METCB

Collaboration Announcement: Ramaco Resources has signed a significant Umbrella Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory to enhance research on rare earth elements and critical minerals.

Focus on Innovation: The agreement aims to leverage advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to accelerate the discovery and commercialization of rare earths and critical minerals, particularly at Ramaco's Brook Mine in Wyoming.

Management Insights: Ramaco Resources is focusing on rare earths, aiming to establish the largest upstream production platform in the U.S. for heavy magnetic rare earths and critical minerals, with plans for a strategic stockpile at the Brook Mine and a target of over $500 million in EBITDA from rare earth production by 2028.

Financial Performance: The company reported a Q3 adjusted EBITDA of $8.4 million and a net loss of $13 million, with production and sales volumes declining. However, liquidity reached a record $272 million following a $200 million stock placement.

Operational Outlook: Production guidance for 2025 has been slightly reduced, reflecting ongoing challenges in the metallurgical coal market, while management emphasizes disciplined capital deployment and the importance of securing long-term offtake agreements for the rare earth platform.

Risks and Concerns: Analysts raised concerns about execution risks, scalability, and the need for long-term contracts, while management acknowledged potential permitting delays and ongoing weakness in metallurgical coal markets due to external pressures.

Financial Performance: Ramaco Resources reported a net loss of $13.3 million for Q3 2025, with adjusted EBITDA of $8.4 million and cash costs per ton sold decreasing to $97, despite a decline in metallurgical coal prices.

Transition to Critical Minerals: The company is transitioning to become a dual-platform producer of metallurgical coal and rare earth elements, with plans to develop the Brook Mine in Wyoming, which is expected to significantly increase production of critical minerals.

Strategic Initiatives: Ramaco's Board approved the development of a national strategic critical mineral terminal to support its downstream operations, aiming to enhance the U.S. supply chain for rare earths and critical minerals.

Market Outlook: Despite challenges in the metallurgical coal market, Ramaco maintains a strong liquidity position of $272 million, allowing for continued investment in its critical minerals initiatives while managing production costs effectively.