James C. Grech
Analyst · Jefferies. Please go ahead
Thanks, Kala and good morning, everyone. The third quarter marked a meaningful step forward for Peabody. We continue to advance Centurion, generated positive adjusted EBITDA across each operating segment and benefited from improved seaborne markets. Underpinning everything we do is our commitment to safety. Our teams maintain their focus on safe execution, while delivering on the strategic priorities that help position the company for stronger performance heading into year end. Our number 1 priority is Centurion, which met its third quarter sales volume target. However, late in the quarter and into October, the longwall encountered faulting across multiple locations that proved more problematic than anticipated and constrained production. October production was just over 450 thousand tons and we have revised our fourth quarter sales volume expectations to a range of 300 thousand to 500 thousand tons. The challenge is not a single fault or isolated geological event. The longwall has encountered multiple complex geological structures across the tailgate, face, and headgate areas and the combination was more complex than our mine plan assumed. Mechanical downtime while navigating these faulted zones allowed additional ground pressure and roof conditions to develop ahead of the phase. Under these circumstances, elements of the current long wall design were less effective at managing changing conditions than expected which further slowed progress. Importantly, we do not view these challenges as a resource quality reserve or long term mine plan issue. Bolting and structural complexity are common characteristics of bone Basin operations. What this first panel has shown us is where our equipment, and operating practices need to adapt to operating efficiently in these conditions. In the current panel, we have approximately 110 meters to go before the major fault structure is behind the long wall. We still expect some geological interruptions throughout the remainder of the panel. Our team has identified targeted engineering modifications and operating adjustments that will give us greater flexibility when mining through similar conditions in future panels. For each long wall shield, there are 2 key equipment upgrades being scheduled around planned downtime to limit disruption to production. The first is a baselift power increase estimated at $1.5 million to $2 million total for all shields, which we plan to complete in the current panel during scheduled maintenance. The second is improvements to the shield extension flipper estimated at $5 million to $10 million total for all shields which we plan to install during the next longwall move in 2027?. We have also worked to mitigate the risk of the next panel with an extensive preconsolidation plan for the faulted zone. Where we do encounter faulting, we will be better prepared with improved longwall positioning, both equipment upgrades in place, steps to stabilize and strengthen the ground ahead of the fault. Together, these steps are designed to deliver more consistent long haul performance at Centurion while our focus continues to be on safe execution. Beyond our current operating priorities, responsible stewardship remains central to how we manage our assets throughout their life cycle. Peabody received the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's National Award for Excellence in Reclamation the highest honor in this field, for work at the former Seneca 2 West Mine in Colorado. Since the mine's closure in 2009, reclamation has transformed the site. This national recognition underscores the lasting impact of our commitment to responsible reclamation. That same focus extends to Peabody development, which is pursuing new ways to create value from our land and resources. Based on promising germanium, we are nearing agreements with a major customer and a processing partner. Through our R3 joint venture with RWE, we are advancing solar and battery storage projects on reclaimed mine land with potential success fees beginning in 2027?. We are also evaluating opportunities to pair mine mouth generation with data centers. Our approach remains capital light and partnership driven. Positioning us for new revenue streams and long term growth. Turning to The U. S. Regulatory environment, as the nation faces rising electricity demand EPA's partial repeal of the power plant carbon rule, which required unproven and uneconomical technology, and its proposal to rescind the engagement finding represent important steps toward restoring a more common sense energy policy for our country. I commend the DOE EPA, and the Trump administration for recognizing the critical role of reliable, dispatchable, and affordable energy. With that perspective on our operations and the regulatory environment, I will turn the call over to Malcolm to discuss the U.S. and global market fundamentals.