Q1 2027 Champion Iron Ltd Earnings Call

July 30, 2026

Speaker #1: 2026. I will now turn the

Michael Marcotte: Thank you, operator, and thank you everyone for joining us on this call today. Before I turn it over to our CEO, David Cataford, I would just like to remind people that throughout this call, we will be making forward-looking statements. If you want to read more about these and/or risk and assumptions, you can visit our MD&A at our website on championiron.com. We will also be using a presentation throughout this webcast, which is also available on our website under the Events and Presentation section. In addition to our CEO, many other executives are attending here for this call, including our COO, Alexandre Belleau. With that, I will pass it over to David for the presentation.

Speaker #2: section. In addition championiron.com. We'll also be using a presentation to our CEO, many other executives are attending here for this call, including our COO, Alexander Bello.

Speaker #2: With that, I'll pass it over to David for the presentation.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Michael. Thanks, everyone, for being on the call. So if we run through the results for the first quarter fiscal year 2027, we produced roughly about $4 million tons during the quarter, combining Bloom Lake and Ranigruber.

David Cataford: Thanks, Michael. Thanks everyone for being on the call. If we run through the results for Q1 fiscal year 2027, we produced roughly about 4 million tons during the quarter, combining Bloom Lake and Rana Gruber, and sold roughly about 3.3 million tons. Revenues of about CAD 356 million during the quarter and an EBITDA of about CAD 32 million during the quarter. If you remove a little bit of noise and single time elements on the EBITDA, we would have been closer to CAD 60 million. If we remove also the volume effect, we will be able to run through this in terms of the sales, we would have been closer to about CAD 70 million, which would have been in line with the expectation.

Speaker #3: And sold roughly about $3.3 million tons. Revenues of about $356 million during the quarter and an EBITDA of about $32 million during the quarter.

Speaker #3: If you remove a little bit of noise and single-time elements on the EBITDA, we would have been closer to $60 million. If we remove also the volume effect, and we'll be able to run through this, in terms of the sales, we would have been closer to about $70 million, which would have been in line with the expectation.

Speaker #3: If we look in terms of the industry and the more specifically the iron ore industry, P65 index averaged about $122 US dollars per ton, so pretty much flat quarter-on-quarter.

David Cataford: If we look in terms of the industry, more specifically the iron ore industry, P65 index average about $122 per ton, pretty much flat quarter-on-quarter. Same with the premium of the P65 or the P61, close to $17 per ton. Where there was a pretty significant increase was on the C3 freight index. This rose by about 37% quarter-over-quarter and reached about $34 per ton. Obviously this has had some impacts for us, this is mainly due to the shipping disruptions that we have seen in the Middle East and also higher fuel costs, again, resulting from the conflict in the Middle East. If we look at operational and sales highlights, as we mentioned, produced about 3.9 million tons of high grade iron ore during the quarter.

Speaker #3: Same with the premium of the P65 over the P61, close to $17 US dollars per ton. Where there was a pretty significant increase was on the C3 freight index.

Speaker #3: This rose by about $37% quarter over quarter, and reached about $34 US dollars per ton. So obviously, this has had some impacts for us, and this is mainly due to the shipping disruptions that we've seen in the Middle East, and also higher fuel costs, again, resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.

Speaker #3: If we look at operational and sales highlights, so as we mentioned, produced about $3.9 million tons of high-grade iron ore during the quarter. Sales of about $3.3, of which $3.1 million tons of Bloom Lake and $200,000 tons at Ranigruber.

David Cataford: Sales of about 3.3, of which 3.1 million tons of Bloom Lake and 200,000 tons at Rana Gruber. I think the most positive highlights during the quarter is working in the ramp-up of the DRPF project. We finalized the flotation plant and we're now working to be able to produce 69% material to get a significant premium for our material. If we turn to community governance and sustainability, a few highlights during the quarter. One, this is the quarter that we closed the transaction with Rana Gruber. We went down, met with all the employees to be able to start the integration process, and also met with quite a lot of politicians in Norway and also in the town of Mo I Rana to be able to start explaining our vision and the next steps of the combination of this company.

Speaker #3: And one of the, I think, the most positive highlights during the quarter is working in the ramp-up of the DRPF project. So we finalized the flotation plant, and we're now working to be able to produce 69% material to get a significant premium for our material.

Speaker #3: If we turn to community governance and sustainability, a few highlights during the quarter. So one, this is the quarter that we closed the transaction with Ranigruber, so we went down, met with all the employees to be able to start the integration process, and also met with quite a lot of politicians in the Norway and also in the town of Mo i Rana to be able to start explaining our vision and the next steps of the combination of this company.

Speaker #3: We also had quite a lot of traction here in Quebec, where we had federal Minister Joly and also Deputy Claude Guy that were at our offices, alongside the Minister of Economy and Minister of Natural Resources of Quebec, to be able to announce the flotation plant finalization and the first contracts of our new product.

David Cataford: We also had quite a lot of traction here in Quebec, where we had Federal Minister Joly and also Deputy Claude Guay that were at our offices alongside the Minister of Economy and Minister of Natural Resources of Quebec to be able to announce the flotation plant finalization and the first contracts of our new product. Very happy of the support that we've been getting from the federal and provincial government and the partnership that we've developed with these various groups. In terms of results, if we dive into each operation, if I look at Bloom Lake, as we mentioned, produced about 3.5 million tons at Bloom Lake, but only sold about 3.1 million tons. This is mainly due to the fact that, one, there was some maintenance on the rail and port operations, and also we produced roughly about 600,000 tons out of our flotation plant.

Speaker #3: So very happy of the support that we've been getting from the federal and provincial government, and the partnership that we've developed with these various groups.

Speaker #3: In terms of results, so if we dive into each operation, if I look at Bloom Lake, as we mentioned, produced about $3.5 million tons at Bloom Lake, but only sold about $3.1 million tons.

Speaker #3: This is mainly due to the fact that, one, there was some maintenance on the rail and port operations, and also we produced roughly about $600,000 tons out of our flotation plant.

Speaker #3: Very positive results. And when we look at the impact of this in terms of sales—so, obviously, we've been stockpiling some material of the higher grade, blending some other, but stockpiling material of 69% to be able to sell our first cargo, which will start loading in the next few weeks.

David Cataford: Very positive results. When we look at the impact of this in terms of sales, obviously we've been stockpiling some material of the higher grade, blending some other, but stockpiling material of 69% to be able to sell our first cargo that will start loading in the next few weeks. Sales were a little bit under what you've seen in the past, but we do see that reversing quite quickly to be able to start selling our two products, the 69% material and also our typical concentrate. One of the highlights when you look at the commissioning of the plant is if you look at our iron recovery, we average about 79% during the quarter. Very small impact with the commissioning of the flotation plant.

Speaker #3: So sales were a little bit under the what you've seen in the past, but we do see that reversing quite quickly to be able to start selling our two products, the 69% material and also our typical concentrate.

Speaker #3: One of the highlights, when you look at the commissioning of the plant, is if you look at our iron recovery, we average about 679% during the quarter.

Speaker #3: So very small impact, with the commissioning of the flotation plant. So I think it's very positive news and telling of the type of circuit that we've implemented.

David Cataford: I think it's very positive news and telling of the type of circuit that we've implemented and very reassuring for the future as well. We were in ramp-up period and we're still at 79% iron recovery. In terms of our financial results, if you look at the actual mining and processing cost at site, pretty much flat year-over-year. I think that what we control, we've done a fantastic job in being able to navigate through the current situation. Where we were impacted, well, obviously when you look at the sales that were 3.1 million tons, most of our port costs are fixed. That has had an impact during the quarter, but that should reverse as we're able to sell more tons through the next quarters.

Speaker #3: And very reassuring for the future as well. I mean, we're in ramp-up period, and we're still at 79% iron recovery. In terms of our financial results, so if you look at the actual mining and processing cost at site, pretty much flat year over year.

Speaker #3: So I think what we control, we've done a fantastic job in being able to navigate through the current situation. Where we were impacted, well, obviously, when you look at the sales that were $3.1 million tons, most of our port costs are fixed.

Speaker #3: So that has had an impact during the quarter, but that should reverse as we're able to sell more tons through the next quarters. In terms of the sustaining capex, also seems a little bit high, but this is also due to the fact that we only divided that by $3.1 million tons during the quarter.

David Cataford: In terms of the sustaining CapEx also seems a little bit high, but this is also due to the fact that we only divided that by 3.1 million tons during the quarter and also due to the fact that we've got seasonal tailings work that is being completed at Bloom Lake. When you combine both, obviously our all-in sustaining looks a little bit higher, but that should reverse in the coming quarters. In terms of Rana Gruber, they got a little bit of a similar impact, but due for different reasons. Produced about 400,000 tons during the quarter, only sold about 200,000 tons. It's mainly due to the fact that they had vessels that were supposed to go to the Middle East and due to the conflict, were not able to ship them out.

Speaker #3: And also due to the fact that we've got seasonal tailings work that is being completed at Bloom Lake. So when you combine both, obviously, I'll end sustaining looks a little bit higher, but that should reverse in the coming quarters.

Speaker #3: In terms of Ranigruber, they got a little bit of a similar impact, but due for different reasons. Produced about $400,000 tons during the quarter, only sold about $200,000 tons.

Speaker #3: It's mainly due to the fact that they had vessels that were supposed to go to the Middle East, and due to the conflict, we're not able to ship them out.

Speaker #3: So we reallocated those tons, but timing we were not able to sell them in this quarter. It'll be sold in the next quarter. So that's why you've seen such a small sales portion at the Ranigruber site.

David Cataford: We reallocated those tons, but timing, we were not able to sell them in this quarter. It'll be sold in the next quarter. That's why you've seen such a small sales portion at the Rana Gruber site. It's also, if you look at Rana Gruber, it's a site that has one major shutdown per year instead of two major shutdowns like we have at Bloom Lake. They got one major and one minor shutdown, and the shutdown was also during this quarter. When you combine all of those elements and also due to the fact that we only closed the transaction on 10 April, we lost 10 days of essential production and sales at the asset.

Speaker #3: It's also, if you look at Ranigruber, it's a site that has one major shutdown per year. Instead of two major shutdowns like we have at Bloom Lake, so they got one major and one minor shutdown, and the shutdown was also during this quarter.

Speaker #3: So when you combine all of those elements, and also due to the fact that we only closed the transaction on the 10th of April, so we lost 10 days of essential production and sales at the asset.

Speaker #3: So when you combine all those different elements, that's why we've seen such small sales. That also has a big impact in terms of the all in sustaining cost, because you're dividing all these costs on only $200,000 tons.

David Cataford: When you combine all those different elements, that's why we've seen such small sales. That also has a big impact in terms of the all-in sustaining costs, because you're dividing all these costs on only 200,000 tons. Again, that should be able to reverse in the coming quarter and quarters. In terms of consolidated results, if we look at the average realized selling price, we realized around $115 per ton, below the $121 average for the quarter. That's mainly due to the fact that we had about two million tons that were on the water, and that had an expected price of about $110 per ton. That lowered our gross realized price for the quarter. We'll see what the price is when the material reaches the clients during this quarter.

Speaker #3: But again, that should be able to reverse in the coming quarter and quarters. In terms of consolidated results, if we look at the average realized selling price, we realized around $115 per ton, below the $121 average for the quarter.

Speaker #3: That's mainly due to the fact that we had about 2 million tons that were on the water, and that had an expected price of about $110 per ton.

Speaker #3: So that lowered our gross realized price for the quarter. We'll see what the price is when the material reaches the clients during this quarter.

Speaker #3: We also had a pretty big impact in terms of freight, where the cost increased to about $36 per ton in this quarter. In terms of the consolidated financial highlights, as we mentioned, quarterly revenues of about $360 million and EBITDA just over $30 million, which was under expectation but mainly due to the one-time elements during the quarter and also the volume impact of selling only 3.1 million tons of Bloom Lake material and 200,000 tons at Rana Gruber.

David Cataford: We also had a pretty big impact in terms of freight, where the cost increased to about $36 per ton in this quarter. In terms of the consolidated financial highlights, as we mentioned, quarterly revenues of about CAD 360 million and EBITDA just over CAD 30 million, which was under the expectation, but mainly due to the one-time elements during the quarter and also the volume impact of selling only 3.1 million tons of Bloom Lake material and 200,000 tons at Rana Gruber. With the impact on our cash, that has reduced our cash during the quarter from CAD 300 million to CAD 200 million. But we did finalize the DRPF CapEx and also closed the transaction for Rana Gruber. When you look at those two elements, they explain the most of the cash position during the quarter.

Speaker #3: What the impact on our cash, so that has reduced our cash during the quarter from $300 million to $200 million. But we did finalize the DRPF capex, and also closed the transaction for Ranigruber.

Speaker #3: So when you look at those two elements, they explain the most of the cash position during the quarter. In terms of the financial health of the company and our balance sheet, we still have close to $1 billion of available liquidities.

David Cataford: In terms of the financial health of the company and our balance sheet, we still have close to CAD 1 billion of available liquidities. The company is still in very good shape to be able to go through this current conflict and, as we talk about our growth initiatives, see how we're able to get back into cash positive territory. If we look at our DRPF project, I think this is the main highlight during the quarter. We managed to finalize the project on time and on budget, so within the CAD 500 million envelope. Very happy with the way that things are progressing. All major equipment has delivered as per plan, so we don't see any major hiccups on the commissioning part. We still have some ramp-up elements, so some small minor elements to fix, one of which being our screens.

Speaker #3: So the company is still in very good shape to be able to go through this current conflict and, as we talk about our growth initiatives, see how we're able to get back into cash positive territory.

Speaker #3: If we look at our DRPF project, I think this is the main highlight during the quarter. So we managed to finalize the project on time, and on budget.

Speaker #3: So within the $500 million envelope, very happy with the way that things are progressing. All major equipment has delivered as per plan. So we don't see any major hiccups on the commissioning part.

Speaker #3: We still have some ramp-up elements, so some small minor elements to fix. One of which being our screens, the screens work well, but it's the screen panels that we're installed.

David Cataford: The screens work well, but it's the screen panels that were installed that we're currently in the process of changing. We had that same issue when we started Bloom Phase I and Bloom Phase II, that's one element that until we dial in the right type of material that we need for the screens, we do have some bypass material in terms of the flotation plant. That being said, we still managed to hit 69% material, we know that the plant is able to deliver in terms of the specs. We also have been able to push the plant to its full capacity, we know that the plant can deliver on the volume side. Now it's just to remove all those small startup and ramp-up elements to make sure that we can do that consistently.

Speaker #3: That we're currently in the process of changing. We had that same issue when we started Bloom Phase 1 and Bloom Phase 2. So that's one element that, until we dial in the right type of material that we need for the screens, we do have some bypass material in terms of the flotation plant.

Speaker #3: That being said, we still managed to hit $69% material. So we know that the plant is able to deliver in terms of the specs.

Speaker #3: We also have been able to push the plant to its full capacity, so we know that the plant can deliver on the volume side.

Speaker #3: Now it's just a matter of removing all those small startup and ramp-up elements to make sure that we can do that consistently. In terms of sales, we're happy to say that we've signed our first contracts.

David Cataford: In terms of sales, we're happy to say that we've signed our first contracts. The first one, or the first vessel is going to be loaded in the next few weeks. A vessel of about 160,000 tons of DR quality material that will leave our port in the next few weeks. Very happy with the way that this is progressing. We still feel that we'll be able to materialize significant premiums for this material. The first contracts that we've signed do have premiums over and above the P65 index. As we had mentioned in the past, these are test cargoes, we're not getting the full benefit of our material. Still, I think that's going to reposition our costs in the future as we ramp this up and we're able to deliver to markets that are closer to home.

Speaker #3: And the first one or the first vessel is going to be loaded in the next few weeks. So a vessel of about $160,000 tons, of DR quality material, that will leave our that will leave our port in the next few weeks.

Speaker #3: We're very happy with the way this is progressing. We still feel that we'll be able to materialize significant premiums for this material. The first contracts that we've signed do have premiums over and above the P65 index.

Speaker #3: But as we had mentioned in the past, these are test cargoes. So we're not getting the full benefit of our material, but still, I think that's going to reposition our costs in the future as we ramp this up, and we're able to deliver to markets that are closer to home.

Speaker #3: If we look at our potential clients, we're still in the same territory as we mentioned before. With North Africa, Europe, and Middle East as potential first targets, we've included also the Americas.

David Cataford: If we look at our potential clients, we're still in the same territory as we mentioned before with North Africa, Europe, and Middle East as potential first targets. We've included also the Americas, we are in discussion with some clients also in the Americas, that's another positive. If you look at the Middle East situation, obviously there's a conflict that restricts a portion of our clients, but not all of our clients. We can still deliver to a portion to the Middle East, that market has not been closed. It's still open in various areas. We'll still be able to sell some tons into that region, even with the current conflict. I think a very positive transition for us. I mean, obviously a lot of noise during the quarter.

Speaker #3: So, we are in discussion with some clients also in the Americas, so that's another positive. If you look at the Middle East situation, obviously there's a conflict that restricts a portion of our clients, but not all of our clients.

Speaker #3: We can still deliver to a portion to the Middle East. So that market is not been closed. It's still open in various areas. So we'll still be able to sell some tons into that region, even with the current conflict.

Speaker #3: So, I think it's been a very positive transition for us. I mean, obviously, there was a lot of noise during the quarter. Not fantastic when you're closing a transaction, starting to integrate a project, and delivering a major flotation project—like we're doing—at the same time as a conflict started in the Middle East, impacting our freight costs and impacting fuel.

David Cataford: Not fantastic when you're closing a transaction, starting to integrate a project, delivering a major flotation project like we're doing, at the same time as a conflict started in the Middle East impacting our freight costs, impacting fuel. All that being said, I think we've positioned the company very well to be able to benefit from better premiums in the future and be able to generate significant returns for our shareholders. I'd like to thank all of our employees that have made this possible. I mean, obviously, in this challenging time, to be able to keep the focus, to continue working on our cost, to continue working on our projects, and making sure that we can deliver that safely and with no environmental issues, I think it's something that we can be very proud of our teams.

Speaker #3: But all that being said, I think we've positioned the company very well to be able to benefit from better premiums in the future and be able to generate significant returns for our shareholders.

Speaker #3: I'd like to thank all of our employees that have made this possible. I mean, obviously, in this challenging time to be able to keep the focus to continue working on our costs, to continue working on our projects, and making sure that we can deliver that safely and with no environmental issues.

Speaker #3: I think it's something that we could be very proud of our teams. And we'll continue to work very in the right direction to be able to make sure that we deliver on what we've mentioned in the past in terms of our growth initiatives, including the flotation plan.

David Cataford: We'll continue to work in the right direction to be able to make sure that we deliver on what we've mentioned in the past in terms of our growth initiatives, including the flotation plan. With that being said, I'll turn it over to the Q&A portion of the call.

Speaker #3: So with that being said, I'll turn it over to the Q&A portion of the call.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. Should you have a question, please press the star followed by the number one on your touchstone phone.

Operator 2: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. Should you have a question, please press the star followed by the number one on your touchtone phone. You will hear a prompt that your hand has been raised. Should you wish to decline from the polling process, please press the star followed by the number two. If you are using a speakerphone, please leave the handset before pressing any keys. One moment please for your first question. We have the first question comes on the line of Alexander Pearce from BMO Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. Should you have a question, please press the star followed by the number one on your touchtone phone. You will hear a prompt that your hand has been raised. Should you wish to decline from the polling process, please press the star followed by the number two. If you are using a speakerphone, please leave the handset before pressing any keys. One moment please for your first question. We have the first question comes on the line of Alexander Pearce from BMO Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Speaker #1: You will hear a prompt that your hand has been raised. Should you wish to decline from the polling process, please press the star, followed by the number two.

Speaker #1: If you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any keys. One moment, please, for your first question. We have the first question comes on the line of Alexander Pierce.

Speaker #1: From BMO Capital Markets, your line is now open.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Muriel. So David, you flagged there was a big step up in capex or sustaining capex this quarter. I think you said that you'd expect this to trend lower going forward.

Alexander Pearce: Thanks. Morning all. David, you flagged there was a big step up in CapEx or sustaining CapEx this quarter. I think you said that you'd expect this to trend lower going forward. Does that mean that we should assume a normalization of sustaining CapEx in Q2, or do you think it's likely to stay elevated over the next quarter or so going forward?

Speaker #2: Does that mean that we should assume a normalization of sustaining capex in Q2, or do you think it's likely to stay elevated over the next quarter or so, going forward?

Speaker #3: Well, in terms of dollar amounts, I'd expect it to stay similar in the next quarter. Maybe slightly lower, but in the same territory. Where I think it's going to have an impact, it's on our actual all in sustaining costs, because we only we had to divide that by only 3.1 million tons during the quarter.

David Cataford: Well, in terms of dollar amounts, I'd expect it to stay similar in Q2, maybe slightly lower, but, in the same territory. Where I think it's going to have an impact, it's on our actual all-in sustaining cost, because we had to divide that by only 3.1 million tons during the quarter. If we look at Q2, we should be back to a normal sales territory, so that should allow us to have an all-in sustaining cost that's lower. When we go to Q3, Q4, while in the past we've always seen sustaining CapEx be significantly lower in those two quarters.

Speaker #3: If we look at next quarter, we should be back to a normal sales territory. So that should allow us to have an all in sustaining cost that's lower.

Speaker #3: And then when we go to Q3, Q4, while in the past we've always seen sustaining capex be significantly lower in those two quarters.

Speaker #2: Great. Thanks. And then maybe I can ask a question on the DRPF project. So just to confirm, you spent essentially all of the capex now?

Alexander Pearce: Great. Thanks. Maybe I can ask a question on the DRPF project. Just to confirm, you spent essentially all of the CapEx now, correct?

Speaker #2: Correct?

Speaker #3: Correct.

David Cataford: Correct.

Speaker #2: Okay. Great. And then you mentioned the first vessel will be leaving the port in a few weeks. Are you able to share which direction that is heading?

Alexander Pearce: Okay, great. You mentioned the first vessel will be leaving the port in a few weeks. Are you able to share which direction that is heading?

Speaker #3: It's going to go east.

David Cataford: It's going to go east.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Alexander Pearce: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Your next question comes on the line of RS Volcado of Scotiabank. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Operator 2: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Urs Ricklefs of Scotiabank. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of [Urs Ricklefs of Scotiabank. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Speaker #4: Hi, good morning. I wanted to congratulate Michael, actually, on his promotion to CFO. But in terms of my question, your inventory levels this quarter were very elevated.

Urs Ricklefs: Hi. Good morning. I wanted to congratulate Michael actually on his promotion to CFO. In terms of my question, your inventory levels this quarter were very elevated. There was a significant jump at both assets. Do you think this is peak inventory levels? Can we anticipate now that with vessels scheduled to go this quarter, that we should see that inventory start to destock? If you could give us any kind of idea by how much, because I'm not clear whether there's more inventory impacts expected here with the DRPF ramping.

Speaker #4: There was significant jump at both assets. Do you think this is peak inventory levels? And can we anticipate now that with vessels scheduled to go this quarter, that we should see that inventory start to destock?

Speaker #4: And if you could give us any kind of idea by how much because I'm not clear whether there's more there's more inventory impacts expected here with the DPRF ramping.

Speaker #3: Yeah. When we look at a lot of the inventory, I mean, we now report the combined inventory at the port and at the mine, and we've got quite a lot of material that's actually at the Bloom Lake port.

David Cataford: When we look at a lot of the inventory, we now report the combined inventory at the port and at the mine. We've got quite a lot of material that's actually at the Bloom Lake port. We had to stockpile some material mainly due to the flotation plant. The first sales is going to start loading. The first vessel of this material is going to start loading in the next few weeks. That's why we've had to stockpile that portion. When I look at Bloom Lake going forward, I wouldn't expect the stockpiles to increase. We're really in the territory of being able to bring down the stockpiles.

Speaker #3: But we had the stockpile some material mainly due to the flotation plant. So the first sales is going to start loading the first vessel of this material is going to start loading in the next few weeks.

Speaker #3: So that's why we've had to stockpile that portion. But when I look at Bloom Lake going forward, I wouldn't expect the stockpiles to increase.

Speaker #3: We're really in a territory of being able to bring down the stockpiles.

Speaker #4: Okay. And then from a balance sheet perspective, your net debt obviously significantly increased this quarter, largely due to the acquisition, but also because of just the inventory do you see this peak net debt, or because I'm getting a little bit concerned just in terms of the one direction your debt's been rising here?

Urs Ricklefs: Okay. From a balance sheet perspective, your net debt obviously significantly increased this quarter, largely due to the acquisition, but also because of just the inventory. Do you see this as peak net debt? Because I am getting a little bit concerned just in terms of the one direction your debt's been rising here.

Speaker #3: Yeah. When we look at the next steps within our company, so obviously most of the capex is behind us. I mean, all the capex of the DRPF is behind us.

David Cataford: Yeah. When we look at the next steps within our company, obviously most of the CapEx is behind us. All the CapEx of the DRPF is behind us. There's very small sustaining CapEx at the Renén-Rouge site. We're in a territory now, when you look at this quarter, there's probably six to 700,000 tons less sales that should have happened, mainly due to the ramp-up of the flotation plant and this new product. When I look at the next steps, obviously for us, it's going to be to work on de-leveraging the company. We just finished quite a big CapEx run, but I don't see areas where we want to increase the debt in the future.

Speaker #3: There's very small sustaining capex at the Ranigruber site. And we're in a territory now when you look at this quarter, there's probably 600 to 700 thousand tons less sales that should have happened mainly due to the ramp up of the flotation plant and this new product.

Speaker #3: So when I look at the next steps, obviously for us, it's going to be to work on deleveraging the company. So we just finished quite a big capex run.

Speaker #3: But I don't see areas where we want to increase the debt in the future.

Speaker #4: Okay. And one more, if I could just squeeze it in. In terms of the premium on the DPRF, you mentioned that you've now priced some of the test cargos.

Urs Ricklefs: Okay. One more, if I could just squeeze it in. In terms of the premium on the DRPF, you mentioned that you've now priced some of the test cargoes. As you look ahead the next couple of quarters, when do you think we could actually see that premium start to make an impact on your average realized price?

Speaker #4: When do you think as you look ahead the next couple of quarters, when do you think we could actually see that premium start to make an impact on your average realized price?

Speaker #3: Well, I think we're going to start to see it next quarter. But really Q3, Q4 is when we're going to see a bigger boost as we get more and more tons out of this flotation plant.

David Cataford: Well, I think we're going to start to see it next quarter, but really Q3, Q4 is when we're going to see a bigger boost as we get more and more tons out of this flotation plant.

Speaker #4: Okay. Thank you.

Urs Ricklefs: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Next question comes on the line of Craig Hutchinson from TD Colin. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Operator 2: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Craig Hutchison from TD Cowen. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Craig Hutchison from TD Cowen. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Speaker #4: Yeah. Thanks. Good morning, guys. Just may I follow up on Oris's question on the DR premiums? The fact that you're selling test material now, is there a mechanism if it meets spec where you get a higher price?

Craig Hutchison: Yeah, thanks. Good morning, guys. Just maybe a follow-up on Urs's question on the DR premiums. The fact that you're selling test material now, is there a mechanism if it meets spec where you get a higher price? I guess my kind of follow-up question to that is sort of how many cargoes would it take for them to establish a comfort level that you could realize a much higher price over and above the P65?

Speaker #4: And I guess my kind of follow-up question to that is sort of how long how many cargos would it take for them to establish a comfort level that you could realize a much higher price over and above the P65?

Speaker #3: Yeah. We're going to get a premium even in the test cargo. So just the fact even of the iron units and the fact that we're going to sell closer to home.

David Cataford: Yeah. We're going to get a premium, even in the test cargoes. Just the fact even of the iron units and the fact that we're going to sell closer to home. Even in the test cargoes, we are going to see a premium. Not to the level as what we had in our feasibility study, that's where the negotiations come for the next cargoes. Depending on the clients, most clients, once they've used up material from one cargo, it's enough to have a view on how well this functions in their plants. I don't expect it to be multi-cargoes to be able to get that comfort. Then it's more a question of making sure that we're able to sign the right contracts at the right level for this material. I wouldn't expect the test cargoes to be more than about one per client.

Speaker #3: So I mean, even in the test cargos, we are going to see a premium, not to the level as what we had in our feasibility study.

Speaker #3: And that's where the negotiations come for the next cargos. Depending on the clients, most clients, once they've used up material from one cargo, it's enough to have a view on how well this functions in their plans.

Speaker #3: So I don't expect it to be multi-cargos to be able to get that comfort. And then it's more a question of making sure that we're able to sign the right contracts at the right level for this material.

Speaker #3: But I wouldn't expect the test cargos to be more than about one per client.

Speaker #4: Okay. And then just on Ranigruber, I know you guys don't provide guidance, but can you give us any comfort in terms of where you kind of see a steady state C1 cash cost going and also sustained costs?

Craig Hutchison: Okay. Just on Rana Gruber, I know you guys don't provide guidance, can you give us any comfort in terms of where you see the steady state C1 cash costs going and all-in sustaining costs? Obviously, all-in sustaining costs are very high this quarter, just trying to get a sense of where you see this asset sort of settling out at once you guys get back to full throughput.

Speaker #4: Obviously, all sustained costs are very high this quarter, but just kind of get a sense of where you see this asset sort of settling out at once you guys kind of get back to full throughput.

Speaker #3: Yeah. So when we look at the Ranigruber site, the fact that they only sold 200,000 tons was really the biggest impact during this quarter.

David Cataford: Yeah. When we look at the Rana Gruber site, the fact that they only sold 200,000 tons was really the biggest impact during this quarter. This should normalize in even this current quarter. I don't think that there's going to be a significant impact like what you've seen now. In terms of their costs, they've been hit a little bit in terms of the fuel price like a lot of people have. Realistically, I do feel that we'll be able to get in a more normal all-in sustaining cost, similar to what you've seen in the past with the Rana Gruber site.

Speaker #3: So this should normalize. And even this current quarter, so I don't think that there's going to be significant impact like what you've seen now.

Speaker #3: In terms of their costs, I mean, they've been hit a little bit in terms of the fuel price, like a lot of people have.

Speaker #3: But realistically, I do feel that we'll be able to get into more normal in a more normal all in sustaining cost similar to what we've seen in the past with the Ranigruber site.

Speaker #4: So the asset should be would you say it would be free cash flow generative in sort of second half of this year?

Craig Hutchison: The asset should be, would you say, will be free cash flow generative in sort of H2 this year?

Speaker #3: Well, I don't have a crystal ball, but realistically, when I look at them selling...

David Cataford: Well, I don't have a crystal ball, realistically, when I look at them.

Speaker #4: A spot price is, I guess.

Craig Hutchison: At spot prices, I guess.

Speaker #3: Yeah, a spot price is, yes.

David Cataford: Yeah. At spot prices, yes.

Speaker #4: Okay. And then just maybe one last question from me, just an accounting question. When you guys report your adjusted EBITDA, I was curious why you include some of these derivative adjustments.

Craig Hutchison: Okay. Just maybe one last question for me, just an accounting question. When you guys report your adjusted EBITDA, I was curious why you include some of these derivative adjustments or why you don't back them out in terms of what you report. Thanks.

Speaker #4: Or why you don't back them out in terms of what you report? Thanks.

David Cataford: We've never done it in the past, that's why just to do it now would have been a little bit odd.

Speaker #3: We've never done it in the past. So that's why just to do it now would have been a little bit odd.

Speaker #4: Okay. Thanks, guys.

Craig Hutchison: Okay. Thanks, guys.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Your next question comes on the line of Dalton Barretta of ConocoGenuity. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Operator 2: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Dalton Baretto of Canaccord Genuity. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Dalton Baretto of Canaccord Genuity. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Speaker #2: Yeah. Thanks, operator. Good morning, guys. I'm just going to get a little bit more granularity in terms of this inventory build and sort of the blending strategy.

Dalton Baretto: Yeah. Thanks, operator. Good morning, guys. I'm just trying to get a little bit more granularity in terms of this inventory build and sort of the blending strategy. If I understand correctly, you're just stockpiling the DRPF product until you can start shipping it, like full vessels basically, and the other stuff's going out as planned, or is there like a blending strategy? Is it vessel availability? Just what it is. Thank you.

Speaker #2: So, if I understand correctly, you're just stockpiling the DRPF product until you can start shipping it in full vessels, basically. And the other stuff is going out as planned, or is there some blending availability?

Speaker #2: Just what it is. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Yeah. So, when we look at the strategy that we're taking, we've always been of the view that what's very good for us is to build high credibility in terms of the quality of the material that we produce.

David Cataford: Yeah. When we look at the strategy that we're taking, we've always been in the view that what's very good for us is to build a high credibility in terms of the quality of the material that we produce. We did the same when we did Phase I, when we brought in Phase II as well. What we're doing right now, if the material's on spec, we're stockpiling it as a DRPF material. If it's a little bit below spec because we're doing tests, we blend that material with our concentrate. It's not really a blending strategy as per se. It's more a ramp-up strategy to make sure that everything that we sell, especially the test cargoes, the last thing that we want is to send material that's not as per spec.

Speaker #3: So we did the same when we did phase one when we brought in phase two as well. So what we're doing right now, if the material's on spec, we're stockpiling it as a DRPF material.

Speaker #3: If it's a little bit below spec because we're doing tests, we blend that material with our concentrate. So it's not really a blending strategy as per se.

Speaker #3: It's more of a ramp-up strategy to make sure that everything we sell, especially the test cargos—the last thing we want is to send material that's not as per spec.

Speaker #3: The plant's been functioning pretty well, so we've produced more of this on-spec material than we initially expected. But when we look at the strategy, it's really everything that's P69 or that's high-grade DR quality material is being stockpiled to be able to set apart so that we can sell as a separate product.

David Cataford: The plant's been functioning pretty well, we've produced more of this on-spec material than we initially expected. When we look at the strategy, it's really everything that's P69 or that's high-grade DR quality material is being stockpiled to be able to set apart so that we can sell as a separate product.

Speaker #2: Oh, that's much more clear. Thank you for that, David. And then there's some language in your disclosure that suggests that there will continue to be disruptions of those, let's call it the next six months or so as the DRPF plant ramps up.

Dalton Baretto: Oh, that's much more clear. Thank you for that, David. Then there's some language in your disclosure that suggests that there will continue to be disruptions over, let's call it, the next 6 months or so as the DRPF plant ramps up. Can you give us any sense at all in terms of sort of the cadence and level of those disruptions?

Speaker #2: Can you give us any sense at all in terms of sort of the cadence and level of those disruptions? Are these material or just minor disruptions?

David Cataford: Yes.

Dalton Baretto: Are these material or just minor disruptions?

Speaker #3: I'd say these are minor. It's more when I look at the fundamentals of the plant, I think it's delivered on all the major equipment.

David Cataford: I'd say these are minor. When I look at the fundamentals of the plant, I think it's delivered on all the major equipment. We'd still have some elements to work through in terms of the ramp up, but they're smaller elements. They do have impacts in terms of our production, but it's not a major failure where we have to change one of our main equipment and we have to wait on lead times and so what installation. It's more just ramping it up, making sure, as we mentioned, let's say for the screens, there's going to be some downtime to change them. We're going to test them. Is this the right one or is it going to be a small modification on the one that we're testing now?

Speaker #3: We'd still have some elements to work through in terms of the ramp up, but they're smaller elements. They do have impacts in terms of our production, but it's not a major failure where we have to change one of our main equipments and we have to wait on lead times and so what installation.

Speaker #3: So it's more just ramping it up, making sure as we mentioned, let's say for the screens, there's going to be some downtime to change them.

Speaker #3: We're going to test them. Is this the right one or is it going to be a small modification on the one that we're testing now?

Speaker #3: So there's going to be some elements, but it's really more on the stability side that there's going to be some impacts. And not so much on major downtimes.

David Cataford: There's going to be some elements, but it's really more on the stability side that there's going to be some impacts, and not so much on major downtimes.

Speaker #2: Great. Thanks. And then just maybe one last one on the premiums to follow up on the previous questions there. If we assume that now you're shipping on-spec product under long-term contracts, what is the quantum of that premium that you think you'll get?

Dalton Baretto: Great. Thanks. This is maybe one last one on the premiums to follow up on the previous questions there. If we assume that now you're shipping on-spec product under long-term contracts, what is the quantum of that premium that you think you'll get?

Speaker #3: It'll be the best premium that we can for our shareholders. I mean, obviously, we can't disclose the number now because we're in negotiation with many clients.

David Cataford: It'll be the best premium that we can for our shareholders. Obviously, we can't disclose the number now because we're in negotiation with many clients. When I look at the market right now, I do feel that there's a lot of demand for this type of material, even if there's a lot of noise right now. When you look at the premium for the high grade, you look at the Chinese steel mills, you look at the profitability, you look at the price for coal, a lot of direction seems to be showing that high grade is maybe not as favored. Realistically, when you look at the DR pellet premium, it's up. When you look at the quality of what's being produced by a lot of the majors, it's going down.

Speaker #3: But I do, when I look at the market right now, I do feel that there's a lot of demand for this type of material, even if there's a lot of noise right now.

Speaker #3: And when you look at the premium for the high grade, I mean, you look at the Chinese steel mills, you look at the profitability, you look at the price for coal, you look at a lot of direction seems to be showing that high grade is maybe not as favored.

Speaker #3: But realistically, when you look at the DR pellet premium, it's up. When you look at the quality of what's being produced by a lot of the majors, it's going down.

Speaker #3: So the fundamentals are there for us to be able to make this significant premium for our material. And I think the timing is very good for us to be able to deliver this into the market now.

David Cataford: The fundamentals are there for us to be able to make this a significant premium for our material, and I think the timing is very good for us to be able to deliver this into the market now.

Speaker #2: Thanks, David. And congrats to Michael. That's all from me.

Dalton Baretto: Thanks, David, congrats to Michael. That's all from me.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Next question comes on the line of Fedor Shevalin from B. Riley Securities. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Operator 2: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Fedor Shabalin from B. Riley Securities. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Fedor Shabalin from B. Riley Securities. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Speaker #5: Thank you very much, operator, and good morning, everyone. First of all, I just want to join my colleagues and congratulate Michael Marcotte with the appointment.

Fedor Shabalin: Thank you very much, operator, good morning, everyone. First of all, I just want to join my colleagues and congratulate Michael Marcotte to this appointment. My first question, can you quantify how much of fiscal Q1 output were deferred into fiscal Q2 because of DRPF commissioning and shipment timing? Should we expect substantially all of that deferred volumes to be recognized in the September quarter, assuming normal shipping schedules?

Speaker #5: And my first question, can you quantify how much of fiscal Q1 output were deferred into fiscal Q2 because of DRPF commissioning and shipment timing?

Speaker #5: And should we expect substantially all of that deferred benefit deferred volumes to be recognized in the September quarter, assuming normal shipping schedules?

Speaker #3: Yeah. We don't really give any guidance, but when you look at the last quarter, I mean, we produced 3.5 million tons, sold only 3.1.

David Cataford: Yeah, we don't really give any guidance, but when you look at the last quarter, we produced 3.5 million tons, sold only 3.1. When you look at the stockpiles, most of the material is at the port, so I do feel that we should be in a position to have higher sales in the Q2.

Speaker #3: When you look at the stockpiles, most of the material is at the port. So I do feel that we should be in a position to have a higher sales in the Q2.

Speaker #5: Thank you. It's clear. And my second.

Fedor Shabalin: Thank you. My second-

David Cataford: I don't know if you guys all spoke together, to be able to congratulate Michael so much, but I've never heard so many congratulations.

Speaker #3: I wanted to congratulate Michael as well, but I've never heard so many congratulations.

Fedor Shabalin: Yeah. My second one, it's about DRPF. If you can just frame what portion of Bloom Lake's near-term production is covered under the commercial agreement, and what percentage, approximately, of total DRPF output does that represent versus the volumes still open for discussion with prospective customers?

Speaker #5: Yeah. And my second one, it's about DRPF. If you can just frame what portion of Bloom Lakes near-term production is covered under the commercial agreement and what percentage of approximately of total DRPF output does that represent versus the volumes still open for discussion with prospective customers?

Speaker #3: Yeah. When we look at Bloom Lake, about half of our tons are committed in terms of the concentrate production. So that's for the typical concentrate.

David Cataford: When we look at Bloom Lake, about half of our tons are committed in terms of the concentrate production. That's for the typical concentrate. In terms of the flotation plan, obviously we're still in the ramp-up phase, and we're signing contracts right now. We have two contracts in place, and we're working with other clients to be able to finalize that portion. Essentially, let's say we look at this a year from now, we'll probably have about 75% of the tons of the flotation plant allocated, and most of the tons of the concentrate that is allocated as well.

Speaker #3: In terms of the flotation plant, so obviously, we're still in the ramp-up phase and we're signing contracts right now. We have two contracts in place.

Speaker #3: And we're working with other clients to be able to finalize that portion. But essentially, when we let's say we look at this a year from now, we'll probably have about 75% of the tons of the flotation plant allocated.

Speaker #3: And most of the tons of the concentrate that is allocated as well.

Speaker #5: Yeah. Thank you very much. And my last one is about macroenvironment. With the conflict in the Middle East, do you see any opportunity in capturing the extra portion of the Middle East market?

Fedor Shabalin: Yeah. Thank you very much. My last one is about macro environment. With the conflict in the Middle East, do you see any opportunity in capturing the extra portion of the Middle East market?

Speaker #3: Well, right now, there's still a portion of the market that's open for business. When we look at everybody's ready in the, I'd say, the restricted areas, but as soon as vessels are able to go in that region, I do feel there's going to be appetite also for our material.

David Cataford: Well, right now, there's still a portion of the market that's open for business. When we look at everybody's ready, in I'd say the restricted areas. As soon as vessels are able to go in that region, I do feel there's going to be appetite also for our material. It's still, I think, one of the major areas for us to be able to sell our tons. That being said, we're not just waiting to see what's going to happen. We're also in discussions with other clients in North Africa, Europe, and also in the Americas to be able to allocate these tons.

Speaker #3: So it's still, I think, one of the major areas for us to be able to sell our tons. But that being said, we're not just waiting to see what's going to happen.

Speaker #3: We're also in discussions with other clients in North Africa and Europe and also in the Americas to be able to allocate these tons.

Speaker #5: Thank you very much, David. That's crystal clear. And continue best of luck.

Fedor Shabalin: Thank you very much, David. That's crystal clear, and continue. Best of luck.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Fedor.

David Cataford: Thanks, Shador.

Speaker #1: Thank you. We have the next question. Comes on the line of Stephan Yuanu. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Operator 2: Thank you. We have the next question, comes from the line of Stefan Ioannou. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Operator: Thank you. We have the next question, comes from the line of Stefan Ioannou. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Speaker #6: Yeah. Great. Thanks very much. Just curious, we've already sort of asked this question a few times, but maybe just another way of asking it.

Stefan Ioannou: Yeah, great. Thanks very much. Just curious, we've already sort of asked this question a few times, but maybe just another way of asking it. You mentioned that you produced 600,000 tons of concentrate through the DRPF plant. Obviously, not all that's to spec, but you are looking to make your first shipment at spec at 160,000 tons this quarter. Can I read through the lines there and sort of assume that about a quarter of the production last quarter was on spec and the rest wasn't on spec?

Speaker #6: You mentioned that you produce 600,000 tons of concentrate through the DRPF plant. Obviously, not all that's to spec, but you are looking to make your first shipment at spec at 160,000 tons.

Speaker #6: This quarter, can I read through the lines there and sort of assume that about sort of a quarter of what you did and a quarter of the production last quarter was on spec and the rest wasn't on spec?

Speaker #3: Yeah. What's tough when you look at it is that obviously, if we're only producing for a few hours, and then we had to stop, well, even if the material was on spec, it was blended with all the rest of the material.

David Cataford: Yeah, what's tough when you look at it is that, obviously if we're only producing for a few hours and then we had to stop, well, even if the material was on spec, it was blended with all the rest of the material. I wouldn't see it exactly like that. I think that the plant has been delivering very well in terms of quality. When we look at the various runs, why we say that there's roughly about 160,000 tons for the next vessel, it's just because that's actually material that we've stockpiled in specific areas to be able to sell this. I wouldn't say that our plant is performing at 25%. Obviously, the first days that we started, it was just to test the equipment. Even if material passed through the plant, we didn't really even check.

Speaker #3: So I mean, I wouldn't see it exactly like that. I think that the plant has been delivering very well in terms of quality. But when we look at the various runs, why we say that there's roughly about 160,000 tons for the next vessel, it's just because that's actually material that we've stockpiled in specific areas to be able to sell this.

Speaker #3: But I wouldn't say that our plant is performing at 25%. I mean, obviously, the first days that we started, it was just to test the equipment.

Speaker #3: So even if material passed through the plant, we didn't really even check well, we did check the quality, but the intent was not to stockpile that to be able to have a separate product.

David Cataford: Well, we did check the quality. The intent was not to stockpile that to be able to have a separate product. I'd say the plant is performing much better than that 25% ratio. It's really just what we've stockpiled specifically to be able to sell as DR quality material.

Speaker #3: So, I'd say the plant is performing much better than that 25% ratio. It's really just what we've stockpiled specifically to be able to sell as DR-quality material.

Speaker #6: Okay. Okay. Got it. Got it. And then maybe just from a bigger point of view, obviously, still just the looming stockpiles that Bloom Lake in general, should we still anticipate it's going to take several quarters from now to really draw that down to sort of a quote-unquote normalized level?

Stefan Ioannou: Okay. Got it. Maybe just from a bigger point of view, obviously still just the looming stockpiles at Bloom Lake in general. Should we still anticipate it's going to take several quarters from now to really draw that down to a quote unquote normalized level, just given port and rail as well?

Speaker #6: Just given port and rail as well?

Speaker #3: Well, when I look at Bloom Lake, in terms of the stockpiles, there's quite a lot of material that's already at the port. So it's just a question of getting it on the vessels.

David Cataford: Well, when I look at Bloom Lake, in terms of the stockpiles, there's quite a lot of material that's already at the port. It's just a question of getting it on the vessels. When we look at a strategy to bring down the material, I do think that there's some spare capacity on the rail right now. I wouldn't expect the hold up to be on the logistics side, at least not in the short term. I do expect that we'll be able to ramp down the tons of the stockpiles pretty quickly. In terms of Voisey's Bay, the strategy is to pretty much have no stockpiles. That's not the intent. There was a bit of a timing issue now because some vessels were supposed to go to the Middle East. We had to redirect them.

Speaker #3: When we look at the strategy to bring down the material, I do think that there's some spare capacity on the rail right now. So I wouldn't expect the holdup to be on the logistics side at least not in the short term.

Speaker #3: So I do expect that we'll be able to ramp down the tons of the stockpiles pretty quickly. In terms of Rattigruber, the strategy is to pretty much have no stockpile, so that's not the intent.

Speaker #3: There was a bit of a timing issue now because some vessels were supposed to go to the Middle East, and we had to redirect them.

Speaker #3: But apart from that, going forward, there shouldn't be stockpiles or material stockpiles at the Rana either.

David Cataford: Apart from that, going forward, there shouldn't be stockpiles or material stockpiles at Voisey's Bay either.

Speaker #6: Okay. Okay. Great. Thanks very much, guys, and congratulations again to Michael.

Stefan Ioannou: Okay, great. Thanks very much, guys, congratulations again to Michael.

Speaker #3: Thanks.

Speaker #1: Thank you. As a reminder, if you wish to ask a question, please press star one. Your next question comes on the line of Brian MacArthur from Raymond James.

Operator 2: Thank you. As a reminder, if you wish to ask a question, please press star one. Your next question comes from the line of Brian MacArthur from Raymond James. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, if you wish to ask a question, please press star one. Your next question comes from the line of Brian MacArthur from Raymond James. Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Speaker #1: Your line is now open. You may ask your question.

Speaker #7: Good morning, and thank you for taking my questions. I'll also pass along my congratulations to Michael. I just want to go back to the question about the test cargoes.

Brian MacArthur: Good morning. Thank you for taking my questions, and I'll pass along my congratulations to Michael as well. I just want to go back to the question about the test cargoes. I think you said, obviously, you're not getting the premium of the feasibility study, you're still getting a premium. You said you get the benefit of the freight. I just want to make sure the premium, obviously, freight's changed since that feasibility too. Are you still getting a premium high enough to cover the cost without the freight, or are you saying with the freight, it all still works on the test cargoes? I don't know how much color you can give me on that's what I'm trying to figure out.

Speaker #7: I think you said obviously, you're not getting the premium of the feasibility study, but you're still getting a premium. And then you said you get the benefit of the freight.

Speaker #7: I just want to make sure—the premium, obviously, freights change, since that's feasibility too. Are you still getting a premium high enough to cover the cost without the freight, or are you sort of saying with the freight it all still works on the test cargoes?

Speaker #7: I don't know how much color you can give me on that, but that's what I'm trying to figure out.

Speaker #3: Yeah. Thanks, Brian. So even for the test cargoes, we'll be able to make more money than the operating costs of the flotation plant.

David Cataford: Yeah. Thanks, Brian. Even for the test cargoes, we'll be able to make more money than the operating costs of the flotation plant.

Speaker #7: Without any benefit from freight, because that's changed too, right? So the premium is higher than the cost, and then the freight differential is the freight differential, right?

Brian MacArthur: Without any benefit from freight, because that's changed too, right? The premium is higher than the cost, the freight differential is the freight differential, right?

Speaker #3: Yeah, the only thing that's difficult to answer specifically on that is sort of the package in terms of the contract, the way that we sell it.

David Cataford: Yeah. The only thing that's difficult to answer specifically on that is sort of a package in terms of the contract-

Brian MacArthur: Right

David Cataford: The way that we sell it. If a client prefers to have a bigger discount on the actual freight, less on. For us, it's really a package deal. It's tough to break it down.

Speaker #3: So if a client prefers to have a bigger discount on the actual freight, but then less on I mean, for us, it's really a it's really a package deal.

Speaker #3: So it's tough to break it down.

Speaker #7: Right. Thanks very much. That helps.

Brian MacArthur: Great. Thank you very much. That helps.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Is there no further question at this time? I will now turn the call over to David Cataford, CEO. Please continue.

Operator 2: Thank you. As there are no further questions at this time, I will now turn the call over to David Cataford, CEO. Please continue.

Operator: Thank you. As there are no further questions at this time, I will now turn the call over to David Cataford, CEO. Please continue.

Speaker #3: All right. Thanks, everyone, for being on the call. I just want to take a few seconds to congratulate Michael for his new position. And thank everyone for your support.

David Cataford: Thanks everyone for being on the call. I just want to take a few seconds to congratulate Michael for his new position. Thank everyone for your support. I know it's been a quarter that's had a bit of noise. I just want everyone on the call to know that we're working extremely hard to be able to navigate through these challenging times with the conflict in the Middle East. At the same time, we've got quite a lot of upside within our company having delivered this flotation plant. It'd be tough to start that project today, but now that it's been built, I think we're going to be able to separate ourselves from a lot of the material out there, and we'll be able to still get benefits even if the decarbonization agenda has slowed down.

Speaker #3: I know it's been a quarter that's had a bit of noise, but I just want everyone on the call to know that we're working extremely hard to be able to navigate through these challenging times with the conflict in the Middle East.

Speaker #3: But at the same time, we've got quite a lot of upside within our company having delivered this flotation plant. It'd be tough to start that project today, but now that it's been built, I think we're going to be able to separate ourselves from a lot of the material out there and we'll be able to still get benefits even if the decarbonization agenda has slowed down.

Speaker #3: I think, when I look at the quality of the material that's being produced worldwide, I do think that's where we have the best potential to be able to materialize premiums for our material.

David Cataford: I think when I look at the quality of the material that's being produced worldwide, I do think that's where we have the best potential to be able to materialize premiums for our material. As you know, we've always got the potential strategy of blending all of our material together and being able to have 100% of Bloom Lake material that's still DR grade, to be able to sell to potential clients closer to home. I think we've got a lot of flexibility built into our company, and we're going to continue working to make sure that we get back into cash positive territories, obviously, and start working on de-leveraging our company. Again, I'd like to thank everyone for being on the call, and looking forward to be able to present the next quarter results.

Speaker #3: And as you know, we've always got the potential strategy of blending all of our material together, and being able to have 100% of Bloom Lake material that's still DR grade, to be able to sell to potential clients closer to home.

Speaker #3: So I think we've got a lot of flexibility built into our company. And we're going to continue working to make sure that we get back into cash-positive territories, obviously, and start working on deleveraging your company.

Speaker #3: So again, I'd like to thank everyone for being on the call and looking forward to be able to present the next quarter results.

Operator 2: Thank you so much. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

Operator: Thank you so much. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

Q1 2027 Champion Iron Ltd Earnings Call

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