Welcome to our webcast presentation of our results for the year ended 30 June 2025. I am Nico Muller, the CEO of Implats. This presentation provides a high-level overview of our group's performance over the financial year. Before we begin, I draw your attention to our normal disclosure statement pertaining to any forward-looking statements that may be made today. I will start today's presentation with an overview of the group's performance and the key features. This will lead into a more detailed account of the group's operational performance presented by Patrick Morutlwa, our Chief Operating Officer, followed by the financial results presented by Meroonisha Kerber, our CFO, and then Sifiso Sibiya, our Group Executive for Refining and Marketing, who will provide an overview of the PGM markets before I finish off with our key focus areas and the outlook for FY 2026.
We continue to strengthen our commitment to a safety-first culture at all our operations, and we remain deeply committed to the well-being of our employees. The disciplined execution of our safety strategy has led to continued improvements in overall safety performance. However, key challenges remain. While the number and severity of injuries have declined, the number of fatal incidents has not followed the same trend. This underscores the need for further targeted interventions and addressing high-risk behaviors. It is therefore with profound sadness and disappointment that we report eight employee fatalities in seven incidents at our managed operations during the period. We acknowledge the improvement in safety delivered across our managed and joint venture portfolio, which led to an 11% improvement in the group's lost time injury frequency rate and a 2% improved total injury frequency rate.
Implats seeks to demonstrate best practice in environmental management, guided by our environmental strategy and ESG framework. I am proud to report that we achieved further progress in our sustainability journey during the period. Zimplats successfully commissioned the first 35 MW of its intended 185 MW solar power complex, and the second phase for 45 MW was approved by the Board in November 2024. A five-year renewable energy supply agreement was concluded with Discovery Green. This will provide wheeled wind and solar renewable energy for up to 90% of the electricity demand at our Impala refineries. We also delivered a sound environmental performance with no major significant environmental incidents. All tailings storage facilities retained compliance in the annual independent tailings review board audit. Our efforts and achievements were once again recognized by several global agencies in their annual rankings and ratings.
Implats' focus on key high-impact and strategic community investment projects was maintained in the year. The group spent ZAR 274 million on projects focused on community well-being, education and skills development, enterprise development, inclusive procurement, and developing resilient infrastructure. Taken together, these projects benefited more than 61,000 people and supported approximately 3,700 employment opportunities during the year. Implats delivered a commendable performance across its mining and processing assets following a group-wide labor restructuring and revisions to operating parameters at several of our operations. After a robust first half, we experienced unplanned furnace maintenance and utility supply and weather-related disruptions at our base and precious metal refineries. This materially impacted our ability to meet planned refined and sales volumes in the period. Group 6E production declined by 3% to 3.55 million ounces. Our refined volumes, which include sellable production from Impala Canada and Impala Bafokeng, were unchanged at 3.4 million ounces.
Unit costs benefited from easing input inflation and rand appreciation, but faced headwinds from lower production volumes, the reallocation of capital from Impala Canada to working costs, and ESOT and ex-gratia payments. We are reporting a 7% increase in unit costs for the period. Capital expenditure also eased meaningfully. Several replacement and growth projects were completed and commissioned in the period, and as mentioned, we have transferred spend at Impala Canada to working costs, in line with our group accounting policies. Profitability was affected by lower sales volumes and muted rand PGM pricing, while operational challenges and restructuring costs at our South African and Canadian assets further impacted earnings. Free cash flow generation improved despite lower earnings, and the group maintained a strong and flexible balance sheet with improved liquidity headroom of ZAR 19.7 billion.
Implats generated EBITDA of ZAR 9.9 billion, headline earnings of ZAR 0.82 per share, and recorded a free cash flow of ZAR 2.4 billion. We have obtained a dividend of ZAR 1.65 per share for the year. I will now hand over to Patrick Morutlwa, our Chief Operating Officer, who will take you through an overview of our operational performance.
Thank you, Nico. We are reporting small changes in our mineral resource estimate, with positive adjustments at Impala Canada and the Waterberg project largely offsetting depletion. The 10% reduction in reserves is largely due to the exclusion of Marula phase II project, which together with production depletion has more than offset some gains at Impala Bafokeng and Zimplats. We navigated a group-wide labor restructuring, elevated project commissioning activity at Zimplats, changes in operating parameters at several of our assets, and unplanned maintenance, weather-related, and utility supply disruptions at our processing assets to deliver commendable production and cost performance. Turning to the specific contribution to group PGM production from the different operations, production at our managed operations declined by 4%. Stock-adjusted production at Impala Rustenburg was largely unchanged, with the operating momentum challenged by safety stoppages, but benefiting from higher grades and maintained mining flexibility.
Zimplats faced weak machine availability and intermittent power interruptions, with milled volumes also impacted by smelter and converter commissioning in the period. At Canada, as previously communicated, the production profile is tapering on the shortened life of mine. Marula was impacted by constrained mining flexibility, and two phases of labor restructuring were completed in the year. At Impala Bafokeng, some really pleasing improvements, the spill drift were offset by challenges at BRPM and production losses due to safety stoppages in the period. Production from our JVs declined by 1%. Pleasingly, Two Rivers improved its UG2 mining performance, but we milled lower volumes of Booysendal ore. Mimosa remained a consistently strong operation for the group. Finally, the third-party receipts benefited from better than expected deliveries from key contracts. Refined 6E production, which includes sellable ounces from Impala Bafokeng and Impala Canada, was stable.
Our processing capacity was impacted by unplanned furnace maintenance, the Zimplats furnace commissioning, heavy rain at our refineries, and interruptions to both hydrogen and water supply at our refineries. In total, these events resulted in 230,000 ounces of deferred refined volumes in the period. We ended the period with excess inventory of circa 420,000 6E ounces, about 30,000 ounces higher than at the prior year end. We have introduced an optimized operating strategy and enhanced maintenance protocols across our furnaces and will begin with the phased introduction of design enhancements in FY 2026. Further upgrades aimed at ensuring long-term furnace integrity and performance, while addressing changes in furnace feed mineralogy, will be implemented in scheduled rebuild from FY 2027. We expect to steadily release this inventory over the next four years. Capital expenditure reflects the material slowing in growth and replacement spend as major projects were commissioned in the period.
Capital expenditure during the year was planned against the backdrop of weak rand revenue and constrained profitability. We focused spend on projects that delivered operational efficiency and safeguarded the integrity of our mining and processing infrastructure. Several notable milestones were achieved, including the commissioning of both the 38 MW smelter and 35 MW solar power plant at Zimplats. The upgrade of Impala Rustenburg flash dryer and Impala Refineries Base Metals Refinery were completed. The BMR effluent crystallizer was commissioned, improving our environmental performance and ensuring compliance with our water use license. Meroonisha Kerber, our Chief Financial Officer, will now outline the group's financial performance for the period.
Thank you, Patrick. Group profitability remained challenged by lackluster rand PGM pricing, which characterized most of the reporting period. Despite good cost containment, we faced several operational challenges and incurred restructuring costs at the South African and Canadian assets, and we are reporting lower earnings metrics for the period. We benefited from improved cash flow generation, and our balance sheet remains strong, with an improved adjusted net cash position and higher liquidity headroom, delivering on a key strategic imperative for the group and supporting the resumption of dividend payments. Looking at some of the details, financial metrics were negatively impacted by the combination of lower metal prices received in the period, particularly palladium and nickel, which together with a stronger achieved rand offset the positive impact of higher platinum, rhodium, and gold prices. I am really pleased with the cost performance delivered by the team during the period.
Mining inflation of 4.7% moderated from the prior period and was partially offset by a lower labor complement and the benefit of the translation of the dollar cost phase of Impala Canada and Zimplats at a stronger exchange rate. In total, we limited the increase in cash costs to 3%. Depreciation decreased slightly, with lower charges due to impairments in the prior year, partially offset by the accelerated depreciation at Impala Canada. The movement in stock reflected increased quantities of both refined and in-process inventory, together with higher unit costs. You will recall that profit in the prior year was impacted by several significant once-off and non-cash items, and there were no impairments in the period under review. Other net expenses benefited from insurance proceeds and fair value gains on the environmental rehabilitation investment, which were accounted for by restructuring costs and provisions for savings at Impala Canada.
The loss from earnings at our joint ventures moderated in the period, but was adversely impacted by the movement of unrealized profit in inventory, which had remained unsold at period end. The effective tax rate was higher for the period due to no deferred tax being raised on the Impala Canada losses and the post-tax loss from associates being included in profit before tax. Collectively, these factors contributed to a decline in reported EBITDA to ZAR 9.9 billion and headline earnings of ZAR 0.82 per share. Group stock adjusted unit costs increased by 7%. Group mining inflation of 4.7% at our managed operations accounted for ZAR 958 per ounce of the increase. The translation of the dollar cost base of Impala Canada and Zimplats at a stronger exchange rate benefited the unit cost performance by ZAR 156 or 1% per ounce.
The lower labor complement following a group-wide restructuring resulted in a further ZAR 441 per ounce or 2% benefit. Stock adjusted volumes at managed operations declined by 5% in the period, with smelting costs negatively impacted by the commissioning of the new Zimplats smelter. However, gross refined volumes improved by 2% at our Springs Refinery. Overall, lower volumes resulted in a cumulative ZAR 587 per ounce increase in unit costs. The Impala ESOT and ex-gratia payment and the expensing of Impala Canada capital expenditure collectively accounted for ZAR 416 or 2% of the increase. Maintaining an optimal capital structure and a strong and flexible balance sheet through the cycle remains a key strategic priority, and I am pleased with the improvements we are reporting today.
Cash generation remained constrained by lackluster rand PGM pricing and still elevated levels of working capital, but net cash from operating activities increased from ZAR 6.9 billion to ZAR 7.4 billion. Free cash flow benefited from a retracement in capital expenditure to ZAR 7 billion as spend slowed on the Zimplats solar, mining, and processing projects, the Marula phase II project was stopped, and the reclassification of Impala Canada spend to cash costs due to the shortened mine life. The group received the June 2024 Impala Bafokeng revenue payment of ZAR 1 billion in early July and insurance proceeds of ZAR 740 million. In total, we generated free cash flow, including some once-off cash flows of ZAR 2.4 billion. Adjusted debt of ZAR 3.3 billion includes the deferred revenue on the gold stream at Impala Bafokeng of ZAR 1.6 billion and drawn facilities at Zimplats.
Cash balances amounted to ZAR 11.6 billion, and Implats closed the period with adjusted cash net of debt of ZAR 8.1 billion. Our total committed revolving credit facility of ZAR 8.2 billion remained undrawn, resulting in closing liquidity headroom of ZAR 19.7 billion. Our capital allocation framework aims to deliver, sustain, and grow meaningful value for all our stakeholders. As a reminder, we first allocate cash flow to sustaining capital, which ensures that our assets operate safely, optimally, and sustainably. Thereafter, we adjust free cash flow in each period for non-discretionary outflows and add back expansion capital. We then allocate the resultant free cash flow across three broad pillars of balance sheet strength, growth and investment, and shareholder return.
Implats recorded an adjusted free cash inflow of ZAR 2.6 billion in the period. ZAR 0.9 billion was incurred to fund growth, primarily at the group's processing operations, with minimal allocation required at this stage for additional balance sheet strength. Implats' dividend policy is premised on returning a minimum of 30% of adjusted free cash flow pre-growth capital. After considering the group's financial performance, strong balance sheet positioning, and future capital requirements, as well as the improving market conditions, the Board declared a final cash dividend of ZAR 1.65 per share or ZAR 1.5 billion. Together with dividends paid to Impala Crow minorities in the period, this results in an approximately 60% of adjusted free cash flow allocation to shareholder returns in FY 2025. Sifiso Sibiya, our Group Executive for Refining and Marketing, will now discuss the PGM market.
Thank you, Meroonisha. PGM prices in FY 2025 were characterized by two distinct periods. The first half of our financial year saw weak and range-bound rand pricing, with gold continuing to outperform the wide metals and sustained dollar strength. Physical markets reflected ample liquidity as our peers and industrial customers stopped previously accumulated inventory. Markets then began to tighten noticeably in the second half as precious metals inventory was onshored to the U.S. ahead of potential tariffs, and lease rates increased. Physical demand remained firm, and refined supply from South Africa weakened. PGM prices rallied further in the final weeks of the financial year, with speculative positioning shifting on price appreciation and improved market narrative. At period end, closing metal prices were noticeably firm. Over the full year, we benefited from stronger platinum and rhodium pricing, while palladium and nickel were lower.
Rand appreciation weighed on revenue, while our dollar received basket price improved by 3% to $1,389 per 6E ounce. Rand revenue at ZAR 25,172 per 6E ounce was virtually unchanged over the period. Greater than expected destocking by primary producers was countered by softer than expected secondary supply and revisions to the peer group production profile. This resulted in tighter than expected PGM markets in 2024. 2025 has brought heightened levels of macroeconomic uncertainty. The impact of tariffs on automotive and industrial PGM demand will take some time to emerge and will weigh on business and consumer confidence. As a result, we expect to make further near-term adjustments to current forecasts, but we know that both primary and secondary PGM supply continues to face headwinds, while platinum jewelry and investment demand have benefited from renewed interest.
All three major PGM markets, platinum, palladium, and rhodium, are likely to remain in fundamental deficit in 2025, and our market shortfalls have increased from prior estimates. According to global data, sales of light duty vehicles rose 5% to 44.5 million units in the first six months of 2025. However, the outlook is less rosy. The latest global data forecast released in mid-July 2025 incorporated assumptions around the U.S. tariff policy going forward and the implications for the wider economy and the automotive industry specifically. It included a softer medium-term view with a downgraded U.S. outlook. Current forecasts suggest growth will moderate in the coming months, with 1% sales growth expected in 2025 and market stagnation in 2026 as the impact of tariffs takes hold. These numbers remain in a near constant state of flux, with the outcome likely to be shaped by U.S. trade agreements with major trading partners.
After a poor performance in 2024, when the global passenger BEV market grew by just 13%, 2025 has seen an improvement with sales growth of 35% in the first six months of the year, albeit with notable geographic exceptions. Europe and China have underpinned the sales performance with growth of 24% and 47% respectively. By contrast, the U.S. BEV market expanded by less than 7% as Trump rolled back EV incentives and regulatory targets that promote plug-in vehicles. In total, the BEV share of global light vehicle sales began 2025 at 12.5% and is forecast to end the year at around 15%. Other growth areas include full hybrids, which are seeing strong demand in Europe and the U.S., while plug-in hybrids are prospering in Europe during a regulatory window around the CO2 ratings.
After easing in 2024, industrial demand is expected to improve in 2025 on stabilizing chemical demand and higher anticipated uptake from the petroleum and liquid fuel sectors, as well as the data center-driven expansion in the electronics sector. Glass demand is also expected to expand, supporting demand for both platinum and rhodium. The outlook for jewelry demand has been notably positive in 2025, with the recession in China jewelry fabrication driving shifting sentiment and tightening liquidity in the platinum market. The size of the Chinese market and still low levels of inventory could support sustained purchasing over the remainder of 2025. As a result, expectations for annual fabrications have been upgraded. There is a risk that still weak domestic consumer confidence could see consumption fail to replicate the strength in fabrication over the medium- term, resulting in higher inventory levels and a threat of destocking.
The developed jewelry markets in Japan, the U.S., and Europe are also performing better than expected, with platinum demand supported by low diamond prices and a steep discount to gold. In contrast, in India, the high gold price has impacted jewelry store traffic and jewelry volumes, and the U.S. tariffs have hurt export volumes. As a result, the outlook for Indian demand in 2025 has been revised down. In total, strong Chinese fabrication and robust European and U.S. demand should see jewelry demand rise to a multi-year high of 2.2 million ounces in 2025. Investment sentiment and activity have improved and supported pricing in 2025. Global retail investment increased in the first half of the year, with profit-taking in Japan offset by robust demand in China and growth in both Europe and North America, despite constrained product offerings.
Platinum ETF investors have taken profits after the recent strong price rally, while palladium and rhodium holdings have risen through the year. Turning to suppliers, primary supply is expected to ease slightly for platinum and rhodium in 2025, with a more material retracement in palladium. Estimates for the inventory drawdown in 2025 have also been revised due to the higher than expected release in 2024, but also in response to processing maintenance at South African producers in the first half of the year. Secondary PGM supply stabilized in 2024, but expectations for growth were trimmed through the year as collection rates again failed to rebound to the extent expected. The cost and complexity of collecting, funding, and transporting spent catalyst material remains high, and opinions are divided on the quantum of catalyst holding.
The pace of secondary supply expansion is a key factor driving easing palladium and rhodium markets in the medium and longer term, and is based on expected recovery in Western out-turn and Chinese growth. The key leading indicator for scrap volumes remains light vehicle sales, and the outlook in 2025 is clouded by tariff uncertainty. Further tariffs could obstruct the movement of collected autocatalyst scrap to aggregators, smelters, and refineries in the U.S.A., resulting in further work-in-process shifts in the supply chain and countering the tailwind of improved PGM pricing witnessed over 2025. Nico will now conclude this presentation.
Our 2026 financial year began with an improved performance at our mining operations and stability across group processing assets. Rand PGM pricing gains have been maintained despite the traditionally quiet Northern Hemisphere summer and continued macroeconomic uncertainty, including tariff-related developments. Our operational focus remains firmly on improving safety outcomes and arresting the unacceptable incidents of fatal injuries. In the current financial year, we will intensify efforts across several key areas, including managing the orderly wind-down of commercial operations at Impala Canada, ensuring continued employee relations stability, realizing operational efficiencies at our newly consolidated Impala operations, and securing operational improvements at Marula. Our broader strategic agenda centers on optimal capital allocation and maximizing the optionality and opportunities within our portfolio, supported by our strong and flexible balance sheet to deliver a resilient and higher value Implats.
Looking at specific guiding metrics, group production will be supported by sustained operating momentum at Impala Rustenburg, Mimosa, and Two Rivers, while restored momentum at Zimplats and improved stability at Marula will aid the group's production outlook. Impala Canada volumes will decline in line with the planned end of commercial operations during the year. Refined volumes are expected to benefit from improved annual processing availability at both Impala Rustenburg and Zimplats, driven by an optimized operating strategy and enhanced maintenance protocols. Group 6E refined and sellable production is expected to be between 3.4 million and 3.6 million ounces. Group unit costs are forecast to rise by between 4% and 9% to between ZAR 23,500 and ZAR 24,500 per 6E ounce on a stock-adjusted basis.
Group capital expenditure is expected to be between ZAR 8 billion and ZAR 9 billion and includes around ZAR 1 billion for the second phase of the solar project in Zimbabwe, which we consider stay-in-business spend. There is negligible growth CapEx expected. This guidance includes the translation of the dollar cost price at Zimplats and Canada at an assumed exchange rate of ZAR 18 and CAD 1.39 to the U.S. dollar respectively. Thank you for taking the time to listen to this webcast.