PLS Group (PLS) Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum 2026 summary

Strategic pillars and performance

• Focus on strengthening the operating platform as the economic engine, with growth and diversification as key pillars.

• Achieved record production, sales, and lower unit costs, resulting in strong financial outcomes for the June quarter and the year.

• Cash operating margin exceeded AUD 500 million in the June quarter, and FY26 saw a cash margin from operations of $1,356M with a $2,290M cash balance as of June 2026.

• Benefits of scale, low cost, and 100% ownership maximized shareholder value, even at prices below long-term benchmarks.

• Diversification efforts continue, expanding the portfolio to deliver more value and supporting geographic diversification.

Capital deployment and operational excellence

• Distributed AUD 3.1 billion in capital from FY 2023 to FY 2025, with AUD 1.9 billion reinvested in growth projects.

• AUD 800 million distributed to shareholders, with remaining funds retained for cycle management and future opportunities.

• Operational improvements led to step-ups in production and lithium recovery, with unit costs trending down; FY26 saw a 17% increase in production, 6% higher recovery, and a 9% reduction in unit operating costs.

• FY 2027 production guidance targets 1.1 million tons, reflecting ongoing growth and a focus on maximizing production and cash generation.

Growth projects and future outlook

• Ranked as the third largest primary producer globally for 2025, with further growth expected.

• P2000 expansion in Australia aims to double production capacity, potentially creating the largest lithium operating center, pending board approval.

• P2000 plant, named Jimma Ganya, incorporates advanced ore-sorting and mineral processing technologies.

• Next level of P2000 study due December quarter, following a June 2024 study showing larger scale and lower costs.

• Colina project in Brazil is progressing as a second 100%-owned growth platform, with a key study output expected December next year.