Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first half of 2025, the company reported an EBITDA of $19.1 million, a significant decrease from $46.6 million in the same period of 2024, reflecting industry-wide margin compression due to falling ferrosilicon prices [6][10] - The company recorded a loss per share of $0.0125 for the first half of 2025, indicating a challenging financial environment [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue growth was modest, driven by higher manganese ore volumes, but was offset by lower alloy volumes and weaker prices, particularly for ferrosilicon [5][10] - Manganese alloys and silicon alloys are critical for steel production, with the Sarawak plant producing these alloys as additives to strengthen steel [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ferrosilicon prices have decreased by approximately 10.4% year-on-year compared to the first half of 2024, driven by weaker downstream demand and increased competition from Russian-origin materials [7][8] - Silicon manganese prices have remained stable, supported by stable manganese ore prices, with expectations for firm prices throughout the rest of 2025 and into early 2026 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on sustainability initiatives, including repurposing by-products to support a circular economy and maintaining ISO certifications for operational standards [12] - The company aims to leverage its competitive edge through access to affordable renewable energy and a strong customer base, positioning itself as a beneficiary in the transition to renewables [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates stabilization of ferrosilicon prices in the near term, as current prices are viewed as unsustainably low [8] - The company is actively monitoring the implementation of a carbon tax in Malaysia, which may impact production costs in the ferroalloy sector [16][17] Other Important Information - The Bootu Creek manganese mine in Australia remains under care and maintenance, with ongoing rehabilitation efforts [9] - The company has successfully refinanced its project finance loans and reduced total debt, aligning with its strategy to lower the debt profile [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the carbon tax in Malaysia impact the ferroalloy sector? - Management indicated that the carbon tax will be introduced by 2026, and OM Sarawak will likely be included under the carbon levy, awaiting further details from authorities [16][17] Question: What are the tariffs on ferrosilicon and manganese alloys exports to the U.S.? - The U.S. does not apply reciprocal tariffs on manganese alloys, while ferrosilicon is subject to a 19% tariff from Malaysia. OM Holdings has a competitive advantage over Brazil and India due to lower tariffs [18] Question: Has OMH implemented any hedging policy on ferroalloy prices? - Currently, the company does not have any hedging policies on ferroalloy prices, as there are no relevant international futures markets [19] Question: How much does the manganese supply from Shippee and Braia contribute? - Shippee's manganese ore supply is primarily exported to China, with an annual traded volume of approximately 420,000 to 460,000 tons. Braia is still under exploration with no current production [20][22]

Core Insights - The company is focusing on operational efficiency following disappointing results in H1 2025, with a commitment to improve performance in the second half of the year [2][4][19] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA (excluding SLN) for H1 2025 was €191 million, down 45% compared to H1 2024, primarily due to reduced contributions from PT WBN and unfavorable product mix [4][19] - Net Income, Group share (excluding SLN) was negative at -€101 million, a decline of €132 million year-on-year [4][19] - Adjusted Free Cash Flow was -€266 million, with liquidity remaining high at €1.7 billion [4][24] Operational Highlights - Safety performance remained strong with a Group TRIFR of 0.6, significantly better than the CSR roadmap target of <1.0 [5] - Manganese ore transported volumes are revised to between 6.5 and 7.0 million tonnes for 2025, with FOB cash costs adjusted to between $2.1 and $2.3/dmtu [4][47] - Nickel ore sales are projected between 36 and 39 million wet metric tonnes for 2025, reflecting revised licensing [4][64] Market Trends - Global carbon steel production declined by nearly 2% in H1 2025, with China experiencing a 3% drop due to reduced domestic demand [33][34] - The price index for manganese ore averaged $4.6/dmtu in H1 2025, down 14% year-on-year, influenced by increased supply from South Africa and Australia [38][39] - Global demand for lithium increased by 29% in H1 2025, driven by electric vehicle sales, while lithium supply also rose, leading to a surplus in the market [81][82] Strategic Initiatives - The company launched an in-depth operational review in June 2025 to enhance performance [4] - A controlled capex plan for 2025 is reiterated at between €400 million and €450 million, focusing on sustaining and strengthening rail transportation capacity [4][97] - The company is actively pursuing health prevention efforts as part of its "Act for Positive Mining" roadmap [8]

Core Viewpoint - Gabon has announced plans to stop exporting manganese ore starting in 2029 as part of a national strategy to promote industrialization and reduce reliance on unprocessed resource exports [1] Group 1: Government Strategy - The decision is aimed at building local mineral processing capabilities, creating skilled jobs, and increasing resource added value [1] - Manganese is one of Gabon's most important export resources, alongside oil and timber, and is a major source of fiscal revenue for the country [1] Group 2: Industry Impact - Gabon is currently the world's second-largest producer of manganese [1] - The government plans to invest in local processing facilities over a three-year period to support the industrial transition [1] - A public-private partnership investment fund is also proposed to facilitate this industry transformation [1]