Investment Rating - The report provides a recommendation for the industry [5] Core Insights - In Q2 2025, the nickel ore production decreased by 9% year-on-year to 7.08 million wet tons, while the NPI production increased by 20% year-on-year to 7,900 tons [1][2] - The lithium production at the Centenario plant was 270 tons, with a significant increase in sales to 480 tons compared to the previous quarter [3] - Manganese ore production was 1.76 million tons, showing an 11% year-on-year increase, while manganese alloy production decreased by 6% year-on-year [4][7] - The adjusted turnover for H1 2025 was €1.528 billion, reflecting a 7% decrease compared to H1 2024 [9][20] - The adjusted EBITDA for H1 2025 was €191 million, a 45% decline year-on-year, primarily due to lower nickel grades and operational challenges [10][11] Summary by Sections Nickel - Nickel ore production in Q2 2025 was 7.08 million wet tons, a 9% decrease year-on-year, while sales were 5.64 million wet tons, a 6% decrease year-on-year [1] - NPI production was 7,900 tons, a 20% increase year-on-year, with sales of 3,500 tons, a 21% increase year-on-year [2] Lithium - Lithium production (in LCE) was 270 tons in Q2 2025, down from 440 tons in Q1 2025, while sales increased significantly to 480 tons [3] - The Centenario plant is expected to reach its design capacity of 24,000 tons/year, with production delays impacting EBITDA [3][15] Manganese - Manganese ore and sinter production was 1.76 million tons, an 11% increase year-on-year, while sales were 1.43 million tons, a 2% decrease year-on-year [4] - Manganese alloy production was 160,000 tons, a 6% decrease year-on-year [7] Financial Performance - The adjusted turnover for H1 2025 was €1.528 billion, a 7% decrease from H1 2024, while adjusted EBITDA was €191 million, down 45% year-on-year [9][10] - The net income attributable to the group was -€152 million, reflecting a significant decline compared to the previous year [11][20] 2025 Outlook - Nickel production targets for 2025 have been revised to 36 to 39 million wet tons, with expectations of continued price premiums due to supply constraints [14] - Lithium production is projected to be between 4,000 and 7,000 tons for 2025, with increased capital expenditures anticipated [15] - Manganese transportation targets have been adjusted to 6.5 to 7 million tons for 2025, with cash cost targets revised to $2.1 to $2.3 per ton [16]

Group 1 - The event highlighted the potential for economic cooperation between Bolivia and China, particularly in the agricultural sector [1][2] - Bolivia is rich in natural resources, including the world's largest lithium reserves, and has fertile agricultural land [1][2] - The bilateral trade volume between China and Bolivia reached $2.733 billion in 2024, with a notable increase in imports from Bolivia [2] Group 2 - Bolivia's geographical indication products, such as high-altitude wines and unique coffee, are expected to enhance trade cooperation [3] - The country aims to expand its exports to China, including chicken, pork, and honey, while promoting technology transfer from China [3]

Investment Rating - The report recommends a positive outlook for the industry [5]. Core Insights - In Q1 2025, nickel ore production increased by 3% year-on-year to 9.169 million wet tons, while carbonated lithium production at the Centenario plant reached 440 tons [1][4]. - The nickel sales volume for Q1 2025 was limited to 5.399 million wet tons, reflecting a significant decrease compared to the previous quarter and year [2]. - The NPI production remained stable at 9,100 tons, with a year-on-year increase of 23% [3]. - The Centenario plant's lithium production is expected to reach its rated capacity by the end of 2025, despite some delays in equipment commissioning [4][14]. - Manganese ore production in Q1 2025 was 1.785 million tons, showing a 44% increase quarter-on-quarter, although it decreased by 7% year-on-year [7]. - The report highlights a strong demand for titanium iron ore, with production increasing by 13% year-on-year to 130,000 tons [9]. Summary by Sections Nickel - Nickel ore production for Q1 2025 was 9.169 million wet tons, a 3% increase year-on-year, but a 34% decrease quarter-on-quarter [1]. - The external sales volume of nickel ore was limited to 5.399 million wet tons, reflecting a 68% decrease from the previous quarter and an 11% decrease year-on-year [2]. - The average grade of nickel ore sold decreased significantly, impacting reference prices negatively, although a premium of nearly 50% was maintained due to limited domestic supply [2]. Lithium - The Centenario plant achieved its first lithium carbonate production in December 2024, with Q1 2025 production reaching 440 tons and a purity exceeding 99.5% [4][6]. - The plant is expected to reach its full design capacity once all equipment is operational, with a focus on improving the concentration process [14]. Manganese - Manganese ore and sinter production in Q1 2025 was 1.785 million tons, a 44% increase quarter-on-quarter but a 7% decrease year-on-year [7]. - The average cash cost for manganese ore was $2.4 per ton, reflecting a 7% increase year-on-year due to decreased sales volume [7]. Mineral Sands - Mineral sands production in Q1 2025 was 226,000 tons, a 4% increase quarter-on-quarter and a 23% increase year-on-year [9]. - Titanium iron ore production increased by 13% year-on-year to 130,000 tons, driven by strong demand from the US and China [9]. Financial Performance - The adjusted revenue for Q1 2025 was €742 million, remaining flat year-on-year, with negative effects from sales volume and product mix offset by positive price and currency effects [10]. 2025 Outlook - Nickel production and sales are expected to be limited to 32 million tons, with external sales targeted at 29 million tons [12]. - The lithium production target for 2025 is expected to be at the lower end of the guidance range due to delays in equipment commissioning [14]. - Manganese ore transport is projected between 6.7 million and 7.2 million tons for 2025, with cash costs expected to be at the upper end of the guidance range [15].