Our opinion on the current state of JUBILEE(JBL)Jubilee Metals Group (JBL) is a diversified metals recovery company that specializes in re-processing mine waste and surface materials. It is dual-listed on the London AIM market and the JSE's Alt-X. The company has operations in South Africa, the UK, Madagascar, and Australia, and is involved in a joint venture in Zambia to produce lead, zinc, and vanadium. Jubilee primarily produces platinum group metals (PGMs) and chrome, with its primary asset being a 63% stake in the Tjate project. The Tjate project is believed to contain the world's largest undeveloped block of platinum ore, with an estimated potential of 65 million ounces located on the Western Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
In recent years, Jubilee has shifted its focus towards a smelting and beneficiation strategy as a means of generating cash flow. The company is currently investing around R154 million to consolidate its PGM retreatment business by acquiring a reprocessing plant and some tailings dumps. This investment includes the purchase of a chrome processing operation and 1.8 million tons of tailings from PlatCro Minerals. Jubilee is a low-cost producer, but it is subject to the fluctuations of the platinum and base metals markets.
In its results for the six months ending 31st December 2023, the company reported an 18.4% increase in revenue, with PGM production up 11.2% and chrome production up 7.4%. The company highlighted that its Zambian copper operations are showing strong growth, driven by investments in expansion projects, with expectations for a further sharp increase upon completion of upgrades to the Roan copper concentrator.
In an update for the three months ending 31st March 2024, Jubilee reported a record monthly production of chrome at 408,710 tons, up from 381,114 tons in the second quarter. However, PGM production was down 3.6% year-to-date. The company emphasized that it is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory, demonstrating operational excellence, resilience, and adaptability.
In a quarterly update for the fourth quarter, Jubilee reported that copper units produced were up by 51.7%. The company also announced the completion of the construction and commissioning of the Roan Front-End Module in July 2024, with the production of the first copper concentrate being reported on 12th August 2024.
In our view, Jubilee Metals Group offers a potentially attractive option in the mining sector, though it remains highly volatile and risky. We recommend waiting for a clear break up through the share's long-term downward trendline before considering an investment.