Ramaco Resources(US:METC)2025-10-28 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record liquidity of $272 million at the end of Q3 2025, up over 237% compared to the same period in 2024 [32] - Q3 adjusted EBITDA was $8.4 million compared to $9 million in Q2, with a net loss of $13 million in Q3 versus a net loss of $14 million in Q2 [35] - Cash cost per ton sold fell to $97, down $6 from Q2, placing the company in the first quartile of the U.S. cash cost curve [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The metallurgical coal production fell to 945,000 tons in Q3, down from approximately 1.1 million tons in Q2, primarily due to a focus on value over volume [33] - The company trimmed production guidance due to weak pricing conditions in export spot markets, with full-year 2025 production now anticipated at 3.7 million to 3.9 million tons [37] - The rare earth platform is projected to generate more than $500 million of EBITDA by 2028, with a potential NPV of over $5 billion [9][38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. metallurgical coal spot price indices fell another 6% in Q3 versus Q2 and almost 20% year-over-year, impacting earnings despite strong operational achievements [34] - The market for rare earth elements is bifurcating between Chinese and Western pricing, with significant price increases observed for scandium due to U.S. Department of War contracts [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to establish a vertically integrated platform for critical minerals, including upstream, midstream, and downstream operations [8] - Plans include the construction of a national strategic stockpile and terminal for rare earths at the Brook Mine, enhancing logistical advantages and providing predictable revenue streams [21] - The company is focusing on the rapid commercialization of rare earth elements while maintaining a cautious approach to metallurgical coal growth due to current market conditions [24][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the ongoing challenges in the metallurgical coal market due to oversupply from China, impacting pricing and production [22] - The company is optimistic about the future of its rare earth operations, citing strong demand and the need for reliable domestic supply chains [40] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong liquidity position to navigate market challenges and support future growth initiatives [25][32] Other Important Information - The company has engaged with federal and state officials to expand the existing approved Brook Mine permit, which currently covers approximately 4,500 acres [14] - The pilot plant for rare earth processing is under construction, with initial operations expected to begin in 2026 [16][43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide your viewpoint on U.S. government support for your development? - Management indicated that the government is moving forward to support domestic industry, but the specifics of supply from foreign countries remain uncertain [53] Question: What has been done to de-risk the extraction of rare earth elements from coal? - The company has tested various processes to solubilize high-value critical minerals from coal, focusing on downstream purification and optimization [56][57] Question: How modular are the plans for processing facilities? - The company is conducting test work in parallel and has some optionality with ramp-up, aiming to place equipment orders early to expedite the process [61][62] Question: What differentiates the Brook site from other PRB assets? - The Brook site benefits from unique geological features that enhance its rare earth concentrations, making it distinct from other sites in the Powder River Basin [68][69] Question: Will the Strategic Critical Minerals Terminal add significant CapEx to the project? - The terminal is expected to add relatively small CapEx compared to the commercial oxide plant, providing unique downstream control and price visibility [70]