Teck Resources Ltd

NYSE:TECK

Earnings Call Analysis

Mining Company's Assertive Outlook Despite Hurdles

The company missed the EIA approval required for extending mine life from 2020 to 2026, although other permits are secured, and it's working on future expansions post-2036. A significant increase in the QB2 copper resource won't alter the immediate expansion plans, but offers long-term flexibility. Inflation has been cited as a primary factor for increased capital expenditures in recent years, with a notable cost increase from moving to new mining areas; these costs are expected to decrease based on the 2024 guidance. Copper production is anticipated to plateau in 2025 and begin declining, particularly due to the Highland Valley's outlook, with no expected change despite current spending. Yet, the company remains positive about copper pricing in the medium term, anticipating constructive market dynamics while staying return-focused for its growth projects.

Teck's Strong Finish to the Year with an Eye on Copper

In the tale of Teck Resources Limited's financial year, the fourth quarter marked a robust conclusion with the company hitting its highest quarterly copper production ever. This surge was guided by the strides made in the QB operation, shining through an Adjusted EBITDA of $1.7 billion for the quarter, contributing to an impressive total of $6.4 billion for the year. The backbone of this success, apart from operational excellence, was the sustained buoyancy in steelmaking coal and copper prices, complemented by a surge in sale volumes for steelmaking coal. Teck's journey throughout the year is illustrated by robust dividends and share buybacks worth $765 million, underscoring the company's commitment to shareholder wealth alongside strengthening their balance sheet.

A Transformational Year with a Copper-Heavy Future

2023 unfurled as a year of transformation for Teck, focusing on a four-pillar creation strategy that paced ahead with copper production and steelmaking gains. Spearheading this advancement, the QB operations ascended in output, while 23.7 million tonnes of steelmaking coal production surpassed expectations. The disposition of minority interests propelled forward, with regulatory approvals greasing the wheels for future growth. Despite elevated costs partly due to inflation, Teck's exemplary financial footing was exemplified by a $7.9 billion liquidity pool, which included $2.5 billion in cash.

QB Production and Cost Guidance: Staying Cautiously Optimistic

The QB operation, although trailing behind the anticipated quarterly production, showed promise with intervals of operating at full throttle. The forecast for 2024 eyes a production hike with 230,000 to 275,000 tonnes of copper concentrate. And while the molybdenum plant commissioning is set to conclude by mid-year, thereby stabilizing the operations, investors should anticipate elevated QB unit costs for the year, ranging between $195 to $225 per pound. This anticipation is underlined by the costs associated with alternative logistics, the temporary absence of molybdenum production, and general inflationary pressures, among which Chilean energy costs stand out.

Financial Performance Drivers and 2024 Guidance

Teck's financial silhouette in the fourth quarter accentuated higher steelmaking coal sales volumes, with a shadow cast by a dip in specific commodity prices and ascending unit costs. The narrative for 2024 is tempered with caution, as inflation continues to imprint itself on sustaining capital expenditures and cost guidance. Even so, the copper production story plots an ambitious increase, estimated to be between 465,000 to 540,000 tons for the year. As for zinc, a descent in grades at Red Dog is anticipated to bring production figures down over the next three years, whilst costs are expected to ascend owing to inflationary currents.

Steelmaking Coal Continues to Contribute to Profitability

Despite the volatility in commodity markets, Teck's steelmaking coal segment posted a gross profit before depreciation and amortization of $1.35 billion in the last quarter, outdoing the previous year's comparable period. The profitability gears continue to turn with a projection of 24 to 26 million tonnes in steelmaking coal production for 2024, with an expectation of maintaining similar levels until 2027. Yet, investors should brace for unavoidable inflationary impacts on the cost of supplies, asserting its influence on the adjusted site cash cost of sales per ton guidance.

Capital Allocation: A Discipline Balancing Act

Teck's capital allocation saga threads through a disciplined philosophy, harmonizing growth investments with shareholder returns, all while preserving a resilient balance sheet through economic cycles. The narrative for 2024 depicts a downsizing in total capital expenditures by about $1.2 billion, as the QB2 project nears its completion. Growth capital will hone in on copper projects, with no new sanctions expected for the year but a clear trajectory set for potential project sanctioning in 2025. This disciplined allocation aims to derive the most value by hedging bets on attractive, risk-adjusted returns.

Bolstering Shareholder Value and Strengthening the Balance Sheet

Wrapping up the financial year, Teck's fortification of its balance sheet was eminent, as noted by a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio cozying at 1.1x. Alongside this firm footing was the continuity in rewarding shareholders with the Board approving a modest $0.125 per share quarterly dividend. The completed minority sale of the steelmaking coal business padded the company's coffers with an additional USD 1.3 billion, leading to the authorization of a $500 million share buyback. Proceeds from these strategic movements are being eyed for not only reducing gross debt but also funding copper growth pursuits and enriching shareholder returns.

Vision for the Future: Capitalizing on Upside Potential

Teck's strategy unfurls with a strong emphasis on expanding copper production, harboring significant upside potential. Their foreseeable future is primed to tap into untapped avenues, concurrently advocating high standards of governance modernization. The company leadership views the dramatic steps they've embarked on as pivotal to the company’s evolution and is resolute in fully capturing the potential of established facilities .

Earnings Call Transcript 2023-Q4

[Operator]

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for standing by. Welcome to Teck's Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] This conference call is being recorded on Thursday, February 22, 2024, and I would now like to turn the conference call over to Fraser Phillips, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategic Analysis. Please go ahead.

[Fraser Phillips, executive]

Thanks, Ariel. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for Teck's Fourth Quarter 2023 Conference Call. Please note, today's call contains forward-looking statements. Various risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to vary. Teck does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Please refer to Slide 2 of the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements.

In addition, we will reference various non-GAAP measures throughout this call. explanations and reconciliations regarding these measures can be found in our MD&A in the latest press release on our website. Jonathan Price, our CEO, will begin today's call with highlights from our fourth quarter and full year results. Crystal Prystai, our CFO, will follow additional color on the quarter. Jonathan will then conclude today's session with a brief update on our key priorities and proper growth strategy, which will be followed by a Q&A session.

With that, I will turn the call over to Jonathan.

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Thank you, Fraser, and good morning, everyone. So starting on Slide 4. We had a strong fourth quarter performance across our business. We advanced the ramp-up of our QB operation, resulting in Teck's highest ever quarterly copper production. Adjusted EBITDA of $1.7 billion in Q4 and $6.4 million for the year reflects robust prices for steelmaking coal and copper as well as high-end steelmaking coal sale volumes. Over the course of the year, strong profitability allowed us to return a total of $765 million to shareholders by paying $550 million in dividends and completing $250 million in share buybacks and while continuing to strengthen our balance sheet through the repayment of USD 294 million of the QB2 project finance facility.

In addition, the Board has approved the payment of our quarterly base dividend of $0.125 per share on March 28 and following the receipt of USD 1.3 billion in proceeds on closing of the minority sales stake in our steelmaking coal business to Nippon Steel in January, the Board has authorized up to a $500 million share buyback. This extends our track record of strong cash returns to shareholders with nearly $4 billion returned through the last 5 years.

Now turning to our 2023 highlights on Slide 5. I 2023 was a transformational year for Teck as we continue to advance each of the 4 pillars in creation strategy. In addition to the strong EBITDA we delivered, we reported higher copper production and sales than the previous year, driven by the addition of QB operations. We also produced 23.7 million tonnes of steel legion coal above guidance and higher than the previous year. As we progress the full sale of the steelmaking coal business, we were pleased to announce the closing of the sale of our minority interest in EBR and Nippon Steel and Costco on January. We progressed the ramp-up of our QB operations and advance to part the value for our industry-leading copper growth pipeline through joint partnerships with San Nicolas and [ Derange carbon nickel ] and the receipt of regulatory approval to Zafranal. As mentioned earlier, we returned significant cash to shareholders in 2023, paying $550 million in dividends as well as completing the $250 million share buyback, acting opportunistically to utilize available free cash flow.

Importantly, we have maintained a strong financial position with $7.9 billion of liquidity, including $2.5 billion in cash as of February 21. We continue to strive for sustainability leadership and make steady progress against our sustainability goals. Our reported high potential incident frequency for the full year 2023 remained low at a rate of 0.14. We've made a significant move in modernizing our governance structure by introducing the sunset clause for the dual-class share structure.

We're prone that all tech operated base metals operations have been awarded to copper, zinc and we've been named to the S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the 14th consecutive year.

So turning to QB on Slide 6. We remain focused on achieving reliable and consistent operations at QB. However, production was lower than planned in the fourth quarter. Routine ramp-up activities continued along with transmaintenance shutdowns through the first quarter and we have had multiple periods of operating at or above design throughput capacity. Throughout 2024, we expect to see progressively stronger production from QB and expect full year copper in concentrate production to be between 230,000 and 275,000 tonnes.

On the construction side, by the end of 2023, the molybdenum plant was substantially complete and commissioning is currently well underway. All in water works at the ports have been successfully concluded, materially derisking our remaining construction. We are on track to finalize the construction of the offshore facilities at the port by the end of the first quarter and ramp-up of the moly plant is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter. As we look ahead, our QB2 present capital guidance of USD 8.6 billion to USD 8.8 billion remains in place. Our guidance for QB net cash costs is USD 195 to USD 225 per pound in 2024. QB unit costs are expected to remain elevated this year, particularly in the first half, and this is driven by the cost of alternative logistics, no molybdenum production in the first quarter as the plant is being commissioned, continued ramp-up and inflationary pressures, including increased Chilean energy costs. We will provide additional unit cost guidance when QB achieved steady-state operational performance.

And I will now hand it over to Crystal for additional color on the quarter.

[Crystal Prystai, executive]

Thanks, Jonathan. Good morning, everyone, joining us today on the call. I'm going to start with the key drivers for our financial performance on Slide 8. Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter increased compared to the same period last year, primarily driven by higher steelmaking coal sales volumes, which were partially offset by lower steelmaking coal and zinc prices as well as higher unit costs across our operations, including elevated costs at QB as production ramp-up continues. We continue to experience inflationary pressures in the cost of key supplies, including mining equipment and tires and labor and contractors as well as higher energy costs in Chile and changing diesel prices.

These inflationary pressures impacted our unit cost in 2023, and we expect this to continue into 2024. As such, we have reflected inflation in our sustaining capital expenditures and our full year unit cost guidance ranges for 2024, which are unchanged. Our underlying mining drivers remain relatively stable, and we continue to be highly focused on managing our controllable operating expenditures. Our 2024 annual guidance that we disclosed in January is unchanged across our

business. Now turning to each of our business units in more detail and starting with copper on Slide 9. We achieved record copper production in the fourth quarter, which was 58% higher than last year. This increase was driven by the ramp-up of QB operations, adding 34,300 tonnes of copper and concentrate production higher production from Highland Valley copper as a result of increased mill throughput and higher production from Antamina due to higher grades.

Cost of sales was higher year-over-year, primarily due to the inclusion of QB operations in the year with costs elevated as production ramp-up continued in the fourth quarter. As a result, gross profit before depreciation and amortization decreased compared to the prior year. On the sustainability front, we are pleased to announce that our QB and Carmen de Andacollo operations were awarded a copper mark in recognition of their environmentally and socially responsible operating practices, joining Highland Valley, which was awarded the call remarks back in March of 2022.

Looking ahead, copper production is expected to significantly increase in 2024 to between 465,000 to 540,000 tons as we expect increased production at QB and at Highland Valley copper. Copper net cash unit costs are expected to be higher than 2023 as we incorporate QB costs, which are expected to be elevated in 2024, particularly in the first half of the year as ramp-up continues. We also faced ongoing inflationary impacts on the cost of certain key supplies, including mining equipment, tires, labor and contractors.

Moving now to our zinc business on Slide 10. Despite lower year-over-year zinc prices, profitability in our zinc business unit was higher in the fourth quarter compared to a year ago. At [ Red Dog ], zinc production increased by almost 30% and lead production increased by 41% from a year ago, both of which were driven by increased mill throughput and improved grades. We also saw improved results from our trail operations as a return to full production rates and benefited from higher contracted zinc premiums. These increases were largely offset by the 18% decrease in realized zinc prices and higher operating costs at our Red Dog operations primarily due to higher energy costs.

Increased operating costs at our Trail operations and at Red Dog were more than offset by substantially lower royalty costs at Red Dog. We were pleased to announce that Red Dog was awarded in Zinc Park in recognition of its strong environmental and social performance, continuing to demonstrate our sustainability leadership. As we look forward, Red Dog zinc concentrate sales are expected to be between 70,000 and 85,000 tonnes in the first quarter, reflecting normal seasonality of sales.

Total zinc and concentrate production is expected to be between 565,000 and 630,000 tons in 2024. Over the next 3 years, production is expected to decrease due to declining grades at Red Dog. Refined zinc production at Trail is expected to increase in 2024 as a result of improved concentrate availability. The [indiscernible] boiler replacement will impact our lead circuit in the second quarter of 2024, and but is expected to have minimal impact on our zinc circuit. The zinc net cash unit costs in 2024 are expected to be higher than 2023 due to the ongoing inflationary impacts on the costs incurred certain key supplies as noted previously.

Turning now to steelmaking coal on Slide 11. Gross profit before depreciation and amortization increased to $1.35 billion compared to just over $1 billion a year ago, primarily due to higher sales volumes and partially offset by lower steel making coal prices. While our realized prices in the quarter were 3% lower than the strong fourth quarter printing last year, pricing remains robust and well above historical averages. Overall, plant reliability and performance were strong in the quarter, supported by improved class availability at all sites and leading to production of 6.4 million tons in the quarter.

Fourth quarter sales volume of 6.1 million tons were driven by the strong production rates and supported by logistics performance with the fourth quarter of 2022 and impacted by a 2-month outage at our LQ operations and extreme weather conditions. Adjusted site cash cost of sales per ton of $100 was higher than the last year, lower capitalized [ turbine at Elkview ] when compared to the fourth quarter of 2022.

We were pleased to announce an agreement with shipping company [ Olino ] carriers to use wind propulsion technology intended to reduce CO2 emissions in shipping vessels and reduced CO3 emissions in our steelmaking coal supply chain consistent with our focus on sustainability. As we look at the year ahead, steelmaking coal sales are expected to be between 5.9 million to 6.3 million tons in the first quarter. Production is expected to be between 24 million and 26 million tonnes in 2024 and to remain at these levels throughout 2025 to 2027.

We expect ongoing inflationary cost impacts on certain key supplies to persist into 2024 which will impact adjusted say cash cost of sales per ton and is reflected in our guidance.

Turning to Slide 12 our capital allocation framework. Overall, our priority is to have a disciplined approach to the deployment of capital guided by our capital allocation framework. We aim to balance our growth with cash returns to shareholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet through the cycle. And I believe we can strike the right level of growth and returns to shareholders by consistently following the framework. We expect a meaningful decrease in our capital expenditures in 2024 and with a reduction in committed growth capital as outlined on Slide 13.

We expect a reduction in total capital expenditures of approximately $1.2 billion in 2024 and as we see a significant step down in QB2 development capital as the project mirrors completion. We will see a slight increase in sustaining capital as we complete the [indiscernible] set boiler repairs at Trail and reach peak capital spending for the Elk Valley administration and maintenance complex project in our steel and coal business. Capital tripping costs in 2024 are expected to decrease from the peak in 2023. In 2024, growth capital, excluding QB2 will be prioritized on copper growth projects, particularly for HBC mine life extension, San Nicolas and Zafranal. As we have previously disclosed, we do not expect to make a sanction decision on any growth projects in 2024, and we are focused on advancing these near-term projects for possible sanctioning in 2025.

Both projects are required to deliver an attractive risk-adjusted return as well compete for capital in line with our capital allocation framework.

Turning now to our strong balance sheet and shareholder returns on Slide 14. As Jonathan mentioned earlier, we are in a strong financial position with $7.9 billion in liquidity, including $2.5 million in cash. We ended the year with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.1x and we remain focused on maintaining our investment-grade credit metrics. Over the last 5 years, we have completed $2.5 billion in share buybacks and paid dividends totaling $1.4 billion demonstrating our commitment to balancing growth with returns to shareholders. The Board has approved further cash returns to shareholders this quarter, approving the quarterly base dividend of $0.125 per share payable on March 28. And after receiving cash proceeds of USD 1.3 billion from the closing of the minority sale of our steelmaking coal business to NSC, the Board has approved -- has offered a share buyback of up to $500 million. Our capital allocation framework will inform how the Board will consider the proceeds from the sale of the steelmaking coal business as outlined on Slide 15. In total, we are expecting to receive USD 9.6 billion in cash proceeds, which includes 100% of the steelmaking coal cash flows until the transaction closes, which is expected to be no later than Q3 of this year. As we have already noted, USD 1.3 billion was received from NSC in early January with up to $500 million to be returned to shareholders via share buyback.

With the remaining proceeds to be received, we will assess opportunities to reduce our gross debt and maintain or improve our credit metrics through the cycle, ensuring that we do that economically. We will also retain additional cash on the balance sheet to fund our near-term copper growth opportunities and generate strong returns. We will pay our cash income tax payments in respect of the 2022 and 2023 fiscal year, which totaled just over CAD 1.2 billion at the end of February of this year. And we will pay transaction-related taxes of approximately USD 750 million in early 2025.

And finally, as we've previously stated, we expect a significant return to shareholders. The Board will determine the amount, form and timing of these returns, which will be in addition to the $500 million buyback authorized by the Board in relation to the NSC proceeds. Overall, the significant cash proceeds from this transaction will strengthen our balance sheet and ensure we are well capitalized to unlock the full potential of our base metals business while delivering significant returns to shareholders.

I'll now turn the call back over to Jonathan.

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Thanks, Crystal. So turning to Slide 17 and our key priorities in 2024. As we mentioned, 2023 was a transformational year for Teck and to ensure we can continue to demonstrate our focus on value creation, we have set up several key priorities for 2024. We were very excited to announce an agreement for the full sale of our steelmaking coal business in November. Glencore will acquire a 77% controlling interest in EBR and become the operator of the Elk Valley steelmaking coal lines. As we have discussed, we closed the sale of a minority interest in EVR to Nippon Steel at [ Fosco ] on January 3. Completion of the sale of our steelmaking coal business is one of our key priorities for this year and regulatory approvals are progressing.

The significant cash proceeds from this transaction will strengthen our balance sheet and ensure we are well capitalized to unlock the full potential of our base metals business, while balancing significant returns to our shareholders. As I mentioned earlier, we are also driving safe operational performance across our portfolio, and we have embedded known risks into our guidance to ensure we build confidence in our ability to deliver on our market commitments. At QB, we are pushing hard to complete construction of the port and commissioning of the molybdenum plant in the first half of the year and to achieve consistent operating performance at design capacity. At the same time, we are advancing the development projects in our industry-leading pipeline, which are foundational to our future growth. We will advance that growth in a disciplined way by following our capital allocation framework to ensure that our capital decisions are value-maximizing for shareholders.

Looking at Slide 18 and our priority to advance our copper growth in a disciplined way. This starts with completion of construction and ramp-up of QB and driving performance across all operations, and it continues the foundational technical work around our near-term development projects, completing feasibility studies, advancing engineering work and progressing project execution planning and permitting. We are adapting our approach to product development to leverage lessons [ learned. ] With no project sanction decisions until 2025, we are taking the opportunity to undertake a detailed review of the QB2 project, utilizing third-party expertise such that we can embed relevant learnings into future projects.

In the meantime, we are advancing the most important work in the near term to prepare for our potential sanctioning decisions in 2025. This means that all our projects must compete for capital with the rest of the business to ensure that we drive strong financial returns. And it is important to note that each of our near-term development options are significantly smaller in scope and less complex than QB2. Ultimately, we will follow our disciplined capital allocation framework focused on generating strong returns for shareholders, as with growth and maintaining a robust balance sheet in line with investment-grade credit metrics.

Slide 19 summarizes our [indiscernible] development options, which include San Nicolas, Zafranal, QB updated expansion and the mine life extension at Highland Valley. This represents a portfolio of both greenfield and brownfield projects in stable and well understood jurisdictions. We continue to progress the optimal path of value for each of our assets. Significance work continues to advance each of these projects with a focus on derisking project delivery. We submitted the environmental permit for the HVC mine life extension to the British Columbia regulator in October 2023 and finalize the Mexican environmental impact assessment for San Nicolas, which was submitted on January 25. And just last week, we received the notification of environmental impact assessment approval of the mine life extension at Antamina. We're making progress across all our near-term copper growth options and setting Teck to progress these projects at the right time to generate significant value.

Now moving to Slide 20. Teck remains committed to sustainability leadership. We continue to progress our sustainability strategy and are proving we can make a positive impact demonstrated by a number of achievements this past year. We are proud to have received copper market and zinc market all Teck operated base metal operations and industry-leading achievement, highlighting our commitment to sustainability and transparency in our operations verifying through third-party assurance. We've received a number of accolades this year for our sustainability performance. As previously mentioned, [ Fording ] being named as a constituent of the downturn Sustainability Index. And we have modernized our governance structure through the introduction of the [ Sunset tours ] with the dual glass share structure. We also remain committed to our long-term goals of net 0 Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, net nature-positive by 2030 and collaborating with our communities and indigenous people with a commitment to working to achieve free, prior and informed consent for our mining activities. Of note, we were one of the first mining companies to make a commitment to support the nature positive future. We have implemented initiatives, including conserving and reclaiming at least 3 hectares for every one hectare we factory mining ensuring we protect and restore our landscapes and ecosystems for the benefit of all.

So in conclusion, on Slide 21. Teck is committed to responsibly creating long-term value for our shareholders and stakeholders. As an industry-leading base metals producer with a strategy centered on cover growth, we are in a unique position to deliver significant value. We have current production from a premium portfolio of long-life, high-quality assets in stable, well-understood jurisdictions, and we are focused on execution, driving excellence in performance across our operations and project delivery to ensure that we consistently deliver against our market commitments.

We have a major near-term copper growth through the ramp-up of our flagship operation, QB and Chile, at the same time, we seek to unlock the significant value upside potential from our industry-leading copper growth portfolio. Importantly, we will pursue our growth in a disciplined way following our capital allocation framework balancing growth with returns to shareholders and maintaining a strong balance sheet through the cycle. And sustainability is core to who we are. Our sustainability leadership position is a competitive advantage. This strategy will ensure we will continue to responsibly generate significant value for shareholders and all stakeholders.

With that, thank you, and that concludes our presentation for today. Operator, please open the line for questions.

[Operator]

[Operator Instructions] The first question comes from Orest Wowkodaw from Scotiabank.

[Orest Wowkodaw, analyst]

With the quarter now more than half over Jonathan. I'm wondering if you can give us an update on the first quarter operating performance at QB. Specifically, the mill, the plant, are we starting to see more consistent throughput, recoveries, et cetera. Can you give us an update?

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Yes. Thanks, Orest. As I mentioned, we're working through the ramp-up phase for QB right now, it's in line with our expectations. We expect, of course, to progressively increase our copper production throughout the year to meet that guidance of 230,000 to 275,000 tonnes that we've previously communicated, and we're on track to do that. But I'll hand over to Sherhzad Bharmal, our SVP of Base Metals, who is responsible for the operations there, just to give you a little more color.

[Sherhzad Bharmal, executive]

Thanks, Orest. We have worked through most of the issues that we had mentioned previously with respect to the conveyors and the pumps that we had mentioned previously. And we are currently operating at close to design throughput rates. We are often on certain days limited by some conveyor issues on 2 conveyors at the front end part of the plant via the primary crushers, and we are working through those issues and expect to have those results in the next month or so and get back to above design rates or at design rates.

On the recovery side, again, in January and February so far, we are close to design rates, so we are a little bit below. And we're actively working through this as we bring more stability to the front end of the plant. So the consistency that we have seen over the last month or so has helped us improve our recoveries and we continue to work through that to get to our design rates.

[Orest Wowkodaw, analyst]

And just as a follow-up. Is the -- is the plan to basically have QB operating at consistent throughput recoveries, et cetera, call it, sort of some, I guess, midway through the second quarter. Is that the way to think about it?

[Jonathan Price, executive]

I mean, I think this is the ramp-up of the facilities. As I said, we will progressively deliver increased copper production throughout the course of the year. Of course, we're pursuing exactly what you're saying, that stability and operating at design throughput rates. But this is a ramp-up process. It will take some time for land, but we're confident in the guidance that we put forward and expect the delivery of copper to improve through the course of the year to deliver against that guidance.

[Operator]

Our next question comes from Liam Fitzpatrick of Deutsche Bank.

[Liam Fitzpatrick, analyst]

So just the first one on the balance sheet structure post EVR. Just wondering if you could give us more of a steer in terms of what sort of balance sheet you're targeting as we move into 2025? I know you've mentioned this 1x EBITDA as a target level, but it seems unlikely that you're going to take leverage up that high. So is it a small net debt position? Is it a small net cash position? Any kind of guidance on that would be helpful.

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Yes. I'll hand you over to Crystal to talk to that. I mean the 1 thing I would remind is that, that is the sort of long-term position we we're targeting here as we receive the proceeds and then how we allocate them in the subsequent years. But Crystal, if you want to provide some more color?

[Crystal Prystai, executive]

Yes, of course, thank you. I think it is consistent with what we've been articulating in relation to reducing our gross debt levels from where they are today. I think there is an opportunity for us to do that. We will look across our debt stack when we think about that. We obviously want to do that in an economic way. So in relation to some of the public notes we have to make whole premium, so we want to be deliberate in how we think about that. We are committed to that investment-grade credit metrics, as Jonathan said, through the cycle 1.0x net debt to adjusted EBITDA. We aren't necessarily focused on a flat leverage level, but rather really focus on that ratio.

[Liam Fitzpatrick, analyst]

Okay. And if I could ask one follow-up just on potential M&A versus organic opportunities. So you've clearly got a number of internal options that you think are very interesting that you're hoping to progress in 2025. Is that enough to keep you occupied? Or are you also on the lookout for potential external opportunities?

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Yes. Liam, I mean, given what we have in the portfolio already, we're not sure about things to do. As we just discussed, we're very focused on the ramp-up stabilization in full production from QB this year. We've got than a tranche of projects, which should be subject to engineering economics and permitting and ready for sanction in 2025 including the HBC life extension, San Nicolas and Zafranal, but then lots to be getting on with there. And as we've always said, we want to balance that investment in growth with return of capital to shareholders. So we'll continue to focus on those things that are entirely within our control and delivering that future growth that we've been talking to.

[Operator]

Our next question comes from Timna Tanners of Wolfe Research.

[Timna Tanners, analyst]

No, I just didn't hear you. [Technical Difficulty] So can I ask a little bit more about the expansion projects. I know at one point, you had a permit for further QB opportunities and just want to know the updated thinking there. And then regarding Teck San Nicolas, the leadership in Mexico is looking into banning open pit mining. And just wondered how that affects that project or if -- how you're looking at that?

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Yes. So starting with QB and future expansions of that facility. We have an incredible body there. It's very, very long life. It clearly will enable future expansions of capacity for QB and still something that we can run as a multigenerational assets. Our immediate priority, as I said, is getting the current plant fully ramped up and operating and then really exploring the full potential of that facility in terms of what additional capacity we can get through optimizing what we already have before we make a further commitment to any significant capital expenditure at the site.

Medium term, very much expect us to continue to pursue larger scale expansions of that operation. But with what we have at San Nicolas, Zafranal and the life extension of HVC. We have a fairly full [indiscernible] card in the immediate term. we'll focus on that in terms of our major capital deployment, but asset optimization studies for the medium and long term at QB are ongoing.

For your second question, just around some of the moving pieces we've seen in Mexico of late, really as they relate to the constitution. I'll hand you over to Tyler Mitchelson, who's our Senior Vice President, to color that.

[Tyler Mitchelson, executive]

Yes, we're closely monitoring asset and assessing the proposed changes to the constitution. There's more than 20 proposed. Obviously, the ones around opting later consumption are the key ones. We've been working with our fellow industry players as well as Camimex, the chamber of mines in Mexico to really understand what is the pathway forward. Given where we are right now, it's 4 months to the main general election at the [indiscernible] actually closes on April 30. So it's really too early to determine whether or not -- these will be approved in the time frame they're going to be approved. And as well, what the ultimate impact will be as we go forward. you put it in the context of some of the largest mines in Mexico right now and some of the most successful companies to use open pit mining. So it's obviously a very significant impact, but we're continuing to monitor it through the next months.

[Timna Tanners, analyst]

Makes sense I got my 2 ends, so I'll pass it along.

[Operator]

Our next question comes from Dalton Baretto of Canaccord Genuity.

[Dalton Baretto, analyst]

Jonathan, on the Glencore call, Gary was asked about synergies between Collahuasi and QB2. And in response, he talked about a number of work streams, and he sort of alluded to billions in synergies. I'm just wondering if you can comment on sort of where those synergies are coming from, some of the work that's ongoing. And maybe when we can see an update on where QB fits into all of that?

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Yes. Thanks for the question, Dalton. We, along with the other parties here and doing detailed technical evaluation of the potential synergies between QB and Collahuasi, we haven't quantified those yet. And those synergies could take a number of forms, all the way from being infrastructure related to optimizing across 2 very significant ore bodies in that area. It's complex. It will take time, in particular, because there's a large number of counterparties involved in this, but engagement is ongoing. We're working together to identify the opportunity here. And we'll update in due course as we get closer to landing that technical evaluation. And of course, if and when we get closer to agreeing terms with other parties.

As I mentioned before, the focus for us right now is and must be on the ramp-up of QB2 and optimizing the operation that we already have. The intersection with something like the QB mill expansion, as you referenced, as I said, we are looking at future asset optimization opportunities, which include debottlenecking in the short term and could include project expansions in the medium term. And of course, if there were to be any agreement or commercial arrangement between the parties, then that would have to factor in future expansion opportunities on both sides, of course, at QB2 and Collahuasi. But we're not at that point yet, Dalton, a lot of work be done. These things are complicated, but we're committed to understanding the value potential there and working constructively and collaboratively with the other parties.

[Dalton Baretto, analyst]

Great. And then maybe if I can ask one more. Just on the Glencore transaction in the coal business. Can you give us an update on where you're at in the regulatory approvals process and whether you've seen anything that gives you concern at all?

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Look, so our process is continuing. We expect that we will receive the required approvals being both the Investment Canada approvals and the antitrust approvals. Nothing that gives us cause for concern. Dalton, that we're seeing. These things just take time. We're working through that process, and we still expect this to close no later than the third quarter of this year.

[Operator]

Our next question comes from Carlos De Alba of Morgan Stanley.

[Carlos de Alba, analyst]

So maybe I'll just follow up on the prior question. Any more specific color Jonathan, that you can provide on what approvals you have already received and which ones are still pending for closing the deal -- the call transaction?

[Jonathan Price, executive]

So I mean, the -- one of the key ones here, of course, is the investment candidate approval, and that remains outstanding with respect to these various antitrust approvals across a range of jurisdictions, we've received some of those and some of those remain outstanding. So as I said, I think things are progressing in the normal course, and we remain confident that this close is no later than the third quarter.

[Carlos de Alba, analyst]

All right. And then on QB2 cost trends, I understand that you're going to provide further guidance once the production is stabilized at a steady state. But how do you see at least from a currently, how do you see the trends of the cost moving once you get the steady state, the cost guidance for the next 3 years is a little bit wide. Should we assume that you only expect to get to the lower end of that 3-year guidance, by the 3-year production guidance period? Or maybe that just conservative that you could achieve a lower, more sustainable cost earlier than the third year of that period.

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Yes. Carlos, look, I think there are a few things here that are clearly within our control that should see us improve the unit cost profile at QB. And they are, of course, getting our own port up and running. So we can move away from the temporary logistics arrangement to the permanent solution. Of course, there's also getting the molybdenum plant up and running at full production given the byproduct credits we will get from that. And of course, then there's getting -- the main circuit running at full production. So we get that full dilution effect on costs. So all of those 3 things as we progress, we'll see unit cost improved. So even as we move through this year, we would expect costs in the second half of the year to be better than in the first half of the year. There are, of course, some factors that are less within our control.

The inflationary environment is one of the impact that that could have on labor costs. And the other part of that is just energy cost in Chile, which we've signaled is being higher than previously. And of course, we need to see how those things progress. So we do -- we put our guidance for 2024. That guidance reflects the phase of ramp-up that we're in today, and it reflects some of the areas that I just reflected, which we will resolve through the course of this year. So we expect lower cost in the future, but of course, we haven't bind into those yet, and we'll have a much clearer view of that once operations are stabilized.

[Operator]

Our next question comes from Lawson Winder of Bank of America Securities.

[Lawson Winder, analyst]

Great. Thank you for the update today, Jonathan and team. I wanted to ask about Antamina and then hopefully follow up on QB2. But on Antamina, given the Teck is just 1 partner of several in the JV, what is the risk that Teck will have to make an allocation decision on their prior to 2025? And what is driving the time line at Antamina in terms of an expansion decision or extension decision?

[Jonathan Price, executive]

I'll hand over to -- [indiscernible]

[Unknown Executive]

Thanks, Lawson. So -- as you would have read that we didn't get the EIA approval for the mine life extension from 2020 to 2026. And that is really expansion of waste facilities and tailings facilities in the location that they are -- so between now and then 2036, that mine life extension other permits are in place and some capital associated with this that will be spent over the next 8 years or so. Post 2036 extensions and expansions, all the parties that are looking at that right now. We are working on that. We're looking at permitting strategies for that. And that will be a few years before we'll have some definitive project definition on those. So at this point, we are focused on getting that to 2036 from 2028, which we were very happy to achieve the permit.

[Lawson Winder, analyst]

Okay. Yes, that's great. It's very clear. And then with QB2, I mean, you noted a very material increase in the copper resources at QB2. How does that influence the thinking on what the next expansion might be? Does it suggest that it could be something much bigger than the prior QBE mill expansion concept of a 50% increase?

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Not necessarily Lawson. I think the resource there was always very, very large, and now it's very, very, very large. So it doesn't necessarily impact our short-term thinking around how we would expand this. We'll be very focused on the capital intensity of the next expansion here, where we looked at maximize unutilized capacity in the desalination in pipelines et cetera. And what it means, of course, is we have far greater optionality in the long term, which is a fantastic position to be in, but it doesn't really change that short-term thinking a focus on capital intensity and returns will be the front of mind for us.

[Operator]

Our next question comes from Lucas Pipes of B. Riley Securities.

[Lucas Pipes, analyst]

My first question is on Slide 13 of the deck, which breaks out the CapEx over the last couple of years and into 2024. and sustaining capital and capitalized stripping in '23, '24 kind of step-up from those 2020, 2022 averages. And trying to understand better what's going on here. Is that a catch-up from the pandemic? Is there something cyclical? Are there unique projects that have elevated this temporarily? Just trying to get a better sense of -- or is it mostly inflation? Would really appreciate to get a better sense of those drivers.

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Yes. Thanks, Lucas. I'll hand over to Crystal on that.

[Crystal Prystai, executive]

Thanks, Lucas. I think sort of the primary driver that I would focus on would be inflation. I think there -- we did see from that sort of 2020 to sort of, I guess, really now a significant increase in the underlying costs that were driving our sustaining capital as well our operating costs. So I think that is a key piece in relation to capital stripping, I would just say, in our whole business, we were moving into new mining areas in 2023, and you saw those costs being elevated in that year, I guess, '22 and '23, and that's coming off in our guidance for 2024. There are also a couple of projects that are larger in the coal business, the LC administration and maintenance complex is a large project in -- started off the elevated cost in 2024 as we reach peak spending on that project.

And then I'd say the last point in what's included in sustaining capital is only we now have QB sustaining capital included in our figures. So those are some of the bigger items. But I think inflation would be probably one of the largest drivers. And we did get a little bit more side detail if you just break your call after.

[Lucas Pipes, analyst]

That would be helpful. On Slide 24, you show a kind of copper production through 2027. And you anticipate a plateau in 2025 and the decline after that mostly -- really driven by Highland Valley. With the spending at Highland Valley today, is there any potential for more sustained production level off of 2025? Or is that really the outlook through '27, the best base case even with the spending taking place today?

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Yes. I'd say not within that period, Lucas. This is how we see the current mine plan progressing the capital that we'll be put into work is subject to returns. Of course, for the life extension of HVC we'll really see the production pick up in forward years, but I wouldn't expect to see any material impact on the guidance that we put out here.

[Operator]

Our next question comes from Bill Peterson of JPMorgan.

[William Peterson, analyst]

You've discussed just now actually, again, about the returns framework for the next stage of growth projects, including learnings from QB2. But I guess on the other side, I guess, how should we think about the demand and pricing environment necessary for type of sanction growth projects, especially considering what is looking -- increasingly looking like a tightening supply environment.

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Yes. Thanks, Bill. I mean we do see a tightening supply environment. And we think even as we progress during this year, the outlook for copper pricing could be very constructive. We've seen the shortness of concentrate and the impact that, that's had on TCR fees and we expect at some point that to flow through into refined metal and hence headline copper pricing. Of course, each of the projects will have its own unique economics based on the capital, the operating costs and the volumes associated with those mines. They will all need to compete for capital. We will be very return focused in terms of the decisions that we take here. And of course, the copper price will be a key determinant of that. But as I said, we remain very confident in the copper price certainly in the medium term, but even now in the short term based on the dynamics we see playing out in the market.

[William Peterson, analyst]

Okay. And I guess on that call, I guess, obviously, maybe only relevant for a few more quarters. But can you give us your thoughts on the outlook for that segment and latest developments you're seeing both on the supply and demand side globally?

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Yes. I'll ask [ Ian Anderson, ] our Chief Commercial Officer to talk about.

[Unknown Executive]

Tthank you very much for the question, Bill. So I'd start just with where we're at in terms of overall steel consumption and production during the course of the year. Global steel production was flat at about 1.85 billion tons, really representing above where it was last year. and really saw that paper off at the end of the year as a result of Chinese production. It rapidly dropped. And we're not certain about that number. So that was one of the factors. At the same time, Indian crude steel production went up by about 11.8% and that was offset by some small declines in EU, Japan and South Korean markets.

So overall, we look back over the course of the year, the high-quality steel in coal price exceeded 295 per ton. It really rose at the end of the year when we saw it up to about 315, and there's 2 factors that drove that. First of all, plenty supply, mostly in Australia; and secondly, heightened demand from India and China primarily. So what we've seen in terms of Australian supply is key miners, including some of our peers there have adjusted their production guidance down in 2024.

Chinese domestic production is, of course, going a bit deeper than it has in the past. And Russian pools, even though they coming to fill the gap have been lower quality and novice goods. So we've not really seen investment in terms of hard coking coal supply, and we think that really promises a future price increase.

[Operator]

I will now hand the call back over to Jonathan Price for any closing remarks.

[Jonathan Price, executive]

Yes. Thanks, operator, and thanks to everyone for joining us today. As we talked about, we're very excited about the prospects here for 2024 and beyond. We're looking forward to the completion of the transaction with Glencore. We're looking forward to updating you then on how we intend to allocate the proceeds, including shareholder returns, and we remain very focused on the ramp-up and stability of QB and progressing and derisking the future pipeline of projects that we have. As always, please reach out to Fraser on the IR team if you have any more detailed questions. But thank you all very much, and have a good day.

[Operator]

This concludes today's conference call. You may disconnect your lines. Thank you for participating, and have a pleasant day.