Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2025 was $159.3 million, slightly above the $155.7 million recorded in 2024, with profit after tax increasing by 80% to $25.5 million from $14 million in 2024 [3][11][12] - Gross profit rose to $114.8 million, up 19%, and operating profit increased by 12% to $98.7 million [8] - Total liabilities decreased slightly due to amortizing debt, with a focus on refinancing to extend tenor and lower costs [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Hangzhou mine produced over 11.5 million wet metric tons, with adjusted EBITDA of $70.3 million, a significant improvement from 2024 [4][16] - RKF operations saw lower EBITDA due to higher costs and ore shortages, despite an improving NPI price [9][12] - HPAL operations performed well, with production above 2024 levels and stable cash costs, resulting in EBITDA per ton margins around $5,900 [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - NPI price increased from $11,290 to $11,350, while cash costs rose from $9,716 to $10,117 due to higher oil prices [12][13] - The company is experiencing a slight upward trend in nickel prices, which is expected to positively impact future margins [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on responsible and sustainable mining, with initiatives like the Nickel Industries Foundation and a conservation area within the Hengjai mining concession [2][3] - Development of the Sampala project is progressing well, with expectations to host over 1 billion wet metric tons [6][19] - The company aims to double production at the Hengdai mine and is targeting commissioning of the cathode plant by late 2025 [17][19] Management's 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 $126.5 million to January and April, allowing for additional production and EBITDA [11] - The cathode plant is expected to be commissioned in October or November, with all key equipment fabricated and erected [17][35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on debt refinancing and balance sheet management - Management confirmed entering a commitment letter for a $100 million loan facility to support working capital and is evaluating alternative debt funding options [21][23] Question: Dividend withdrawal reasoning - Management stated the withdrawal is a prudent balance sheet management decision, prioritizing financial stability over dividend payouts [26] Question: Update on VAT refunds and timing - Management expects the $110 million VAT refunds within the next six to twelve months and is in dialogue with the Indonesian government [28][29] Question: Timing for environmental study approval and production targets - Management indicated that the RKB approval is expected by September, with Sampala targeting 6 million tonnes per annum by the end of the year [30] Question: Factors influencing commissioning of the cathode plant - Management explained the delay in commissioning is due to high working capital demands and the need to ensure a strong balance sheet [34][36]

Financial Performance - Sales revenue decreased by 2% from US$843.3 million in 1H 2024 to US$829.7 million in 1H 2025[10] - Gross profit increased by 19% from US$96.3 million in 1H 2024 to US$114.8 million in 1H 2025[10] - Operating profit increased by 12% from US$87.8 million in 1H 2024 to US$98.7 million in 1H 2025[10] - Profit after tax increased significantly by 81% from US$14.0 million in 1H 2024 to US$25.3 million in 1H 2025[10] - Adjusted EBITDA from RKEF decreased by 28% from US$109.0 million in 1H 2024 to US$78.3 million in 1H 2025[10] - Adjusted EBITDA from the mine increased substantially by 76% from US$39.9 million in 1H 2024 to US$70.3 million in 1H 2025[10] - Attributable EBITDA from HPAL increased by 20% from US$22.6 million in 1H 2024 to US$27.1 million in 1H 2025[10] Operational Highlights - RKEF operations saw a slight decrease of 2% in total nickel production, from 63,814 tonnes in 1H 2024 to 62,257 tonnes in 1H 2025[9, 14] - Hengjaya Mine production and sales increased by 90% and 81% respectively compared to the previous corresponding period (pcp)[10, 19] - Limonite mined increased by 121% from 4,177,937 wmt in 1H 2024 to 9,237,715 wmt in 1H 2025[19] - HPAL operations (HNC) nickel production in MHP increased by 2% from 41,172 tonnes in 1H 2024 to 41,934 tonnes in 1H 2025[9, 17] Balance Sheet and Dividends - The company declared a final dividend of A$0.015 per share for the full year 2024 financial result, a 40% decrease from A$0.025 in the previous period[10]

Core Insights - Nickel 28 Capital Corp. reported strong operational results for Q2 2025, particularly from its Ramu Nickel-Cobalt operation in Papua New Guinea, with expectations for a robust second half of the year [1][3]. Operational Performance - Ramu's ore processed in Q2 2025 was 885,000 tonnes, a slight increase from 856,000 tonnes in Q2 2024 [4]. - MHP produced in Q2 2025 was 20,859 dry tonnes, up from 18,899 dry tonnes in the same period last year [4]. - Contained nickel production increased to 8,564 tonnes in Q2 2025 from 7,555 tonnes in Q2 2024, while contained cobalt production rose to 787 tonnes from 675 tonnes [4][6]. - Nickel capacity utilization reached 105% of design capacity in Q2 2025, compared to 93% in Q2 2024 [4]. Sales and Inventory - Nickel sales in Q2 2025 were 7,846 tonnes, slightly higher than 7,666 tonnes in Q2 2024 [6]. - Cobalt sales increased to 719 tonnes in Q2 2025 from 684 tonnes in the same period last year [6]. - The nickel inventory at the end of Q2 2025 was 2,843 tonnes [6]. Financial Metrics - The average nickel price on the LME in Q2 2025 was US$6.88 per pound, an 18% decrease from the previous year, while the average cobalt price was US$15.23 per pound, an 18% increase [6]. - Production costs for nickel in Q2 2025 were US$2.68 per pound, down from US$3.37 per pound in Q2 2024 [6]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates uninterrupted production in the second half of 2025 following the completion of annual maintenance on its HPAL autoclaves [3]. - Strong production and an inventory balance are expected to drive higher sales in the latter half of 2025 [3]. Company Overview - Nickel 28 holds an 8.56% joint-venture interest in the Ramu Nickel-Cobalt operation, which is significant for the production of nickel and cobalt, essential for electric vehicle adoption [1][8].