Core Viewpoint - Kenmare Resources plc has provided a trading update for the full year 2025 and Q4 2025, highlighting production achievements, operational challenges, and guidance for 2026, focusing on value over volume in production strategy. Production and Operational Summary - The company achieved revised production guidance for ilmenite and rutile in 2025, exceeding original guidance for primary zircon and concentrates [3][13] - Heavy Mineral Concentrate (HMC) production in 2025 was 1,233,300 tonnes, down 15% year-on-year due to lower excavated ore volumes related to the upgrade of the Wet Concentrator Plant (WCP) A [6][10] - Ilmenite production was 842,300 tonnes in 2025, down 17% year-on-year, while primary zircon production was 50,000 tonnes, down only 1% year-on-year [14] - The company plans to produce over 1.1 million tonnes in 2026, representing a more than 15% increase compared to 2025, while targeting a minimum ilmenite production of 800,000 tonnes [4][39] Financial Overview - Kenmare reported a net debt of $158.8 million at the end of 2025, significantly up from $25.0 million in 2024, primarily due to capital expenditure on the WCP A upgrade project [27][28] - An impairment charge of up to $300 million is expected for 2025, reflecting lower revenue assumptions and market conditions [5][32] - Total cash operating costs for 2026 are expected to be between $215 million and $225 million, lower than in 2025, as the company aims to minimize operating costs [12][42] Market Conditions - Demand for Kenmare's products remained stable in 2025, but pricing declined due to market oversupply, particularly in the titanium feedstocks and zircon markets [22][26] - The zircon market showed signs of stability towards the end of Q4 2025, despite a general decline in prices throughout the year [25][26] - The company has a strong order book for Q1 2026, although continued market softness is expected to impact demand and pricing [26] Capital Projects and Future Guidance - The upgrade of WCP A is nearing completion, with a total capital cost estimate of $341 million, and expected capital expenditure for 2026 is approximately $30 million [20][43] - The company is focusing on a value-over-volume approach for 2026, which includes a significant drawdown of finished product inventories [4][40] - Kenmare is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and deferring discretionary capital costs where possible to navigate the current market challenges [43]

Core Viewpoint - Kenmare Resources plc provides an update on the Wet Concentrator Plant A upgrade project and revises its 2025 production guidance due to commissioning challenges and market conditions [2][4]. WCP A Upgrade Project Overview - The upgrade of WCP A includes the installation of two new high-capacity dredges and a new feed preparation module, with commissioning progressing since October 2, 2025 [3][7]. - The capital cost estimate for the WCP A upgrade remains unchanged at $341 million [6]. - The transition to the Nataka ore zone, which represents approximately 70% of Moma's Mineral Resources, is crucial for securing long-term production [5]. Production Guidance Update - The revised production guidance for 2025 is now set at 870,000 to 905,000 tonnes of ilmenite, down from the original guidance of 930,000 to 1,050,000 tonnes [12][15]. - Rutile production is expected to be between 8,500 to 9,500 tonnes, also revised from previous estimates [12][15]. - The company anticipates that lower production will not impact sales in 2025, as Q4 is typically a strong period for shipments [5][13]. Cost Guidance - Total cash operating cost guidance remains at $228 to $252 million, while cash costs per tonne of finished product are now expected to be $235 to $245 due to lower anticipated production volumes [13][15]. - Development capital expenditure guidance for the WCP A project is now expected to be $170-175 million, slightly increased from the previous estimate of $165 million [14][15]. Future Outlook - The company plans to announce its Q4 2025 Production Report and guidance for 2026 on January 21, 2026 [16].

Core Viewpoint - Kenmare Resources plc provided a trading update for Q3 2025, highlighting production challenges due to upgrades at the Wet Concentrator Plant A and a decline in global market conditions affecting demand and pricing for titanium minerals and zircon [4][6][27]. Production Overview - The Moma Mine produced 298,400 tonnes of Heavy Mineral Concentrate (HMC) in Q3 2025, a 16% decrease year-on-year, primarily due to a 19% decrease in excavated ore volumes [9][14]. - Ilmenite production was 209,000 tonnes, down 19% year-on-year, while primary zircon production was 12,300 tonnes, down 16% year-on-year [15]. - Total shipments of finished products were 227,400 tonnes, a 25% decrease year-on-year, attributed to reduced shipping capacity [16]. Operations Update - The upgrade project for Wet Concentrator Plant A is on track, with commissioning of new dredges and feed preparation modules beginning in October 2025 [5][21]. - The capital cost for the WCP A upgrade project remains at $341 million, with expectations to achieve nameplate capacity by the end of 2025 [23]. Market Conditions - Global demand for mineral sands products softened, leading to a decline in prices for Kenmare's products [27][29]. - One customer has indicated it will not take contracted volumes in H2 2025, affecting Kenmare's sales strategy [17][29]. - The zircon market remained subdued, but demand for Kenmare's high-grade zircon was stable in China and Europe [32]. Corporate Update - Discussions with the Government of Mozambique regarding the extension of Moma's Implementation Agreement are ongoing, with the company focused on securing its contractual entitlements [24][25]. - The company is pursuing payment for approximately $9.3 million in unpaid invoices due to a customer's financial distress [29].

Core Insights - Lion Rock Minerals has secured an $8.6 million strategic placement from Tronox Holdings to advance its Minta monazite and rutile project in Cameroon, resulting in Tronox acquiring 5% equity in Lion Rock [1][4]. Investment Details - Tronox will receive approximately 153 million new shares of Lion Rock at a price of $0.056 each and will provide commercial and technical services for the project [2]. - The investment is intended to accelerate drilling, resource definition, metallurgical test work, and product qualification in Cameroon [3]. Long-Term Partnership - The partnership aims to leverage Lion Rock's resource base with Tronox's mine-to-pigment capabilities, enhancing Tronox's strategic expansion into the rare earth value chain [3][5]. - Tronox's involvement is expected to create a foundation for collaboration in developing critical minerals, particularly in rare earths and titanium feedstock [4][5]. Strategic Importance - The Minta project is viewed as a significant opportunity for Tronox to advance its critical mineral strategy, particularly in rare earths and high-grade rutile [5][6]. - Tronox, a leading producer of titanium products, operates globally with a focus on mining titanium-bearing mineral sands and producing high-quality titanium feedstock materials [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Kenmare Resources plc reported its Half-Yearly Financial Report for H1 2025, highlighting a 3% increase in mineral product revenue, challenges with operating costs, and ongoing negotiations with the Government of Mozambique regarding the renewal of the Moma Implementation Agreement [1][2][4][5]. Financial Performance - Mineral product revenue reached $159.6 million in H1 2025, up 3% year-on-year, driven by stronger shipments and a higher average price received [6][55]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $47.2 million, down 25% year-on-year, with a margin of 30% [6][55]. - The company recognized a non-cash impairment loss of $100.3 million due to lower projected future revenue assumptions [6][55]. - Adjusted profit after tax was $6.1 million, down 71% year-on-year [6][55]. - Cash operating costs increased to $248 per tonne, up 14% year-on-year, primarily due to higher direct operating costs [6][63]. Operational Highlights - HMC production was 670,600 tonnes, up 2% year-on-year, while total finished product production increased to 500,800 tonnes, also up 2% year-on-year [24][28]. - Total shipments in H1 2025 were 488,900 tonnes, reflecting a 2% increase year-on-year [32]. - The company is on track to achieve its 2025 production and cost guidance, with expectations for stronger shipments in H2 2025 [3][26][82]. Market Dynamics - Demand for Kenmare's ilmenite remains strong, supported by a stable global pigment market and growth in the titanium metal market [11][50]. - Ilmenite prices in H1 2025 were marginally below those of H2 2024, while the average price received per tonne was $326, up 1% year-on-year [50][60]. - The zircon market remains subdued, with demand negatively impacted by the substitution of zircon for lower-cost materials [53]. Capital Projects - The Wet Concentrator Plant A upgrade project is progressing well, with $208 million spent by the end of H1 2025, representing 60% of the total project budget of $341 million [3][36][81]. - The company plans to increase development capital expenditure guidance for 2025 from $150 million to $165 million due to updated expenditure phasing [3][36]. Corporate Developments - Kenmare has been in negotiations with the Government of Mozambique for nearly three years regarding the renewal of the Moma Implementation Agreement, expressing concerns over the prolonged process [5][20][23]. - The company appointed James McCullough as the new Chief Financial Officer on 1 May 2025, bringing extensive experience from Rio Tinto Plc [46].