Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first half of 2025, adjusted EBITDA was US$159.3 million, slightly above the US$155.7 million recorded in 2024, with profit after tax increasing by 80% to US$25.5 million from US$14 million in 2024 [3][11][42] - Gross profit reached US$114.8 million, up 19%, and operating profit was US$98.7 million, up 12% [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Hangzhou mine produced over 11.5 million wet metric tons, with adjusted EBITDA of US$70.3 million, a significant improvement compared to 2024 [4][16] - RKF operations saw lower EBITDA due to higher costs and ore shortages, despite an improving NPI price [8][12] - HPAL operations performed well, with production above 2024 levels and stable cash costs, resulting in EBITDA margins around US$5,900 per ton [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - NPI prices increased from US$11,290 to US$11,350, while cash costs rose from US$9,716 to US$10,117 due to higher oil prices [13][12] - The combined EBITDA for HNC and Syncreation increased by 20% to 27.7% in 2025 [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on responsible and sustainable mining, with initiatives like the Nickel Industries Foundation for social and economic development in Indonesia [2] - Development of the Sampala project is progressing well, with expectations to host over 1 billion wet metric tons [6] - The company aims to achieve gold status in responsible mining ratings and is working on increasing production capacity at the Hengjai mine [5][19] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's performance despite challenges in nickel prices, highlighting strong growth in the mining sector [42] - The company anticipates further growth with the imminent release of an RKB that requires no CapEx for increased mine sales [42] Other Important Information - The company has deferred payments for E and C totaling US$126.5 million to January and April, allowing for further production and EBITDA [11] - The cathode plant is expected to be commissioned in October or November, with all key equipment fabricated and erected [17][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on debt refinancing and other levers - Management confirmed entering a commitment letter for a US$100 million loan facility to support working capital and is evaluating alternative debt funding options [22][23] Question: Dividend withdrawal reasoning - Management stated that the withdrawal of the dividend is a case of prudent balance sheet management [25] Question: Update on VAT refunds - Management expects the US$110 million VAT refunds within the next six to twelve months and is in dialogue with the Indonesian government [27][28] Question: Timing for environmental study approval - Management expects the RKB approval for the Penguja mine by September and for Sampala by the end of the year [29] Question: Factors for commissioning the cathode plant - Management decided to delay commissioning due to high working capital draw and costs associated with MHP, aiming for October or November [34][36]

Investment Rating - The report recommends the industry [4] Core Insights - The RKEF project produced 30,463 tons of nickel pig iron (NPI) in Q2 2025, a decrease of 5% year-on-year and 4% quarter-on-quarter, primarily due to adjustments made to the ONI furnace [1][2] - The unit cash cost for NPI increased by 4% year-on-year to $10,348 per ton, driven by maintenance costs and rising electricity expenses [2] - The sales revenue for NPI in Q2 2025 was $346 million, reflecting a 6% decrease year-on-year [2] RKEF Project Summary - NPI production in Q2 2025 was 30,463 tons, with a contract price of $11,449 per ton, showing a 1% increase from the previous quarter [1][2] - The adjusted EBITDA for NPI was $33.7 million, down 24% from the previous quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA per ton of $1,107, a decrease of 20% [2][12] HPAL Project Summary - The Huayue nickel-cobalt project produced 20,750 tons of nickel and 1,877 tons of cobalt in Q2 2025, exceeding the rated capacity by 38% [3] - The unit EBITDA for HNC was $4,819 per ton, up 12% quarter-on-quarter, supported by rising MHP prices [5] Mining Operations Summary - The Hengjaya mine produced 5.92 million wet tons of nickel ore in Q2 2025, a 99% increase year-on-year [7] - The adjusted EBITDA for the Hengjaya mine was $41.4 million, a 33% increase from the previous quarter, driven by rising nickel ore prices [7] Financial Overview - Nickel Industries received $34.4 million in shareholder loan repayments in Q2 2025 [10] - The company also received $8.1 million in dividends from the Oracle Nickel project and $8 million from the Hengjaya mine [10][11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of $86 million for the June quarter, bringing the first half unaudited adjusted EBITDA to $183.6 million, which is a material outperformance compared to the previous year [4][16] - The twelve-month rolling Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) was 1.29, with a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) of 0.05 for June, indicating strong safety performance [2][3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RKF nickel metal production was 30,463 tonnes, slightly lower than the previous quarter, impacted by kiln realignment and maintenance [4][7] - HPAL production from HNC was 2,075 tonnes of nickel, continuing to operate above nameplate capacity [4] - The Hangjai mine achieved record ore sales of over 3 million wet metric tonnes, with an EBITDA of $41.4 million, a 33% increase from the previous quarter [6][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - MHP pricing remained stable at $11,449, slightly higher than the previous quarter, with payabilities for MHP close to 90% [8][9] - The Hengjia mine's EBITDA increased by CAD10.4 million, highlighting the benefits of integrated operations [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on the completion of the E and C project, with commissioning deferred to align working capital requirements [10][11] - The feasibility study to increase the Anglia mine RKB from 9 million tonnes to 19 million tonnes has been approved, indicating growth plans [13] - The Sampala project is progressing well, with a feasibility study lodged for an initial operation of 6 million wet metric tonnes per annum [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about achieving RKAB approval in August and expects to ramp up production from the Hangjai mine significantly [37] - The company remains confident in the exploration target of over 1 billion wet metric tonnes of ore at the Sao Paulo project, with strong margins expected [16][40] Other Important Information - The company is actively managing working capital due to a significant build-up, particularly in RKF operations [20][30] - There are discussions regarding various financing sources, excluding equity raises, to manage cash flow and debt obligations [32][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Cash flow neutrality despite good EBITDA - Management explained that the neutral cash flow was due to a large working capital build, particularly in RKF operations, which is expected to unwind [20][21] Question: MHP realizations increase - Management noted market tightness leading to improved MHP payabilities, offsetting a decrease in LME prices [22][23] Question: Delaying commissioning of E and C - The decision to delay was significant enough to avoid building up working capital ahead of the sales license [28][30] Question: Debt service requirements - Management confirmed $33 million in interest amortization was paid in July, with another $100 million due in the remainder of the year [31][34] Question: Production ramp-up from Hangjai mine - Management remains optimistic about receiving the RCAB permit in August and targets significantly above 12 million tonnes for the year [37] Question: Development timing for Sao Paulo - The company is targeting completion of the haul road by early Q4, with first ore delivery expected in early H2 next year [40]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the cobalt industry [1] Core Insights - The global cobalt supply chain is highly dependent on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which accounts for over 50% of global cobalt reserves and over 70% of production. In 2024, DRC's cobalt production is expected to reach approximately 220,000 metric tons, a year-on-year increase of about 25%, representing 76.4% of global market share [4][30] - Indonesia's nickel-cobalt projects are reshaping the industry landscape, with MHP production expected to grow significantly, leading to a projected cobalt output of 28,000 metric tons in 2024, accounting for about 10% of global production [4][42] - The lithium battery sector is the main driver of global cobalt consumption, with a projected consumption of 222,000 metric tons in 2024, a year-on-year increase of approximately 14%. The electric vehicle sector is expected to consume about 95,000 metric tons, a 21% increase [4][42] - The DRC's policy adjustments in response to supply-demand imbalances have led to fluctuations in cobalt prices, with domestic prices expected to rebound above 250,000 yuan per ton in 2024 [4] Summary by Sections Supply and Demand Dynamics - The DRC's cobalt production is projected to grow significantly due to the performance of major mining companies like Luoyang Molybdenum, which is expected to produce approximately 114,200 metric tons of cobalt in 2024, a 106% increase year-on-year [4][30] - The DRC's decision to suspend cobalt raw material exports for four months aims to address oversupply issues, which is expected to impact global cobalt supply by over 100,000 metric tons [4] Industry Structure - The cobalt industry is characterized by a concentration of resources, with major players including Luoyang Molybdenum, Glencore, and others controlling significant portions of the market [4][16] - Indonesia's MHP production is rapidly increasing, with a projected output of 323,000 metric tons of nickel in 2024, which will also enhance cobalt production [4][42] Market Trends - The report highlights a recovery in global demand for consumer electronics, with smartphone shipments expected to reach 1.24 billion units in 2024, marking a 6.4% increase [4] - The DRC's cobalt price adjustments and export policies are expected to influence market dynamics significantly, with long-term implications for pricing power in the cobalt market [4]

Core Viewpoint - The global nickel market in 2024 continues to experience volatility, characterized by a "roller coaster" trend with prices peaking and then retreating due to oversupply and weak demand [1] Group 1: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The global nickel market is currently oversupplied, with an expected production of 3.52 million tons in 2024, a 4.7% increase year-on-year, primarily driven by Indonesia, which contributes three-quarters of the global supply [5] - Indonesia's export ban on nickel ore has led to a focus on building a high-value-added industry domestically, enhancing overall resource utilization efficiency [6] - The demand for nickel is expected to rise due to the long-term growth trend in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, with global EV sales projected to reach 18.236 million units in 2024, a 24.4% increase year-on-year [7] - The demand for nickel is also supported by robust stainless steel production in China, with crude stainless steel output expected to reach 39.4411 million tons in 2024, a 7.54% increase year-on-year [8] Group 2: Company Performance - Company "力勤资源" has achieved revenue of RMB 29.23 billion in 2024, a 38.8% year-on-year increase, and a net profit of RMB 1.77 billion, a 68.7% increase year-on-year, demonstrating resilience in a challenging market [4] - The company has established a competitive edge through advanced hydrometallurgical processes and a global resource layout, allowing it to thrive amid industry pressures [4] Group 3: Technological Innovations - The company is leveraging both hydrometallurgical (HPAL) and pyrometallurgical (RKEF) technologies to create a dual supply system that efficiently utilizes nickel resources [10] - The hydrometallurgical project on Obi Island has a planned capacity of 120,000 tons of nickel and 14,250 tons of cobalt, with the first two phases achieving production in record time [10][11] - The company has also implemented innovative technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs in its pyrometallurgical processes, with a projected annual capacity of 280,000 tons of nickel iron by 2026 [12] Group 4: Environmental and Economic Synergy - The company is focusing on extracting valuable metals from hydrometallurgical tailings, which is expected to create new profit growth points while alleviating environmental pressures [13] - The dual approach of hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes allows the company to balance market risks and enhance overall resource utilization efficiency [12][14]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights increasing concerns over the supply of battery metals, particularly nickel and cobalt, due to tightening policies in key producing countries like Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which may disrupt the global electric vehicle supply chain [1][2][3]. Group 1: Nickel Supply Concerns - Indonesia, the world's largest nickel producer, has been signaling tighter control over nickel resources since 2025, with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources indicating a potential reduction in mining quotas to protect high-grade nickel reserves [1][2]. - The Indonesian Nickel Miners Association approved a mining quota of 298.5 million wet tons, higher than last year, but the government is reviewing this to prevent resource depletion [1][2]. - The planned increase in mining and processing costs includes raising the nickel mining tax rate from a fixed 10% to a range of 14%-19%, which could elevate operational costs for mining companies and ultimately increase nickel prices [1][2]. Group 2: Pricing Mechanisms and Market Impact - Indonesia is adjusting the calculation frequency of the metal mineral benchmark price (HPM) from monthly to twice a month to better reflect market values and capture price fluctuations, particularly during price increases [2]. - As of March 24, nickel prices in Indonesia have been rising, with a reported supply-demand gap of approximately 5,000 tons for battery-grade nickel sulfate in Q1 [2]. - The tightening supply from Indonesia is compounded by the Democratic Republic of Congo's efforts to manage global cobalt supply and prices amid its export ban [2][3]. Group 3: Broader Market Dynamics - The Philippines has also decided to halt new mining permits in key nickel-producing areas and may soon pass a bill to ban raw ore exports, aiming to develop its downstream processing industry [3]. - The increasing nationalism among resource-rich countries is driven by the desire to capitalize on the booming demand for electric vehicles, which has led to significant price volatility for lithium, cobalt, and nickel [3]. - The reliance on Indonesian MHP (Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate) for cobalt supply is creating new uncertainties regarding supply stability and costs, impacting the already high cobalt prices faced by ternary material producers [4]. Group 4: Production and Technological Implications - The high raw material costs are suppressing the purchasing willingness of downstream nickel sulfate manufacturers, leading to a reduction in production rates, with China's nickel sulfate production capacity operating at less than 50% as of March [4]. - Although low-cobalt strategies may alleviate some pressure on cobalt prices, the high-nickel route is crucial for enhancing the energy density of ternary batteries, which currently account for 40-50% of the ternary materials market [4]. - The tightening nickel supply could introduce uncertainties during a critical period for cost reduction and market penetration of next-generation battery technologies [4].