Record Financial Performance
Underlying EBITDA of ~$1.2bn for the half on revenue of $3.1bn; free cash flow of ~$293m after CapEx of $600m. This was described as the strongest 6 months in company history.
Onslow Iron Ramp-up and Contribution
Onslow reached nameplate in August and sustained production; contributed just over $500m (Mark: $519m) of underlying EBITDA in the half. Onslow FOB cost of $52/tonne and management guidance that at $100/tonne iron price Onslow can generate >$1bn annual EBITDA.
Mining Services Growth and Margin
Mining Services delivered record volumes of 166 million tonnes and underlying EBITDA of $488m, up 29% year-on-year. EBITDA per tonne margin around $2.10, with sustaining CapEx only $24m for the division.
Lithium Price Recovery and Operational Gains
Average SC6 equivalent price of USD 972/tonne for the half (up from ~USD 600/t in June last year); lithium underlying EBITDA of $167m. Wodgina achieved ~70% processing recovery in December quarter and Marion reported higher feed tonnes and improved recoveries. Recent spot sale noted at ~$2,500/t.
Balance Sheet Strengthening & Liquidity
Net debt fell by almost $0.5bn to ~A$4.9bn and leverage 'more than halved' over the period. Liquidity increased to >A$1.4bn (cash >A$600m and a fully undrawn A$800m RCF). Successful refinancing of USD700m bond to April 2031 at a record low ~7% coupon.
Monetizations and Partnering
POSCO transaction announced (expected ~A$1.1bn proceeds, completion H1 calendar 2026) to materially strengthen the balance sheet while retaining mining services contracts; other capital recycling of ~A$3.3bn through partnerships highlighted.
Near-Term Capacity Upside at Onslow
Current run-rate ~35Mtpa; two additional transhippers due mid-year to move nominal capacity to ~38Mtpa with management aiming to 'sweat' assets toward a ~40Mtpa run-rate over time.
Disciplined Capital Framework
New capital allocation and financial policy: minimum liquidity buffer raised to A$1bn (incl. A$400m cash), target leverage <2x net debt/EBITDA through the cycle, dividend policy up to 50% underlying NPAT but only when liquidity/leverage thresholds are met, and growth projects to meet >20% post-tax ROIC.