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| Date | 20 Jan 2025 |
| Time | 07:00:00 |
| Category | Trading Statement |
| ID | nsm:1001043832-en.html |
Disseminated via GNW on 20 January 2025
Kenmare Resources plc
(“Kenmare” or the “Company” or “the Group”)
20 January 2025
Q4 2024 Production Report and 2025 Guidance
Kenmare Resources plc (LSE:KMR, ISE:KMR), one of the leading global producers of titanium minerals and zircon, which operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine (the "Mine" or "Moma") in northern Mozambique, is pleased to provide a trading update for the full year 2024 and the fourth quarter ending 31 December 2024 (“Q4 2024”) and production and operating cost guidance for 2025.
Statement from Tom Hickey, Managing Director:
“Kenmare delivered a strong finish to 2024, exceeding the midpoint of our production guidance for ilmenite and the upper end of the guidance ranges for all other products. We also passed the milestone of two million hours worked without a Lost Time Injury in late December. These achievements are testament to the hard work and commitment of our team at site during a challenging period.
In 2024 we paid $48 million in dividends and invested over $140 million in capital programmes, primarily for the upgrade and transition of our largest mining plant to Nataka. Our balance sheet remains strong and we expect our full year 2024 dividend to be towards the upper end of our payout policy of 20-40% of profit after tax.”
Overview
Operations update
Operational results for the Moma Mine in Q4 and full year 2024 were as follows:
| Q4 2024 | vs Q4 2023 | vs Q3 2024 | 2024 | vs 2023 | |
| tonnes | % change | % change | tonnes | % change | |
| Excavated ore1 | 10,333,000 | 11% | -7% | 41,248,000 | 7% |
| Grade1 | 4.96% | 3% | 31% | 4.17% | -5% |
| Production | |||||
| HMC produced | 432,300 | 8% | 22% | 1,446,600 | 0% |
| HMC processed | 442,100 | 11% | 24% | 1,449,200 | 0% |
| Ilmenite | 307,400 | 14% | 19% | 1,008,900 | 2% |
| Primary zircon | 14,700 | 5% | 1% | 50,500 | -1% |
| Rutile | 2,900 | 38% | 0% | 9,800 | 17% |
| Concentrates2 | 11,200 | 7% | -17% | 46,100 | 1% |
| Shipments | 308,300 | -5% | 2% | 1,088,600 | 4% |
Kenmare passed the milestone of two million hours worked without an LTI in early January 2025. There were no LTIs in Q4. Two LTIs were recorded in the 12 months to 31 December 2024, compared to five in 2023, resulting in an improved rolling 12-month LTIFR of 0.06 per 200,000 hours worked (31 December 2023: 0.15).
HMC production in Q4 2024 was 432,300 tonnes, an 8% increase YoY. This was due to a 11% increase in excavated ore tonnes as a result of excellent throughputs and operating time at WCP B and C, and a 3% increase in ore grades, however partially offset by increased mining losses, as a result of higher slimes at WCP A. This issue is expected to be resolved by the new WCP A upfront desliming circuit, which is currently under construction. As expected, Q4 was the strongest quarter of the year for ore grades, up 31% compared to Q3 2024, due to WCP B mining an area of higher grade material.
HMC production in 2024 was 1,446,600 tonnes, broadly in line with 2023, although with significantly improved production in H2 (787,600 tonnes versus 659,000 tonnes in H1 2024). 2024 represents a new annual record for excavated ore volumes, which were up 7% YoY. This partially offset the 5% decrease in ore grades YoY, as WCP A approaches the end of its mine path in Namalope.
Kenmare delivered significantly stronger production of all finished products in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023. Ilmenite production was up 14% to 307,400 tonnes, benefitting from the 11% increase in HMC processed and higher ilmenite content in the HMC. Primary zircon production was up 5% due to the higher HMC processed partially offset by a build-up in intermediate stocks. Rutile production was up 38% YoY, with December representing a new monthly record for rutile production. Improvements through 2024 were due to circuit upgrades, which have enabled increased recoveries. Concentrates production was up 7%, with the increased HMC processed partially offset by the previously mentioned stock build and stronger recovery to primary products.
Kenmare exceeded the midpoint of production guidance for ilmenite in 2024 and the upper end of the guidance range for primary zircon, rutile and concentrates. Total production of finished products was 1,115,300 tonnes, up 2% YoY (2023: 1,091,500 tonnes), despite flat HMC processed.
Ilmenite production was 1,008,900 tonnes in 2024, up 2% YoY, benefitting from improved recoveries and higher ilmenite content in the HMC processed. Primary zircon production was down 1% YoY due to a build-up of non-magnetic intermediate stock in Q4, expected to be drawn down in 2025. Rutile production was up 17% YoY due to improved recoveries following circuit improvements and concentrates production was up 1%, benefitting from the production of a new concentrates product that was sold on a trial basis in Q3. This product will be sold on a commercial basis in 2025.
Q4 2024 was the strongest quarter of the year for shipments, with volumes of 308,300 tonnes. Shipments were down 5% YoY, although H2 2024 (611,000 tonnes) was significantly stronger than H1 2024 (477,600 tonnes). Shipment volumes in Q4 2024 comprised 261,300 tonnes of ilmenite, 30,300 tonnes of primary zircon, 3,700 tonnes of rutile and 13,000 tonnes of concentrates.
The product mix was higher value in H2 than H1, with 42,800 tonnes of primary zircon shipped in H2 (H1: 8,800 tonnes) and 7,400 tonnes of rutile (H1: 0). The product mix in H1 2024 was impacted by two high value zircon shipments being delayed from June into July and no rutile was shipped in the first half of the year.
Total shipments in 2024 were 1,088,600 tonnes, up 4% compared to 2023, supported by increased production of finished products and benefitting from consistently strong customer demand. Shipments during the year comprised 989,000 tonnes of ilmenite, 51,600 tonnes of primary zircon, 7,400 tonnes of rutile and 40,600 tonnes of concentrates.
Closing stock of HMC at the end of 2024 was 14,100 tonnes, compared with 16,700 tonnes at the start of the year, due to a small amount of HMC in stock being drawn down for processing during the year. Closing stock of finished products at the end of 2024 was 287,200 tonnes, compared with 259,100 tonnes at the end of 2023. Due to strong production in H2 2024 and high levels of finished product stock at the end of the first half, Kenmare had higher than usual levels of finished product stock at year-end. Shipments are expected to exceed production in 2025 and drive a reduction in finished product stock levels.
Capital projects update
WCP A upgrade and transition to Nataka
The WCP A project remains on budget, with upgrade works continuing to advance, thereby progressively derisking the project. At the end of Q4, 75% of the project budget had been committed, in line with expectations. WCP A is currently mining an area 750 metres from the staging pond, which is on track with the schedule for it to connect with the new module in Q3 2025.
The fabrication of the two new dredges continues to progress with the project contractor in the Netherlands. The dredges are expected to be launched into the water at the contractor’s docks over the coming weeks, with all fabrication anticipated to complete in Q2. They will then be transported to Moma by sea for commissioning in Q3.
All of the principal components of the new module for WCP A, which incorporates 42 pontoons, a surge bin, an upfront desliming circuit, major steelwork and screens, are now on site and construction is advancing to schedule, with commissioning expected in Q3.
Construction of the Tailings Storage Facility has been impacted by permitting delays associated with the Mozambique general election. Construction commenced in mid-January, with commissioning scheduled for Q4. Management of slimes in the interim period of Q3 has been accommodated within the mine plan.
Selective Mining Operation (“SMO”)
The introduction of a new small-scale dredge-mining and concentrating operation, or SMO, will enable mining in peripheral areas of Mineral Resources in the Pilivili high dunes and Namalope Flats at the Mine. These areas are low in slimes, above average grade and not accessible by the larger WCPs or existing dry mining operations that are limited by groundwater levels, which prevent the extraction of ore below the water table. The SMO is expected to produce approximately 50,000 tonnes of HMC per annum.
The SMO construction process is well advanced at Moma, with commissioning of the first module of the plant expected to commence in late January and the second part in February. The capital expenditure is anticipated to be less than $6 million and the project remains on budget.
The introduction of the SMO supports Kenmare’s ability to deliver ilmenite production in 2025 that is broadly in line with 2023 and 2024 levels, despite the planned downtime for WCP A required to facilitate the replacement of the dredges and the upgrade of the plant.
Finance and corporate update
Dividends and year-end cash and debt
On 11 October 2024, Kenmare paid its interim 2024 dividend of USc15.0 per share, representing a total interim distribution of $13.4 million. The Company expects total dividends in respect of 2024 to be at the upper end of Kenmare’s dividend policy payout ratio of 20-40% of profit after tax.
Cash and cash equivalents were $56.9 million at year-end (2023: $71.0 million). Gross bank loans, including accrued interest, were $80.4 million (2023: $48.8 million) and lease liabilities were $1.3 million (2023: $1.5 million). As a result, the Company had net debt of $24.8 million at year-end (2023: $20.7 million net cash). Supported by on-going cash generation, available current assets and its Revolving Credit Facility, Kenmare remains well-capitalised to fund the WCP A capital project and its dividend programme.
Implementation Agreement
Kenmare has agreed in principle to certain modifications to the applicable investment regime in connection with the renewal of rights under the IA and the renewal and modifications are awaiting consideration at Ministerial level. In the meantime, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has provided confirmation that Kenmare’s existing rights and benefits remain in full force and effect pending conclusion of the process.
The original renewal date was 21 December 2024. However, due to delays associated with the recent Mozambique general election, the renewal, along with others of a similar nature, will be matters to be dealt with by the incoming Government.
A further update on the renewal of the IA will be provided in due course.
Appointment of Chief Financial Officer
As announced on 20 December 2024, James McCullough has been appointed as Kenmare’s Chief Financial Officer and he will join the Company on 1 May 2025. James brings extensive mining, strategic and financial experience to Kenmare, having served for 14 years with Rio Tinto Plc, most recently as General Manager - Group Strategy. James succeeds Tom Hickey, who was previously Finance Director before being appointed as Managing Director in August 2024.
Market update
Kenmare’s shipments increased by 4% in 2024, reflecting consistently strong customer demand for Kenmare’s products. However, the average price received decreased compared to 2023, as expected, due to increased supply outweighing demand. Despite this, the Company believes the fundamentals for its products are strong, due primarily to medium- and long-term supply constraints within the titanium feedstocks industry and the favourable characteristics of its products. Kenmare’s average price received was stronger in H2 than H1 due to a higher value product mix in the second half as a result of two zircon shipments being delayed from June to July.
Global demand for titanium feedstocks reached a record high during the year, supported by strong demand from emerging markets such as South America and Asia (excluding China). The titanium metal market also continued to consume significant quantities of titanium feedstocks due to its growing production.
However, supply grew more strongly, with increased exports of Heavy Mineral Concentrate to China from Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Indonesia. This new supply also more than compensated for the reduced production from mines nearing the end of their lives.
Kenmare is well-positioned due to the flexible nature of its ilmenite product suite and its ability to sell its products into multiple market segments. The Company is a preferred supplier to the beneficiation market due to the high quality, low impurity nature of its ilmenite, which achieves a premium in the market. Most new supply is not suitable for this market segment, which supports demand for Kenmare’s ilmenite, and it is growing faster than the global titanium feedstocks market.
Pigment production in China continued at high levels in 2024, despite proposed anti-dumping duties from the European Commission. While these regulations reduced Chinese exports to Europe, China increased its exports to other regions, such as other Asian countries, largely offsetting this impact. Pigment production in Europe increased significantly in 2024, as producers responded to the reduced availability of Chinese pigment. Both trends also supported demand for Kenmare’s ilmenite during the year.
2024 was a challenging year for the global zircon market, impacting Kenmare’s received prices. Although there was a partial recovery in Q1, underlying demand remained weak due to softness in China’s construction sector.
2025 guidance
2025 guidance for production and operating costs is as follows:
| Unit | 2025 Guidance | 2024 Actual | |
| Production | |||
| Ilmenite | tonnes | 930,000-1,050,000 | 1,008,900 |
| Primary zircon | tonnes | 47,500-54,000 | 50,500 |
| Rutile | tonnes | 9,000-10,000 | 9,800 |
| Concentrates1 | tonnes | 63,000-69,000 | 46,100 |
| Costs | |||
| Total cash operating costs | $m | 228-252 | N/R2 |
| Cash costs per tonne of finished product | $/t | 206-228 | N/R2 |
Ilmenite production in 2025 is expected to be between 930,000 and 1,050,000 tonnes, with HMC production at a consistent level throughout the year. Grades are expected to be higher in H1 than H2, however excavated ore volumes are expected to increase in H2, largely due to the commissioning of the new higher capacity dredges at WCP A, offsetting the weaker grade. Finished product production is expected to be boosted by the addition of 25,000 tonnes of a new concentrates product, which is included in concentrates production guidance.
Shipments are forecast to exceed production in 2025, supported by high levels of finished product stock.
Total cash operating costs for 2024 are anticipated to be towards the upper end of guidance ($219-243 million). Full details of 2024 costs will be provided with the 2024 Preliminary Results. Total cash operating costs in 2025 are anticipated to be broadly in line with 2024 at $228-252 million.
Expenditure on development projects and studies is expected to be approximately $155 million in 2025, with $150 million relating to the WCP A project. Kenmare guided in July 2024 that capital expenditure on the WCP A project would be $128 million in 2025. The Company incurred less capital expenditure than expected in 2024 so a portion of this was deferred to 2025. The WCP A project remains on budget, with a total cost estimate of $341 million.
Improvement projects are expected to cost $7 million in 2025 and relate to a number of initiatives, including studies relating to a potential Enterprise Resource Planning system and upgrades to the Mineral Separation Plant.
Sustaining capital costs in 2025 are expected to be approximately $38 million. Sustaining capital is typically approximately $30 million per annum but it is elevated in 2025 due to the planned five-yearly dry dock of the Peg, one of Kenmare’s transshipment vessels, and the anticipated purchase of a second Selective Mining Operation.
Notice of 2024 Preliminary Results
Kenmare plans to release its 2024 Preliminary Results on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.
For further information, please contact:
Kenmare Resources plc
Jeremy Dibb / Katharine Sutton
Investor Relations
[email protected]
Tel: +353 1 671 0411
Mob: +353 87 943 0367 / +353 87 663 0875
Murray (PR advisor)
Paul O’Kane
[email protected]
Tel: +353 1 498 0300
Mob: +353 86 609 0221
About Kenmare Resources
Kenmare Resources plc is one of the world's largest producers of mineral sands products. Listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Euronext Dublin, Kenmare operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in Mozambique. Moma's production accounts for approximately 7% of global titanium feedstocks and the Company supplies to customers operating in more than 15 countries. Kenmare produces raw materials that are ultimately consumed in everyday quality-of life items such as paints, plastics and ceramic tiles.
All monetary amounts refer to United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Forward Looking Statements
This announcement contains some forward-looking statements that represent Kenmare's expectations for its business, based on current expectations about future events, which by their nature involve risks and uncertainties. Kenmare believes that its expectations and assumptions with respect to these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, because they involve risk and uncertainty, which are in some cases beyond Kenmare's control, actual results or performance may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.
