Group 1 - Kenmare Resources plc is a leading global producer of titanium minerals and zircon, operating the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in northern Mozambique [2][6] - The company is currently in discussions with the Government of Mozambique regarding the renewal of key rights and concessions under the Implementation Agreement, with final terms yet to be concluded [2][5] - Operations at the Moma mine continue as usual and have not been affected by the ongoing discussions [3] Group 2 - The Implementation Agreement (IA) was established in 2002, outlining the terms for Kenmare's mineral processing and export activities, with an initial period set to expire in December 2024 and a potential 20-year extension [4] - Kenmare has been pursuing the extension process since late 2022 and has received confirmation that existing rights and benefits remain effective while the extension process is ongoing [5] - Kenmare's production accounts for approximately 6% of global titanium feedstocks, supplying customers in over 15 countries [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 was $731 million, a decrease of 11% year-over-year, driven by lower sales volumes and unfavorable zircon pricing [9][10] - Loss from operations was $35 million, with a net loss of $84 million, including $39 million of restructuring charges [9][10] - Adjusted EBITDA was $93 million, representing a 42% decline year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.7% [10][12] - Free cash flow was a use of $55 million, including $83 million of capital expenditures [10][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - TiO2 revenues decreased by 10% year-over-year, driven by an 11% decrease in sales volume, partially offset by a 1% favorable exchange rate impact [10][11] - Zircon revenues decreased by 20% compared to the prior year, driven by a 10% decrease in both sales volumes and pricing [11][12] - Revenue from other products decreased by 7% year-over-year, primarily due to lower sales volumes of pig iron [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volumes in Q2 were 2% lower sequentially and 11% lower year-over-year, reflecting weaker than usual seasonality [6][7] - North America saw a slight uptick in volume, but not in line with the normal coating season, while Europe, Middle East, and Africa experienced a volume decline due to a weaker market [35][36] - India showed early sales momentum following the implementation of duties, presenting a significant opportunity for sales volume growth [7][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a disciplined strategy to manage the downturn and optimize earnings and cash, including a cost improvement program expected to deliver $125 million to $175 million in sustainable run rate savings by 2026 [8][19] - Capital expenditures are being further reduced, with a focus on maintaining critical investments while ensuring financial strength and long-term shareholder value [19][24] - The company aims to maintain market leadership and improve top-line performance while bolstering liquidity and enhancing financial flexibility [19][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the second quarter was impacted by weaker demand across most end markets, with macroeconomic pressures including elevated interest rates and tariff-related uncertainties [6][7] - The company updated its 2025 financial outlook, expecting revenue to be between $3 billion and $3.1 billion, with adjusted EBITDA projected at $410 million to $460 million [20][21] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to weather the downturn and emerge as a stronger competitor [25] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with total debt of $3.1 billion and net debt of $2.9 billion, with a net leverage ratio of 6.1 times [14][15] - Liquidity as of June 30 was $397 million, including $132 million in cash and cash equivalents [15][16] - The Board of Directors declared a $0.05 per share dividend for the third quarter, a reduction of 60% [19][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers for the full-year guidance range? - Management indicated that volume and price will largely determine whether they come at the higher or lower end of the guidance range [28][29] Question: Can you provide an update on rare earth activities? - Management confirmed ongoing work on rare earth opportunities, with potential sales in the fourth quarter [30][31] Question: What drove the sequential decline in TiO2 volumes? - The decline was attributed to a muted coating season in North America, with slight volume increases but not in line with expectations [35][36] Question: What are the implications of the capital expenditure reductions? - Management clarified that strategic investments in mining projects remain on track, while discretionary capital expenditures are being reduced [39][41] Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape in Europe and India? - Management noted competitive pressures in Europe but highlighted strength in India due to favorable trade agreements [110][111]

Financial Performance - Tronox reported second quarter 2025 revenue of $731 million, a decrease of 11% year-over-year, primarily due to lower TiO2 and zircon sales volumes and lower average selling prices of zircon [3][8] - TiO2 revenue was $587 million, down 10% year-over-year, driven by an 11% decline in volumes, slightly offset by a 1% favorable impact from exchange rates [9] - Zircon revenue decreased 20% to $68 million, attributed to a 10% decline in sales volumes and a 10% decrease in average selling prices [10] - The company recorded a net loss of $84 million, or a loss of $0.53 per diluted share, compared to net income of $16 million, or income of $0.10 per diluted share in the prior year [13][26] Operational Insights - The second quarter results were impacted by weaker demand across most end markets, leading to a softer coatings season and heightened competitive dynamics [4] - TiO2 volumes were lower by 2% sequentially and 11% year-over-year, reflecting weaker than usual seasonality across all regions [4] - Broader macroeconomic pressures, including elevated interest rates and tariff-related uncertainties, continued to affect consumer discretionary spending [4] Cost Management and Strategic Initiatives - The company is executing a disciplined strategy to manage through the downturn, aiming to optimize earnings and cash flow [5] - Tronox is targeting $125–$175 million in sustainable, run-rate savings by the end of 2026 through a cost improvement program [5] - Capital expenditures have been reduced to less than $330 million for the year to enhance balance sheet flexibility [11][19] Dividend and Shareholder Value - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share, a reduction of 60%, to provide enhanced balance sheet flexibility [6][7] - The company plans to reevaluate its dividend strategy as the market recovers to ensure a competitive dividend yield [6] Future Outlook - Tronox revised its 2025 financial outlook, expecting revenue to be between $3.0 billion and $3.1 billion and Adjusted EBITDA to be between $410 million and $460 million [19] - The company anticipates free cash flow to be a use of $100-$170 million due to lower pigment and zircon sales [19]

Core Viewpoint - Kenmare Resources plc reported stable demand for its products in Q2 2025, with ilmenite prices remaining stable, but the company has lowered its long-term pricing assumptions due to market uncertainties, leading to an expected impairment charge of up to $125 million in H1 2025, which will be a non-cash charge and will not affect operations or dividends [4][40]. Production Overview - Heavy Mineral Concentrate (HMC) production reached 358,300 tonnes in Q2 2025, a 5% increase year-on-year, driven by a 16% increase in ore grades despite a 12% decrease in excavated ore volumes [8][11]. - Ilmenite production was 245,400 tonnes, up 3% year-on-year, while primary zircon production increased by 1% to 13,100 tonnes [8][12]. - Total shipments of finished products were 181,800 tonnes, down 23% year-on-year, primarily due to adverse weather and maintenance of transshipment vessels [8][15]. Operational Update - The company achieved zero Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) in H1 2025, with a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) of 0.03 per 200,000 hours worked, an improvement from 0.09 in the previous year [8][10]. - Kenmare is on track to meet its 2025 production and cost guidance, expecting higher production in H2 2025 supported by increased excavated ore volumes [8][14]. Capital Projects - The Wet Concentrator Plant A upgrade project is progressing as planned, with an estimated capital cost of $341 million, and commissioning is expected to begin in Q3 2025 [8][20]. - The company has initiated a Selective Mining Operation (SMO) with a targeted run rate of 300 tonnes per hour, and a second unit is planned for commissioning in H1 2026 [23][25]. Market Conditions - Demand for titanium feedstocks remains robust, with stable ilmenite pricing, while zircon and rutile prices have continued to decline [26][27]. - The zircon market is subdued due to weak demand, particularly in China's construction sector, although demand for high-grade zircon remains strong [30][31]. Corporate Developments - Kenmare has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, reflecting strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices [35][36]. - The company terminated discussions with Oryx Global Partners regarding an offer, as the revised pricing was deemed to undervalue Kenmare's business [38][39]. - James McCullough was appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer on 1 May 2025, bringing extensive experience from Rio Tinto Plc [37].

Core Viewpoint - Tronox Holdings plc is set to release its second quarter 2025 earnings on July 30, 2025, followed by a webcast conference call on July 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET [1]. Company Overview - Tronox Holdings plc is a leading global producer of high-quality titanium products, including titanium dioxide pigment and specialty-grade titanium dioxide products [3]. - The company operates in the mining of titanium-bearing mineral sands and has facilities that produce high-grade titanium feedstock materials, pig iron, and other minerals, including rare earth-bearing mineral monazite [3]. - With approximately 6,500 employees across six continents, Tronox boasts a diverse workforce and a strong vertical integration model, enhancing its operational and technical expertise [3].

Core Insights - Energy Fuels (UUUU) reported a 33.5% decline in revenues in Q1 2025 to $16.9 million due to withholding uranium sales amid falling prices [2][14] - The Heavy Mineral Sands (HMS) segment became the primary revenue contributor, generating $15.5 million from sales of rutile, ilmenite, and zircon [2][14] - The company is cautious about uranium sales in 2025, projecting only 220,000 pounds compared to 450,000 pounds in 2024, as uranium prices have decreased by approximately 12% over the past year [3][4] Revenue and Sales Performance - Q1 2025 revenues dropped to $16.9 million from $25 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to reduced uranium sales [2][14] - The HMS segment's revenue of $15.5 million came from the sale of 6,836 tons of rutile, 12,852 tons of ilmenite, and 1,429 tons of zircon, mainly from the Kwale Project [2][14] Future Outlook - Energy Fuels does not expect immediate production from the Kwale operation, which is in reclamation, until other projects are operational [4] - The company anticipates continued revenue declines and losses in 2025 due to reduced uranium sales and lower price expectations [4] Strategic Initiatives - The diversification into the HMS sector is seen as beneficial for long-term growth, targeting titanium and zirconium minerals while also producing monazite as a byproduct [5][6] - Energy Fuels acquired Base Resources in 2024, gaining control of the Toliara HMS project in Madagascar, with development expected to resume following the lifting of the project's suspension [7] - The company is also advancing its Bahia HMS project in Brazil and holds an option for up to 49% in the Donald Project in Australia, with a final investment decision expected in late 2025 [8] Industry Comparison - Cameco Corporation (CCJ) reported a 24% increase in Q1 revenues to $789 million, with uranium revenues up 10% to $619 million, indicating a contrasting performance in the uranium sector [11][12] - Energy Fuels shares have increased by 12.5% this year, outperforming the industry's growth of 0.4% [15]

Core Insights - Tronox Holdings plc has published its 2024 sustainability report, highlighting significant progress towards sustainability targets and reinforcing its commitment to responsible operations and investments in people and products [1][2]. Sustainability Achievements - The company reduced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 21% in 2024 compared to the 2019 baseline, primarily through increased use of renewable energy and process automation [4]. - Waste sent to external landfills decreased by 13% in 2024 from the 2019 baseline, achieved by producing less waste, recycling more materials, and exploring circular economy opportunities [4]. - Tronox achieved one of the lowest total recordable injury rates in decades, enhancing workplace safety for employees [4]. Community and Environmental Engagement - The company is engaging top-emitting suppliers to collaborate on reducing their GHG emissions as part of its Scope 3 emissions reduction strategy [4]. - Water management initiatives are being piloted at three locations to improve water consumption measurement and enhance stewardship [4]. - Tronox is leveraging rare earth concentrates from tailings to provide essential metals for the clean energy transition [4]. - The company is actively engaging with communities, executing key action items from its Reconciliation Action Plan in Australia, and has received approval for its next Social and Labor Plan in South Africa [4].

Core Viewpoint - Kenmare Resources plc has published its Report on Payments to Governments for the financial year ended 31 December 2024, detailing payments made to the Government of Mozambique, with total payments amounting to $20,323,000, which includes taxes, royalties, and fees [3][4][22]. Company Overview - Kenmare Resources plc is a leading global producer of titanium minerals and zircon, operating the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in northern Mozambique, which accounts for approximately 6% of global titanium feedstocks [3][6]. - The company is incorporated in Ireland and has listings on the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Dublin [6][25]. Report Scope and Compliance - The report complies with the Transparency Regulations and the Companies Act, detailing payments related to the exploration, development, and extraction of minerals [5][9]. - Payments are disclosed on a cash basis and are categorized into royalties, taxes, and fees, among others [12][14]. Financial Summary - Total payments to the Government of Mozambique for 2024 include: - Taxes: $9,921,000 - Royalties: $10,087,000 - Fees: $315,000 - Total: $20,323,000 [22]. - The mining operations are conducted by wholly-owned subsidiaries, Kenmare Moma Mining (Mauritius) Limited and Kenmare Moma Processing (Mauritius) Limited, which account for 100% of the Group's turnover [7][10]. Payment Details - The Group is subject to a mining royalty of 3% based on Heavy Mineral Concentrate (HMC) sold, and a revenue royalty of 1% on revenue recognized by the processing subsidiary [14][15]. - The corporation tax rate applicable to the Mozambique branch is 35% on taxable profits [15]. Community and Infrastructure Contributions - Payments for infrastructure improvements and social investments are excluded from the report, focusing instead on direct payments to the government [17].

Core Viewpoint - Kenmare Resources plc has published its Report on Payments to Governments for the financial year ended 31 December 2024, detailing payments made to the Government of Mozambique related to its mining operations at the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine [2][3]. Company Overview - Kenmare Resources plc is a leading global producer of titanium minerals and zircon, operating the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in northern Mozambique, which accounts for approximately 6% of global titanium feedstocks [5][22]. - The company is incorporated in Ireland and has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, with a secondary listing on Euronext Dublin [5]. Regulatory Compliance - The report complies with the Transparency Regulations, Companies Act 2014, and UK Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, ensuring transparency in payments made to governments [4]. Payment Analysis - The report categorizes payments made to the Government of Mozambique, including taxes, royalties, and fees, with a total payment of $20,323,000 for the year 2024 [21]. - Specific payments include $9,921,000 in taxes, $10,087,000 in royalties, and $315,000 in fees [21]. Operational Structure - The mining operations at the Moma Mine are conducted by Kenmare Moma Mining (Mauritius) Limited and processing by Kenmare Moma Processing (Mauritius) Limited, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of Kenmare [6][9]. - The Group's corporate costs are recorded by the parent company, which does not engage in direct exploration or mining activities [7]. Financial Metrics - For the fiscal year ending 31 December 2024, the margin applied to cash costs of mining was 50.5%, as stipulated in the Mineral Licensing Contract with the Government of Mozambique [12]. - KMML is subject to a mining royalty of 3% based on HMC sold to KMPL, while KMPL pays a revenue royalty of 1% on recognized revenue [13][16]. Community Contributions - The report highlights the Group's contributions to local communities, although specific payments for infrastructure improvements are excluded from the report [10][17].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated revenue of $738 million, an increase of 9% sequentially, primarily driven by higher TiO2 sales volumes [10] - Loss from operations was $61 million, with a net loss of $111 million, including $87 million of restructuring and other charges [11] - Adjusted EBITDA was $112 million, representing a 15% decline year on year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.2% [11][14] - Free cash flow was a use of $142 million, including $110 million of capital expenditures [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - TiO2 revenues decreased 3% year over year, driven by a 1% decrease in sales volumes and unfavorable exchange rates, but increased 10% sequentially due to higher seasonal demand [12] - Zircon revenues decreased 22% compared to the prior year, driven by a 15% decrease in sales volume and a 7% decrease in price [12] - Revenue from other products increased 5% year over year and 25% sequentially due to higher sales of pig iron and opportunistic sales of ilmenite [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europe experienced a stronger than normal seasonal demand uplift in TiO2 volumes, with a 12% increase from Q4 2024 [7] - North America also saw stronger seasonal trends, while competitive activity in Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia exerted pressure on sales [8] - The company is beginning to see benefits from antidumping duties finalized in the EU in January, resulting in sales volumes recovering to levels not seen since Q2 2021 in Europe [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic actions to manage costs and improve operational efficiency, including idling the Batlik pigment plant in the Netherlands [9][18] - A cost improvement program was introduced, targeting sustainable run rate cost improvements of $125 million to $175 million by the end of 2026 [20] - The company aims to maintain its position as a leading vertically integrated titanium mining and upgrading producer [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted ongoing macroeconomic challenges, including inflation and high interest rates, impacting housing markets and consumer sentiment [18] - The company maintains its guidance for 2025, expecting revenue in the range of $3 billion to $3.4 billion and adjusted EBITDA between $525 million and $625 million [23] - Management anticipates stronger performance in the second half of 2025, driven by expected improvements in pigment and zircon volumes [23] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with total debt of $3 billion and net debt of $2.8 billion, with a net leverage ratio of 5.2 times [14] - Capital expenditures totaled $110 million in the quarter, with approximately 49% allocated to maintenance and safety and 51% to strategic projects [17] - The company declared a dividend of $0.0125 per share in the first quarter [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on TiO2 volume growth expectations - Management expects TiO2 demand growth driven by antidumping duties in Europe and anticipated duties in India and Brazil [30][31] Question: Average utilization rate for TiO2 production - Historically, operating rates were above 80%, and management expects to maintain or exceed those rates [33] Question: European growth size in the quarter - European growth was double the normal rate from Q4 to Q1, indicating significant demand recovery [38] Question: Outlook for zircon market - Management expects measured growth in zircon, with only about 5% growth anticipated year over year [44] Question: Impact of Batlik closure on inventory and cash flow - The closure is expected to generate significant cash flow and help reduce inventory levels over time [51] Question: Pricing momentum in the second half of the year - Management is seeing pricing increases in Europe and anticipates flat to slightly up pricing in Q2 [82] Question: Antidumping duties in India and Brazil - Management expects significant opportunities in India and Brazil once antidumping duties are finalized [64][66] Question: CapEx reduction explanation - The reduction in CapEx guidance was partially related to the Batlik closure and managing other projects [94][95]