillion yuan (+0.8% YoY) [9] - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) announced a 0.5% cut in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for eligible financial institutions, expected to inject approximately 1 trillion yuan ($138.9 billion) into the market [9] 4. **Corporate Developments**: - De Beers is closing its lab-grown diamond business, reaffirming its commitment to traditional diamonds [8] - Guinea canceled a bauxite mining license held by EGA due to non-compliance with refinery construction requirements, impacting EGA's operations significantly [10] - KoBold Metals reached a preliminary agreement to acquire a stake in the Manono lithium deposit in the DRC, aiming to deploy over $1 billion for development [10] 5. **Market Sentiment**: - The market remains cautious with ongoing discussions about output restrictions in the steel sector and the impact of PBOC's monetary policy on market sentiment [12][13] - European steel plate prices have shown limited movement, with inquiries increasing but orders remaining low, indicating a cautious market environment [13] Additional Important Information - **Aluminium Market**: US aluminium inventories are expected to run dry by July, potentially leading to price increases due to tariffs [12] - **Copper Inventory Trends**: Copper inventories on the SHFE have declined by 60% month-over-month, indicating a tightening market [10] - **China's Real Estate Policy Changes**: Chinese officials are considering reforms to the housing market to stabilize prices, which may impact future demand [9] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting the current state of the metals and mining industry, particularly in relation to China's steel production and broader economic indicators.

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the thermal coal industry but indicates a revised near-term pecking order: gold > steel > cement > copper > aluminum > battery > thermal coal > lithium names [1]. Core Insights - The report tracks high-frequency on-ground demand trends in China, noting that market expectations for a demand recovery remain cautious [1]. - Weekly data from 100 sample thermal coal mines in China shows a thermal coal output of 12,648kt for the week of May 1-7, 2025, which is an increase of 0.7% week-over-week (WoW) and 8.1% year-over-year (YoY) [1]. - The overall utilization ratio of sample mines was 93.7%, reflecting a 0.7 percentage point (ppt) increase WoW and a 7.1 ppt increase YoY [1]. - Total coal inventory in sample mines reached 3,495kt on May 7, 2025, marking a 1.2% increase WoW and a 14.8% increase YoY [2]. Production Summary - Thermal coal output from sample mines in Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia was reported as 2,989kt, 3,868kt, and 5,791kt respectively, with respective increases of 0.4%, 0.6%, and 1.0% WoW, and 6.8%, 9.5%, and 7.9% YoY [1]. - Year-to-date (YTD) thermal coal output from sample mines was 228 million tonnes (mnt), reflecting a 3.0% increase YoY [1]. Utilization Summary - The utilization ratios for sample mines in Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia were 86.8%, 98.7%, and 94.3% respectively, with increases of 0.4 ppt, 0.6 ppt, and 0.9 ppt WoW, and 5.6 ppt, 8.6 ppt, and 6.9 ppt YoY [1]. Inventory Summary - Coal inventory in Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia stood at 926kt, 837kt, and 1,732kt respectively, with changes of -0.3%, +1.0%, and +2.1% WoW, and increases of 7.1%, 13.6%, and 20.0% YoY [2].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $5.7 million, down from $53 million in Q4 2024 [11] - Tons shipped in Q1 2025 were 3.8 million, a decrease from 4.1 million tons in Q4 2024 [11] - Average realization for metallurgical coal sales in Q1 was $122.08 per ton, down from $132.63 per ton in Q4 [12] - Cost of coal sales for the metallurgical segment increased to $110.34 per ton in Q1, up from $108.82 per ton in Q4 [12] - Total liquidity as of March 31, 2025, was $485.8 million, down from $519.4 million at the end of Q4 2024 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metallurgical coal segment realizations decreased quarter over quarter, with export met tons priced against Atlantic indices realizing $119.39 per ton in Q1, down from $122.24 in Q4 [11][12] - Incidental thermal portion of the metallurgical segment saw an increase in realization to $79.39 per ton in Q1 from $75.39 in Q4 [12] - CapEx for Q1 was $38.5 million, down from $42.7 million in Q4 [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metallurgical coal markets remained under pressure with pricing levels deteriorating due to weak steel demand [22] - All four indices monitored by the company fell 8% or more during Q1, with the Australian Premium Low Vol Index dropping 15.5% [22] - As of May 8, 2025, the Australian premium low vol index increased to $190.5 per metric ton from its quarter-end level [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on liquidity and safeguarding its financial position amid challenging market conditions [6][9] - Adjustments to sales volume guidance were announced, with expected shipments for the year now at 15.3 million tons, down from 16.7 million tons [8] - The Kingston Wildcat project is expected to continue on schedule despite the downward revision to planned development CapEx [9][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a cautious outlook for the rest of the year due to weak steel demand and increased uncertainty from tariffs and trade policies [6][8] - The company has taken difficult actions, including cutting production at higher-cost operations and reducing wages across the enterprise [7][19] - Management remains optimistic about the Kingston Wildcat project, which is expected to ramp up to a full run rate of approximately 1 million tons per year by 2026 [20] Other Important Information - The company has secured an amendment to its asset-based lending facility, increasing its size from $155 million to $225 million [10] - The company did not repurchase any shares in Q1 under its share buyback program due to market conditions [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recent cost-cutting measures and cost guidance - Management confirmed that recent cost-cutting measures have helped offset the loss of fixed cost absorption, maintaining guidance relatively firm despite production cuts [34][35] Question: CapEx reductions and growth projects - Most capital reductions are related to closures and reallocating assets, with no significant impact on future business [38][39] Question: Realization side and market conditions - In a weak market, discounting against indices is common, but not universal; some recent business concluded at a premium to the index [48] Question: Shipment guidance and domestic vs export - The reduction in shipment guidance primarily affects export tons, with confidence in maintaining overall guidance despite operational changes [46][47] Question: Opportunities in the marketplace - Management is cautious about pursuing M&A opportunities, focusing on internal projects like Kingston Wildcat for strengthening the portfolio [50][51] Question: Domestic market considerations - The domestic market is currently among the higher pricing, but management will evaluate customer needs over the summer [56][57] Question: Potential for small competitors exiting the market - There is still potential for small competitors to exit the market, with liquidity concerns affecting less well-capitalized companies [60][61]