Tharisa PLC (LSE:THS, JSE:THA) was kept on a 'buy' recommendation with a 250p target price from Berenberg, which predicts a stable performance in what is usually the company’s trickiest quarter.
Analysts at the company's house broker said the exploration and mining company achieved 1.42mln tonnes mined, beating the broker's expectations of 1.35Mt, although secondary mill failure meant recoveries were below estimates.
Tharisa realised an average chrome price in the second quarter of US$177 per tonne, although the broker believes current prices are in the region of US$255 per tonne, driven by a shortage in China and logistical challenges.
Attempting to navigate the supply chain issues could erode some of the price gains, but not all, and expects the company to report strong realised prices in the second half of the year.
This will be supported by strong platinum metal prices, which should be boosted by a suspension of delivery of Russian platinum and palladium by the London Platinum and Palladium Market, applying a further squeeze to supply and increasing prices.
Output at the Vulcan chrome recovery plant is ramping up, with management believing daily output targets can be achieved in the third quarter.