IGO Limited Q3 Update: Strong $34M EBITDA, Robust $284M Net Cash & Dividend Milestone Driven by Greenbushes and Nova Performance

Wednesday, April 30, 2025
at
8:40 am
Article header image

IGO Limited reported a strong quarter with $34M EBITDA and $49M free cash flow, driven by robust Greenbushes lithium performance and improved safety. Dividends were paid as operational efficiencies and a new exploration strategy steer the company toward sustained growth and cost reductions.

IGO Limited reported a robust operating quarter ending 31 March 2025, highlighting strong performance at the Greenbushes lithium mine and improved results at the Nova nickel-copper operation, despite continued challenges at its Kwinana Lithium Hydroxide Refinery. The company generated an underlying EBITDA of A$34 million and underlying free cash flow of A$49 million, while maintaining a net cash balance of A$284 million—an increase of A$38 million on a strong safety record evidenced by a TRIFR of 10.6 and 60 days without any reportable injuries. At Greenbushes, the operation delivered solid margins with an EBITDA margin of 68% for the year-to-date period. Although spodumene production dipped by 13% due to planned lower mill throughput and reduced feed grades, sales volumes rose 17% as delayed shipments were absorbed. The Chemical Grade Plant 3 expansion remains on track, with its first concentrate slated for production in the December quarter of 2025. Additionally, a US$110 million dividend was paid to the joint venture partners through Windfield, reinforcing the asset’s strong cash flow capabilities. The Nova operation recorded a 23% quarter-on-quarter increase in nickel production and a 42% rise in copper production, driven by improved mining volumes, better grade performance, and enhanced plant recoveries. Although the operation’s grades underperformed year-to-date, Nova’s updated life-of-mine guidance now foresees final production occurring in the December 2026 quarter, delivering an extra 15,000–18,000 tonnes of contained nickel beyond the current financial year. Challenges at the Kwinana facility were evident, with lithium hydroxide production remaining flat due to an unexpected shutdown and equipment failure that are expected to restrict output until repairs are completed. However, conversion costs at Kwinana dropped by nearly 30% quarter-on-quarter, partially offsetting the operational setbacks. The cessation of all works on Lithium Hydroxide Plant 2 has been finalized, while discussions continue on a mutually acceptable pathway for Plant 1 between IGO and Tianqi Lithium Corporation. In parallel with operational results, IGO has restructured its exploration business through a new model that emphasizes targeted projects and rapid testing, resulting in lower exploration expenditure and a more focused tenement portfolio. This strategic pivot was accompanied by a significant reduction in staffing levels. The period also saw key executive departures, including the CFO and the Chief People and Sustainability Officer, which may signal a broader shift in the company’s corporate structure. Investors may find a mix of bullish and bearish signals in the latest release. On the positive side, the strength in cash flow generation, strong margins at Greenbushes, improved outputs at Nova, and disciplined capital expenditure—in both operating and exploration activities—could drive confidence for future performance. Conversely, concerns linger regarding operational disruptions at Kwinana, the continued impact of equipment issues, and the costs associated with structural and staffing changes. These factors might temper investor sentiment until the associated risks are effectively mitigated.

Document

Recent Articles