Highlights

  • LTR’s September quarter results aligned with plan amid transition to underground mining operations.
  • Revenue stood at AUD 68M in September quarter, impacted by port congestion and backward-looking pricing.
  • Cash balance rose to AUD 420M, supported by equity placement and deferred repayment.

Liontown Resources Limited (ASX:LTR) released its operational and financial results for the September quarter of FY26, consistent with the company’s plan to transition from open pit to underground mining at the Kathleen Valley project. The quarter marked steady progress in underground ramp-up while nearing completion of open pit operations.

A total of 87,172 dry metric tonnes (dmt) of concentrate was produced during the period, with an average grade of 5.0% Li₂O. Processing performance reflected the planned OSP feed strategy, with 92% plant availability and 59% lithia recovery. Recovery improvement initiatives remain underway, targeting around 70% recovery by March 2026 as cleaner underground ore becomes the dominant feed.

Mining and Processing Performance

Open pit operations remained on schedule, with 292 kilotonnes (kt) of ore mined at an average 1.3% Li₂O grade. The final ore zones were exposed in September, with completion expected by December 2025.

Underground operations continued to ramp up, with 225 kt of ore mined — up 105% quarter-on-quarter — achieving a 1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) run rate. Supporting infrastructure, including paste-fill and ventilation systems, is fully commissioned and performing to design. Development for the quarter totaled 1,824 metres, with stope recovery above 95% and no major dilution issues reported.

Financial Performance

Quarterly reported revenue was AUD 68M, a 29% decline quarter-on-quarter due to lower shipping volumes from port congestion and backward-looking pricing. The average realised price (CIF) was USD 700/dmt.

Unit operating expence increased 22% to AUD 1,093/dmt (FOB), reflecting the planned drawdown of OSP stockpiles and lower recoveries. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) rose 10% to AUD 1,354/dmt (FOB), due to higher unit operating expence partly offset by lower sustaining capital expenditure.

The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of AUD 420M, up from AUD 156M in the previous period. The increase was supported by equity placement proceeds of AUD 363M and deferral of the first Ford repayment.

Safety and ESG

Liontown maintained its focus on safety and wellbeing through the ECU MARS Centre Better Together program. The Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) was 2.63, while the Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) stood at 9.15. The female workforce represented 23%, and 79% of power was sourced from renewable energy.

Outlook

Liontown reaffirmed its FY26 guidance, expecting concentrate production between 365–450 kilodmt at grades of 5.2% Li₂O. Unit operating costs are forecast between AUD 855–1,045/dmt (FOB) and AISC between AUD 1,060–1,295/dmt (FOB).

The company continues to target a 70% recovery rate by March 2026 and full transition to 100% underground production by the first quarter of FY27.

 

Share Performance

LTR’s shares are currently trading at AUD 1.072 per share, down by 11.36% from its previous close of AUD1.21.