Summary of Shanxi Coal International Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Shanxi Coal International - **Date**: October 2025 Key Points Industry and Sales Performance - October sales were impacted by the off-peak season, leading to a significant decline in thermal coal sales, while metallurgical coal sales remained stable, ensuring no issues for annual sales [2][3] - Overall prices saw a slight increase compared to September, with good cost control expected to keep annual costs below 300 RMB/ton, a decrease of 5%-10% year-on-year [2][3] - Inventory has been decreasing since the peak in July 2025, currently around 1.56 million tons, with manageable year-end inventory pressure expected to remain between 200,000 to 300,000 tons [2][5] Pricing Mechanism - The company employs a pricing mechanism based on a benchmark price plus a floating price, with some products reaching price ceilings and executing long-term contracts [2][6] - For 2026, there may be adjustments to long-term contract pricing to align more closely with market conditions, potentially moving to a benchmark price rather than a range [2][7] Production and Supply - Production in October 2025 was around 2.6 million tons, with a full-year production target of 30-35 million tons, which is expected to be met [3][4] - The company has announced the purchase of over 2 million tons of capacity indicators to supplement procedures for the Changchun Xin and Hanjiawa mining areas, which will not affect existing capacity [2][10] - The complexity of capacity increase procedures in Shanxi province may impact future supply if not completed by year-end [2][11] Market Regulations and Taxation - There are rumors that the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) may guide state-owned enterprises to control coal prices below 850 RMB/ton, but the company has not received any formal guidance yet [2][12] - The company faced high tax burdens in Q3 due to increased resource taxes and local tax authority demands for back payments, but pressure is expected to ease in Q4 [2][13][14] Future Price Outlook - The coal supply-demand relationship is expected to improve in 2026, but the intensity of supply-side reforms may weaken [2][15] - Coal prices are projected to fluctuate between 700 to 800 RMB/ton, with potential risks of price drops during the off-peak season [2][16] Specific Coal Types - The price trends for coking coal and premium coking coal have diverged, with premium coking coal prices rising significantly while coking coal prices have remained relatively stable [2][18] Supply Assurance - The company aims for a total sales target of 25-26 million tons in 2025, with a supply assurance target of 16-17 million tons, of which approximately 13-14 million tons have been completed [2][17] General Market Sentiment - The recent supply assurance meetings are primarily aimed at addressing winter heating demands, with no strict requirements set for achieving the 1.3 billion ton target, indicating limited marginal impact on overall production plans [2][19]

正当全球产业链刚刚因中美贸易释放出"休战"信号而稍稍放松神经，美国总统特朗普政府便迫不及待地更新了一份"关键矿产名单"，这种"前脚合作，后脚 施压"的操作，不禁让人再次对未来的经贸关系感到担忧。而就在此前不久，中国商务部刚刚回应了稀土出口问题，表示将对符合规定的申请予以许可，以 确保全球供应链的安全与稳定。 先来看看这份引发关注的"关键矿产名单"究竟包括哪些内容。据英国《金融时报》报道，美国地质调查局于11月6日公布了这份名单，在原有基础上新增了 铜、银、冶金煤、铀、硼等十种元素。美国内政部长伯格姆直言不讳地表示，此举旨在"减少对外国对手的依赖，扩大国内生产"。而美方口中的"外国对 手"，指向不言而喻。 以新增的冶金煤为例，它是钢铁生产的核心原料。尽管美国本土储量丰富，但开采成本远高于中国。一旦加征关税，美国钢铁企业可能被迫转向本土采购， 即便这会大幅推高生产成本。这种"用成本换筹码"的逻辑，与之前特朗普政府禁止对华出口高端人工智能芯片的做法如出一辙。 更值得警惕的是，根据美国《贸易扩展法》第232条，被列入"关键矿产"的物项，将会被纳入"国家安全调查"范围。一旦认定存在"供应风险"，特朗普政府 便有权直接加 ...

Core Points - The USGS has updated its critical minerals list, adding copper, silver, and metallurgical coal, which may increase the likelihood of these materials being included in tariff policies [1] - This update is the most significant since the list was first published in 2018, with a total of 10 new minerals added, bringing the total to 60 [3] - The inclusion of these minerals is part of a broader strategy to secure the supply chain of critical minerals deemed essential for the US economy and national security [2][3] Summary by Category New Additions to the Critical Minerals List - The updated list now includes copper, silver, metallurgical coal, uranium, potassium, rhenium, silicon, and lead among others [1] - The total number of minerals on the list has increased to 60, which includes 15 rare earth elements [3] Implications for Tariff Policies - The inclusion of these minerals allows the US government to conduct Section 232 investigations under the guise of national security [1] - The strategic importance of these minerals is underscored by their critical role in manufacturing and potential supply chain disruptions [2] Market Reactions and Concerns - The addition of silver has raised concerns in the market, as any tariffs on silver could significantly impact the silver market [4][5] - The US imports nearly two-thirds of its silver, which is widely used in electronics, solar panels, jewelry, and investment [5] - Increased inventory levels of silver in New York have been observed, reaching historical highs due to tariff concerns [5]

Group 1 - The Trump administration has added 10 minerals to its critical minerals list, bringing the total to 60, which includes copper and metallurgical coal, essential for electric vehicles, power grids, and data centers [2] - The updated list will guide federal investment and project permitting decisions, shaping a broader mineral strategy aimed at reducing import dependence and enhancing domestic mining [2][3] - The inclusion of uranium, boron, lead, phosphates, potash, rhenium, silicon, and silver reflects a comprehensive approach to securing materials necessary for defense, manufacturing, and clean energy technologies [3] Group 2 - Strengthening domestic production is seen as a way to mitigate potential supply shocks and export restrictions from competitors, with officials emphasizing the importance of reducing reliance on foreign sources [3] - The agricultural value of potash and phosphates is highlighted, as they are crucial for crop growth, with the U.S. relying heavily on imports for potash [4] - The profitability of U.S. copper mining is under scrutiny, as domestic mines have lower ore grades compared to international operations, leading to higher costs and lower profits [5][6] Group 3 - The inclusion of metallurgical coal aligns with the administration's support for fossil fuels, amidst challenges faced by U.S. metallurgical coal mines due to supply and export dynamics [7] - The National Mining Association is advocating for further expansion of the critical minerals list to ensure access to domestic resources when needed [8]

Group 1 - The Trump administration has released a new list of critical minerals essential for the U.S. economy and national security, which includes copper and metallurgical coal [1] - The list aims to guide federal investment and permitting decisions, helping to develop a broader mineral strategy to reduce reliance on imports [1] - The Department of the Interior emphasizes that critical minerals are vital for national security, economic stability, and supply chain resilience, supporting key industries and technological innovation [1] Group 2 - Freeport-McMoRan is the largest copper producer in the U.S., operating seven copper mines and controlling one of the two smelters in the country [1] - The company has indicated that if copper is designated as a critical mineral, it could receive over $500 million in tax credits related to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 [1] - However, the average copper grade in Freeport's U.S. mines is lower than in other regions, leading to increased costs and making the U.S. the company's least profitable area [2]

特朗普政府将10种矿物新增至其认定对美国经济与国家安全至关重要的名单中，其中包括铜以及冶金煤。新列入的矿物还包括：铀、硼、铅、磷酸盐、钾盐、铼、矽和银。此次扩充名单，是在美国政府努力推动国内采矿、减少对进口依赖（尤其是来自中国）的大背景下进行的。 ...

Core Points - The U.S. government has made its largest adjustment to the critical minerals list since its inception, directly impacting the Section 232 investigation announced by the Trump administration in April, which may lead to tariffs and trade restrictions on related products [1] - The updated list now includes copper, uranium, silver, metallurgical coal, potash, rhenium, silicon, and lead, marking a significant change from the 2022 version [1] - This adjustment aims to reduce U.S. reliance on imports and expand domestic production, as stated by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum [1] Group 1 - The inclusion of copper and potash addresses supply chain risks, with copper being crucial for electrification, defense, and clean energy [4][5] - The U.S. imports nearly half of its copper consumption, primarily from Chile, Peru, and Canada, while most global copper refining capacity is concentrated in China [5] - Potash, used mainly for fertilizer production, is largely imported from Canada, with 80% of U.S. usage coming from there [5] Group 2 - The addition of silver has raised concerns among precious metal traders and manufacturers reliant on the material, as the U.S. heavily depends on imports to meet domestic silver demand [6] - Silver's inclusion is a response to potential supply disruptions from Mexico, with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) categorizing minerals by risk levels for the first time [6] - The new assessment method considers economic consequences of supply shocks and highlights vulnerabilities from reliance on single domestic producers [6] Group 3 - Metallurgical coal and uranium were added to the final list despite not being included in the draft published in August, indicating a comprehensive evaluation process [7] - Metallurgical coal is essential for steel production, while uranium serves as fuel for nuclear power plants [7] - The USGS removed arsenic and tellurium from the critical minerals list due to decreased supply disruption risks and increased domestic production [7]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government has made its largest adjustment to the critical minerals list since its inception, directly impacting the Section 232 investigation announced by the Trump administration, which may lead to tariffs and trade restrictions on related products [1]. Group 1: Key Minerals Added - Copper has been added to the critical minerals list for the first time, marking a significant change since the list was first published in 2018 [1]. - The updated list also includes uranium, silver, metallurgical coal, potash, rhenium, silicon, and lead, replacing the 2022 version [1]. - The inclusion of these minerals aims to reduce U.S. dependence on imports and expand domestic production [1]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Following the announcement of the new critical minerals list, copper ETFs rose approximately 2%, while Southern Copper Corporation increased by 1.6%. In contrast, Freeport and McEwen saw declines of 1.2% and 1.9%, respectively [4]. - The decision on the critical minerals list will influence mining investments, recycling of mining waste, tax incentives for mineral processing, and mining permit approval processes [4]. Group 3: Strategic Importance of Copper and Potash - Copper is recognized for its strategic importance due to its applications in transportation, defense, and power network construction, especially as demand for electricity rises with the growth of data centers and artificial intelligence [5]. - The U.S. imports nearly half of its copper consumption, primarily from Chile, Peru, and Canada, with most global refining capacity concentrated in China [5]. - Potash, primarily used in fertilizer production, has been included due to potential trade barriers from major supplying countries, with about 80% of U.S. potash imports coming from Canada [5]. Group 4: Concerns Over Silver - The addition of silver to the critical minerals list has raised concerns among precious metal traders and manufacturers reliant on the material, as the U.S. heavily depends on imports to meet domestic silver demand [6]. - Silver is widely used in electronics, solar panels, and medical devices, and any tariffs on silver could significantly impact the metal market [6]. Group 5: New Assessment Methods - A new assessment method has been introduced to evaluate the economic consequences of supply shocks and highlight vulnerabilities associated with reliance on single domestic producers [7]. - The updated list includes metallurgical coal and uranium, which were not part of the draft published in August, indicating a comprehensive evaluation process [7]. - Arsenic and tellurium have been removed from the critical minerals list due to changes in domestic production and supply risk assessments [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $41.7 million, down from $46.1 million in Q2 2025 [6] - Cost of coal sales decreased to $97.27 per ton in Q3, down from $100.06 per ton in Q2 [7] - Cash provided by operating activities was $50.6 million in Q3, down from $53.2 million in Q2 [8] - Total liquidity increased to $568.5 million at the end of Q3, up from $556.9 million at the end of Q2 [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company shipped 3.9 million tons in Q3, the same amount as in Q2 [6] - Metallurgical segment realizations decreased to an average of $114.94 per ton in Q3, down from $119.43 in Q2 [6] - Realizations in the incidental thermal portion of the metallurgical segment increased to $81.64 per ton in Q3, compared to $78.01 per ton in Q2 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Australian Premium Low-Vol Index increased by 9.6% during Q3, rising from $173.50 per metric ton to $190.20 per metric ton [13] - The US East Coast Low-Vol Index increased from $174 per metric ton at the beginning of the quarter to $177 per metric ton at quarter close [14] - The API-2 Index in the seaborne thermal market decreased from $107.95 per metric ton to $95.40 per metric ton during Q3 [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on cost discipline while navigating a challenging market cycle, with plans for 2026 still in progress [4][5] - Discussions with North American customers regarding domestic sales commitments for 2026 are ongoing, with no guidance issued yet [4][5] - The company is exploring opportunities in rare earth elements but does not expect significant economic impact from these initiatives at this time [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the underlying economic conditions affecting steel demand remain vulnerable to uncertainty and lackluster growth expectations [4] - The company is preparing for potentially another challenging year for the coal industry in 2026 [4] - Management expressed confidence in their ability to manage costs and operate safely while navigating market conditions [39] Other Important Information - The company achieved record quarterly cost performance for coal sales at $97.27 per ton for two consecutive quarters [10] - The Kingston Wildcat mine is in development production, with expectations to ramp up to a full annual run rate of approximately 1 million tons in 2026 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of cost cuts during the down cycle - Management acknowledged the volatility in costs and production but emphasized the operations team's success in maintaining cost reductions while ensuring safety [19][21] Question: Domestic contracts and potential volume changes - Management indicated that domestic customers typically prefer fixed price contracts, and while there may be fluctuations, significant changes in volume are not expected [23][24] Question: Rare earth opportunities - Management has explored rare earth opportunities but does not see them as a strategic focus at this time, preferring to concentrate on metallurgical coal [26][27] Question: Impact of CSX train derailment - Management reported that the rail line affected by the derailment is expected to reopen soon, and they have sufficient inventory to meet customer contracts [31] Question: M&A opportunities and cash balance - Management is cautious about M&A in the current market but remains interested in opportunities that enhance control and cost reduction [50][51] Question: Safety procedures amid MSHA shutdown - Management stated that MSHA enforcement remains active despite the shutdown, and the company continues to prioritize safety performance [52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $41.7 million, down from $46.1 million in Q2 2025 [6] - Cost of coal sales decreased to $97.27 per ton in Q3, down from $100.06 per ton in Q2 [7] - Cash provided by operating activities was $50.6 million in Q3, down from $53.2 million in Q2 [8] - Total liquidity increased to $568.5 million at the end of Q3, up from $556.9 million at the end of Q2 [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company shipped 3.9 million tons in Q3, the same amount as in Q2 [6] - Metallurgical segment realizations decreased to an average of $114.94 per ton in Q3, down from $119.43 in Q2 [6] - Realizations in the incidental thermal portion of the metallurgical segment increased to $81.64 per ton in Q3, compared to $78.01 per ton in Q2 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Australian Premium Low-Vol Index increased by 9.6% during Q3, rising from $173.50 per metric ton to $190.20 per metric ton [13] - The US East Coast Low-Vol Index increased from $174 per metric ton at the beginning of the quarter to $177 per metric ton at quarter close [14] - The API-2 Index in the seaborne thermal market decreased from $107.95 per metric ton to $95.40 per metric ton during Q3, but has since increased to $100.70 as of November 4th [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining cost discipline while navigating a challenging market cycle, with plans for 2026 already in progress [4] - Discussions with North American customers regarding domestic sales commitments for 2026 are ongoing, with guidance not yet issued [5][16] - The company is exploring opportunities in rare earth elements but does not expect significant economic impact from these efforts at this time [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current economic conditions affecting steel demand are vulnerable to uncertainty and lackluster growth expectations [4] - The company is preparing for potentially another challenging year in the coal industry in 2026 [4] - Management expressed confidence in their ability to manage costs and operate safely while navigating market fluctuations [10] Other Important Information - The company had $408.5 million in unrestricted cash and $49.4 million in short-term investments as of September 30, 2025 [8] - Capital expenditures for Q3 were $25.1 million, down from $34.6 million in Q2 [7] - The Kingston Wildcat mine is in development production, with expectations to ramp up to a full annual run rate of approximately 1 million tons in 2026 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of Cost Cuts - Management acknowledged the volatility in costs and production but highlighted the operations team's success in reducing costs while maintaining safety [19][21] Question: Domestic Contracts and Volume Flexibility - Management indicated that domestic customers typically prefer fixed-price contracts, and while there may be fluctuations, significant changes in volume are not expected [23][24] Question: Rare Earth Opportunities - Management has explored rare earth opportunities but does not see them as a strategic focus at this time, preferring to concentrate on metallurgical coal [26][27] Question: CSX Train Derailment Impact - Management reported that the rail line affected by the derailment is expected to reopen soon, and they have sufficient inventory to meet customer contracts [31] Question: Market Conditions and Competition - Management expressed confidence in navigating market conditions and emphasized their position as a preferred supplier despite new competition [38] Question: CapEx Expectations for 2026 - Management indicated that they are not ready to provide detailed CapEx expectations for 2026 but noted ongoing projects like the Kingston Wildcat mine [44] Question: M&A Opportunities - Management is cautious about M&A in the current market but remains interested in opportunities that enhance control and cost reduction [50][51] Question: Safety Procedures Amid MSHA Shutdown - Management stated that safety performance is driven internally and has not been negatively impacted by the MSHA shutdown [52]