Eramet: Increased focus on operational efficiency following a highly pressured H1 2025
Paris, 30 July 2025, 6:30 p.m.
PRESS RELEASE
Eramet: Increased focus on operational efficiency following a highly pressured H1 2025
Safety performance remained strong in H1 2025, with a Group TRIFR1 of 0.6
Adjusted EBITDA (excluding SLN)2 at €191m, down 45% vs. H1 2024, primarily from the reduced contribution of PT WBN (-€92m, representing nearly 2/3 of the decline) attributable to:
The planned start of new mining production sites at Weda Bay in Indonesia, compounded by constrained operating permit, which led to a significant decline in nickel grades (from 2.0% to 1.6% for saprolite), along with increased in operating costs
Unfavourable product mix impacting on volumes sold (-8%)
Positive trend for other mining activities during Q2:
During Q2, good progress has been achieved in addressing logistics challenges faced at the port in Gabon since end-2024, with a positive trend versus Q1, and providing us confidence in our ability to deliver during H2
Continued solid operating performance for mineral sands with growth in volumes sold (c.+20%)
Series of milestones achieved at our lithium operation in Argentina, increasing the robustness of the direct extraction process ("DLE") developed by Eramet, proven to operate at industrial scale
In-depth operational review launched in June, with the objective of boosting performance safely and responsively
Net Income, Group share (excluding SLN)2 negative at -€101m
Adjusted Free Cash-Flow2 of -€266m, with close to completion of growth capex for the Centenario plant. Adjusted leverage2 of 2.7x, with liquidity remaining at a high level
Uncertain macroeconomic environment continues to exert pressure on the Group's end markets, notably impacted by developments in China's steel industry and fluctuations in exchange rates
Revision of 2025 volume targets:
Transported manganese ore: between 6.5 and 7.0 Mt; FOB cash cost3 between $2.1 and $2.3/dmtu4, reflecting unfavourable trends in the €/$ exchange rate (target unchanged at constant exchange rates)
Nickel ore sold externally: between 36 and 39 Mwmt, reflecting the recently revised licensing for 2025, including an additional 10 Mwmt of limonite
Lithium carbonate produced: between 4 and 7 kt-LCE, factoring in the delay to commission the Forced Evaporation unit in H1
Controlled capex plan in 2025 reiterated: between €400m and €450m5
Paulo Castellari, Group CEO:
Results for the first half are clearly not in line with our ambition. Now more than ever, our teams are fully mobilized to build on the positive momentum observed at the end of the second quarter.
I've been deeply impressed since joining Eramet by the strength of our people, the quality of our assets, as well as the energy and commitment behind our drive for operational improvement. These core strengths give me great confidence in our ability to redirect Eramet on a path toward sustainable and long-term value creation.
CSR commitments
Safety
In H1 2025, the Group's safety performance remained strong. Group TRIFR1 at 0.6 is significantly better than the limit set in the CSR roadmap (<1.0). Over the first half, zero accidents were reported for manganese alloys activities at the Porsgrunn and Kvinesdal plants in Norway. The Group reaffirms that the safety of its employees and subcontractors remains the Company's top priority.
ESG transparency
In addition to its Sustainability report, Eramet has chosen to publish most of its ESG indicators in an interactive tool that allows users to analyse trends in its environmental, social and governance data. The page dedicated to reporting the indicators from the "Act for Positive Mining" roadmap and the 2024 Sustainability report is accessible to all Eramet stakeholders via the ESG Reporting - Eramet website.
Marine environment
In June 2025, at the United Nations Ocean Conference, Eramet reiterated its fundamental stance on preserving marine environments.
Health
As part of its "Act for Positive Mining" roadmap, and more specifically its first pillar to "Care for People", the Group is actively pursuing health prevention efforts. These initiatives align with the commitments made under the common social protection framework agreement, "Eramet Global Care", which was signed in June 2024. The latter provides for two annual screening and/or prevention actions, vaccination campaigns, and targeted programmes addressing overweight, sedentary lifestyles, and addictions.
Environment
The Gabon Green Generation by Lékédi programme concluded in June, after a school year filled with learning and concrete biodiversity and environmental actions, with over 1,200 students trained in Gabon.
In April, the British start-ups, Mozaic Earth and Gentian, won first prize at the 2025 Eramet Open Innovation Challenge thanks to their platform for collecting and analysing ecological data, which is gathered via satellite, drone, and smartphone. Their solution could soon be tested at the Group's sites in Gabon.
Societal
Launched first in Africa and then in Argentina, the Women For Future, created by Eramet in cooperation with recognized local civil society organizations, reached a new milestone in 2025 with its rollout in Indonesia in Q2. Its objective: to promote the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs by providing access to training, a strong network, and concrete opportunities to grow their businesses.
Extra-financial ratings
In July, the Sustainalytics agency updated its ESG risk rating for Eramet, revising the score slightly upwards to 31.0 (vs. 30.9 previously, the lower the score, the better).
Financial rating and financing
In May 2025, Eramet issued sustainability-linked bonds for a nominal amount of €100m, equivalent to the bonds issued in May 2024, which will mature in November 2029 with an annual coupon of 6.5%. As a result, this issuance increases the total nominal amount of these bonds to €600m. These new bonds are subject to the same terms and conditions as those issued in May 2024 (except for the issue price)6 and obtained Ba3 and BB ratings from Moody's and Fitch respectively, with negative outlooks. Net proceeds from this transaction totalled €75m, after repayment of the Term Loan (€25m), and will be used for the Group's general corporate purposes.
Eramet group key figures
Millions of euros1
H1 2025
H1 2024
Chg. (€m)
Chg.1 (%)
Adjusted turnover (excluding SLN)2
1,528
1,640
-112
-7%
Turnover
1,404
1,452
-48
-3%
Adjusted EBITDA (excluding SLN)2
191
345
-154
-45%
EBITDA
71
102
-31
-30%
Current Operating Income (excluding SLN)2
9
88
-79
-90%
Net Income, Group share
-152
-41
-111
n.a.
Net Income, Group share (excluding SLN)2
-101
31
-132
n.a.
Group Free Cash-Flow
-414
-521
+107
n.a.
Adjusted Free Cash-Flow2,3
-266
-291
+25
n.a.
Millions of euros1
30/06/25
31/12/24
Chg. (€m)
Chg.1 (%)
Net debt (Net cash)
1,716
1,297
+419
+32%
Shareholders' equity
1,760
2,139
-379
-18%
Adjusted leverage2 (Restated net debt4-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio, excluding SLN)
2.7x
1.8x
n.a.
+0.9pt
Leverage (Net debt-to-EBITDA ratio)
5.0x
3.5x
n.a.
+1.5pts
Gearing (Net debt-to-Shareholders' equity ratio)
98%
61%
n.a.
+37pts
Gearing within the meaning of bank covenants5
94%
57%
n.a.
+37pts
ROCE (COI/capital employed6 for the previous year)
2%
3%
n.a.
-1pt
1 Data rounded to the nearest million or to higher or lower %.2 Effective from 2024, the Group's key performance indicators are presented excluding SLN, since the New Caledonian entity no longer impacts the Group's financial and economic performance. Reconciliation tables in accordance with IFRS accounts are presented in Appendix 1. Definitions are provided in the financial glossary in Appendix 9.3 Net of Tsingshan's capital contributions to the Centenario project (€85m in H1 2024) and financing granted by the French State to SLN as a quasi-equity instrument (€145m in H1 2024 and €148m in H1 2025).4 Restated for SLN's net cash position on 30 June 2025 (€90m); as a result, consolidated net debt was €1,807m in the calculation of adjusted leverage.5 Net debt-to-Shareholders' equity ratio, excluding IFRS 16 impact.6 Total shareholders' equity, net financial debt, site restoration provisions, restructuring and other social risks, less long-term investments, excluding PT WBN capital employed.
N.B.: all the commented changes in H1 2025 are calculated with respect to H1 2024, unless otherwise specified. Mentions of Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 refer to the four quarters of the financial year.
Adjusted turnover (excluding SLN)2 amounted to €1,528m in H1 2025, down 7% (-6% at constant scope and exchange rates7). This decline reflects on the one hand, a negative volume effect (-3%) for manganese and nickel activities, partly offset by the growth in sales for mineral sands, and on the other, a negative (-2%) price effect.
Adjusted EBITDA (excluding SLN)2 amounted to €191m, down 45%, mainly reflecting:
A negative intrinsic performance of -€117m, mainly due to a significant decline in nickel grades coupled with lower productivity at PT WBN (-€89m) in new mining area, a decrease in volumes (-€14m) as well as an increase in other operating costs, primarily due to the logistics challenges in Gabon and the ramp-up of Centenario (-€39m combined), partly offset by improved HMC8 grades in mineral sands (+€21m) and procurement savings (+€16m);
A negative impact of external factors of -€37m, notably factoring in the negative impact of PT WBN's constrained operating permit (-€36m), increased input costs (-€24m) and a negative currency and inflation effect (-€20m), partially offset by the favourable price effect from PT WBN's higher ore premiums (+€42m) and lower freight costs (+€20m).
In H1 2025, Net Income, Group share was -€152m, including the share of income in PT WBN (€36m) as well as losses related to SLN (-€51m). Net Income, Group share (excluding SLN)2 totalled -€101m, down €132m, mainly considering the decline in EBITDA, and the limited contribution of PT WBN.
Capex financed by the Group9 amounted to €215m (vs. €224m in H1 2024) and include €141m in growth capex, mainly in Argentina (€64m) and Gabon (€57m); sustaining capex totalled €74m.
Adjusted Free Cash-Flow2 ("Adjusted FCF") totalled -€266m. It includes the dividends received from PT WBN of €19m (in line with significantly declining EBITDA), as well as tax disbursements of €120m, out of which -€92m paid to the Gabonese State in H1, corresponding, on the one hand, to the payment of the income tax balance in respect of FY 2024, and, on the other, to a tax reassessment in respect of the 2019-2022 period.
In April 2025, under the SLN financing agreement signed with Eramet in 2024, the French State subscribed to €100m in additional undated fixed rate subordinated bonds (Titres Subordonnés à Durée Indéterminée, "TSDI"), increasing total financing received in respect of FY 2025 to €238m (as a reminder, in December 2024, SLN received an advance of €138m to fund part of its losses in 2025).
The Group's net debt was €1,716m on 30 June 2025, after disbursement related to dividends paid to Eramet's shareholders (-€43m) and Comilog minority shareholders (-€55m) in respect of FY 2024. Restated for SLN's net cash position on 30 June 2025 (€90m), the Group's net debt was €1,807m. As a result, the adjusted leverage ratio2 was 2.7x.
As of 30 June 2025, Eramet's liquidity, including undrawn credit lines, remains high at €1.7bn.
Key figures by activity10
Millions of euros1
H1 2025
H1 2024
Chg. (€m)
Chg.1 (%)
Manganese
Turnover
949
996
-47
-5%
EBITDA
197
225
-28
-12%
Nickel (excluding SLN)
Adjusted turnover (excluding SLN)2
231
285
-54
-19%
Adjusted EBITDA (excluding SLN)2
51
143
-92
-64%
Mineral Sands
Turnover
135
141
-6
-4%
EBITDA
53
50
+3
+6%
Lithium
Turnover
4
0
+4
n.a.
EBITDA
-37
-11
-26
n.a.
1 Data rounded to the nearest million or to higher or lower %.2 See definition in the financial glossary in Appendix 9.
Manganese
In H1 2025, EBITDA for the Manganese activity was €197m, down 12% year-on-year.
Ore: EBITDA at €175m (-6%), impacted by the decline in volumes sold (-8%) while average realised selling prices remained almost stable (-1% vs. H1 2024, aligned to the CIF China 44% index with a 1-month lag and restated for currency effects)
Alloys: EBITDA at €22m (-44%), reflecting the decrease in volumes sold (-4%) with a less favourable mix, combined with a significant increase in the cost of consumed ore (+20%11).
Manganese ore
H1 2025
H1 2024
Chg.
Chg. (%)
Turnover - €m1
525
562
-37
-7%
EBITDA - €m2
175
186
-11
-6%
Manganese ore and sinter transportation - Mt
3.0
3.2
-0.2
-5%
External manganese ore sales - Mt
2.7
2.9
-0.2
-8%
FOB cash cost (new definition) - $/dmtu3
2.3
2.0
+0.3
+14%
Manganese alloys
H1 2025
H1 2024
Chg.
Chg. (%)
Turnover - €m
424
434
-10
-2%
EBITDA - €m
22
39
-17
-44%
Alloys sales - kt
310
322
-12
-4%
o/w refined alloys - %
50%
54%
-4 pts
-7%
1 Turnover linked to external sales of manganese ore only, including €35m linked to Setrag transport activity other than Comilog's ore (vs. €35m in H1 2024).2 Includes €24m linked to Setrag transport activity other than Comilog's ore (€21m in H1 2024).3 Definition updated (see financial glossary in Appendix 9), now excluding mining taxes and royalties (non-controllable), which account for 6% of FOB turnover.
Market trends12 & prices13
In H1 2025, global production of carbon steel, the main end-product for manganese, declined by nearly 2% to 958 Mt.
China, which accounts for half of global steel production, posted a decline of around 3% from H1 2024, in response to still declining domestic demand and despite continued rising steel exports. Production in India (+8%) and North America (+2%) increased, partly sustained by the announced protectionist measures, while Europe reported a decline (-2%) with demand still subdued, in an uncertain macroeconomic situation and faced with the continuing pressure of competitively priced imports.
Manganese ore consumption for H1 2025 increased to reach 9.9 Mt-Mn (+4%), mainly driven by demand for manganese alloys production (nearly 90% of total consumption). Chinese producers' manganese alloys inventories increased over the first half, with the local backdrop of declining steel production.
Manganese ore production was up to 10.1 Mt-Mn (+6%), with a strong increase in Q2 (+13% vs. Q1 2025). Production from South Africa was brisk in Q2 (record month in April), benefitting from low sea freight rates and a depreciating ZAR. In Australia, a major producer (shut down since March 2024) resumed exporting in June 2025. As a result, ore volumes from South Africa and Gabon increased by 10% and 7% respectively over the first half, while Australian volumes declined by 40% compared to H1 2024.
The supply/demand balance was in surplus in H1 2025. After reaching a low level in Q1, Chinese port ore inventories totalled 4.5 Mt at end-June (vs. 3.7 Mt at end-March), equivalent to around 9 weeks of consumption.
In H1 2025, the price index (CRU) for manganese ore (CIF China 44%) averaged $4.6/dmtu (-14% vs. H1 2024). This trend reflects unfavourable comparatives, given the significant rise in prices between April and June 2024, peaking at $9/dmtu. In Q2, prices came under pressure, due to increased South African volumes and rising exports from Australia starting in May.
The price index (CRU) for refined alloys in Europe (MC Ferromanganese) decreased by 4% vs. H1 2024, showing greater resilience compared to the price index for standard alloys (Silicomanganese), which was down by 8%. This decline accelerated at the end of the first half, with indirect support from potential EU Safeguard Measures for ferroalloys waning over Q2.
Activities
In Gabon, after significantly constraining ore shipments and sales in Q1, the logistics challenges faced at the port of Owendo since end-2024 consistently improved in Q2. As a result, ore volumes sold externally increased by 15% in Q2 compared to Q1, reaching 2.7 Mt in H1 2025 (-8% vs. H1 2024).
Mine production stood at 3.5 Mt in H1 2025 (+1%), while transported volumes declined to 3.0 Mt (-5%), albeit significantly improving in Q2 (+20% vs. Q1, posting 600 kt in June). Rail transport remains the main pressure point in the logistics chain, highlighting the importance of the ongoing programme to renovate and modernise the Transgabonese railway.
FOB cash cost3 for manganese ore activity was $2.3/dmtu over the first half (+14% vs. H1 2024), mainly reflecting the decrease in volumes sold coupled with rising costs (primarily due to the equipment repair and maintenance expenses given the logistics challenges over the period). Mining taxes and royalties (paid to the Gabonese State) came out to $0.2/dmtu in H1 2025 (stable vs. H1 2024). Conversely, sea transport costs per tonne were down to $0.8/dmtu (-18%).
For H1 2025, manganese alloys production totalled 322 kt, slightly down (-1%), notably reflecting an adjustment to unfavourable market conditions. Manganese alloys sales were also down (-4%), with a less favourable product mix (50% refined alloys).
The manganese alloys margin considerably eroded over the half year, mainly factoring in the rising average cost of ore consumed by the plants (nearly +20%11). Other costs remained stable.
Outlook
Global carbon steel production is expected to decline in H2 vs. H1, in line with traditional seasonality and weaker demand. The continued decrease in Chinese production should be partly offset by an increase for the rest of the world, particularly in India. Eramet has a strong business footprint in India, which is expected to continue posting a significant increase in its steel production thanks to new installed capacity, infrastructure investments from the State and continued growth in demand from other steel-consuming sectors. Ore supply should increase in H2, driven by the full return to the market of the leading Australian producer, partly offset by a potential downward revision of South African exports.
Market consensus is currently set around $4.6/dmtu14 on average for H2 2025 but this appears directionally optimistic given the current level of the CIF China 44% index ($4.2/dmtu) and supply availability.
Demand for manganese alloys should decline in H2, in line with steel production, while supply is expected to remain stable. However, product flows could continue to be disrupted by uncertainty surrounding protectionist measures (particularly in Europe and the United States). Alloys selling prices are expected to decline in H2 vs. H1.
Considering the logistics challenges faced in H1, the target for transported manganese ore volumes is adjusted to between 6.5 Mt and 7.0 Mt in 2025. The targeted FOB cash cost3, confirmed at constant exchange rates15, is revised upwards to between $2.1 and $2.3/dmtu, to reflect the unfavourable trends in the consensus for the €/$ exchange rate.
Investments, primarily focusing on sustaining and strengthening the rail transportation capacity, are still estimated at around €130m in 2025.
Following the end-May announcement of a crude manganese export ban starting in 2029, Eramet has initiated discussions with the Gabonese government in an effort to review ore transformation and development options that could be co-created together, in a spirit of constructive cooperation and mutual respect aimed at building a partnership based on shared interests.
Nickel, PT Weda Bay Nickel ("PT WBN")
Adjusted EBITDA (excluding SLN)2 for the Nickel activity amounted to €51m over the half-year, down 64% year-on-year.
PT WBN's share of EBITDA (excluding the off-take contract) came to €55m (-62%), penalized by the decrease in volumes sold (-8%) with unfavourable mix, the significant decline in the ore grade (almost -20%) and higher operating costs in new mining areas, partly offset by higher premiums.
Nickel ore
H1 2025
H1 2024
Chg.
Chg. (%)
PT WBN (38.7%)1 share of turnover - €m
156
222
-66
-30%
PT WBN (38.7%) share of EBITDA - €m
55
145
-90
-62%
Nickel ore external sales (100%) - Mwmt
11.0
12.1
-1.1
-8%
o/w Saprolite, Mwmt
8.3
10.7
-2.4
-22%
o/w Limonite, Mwmt
2.7
1.3
1.4
+101%
Nickel Pig Iron (NPI)
H1 2025
H1 2024
Chg.
Chg. (%)
Off-take turnover - €m
75
63
+12
+19%
Off-take EBITDA - €m
1
2
-1
-50%
NPI production (100%), kt
17.0
14.0
+3.0
+21%
NPI sales (43% off-take), kt
7.4
5.8
+1.6
+27%
Support functions
H1 2025
H1 2024
Chg.
Chg. (%)
EBITDA2
-5
-4
-1
n.a.
1 Excluding NPI off-take.2 Supervision costs for the Indonesian entity.
Market trends16 & prices
Global stainless-steel production, which is the largest end-market for nickel, increased by more than 3% to 30.8 Mt in H1 2025.
Production in China, which accounts for more than 60% of the global supply, also saw year-on-year growth of 4%, driven by domestic consumption and exports with the expected introduction of US customs measures, as announced in this first half. Production was also up by 3% for the rest of the world, while Indonesia observed a 2% decline in its production.
Global demand for primary nickel increased by 4% to 1.7 Mt-Ni in H1 2025. This increase was mainly driven by demand for batteries (+13%), which now accounts for nearly 20% of total demand. Parallel to this, demand for stainless-steel, representing 60% of global demand, remained stable (+1%).
Global primary nickel production was up 10%, reaching 1.8 Mt-Ni. Growth in the NPI supply17 (+13%) and the ramp-up in new projects, notably HPAL18 (+56%) in Indonesia, were partly offset by the decline in NPI production in China (-15%) as well as traditional ferronickel production (-3%).
The supply/demand balance (class I and II19) remained in surplus in H1 2025. Visible nickel inventories at the LME and SHFE20 increased over the half year to 229 kt-Ni at end-June, equivalent to around 3 weeks of consumption.
In H1 2025, the LME price average (price of part of class I nickel) was $15,372/t, down significantly year-on-year (-12%), reflecting a market still in surplus.
The average for the NPI price index21 as sold at Weda Bay was $11,876/t, stable vs. H1 2024.
In Indonesia, the official domestic price index for high-grade nickel ore ("HPM", the FOB monthly price floor, as established by the government) averaged $27/wmt for a grade of 1.6%22 in H1 2025, declining by -9% (in line with nickel price trends at the LME - see the price formula in Appendix 4). Considering the Indonesian government's restrictions on permits, domestic nickel ore supply remained under pressure. Over the first half, premiums on HPM were sustained at a high level for saprolite (close to 60%).
Activities
In Indonesia, over the half-year, PT WBN mining activity was impacted by the start of new mining production sites and the constrained operating permit (revised 2024-2026 RKAB vs. Feasibility study combined with reduced surface of 2024 forest permit23).
External nickel ore sales24 totalled 11.0 Mwmt in H1 2025 (-8% vs. H1 2024), impacted by an unfavourable product mix. Saprolite volumes sold accounted for 8.3 Mwmt, down 22% which was partly offset by increased limonite volumes (x2 to 2.7 Mwmt). Internal consumption for the NPI plant reached 1.5 Mwmt in H1 2025.
The average grade for nickel ore sold significantly declined compared to H1 2024 (from 2.0% to 1.6% for saprolites while its average moisture content increased (by around 10%). The anticipated decrease in ore grade from newly established mined areas, in line with the mining plan, was further impacted by a less effective ore selectivity than expected.
In parallel, production costs at the mine increased, reflecting lower productivity (primarily, an increase in the strip ratio) and higher haulage distance.
These impacts were partially offset by increasing premiums over the half-year.
Production at the PT WBN NPI plant increased by 21% in H1 2025 to 17.0 kt-Ni, owing to strong operational performance. As part of the off-take contract (trading activity), NPI sales stood at 7.4 kt-Ni, up by 27%.
In H1 2025, PT WBN's contribution to Group FCF was limited to €19m in dividends, in connection with strong decrease in EBITDA over the period.
Outlook
In 2025, primary nickel consumption should increase compared to 2024. Stainless-steel production in China and Indonesia will remain the main driver of this growth, despite potentially being halted in H2 by the trade war and a slowdown in Chinese domestic consumption due to the lack of support measures. Primary nickel supply should also increase, driven by HPAL projects in Indonesia with production expected to grow 20% from 2024. Linked to the potential slowdown in demand stemming from China's stainless-steel sector and more restricted ore availability in Indonesia, production for NPI plants is, however, expected to slow in H2 2025. The nickel market should remain in surplus for the fourth consecutive year.
In this context, the market consensus for LME nickel prices currently stands at around $15,540/t for H2 2025.
The RKAB issued last October for the 2024-2026 period limited PT WBN's nickel ore production and sales volumes to 32 Mwmt in 2025 (including 3 Mwmt consumed internally by the NPI plant). Following the request submitted by PT WBN, the Indonesian licensing authorities recently issued a revised RKAB for 2025 increasing the total volumes to 42 Mwmt, including an additional 10 Mwmt of limonite ore (lower margin product), supporting the growth of HPAL production at IWIP. Consequently, the volume target for marketable nickel ore is revised upwards between 36 to 39 Mwmt for 2025.
The average grade for nickel ore sold in H2 is expected to remain stable compared to H1 levels. Mining production costs should also remain higher than 2024 in H2, while royalties are expected to increase compared to H2 2024, following the entry into force of the new law at end-April (they are now calculated based on a variable percentage indexed to the LME nickel price, with a minimum 14% rate vs the previous 10% fixed rate25).
Given the persistent supply tightness and unfavourable weather conditions, PT WBN should continue benefiting from significant price premiums to the HPM reference price floor.
Mineral Sands
EBITDA for the Mineral Sands activities was €53m in H1 2025, up 6% year-on-year, driven by increased selling volumes, in a context of declining prices.
Mineral Sands
H1 2025
H1 2024
Chg.
Chg. (%)
Turnover - €m
135
141
-6
-4%
EBITDA - €m
53
50
+3
+6%
Mineral Sands production - kt
489
407
+82
+20%
Ilmenite sales, kt
292
241
+51
+21%
Zircon sales - kt
33
29
+4
+13%
Market trends & prices26
Global demand for zircon showed signs of stabilising in Q2 2025, notably benefitting from a preventive stocking effect with the expectation of US tariffs measures. However, overall industrial demand remained subdued, impacted by macroeconomic uncertainty and the weakness of real estate activity around the world. Parallel to this, global zircon production was higher, owing to increased production in China from imported heavy mineral concentrates. The market therefore remained in surplus, continuing to weigh on prices.
As a result, in H1 2025, zircon premium prices averaged $1,770/t FOB, down 8% from H1 2024.
Global demand for TiO2 pigments27, the main end-market for titanium-based products28, declined over the period, in the face of macroeconomic uncertainty and weak real estate activity. In parallel, global supply for TiO2 remained stable, reflecting sustained production from Chinese players in an effort to absorb their fixed costs.
The market price for ilmenite (chloride), as produced by Eramet Grande Côte ("EGC") was $283/t FOB in H1 2025, down 6%, factoring in China's increased ilmenite supply.
Activities
In Senegal, mineral sands production strongly increased, up by 20% over the first half (vs. H1 2024), reaching 489 kt, on the back of a record Q2 (253 kt produced). This progress continues to reflect a higher average grade in the mined area.
As a result, ilmenite production volumes rose by 20% compared to H1 2024, reaching 304 kt, in line with the trends for mineral sands production. Ilmenite sales increased by 21%, to 292 kt.
Equally, zircon production and sales volumes rose compared to H1 2024, by 9% to 35 kt and by 13% to 33 kt, respectively.
Outlook
Considering the macroeconomic environment, demand for mineral sands products remains weak, with a limited short-term growth outlook. Demand for ilmenite should decrease in H2, due to the expected slowdown in production for TiO2 pigments in China which is linked to exports constrained by anti-dumping measures, notably in India, and sluggish domestic demand. In H2, demand for zircon is also expected to slow following preventive stocking in H1 and unfavourable seasonality; however, demand is expected to increase very slightly in 2025.
The zircon and ilmenite markets are expected to remain in surplus for 2025, owing to the ramp-up in the production of new projects, and sluggish demand. Prices are set to remain under pressure, particularly for zircon due to destocking by specific long-standing players.
In Senegal, mineral sands production in 2025 is still expected to rise to more than 900 kt-HMC, continuing to benefit from a high grade in the mined zones. Investments (around €50m in 2025) are underway to increase production capacity and support the decarbonisation of operations.
Lithium
Lithium activity, with its production started in Argentina at end-December 2024, posted an EBITDA loss of €37m for the half-year due to delays in the plant's ramp-up, linked to the late commissioning of the Forced Evaporation unit by the supplier.
After confirming in Q1 that the direct lithium extraction ("DLE") technology developed by the Group operates at industrial scale, a key milestone for increasing volumes was achieved in Q2 with the commissioning of this unit, which is essential for increasing the plant's production.
Lithium
H1 2025
H1 2024
Chg.
Chg. (%)
Turnover - €m
4
0
+4
n.a.
EBITDA - €m
-37
-11
-26
n.a.
Lithium carbonate production, t-LCE
710
0
+710
n.a.
Lithium carbonate sales, t-LCE
520
0
+520
n.a.
Market trends & prices29
In H1 2025, global electric vehicle ("EV") sales were up nearly 30% year-on-year, mainly driven by momentum in the Chinese market, supported by trade-in programmes for combustion-powered vehicles and fierce competition in the domestic market, as reflected in a significant decrease in prices for new electric models. Over the first half, EV sales in China reported strong growth (+33%) with a sales penetration rate exceeding 50% (+9 pts vs. H1 2024). Europe also posted a solid performance (+23% of sales, with a penetration rate of 26%). Conversely, the United States recorded more moderate growth (+4% of sales, with a stable penetration rate).
In H1 2025, stationary energy storage systems ("ESS") also saw growth (+6%), albeit more moderate than expected, due to recent regulatory developments in China and a slowdown in the delivery of ESS facilities in the United States.
Demand for lithium was up to 685 kt-LCE in H1 2025 (+29%), propelled by the growth in EV sales and the continued development of ESS, mainly in China.
Parallel to this, lithium supply amounted to 726 kt-LCE (+21% vs. H1 2024), driven by increased lepidolite production in China and the ramp-up in new spodumene mines (notably in Mali and Australia).
As a result, the lithium market remained in surplus for H1 2025, putting sustained pressure on lithium carbonate prices.
Over the first half of 2025, the SMM battery-grade index (Ex-Works, China) averaged $8,657/t-LCE, down 33%, while the Fastmarkets battery-grade index (CIF Asia) also fell, by 34%, to $9,197/t-LCE (declining to around $8,100/t-LCE at end-June).
Realised selling prices for the Chinese market include a quality discount vs. the index; the latter varies according to the level of impurities, corresponding to the potential processing costs required to refine into a battery-grade product.
Activities
In Argentina, the Centenario plant continued to ramp up its lithium carbonate production.
The Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) units operated close to their nominal yield and throughput over the half-year, confirming that the DLE technology developed by Eramet is working effectively at an industrial scale.
In Q1, the ramp-up of the overall plant was significantly delayed due to a technical issue during the commissioning of key equipment for the concentration process (Forced Evaporation), which was attributable to a supplier design issue. During Q2, Centenario's commissioning team focused, together with the supplier, on resolving this issue. The Forced Evaporation unit, which is essential for the plant's ramp-up, was subsequently commissioned in June, with satisfactory initial results. The boron extraction unit was also commissioned during Q2. All the major steps of the brine to lithium carbonate DLE based production process are now operational.
Lithium carbonate production volumes were limited to 710 t-LCE in H1, while sales volumes reached 520 t-LCE. Sales, mainly to CAM manufacturers in China, were priced based on the China market reference price for battery-grade lithium carbonate less a processing fee to refine the industrial and technical grade initial product to battery grade.
In H1 2025, the amount of growth capex financed by Eramet totalled €64m.
Outlook
Growth in demand for lithium is expected to continue being driven by EV sales in H2 2025, particularly in China, where the sales penetration rate should surpass 55% by year-end. This growth should also continue to be bolstered by the growing deployment of ESS, which support the roll-out of new renewable energy generation capacity. Growth in China, which remains the main market for ESS, is expected to continue in spite of recent changes in regulations. The development in ESS should boost demand for lithium based LFP chemical cathodes, which already dominate the sector.
In H2, lithium supply is expected to continue increasing with growth in production from Argentina and Chile, the expansion of Chinese mining production and the ramp-up in two new mines in Mali. As a result, China is expected to become the global-leading producer of lithium (ahead of Australia and Chile).
The market should remain in surplus, with prices still under pressure. For H2 2025, the market consensus (battery-grade CIF Asia lithium carbonate) currently averages around $9,300/t-LCE.
In H2, Eramet's teams will focus their efforts on continuing to ramp up the Centenario plant and progressing toward the plant's design capacity of 24,000 tonnes per year.
The delay in commissioning the forced evaporation unit in H1 has led to a downward revision of lithium carbonate production volumes, now expected between 4 and 7 kt-LCE in 2025. Additionally, it has resulted in additional costs from work and more time spent on site by contractors. Capex is set to increase by €30m to around €110m in 2025, including around €90m in growth capex and €20m in sustaining capex.
Outlook
Uncertainty persists across all markets driven by the introduction of US tariffs. In H1, domestic demand in China was supported by stimulus programs and a surge in exports ahead of expected new tariff measures. However, the outlook remains uncertain for H2. This unstable macroeconomic environment should maintain a downward pressure on demand across the Group's various end-markets.
The price consensus30 and exchange rate31 for H2 2025 currently stand at:
c.$4.6/dmtu on average for manganese ore (as well as for the year 2025), which seems optimistic given the current level of the CIF China 44% index,
c.$15,540/t (i.e. c.$15,460/t in 2025) for LME nickel,
c.$9,300/t-LCE (i.e. c.$9,200/t in 2025) for lithium carbonate (battery-grade, CIF Asia),
1.17 for the €/$ exchange rate (i.e. 1.13 in 2025).
Manganese alloys selling prices are expected to decline in H2 2025. However, protectionist measures under consideration from the United States and the European Union could generate volatility in different regions of the world. Domestic prices for nickel ore sold in Indonesia are indexed to the LME and change accordingly. They should continue to benefit from significant ore price premiums on the HPM index in H2 2025, driven by local market factors at Halmahera.
Sensitivities of adjusted EBITDA (excl. SLN) to the price of metals and to the exchange rate are presented in Appendix 6.
Freight rates, which surged significantly at the start of Q3 owing to a tight supply of vessels, could still be higher in H2 2025 compared to H1. However, the outlook remains uncertain, primarily due to ongoing trade negotiations and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Energy costs should decrease slightly in H2 2025.
Guidance
Against this backdrop, 2025 volume and cash cost targets have been adjusted as follows:
Activities
Indicator
2025 guidance (19/02/2025)
2025 guidance (30/07/2025)
Manganese ore
Transported volumes
6.7 - 7.2 Mt
6.5 - 7.0 Mt
Cash cost FOB1,2
$2.0 - $2.2/dmtu
$2.1 - $2.3/dmtu
Nickel ore
Volumes sold, o/w :
32 Mwmt
39 - 42 Mwmt
Externally
29 Mwmt
36 - 39 Mwmt
Internally
3 Mwmt
3 Mwmt
Lithium carbonate
Produced volumes
