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Amsterdam, 31 July 2024 (Regulated Information) — AMG Critical Materials N.V. (“AMG”, EURONEXT AMSTERDAM: “AMG”) reports second quarter 2024 revenue of $364 million, a 17% decrease versus the second quarter of 2023. Despite significant declines in lithium and vanadium prices compared to the same period in 2023, AMG achieved an adjusted EBITDA of $39 million by leveraging its diversified portfolio. AMG continued to experience robust structural demand for its critical materials which is a testament to the strategic positioning of our businesses and the low-cost position of all of our operations.
Dr. Heinz Schimmelbusch, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO, said, “The second quarter 2024 adjusted EBITDA of $39 million reflects the success of our strategic positioning and diversified business model, enabling us to navigate market volatility effectively. Aerospace continues to be a source of growth, with AMG Engineering securing $90 million in order intake in the second quarter, and a June 30th order backlog of $310 million. Additionally, AMG Chrome, AMG Graphite and AMG Antimony all performed well compared to the second quarter last year, and it is noteworthy that every operating unit at AMG was profitable in the second quarter of 2024.
In terms of our growth initiatives, our major lithium projects continue on-schedule, with our Brazilian mine expansion and our lithium conversion plant ramp-up in Germany. Both projects strengthen our position in the lithium market. In June 2024, we took an additional step to expand our lithium resource portfolio with the capital investment in Savannah Resources, Europe’s largest spodumene lithium deposit. With current low price levels, AMG has been able to increase its control over lithium resources with minimal capital outlays. Additionally, our low-cost operations in Brazil are delivering continued profitability in lithium concentrate and are ramping up production ahead of schedule.
Our vanadium business demonstrated strong volume growth of 23% in the second quarter of 2024 versus the second quarter of last year, helping to offset a 29% decline in price. Our operations in Ohio continue to be the low-cost global producer of ferrovanadium, significantly outperforming primary mining operations.
I am also pleased to report that we have significant liquidity to support our many growth opportunities. With $308 million in cash on hand and $200 million available under our revolving credit facility, AMG has a total liquidity of over $500 million.”
Lithium
AMG Lithium B.V. invested GBP 16 million (approximately USD 20 million) in Savannah Resources Plc, the developer of the Barroso Lithium Project in Portugal, Europe’s largest spodumene lithium deposit. This investment gives AMG a 15.77% ownership stake, making AMG the largest shareholder of record.
Our lithium concentrate plant expansion from 90,000 tons to 130,000 tons per year is ramping up and we expect to produce at 110,000-ton annualized capacity in the third quarter and at full 130,000-ton annualized capacity in the fourth quarter.
In Bitterfeld, Germany, AMG’s first 20,000-ton module of its lithium hydroxide refinery is on schedule and the qualification process is underway. The production batches are expected to ship in the third quarter of 2024.
Vanadium
AMG Vanadium’s Zanesville, Ohio facility continued to perform well and exceeded target production volumes in the first half of 2024.
AMG Vanadium completed a 5-year contract extension with a key, long-term refinery partner for processing their spent catalyst. AMG Vanadium will continue to provide full metals reclamation on this material, fully eliminating any environmental risks for this refinery.
The vanadium electrolyte plant at AMG Titanium in Nuremberg, Germany is in the final stages of completion. We expect to have nameplate capacity available by the fourth quarter of 2024 as part of the vertical integration into LIVA batteries.
In May 2024, AMG Titanium signed a new multi-year contract extension with SAFRAN to supply titanium aluminides (“TiAl”) for production of low-pressure turbine blades for the CFM International LEAP engine. The technology and equipment to produce this material was jointly developed with AMG Engineering (ALD Vacuum Technologies).
SARBV’s “Supercenter” phase 1 project in Saudi Arabia has completed the FEL3 basic engineering phase. Technical and commercial evaluations of the long lead equipment packages are progressing and expected to be complete by the end of the third quarter of 2024.
Technologies
AMG LIVA is executing several battery projects to optimize energy management for industrial plants and integrate renewable energy sources and EV charging. A hybrid energy storage system with a 4.5 MWh capacity is currently in service, integrating wind and solar energy for a major industrial client and enabling 80% self-sufficiency.
AMG Graphit Kropfmühl and BASF have entered into an innovative agreement to reduce their product carbon footprint.
Financial Highlights
In April 2024, AMG entered into a new $100 million incremental term loan, structured as a fungible add-on to the existing $350 million senior secured term loan. The $100 million incremental term loan has the same pricing, terms and 2028 maturity as the existing $350 million term loan. AMG will use the proceeds of the new incremental term loan for general corporate purposes and lithium resource development.
AMG’s liquidity as of June 30, 2024 was $508 million, with $308 million of unrestricted cash and $200 million of revolving credit availability.
AMG declares an interim dividend of €0.20 per ordinary share, to be paid in the third quarter of 2024.