Largo Increases Quarterly V2O5 Production by 42% with 3,072 Tonnes Produced in Q3 2024; Signs Binding Term Sheet to Supply 2,100 Tonnes of V2O5 for Consideration of $23.5 Million, Leveraging Vanadium Inventories and Optimizing Sales
Q3 2024 and Other Highlights
V 2 O 5 production of 3,072 tonnes (6.8 million lbs 1 ) in Q3 2024, a 42% increase over the 2,163 tonnes produced in Q3 2023 and the highest quarterly production in seven quarters
V 2 O 5 production of 1,002 tonnes in July, 973 tonnes in August and 1,097 tonnes in September, with September production representing the highest monthly production in two years
Global V 2 O 5 recovery rate 3 of 81.1% in Q3 2024 vs. 76.9% in Q3 2023, a 6% increase
Ramp up of the Company’s ilmenite concentration plant continues with production of 16,383 tonnes in Q3 2024, a 90% increase over the 8,625 tonnes produced in Q2 2024
Ilmenite concentrate sales of 19,572 tonnes in Q3 2024, a 60% increase over the 12,261 tonnes sold in Q2 2024
V 2 O 5 equivalent sales of 1,961 tonnes in Q3 2024 vs. 2,385 tonnes sold in Q3 2023
Vanadium supply agreement unlocks approximately $23.5 million through the supply of 2,100 tonnes of the Company’s standard grade V 2 O 5 , subject to repurchase option; Reduces vanadium inventories without impacting current, future or long-term contract vanadium sales commitments
The average benchmark price per lb of V 2 O 5 in Europe was $5.71 in Q3 2024, a 4% decrease from the average of $5.93 in Q2 2024 and 29% below the average of $8.03 seen in Q3 2023; Largely driven by an oversupply of vanadium in Asia and Europe; According to recent data from leading vanadium organization Vanitec, the oversupply gap is now gradually narrowing
2024 production, sales, cost and capital expenditures guidance remain unchanged
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Largo Inc. (" Largo " or the " Company ") ( TSX: LGO ) ( NASDAQ: LGO ) today reports its strongest quarterly production in seven quarters with 3,072 tonnes (6.8 million lbs 1 ) of vanadium pentoxide (" V 2 O 5 ") equivalent in Q3 2024. Ilmenite production increased 90% over Q2 2024 to 16,383 tonnes, with sales of 19,572 tonnes, representing a 60% increase over the same prior comparative quarter. While vanadium sales totaled 1,961 tonnes, the Company continues to optimize its global sales strategy, including a reduction of excess vanadium inventories while leveraging the expertise of its seasoned commercial team to unlock emerging opportunities in the vanadium and titanium sectors.
Largo Increases Quarterly V2O5 Production by 42% with 3,072 Tonnes Produced in Q3 2024; Signs Binding Term Sheet to Supply 2,100 Tonnes of V2O5 for Consideration of $23.5 Million, Leveraging Vanadium Inventories and Optimizing Sales (Photo: Business Wire)
Largo Increases Quarterly V2O5 Production by 42% with 3,072 Tonnes Produced in Q3 2024; Signs Binding Term Sheet to Supply 2,100 Tonnes of V2O5 for Consideration of $23.5 Million, Leveraging Vanadium Inventories and Optimizing Sales (Photo: Business Wire)
The Company is also pleased to announce that it has signed binding documentation with the Commodities business of a New York-based asset manager, with over $20 billion in assets under management (the " Buyer "), to supply 2,100 tonnes of standard grade V 2 O 5 for consideration of approximately $23.5 million. Largo expects to deliver the material in staggered shipments between October 17, 2024, and March 31, 2025, with funds being received upon each delivery. At the option of the Buyer, who must elect the total volume no later than 90 calendar days prior to September 30, 2027, Largo is obligated to repurchase up to a maximum of 2,100 tonnes of standard grade V 2 O 5 at a fixed price not exceeding $7.00 per lb V 2 O 5 , with delivery required by September 30, 2027.
Daniel Tellechea, Interim CEO and Director of Largo, stated: “Operational efficiencies implemented earlier this year are now bearing fruit, as demonstrated by our highest quarterly vanadium production in seven quarters and a significant ramp-up in ilmenite output. These measures continue to strengthen our production capabilities and improve cost performance as previously disclosed in August, positioning us to further enhance our operational results going forward. Despite challenges with sales due to continued adverse conditions in the Chinese and European steel industries, our focus remains on delivering strong operational performance from the Maracás Menchen Mine to meet our set targets for the year.”
He continued: “The vanadium supply agreement allows Largo to unlock approximately $23.5 million from the supply of 2,100 tonnes of its standard grade V 2 O 5 , providing the Company with additional liquidity and flexibility in the current vanadium price environment. With our operating team continuing to improve production rates in 2024, we have accumulated additional vanadium inventories that will be used for this transaction, with benefits to be realized once delivery is completed without impacting our current or future sales commitments. These factors are expected to better position us to navigate current market fluctuations while increasing our presence in the global vanadium market.”