Deterra’s Strong First-Half Fiscal 2023 Result Driven by Higher Sales at BHP’s Mining Area C

Wide-moat Deterra’s first-half fiscal 2023 was strong, driven by increased iron ore sales volumes at BHP’s Mining Area C, or MAC, and a weaker AUD/USD rate, partially offset by a lower average iron ore price. Net profit after tax was AUD 64 million, or AUD 0.12 per share, up nearly 3% on first-half fiscal 2022. Adjusted EBITDA was around AUD 92 million, also up about 3%. MAC production of about 63 million metric tons was up 27% for the half as BHP’s new South Flank mine continues to ramp up to full capacity of about 80 million metric tons per year, likely in 2024. Production more than offset the 19% fall in average realised iron ore prices to around AUD 133 per metric ton, down from around AUD 164. Under the terms of its MAC royalty, Deterra receives AUD 1 million for every 1 million metric ton increase in annual production at MAC. This is determined every fiscal year and so Deterra didn’t receive any one-off capacity payments from BHP in the half. However, we expect about AUD 30 million in additional capacity payments once South Flank ramps to full capacity. Capacity payments are nonrecurring and stop once production plateaus.