Cornish Metals Releases Unaudited Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2025

Cornish Metals Releases Unaudited Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the Six Months Ended 30 June 2025

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Cornish Metals Inc. ( TSX-V/AIM: CUSN ) ("Cornish Metals" or the "Company"), a mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its wholly owned and permitted South Crofty tin project in Cornwall, United Kingdom, is pleased to announce that it has released its unaudited financial statements and management, discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the six months ended June 30, 2025. The reports are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ) and on the Company's website ( www.cornishmetals.com ).

Highlights for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and for the period ending August 13, 2025

(All figures expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)

  • Strategic investment and fundraise (the "Fundraise") (news releases dated January 28-31, 2025 ):
    • The Fundraise totalling £57.4 million announced on January 28-31, 2025 was anchored by the National Wealth Fund Limited ("NWF") and Vision Blue Resources Limited ("Vision Blue"), investing £28.6 million and £18.1 million, respectively, with a further £10.7 million from existing shareholders and new investors, including £1.4 million from a retail offer;
    • The Fundraise is expected to provide financial runway through to the end of Q1 2026 and will enable the Company to further de-risk South Crofty and advance it towards a formal final investment decision;
  • Grant funding investment (news release dated June 11, 2025 ):
    • South Crofty's Bartles Foundry project received grant funding of up to £4.2 million from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund;
    • The first claim in the amount of approximately £0.7 million was submitted to the Council in late July and is expected to be received by the end of August 2025.
  • Key long-lead item orders (news release dated June 3, 2025 ):
    • Orders have been placed with Qualter Hall & Company Limited ("Qualter Hall") for the design, manufacture, supply, installation and commissioning of the production and service winders to be used at South Crofty's New Cook's Kitchen ("NCK") shaft.
  • Mine dewatering and NCK shaft refurbishment progress (news releases dated July 23 and August 12 , 2025):
    • Mine dewatering has resumed near full capacity following completion of staged maintenance of the submersible pumps that resulted in reduced pump availability and delays in the servicing one of the pump motors;
    • Refurbishment of NCK shaft is progressing well with advance rates back in-line with the plan for mine dewatering;
    • The mid-shaft pump station at approximately 360 metres below surface has been reached. Securing the work area and stabilising of the underground chamber of the pump station, enabling the installation of new permanent pumps, has commenced;
    • Mine dewatering and NCK shaft refurbishment to the lower pump station level (approximately 730 metres below surface) are expected to be completed by mid-2026.
  • Start of surface works at South Crofty (news release dated July 23, 2025 ):
    • The first major phase of surface redevelopment at South Crofty started in early July with refurbishment of the Mine Dry building and demolition of the old Bartles Foundry buildings;
    • Excavation and earthworks for the processing plant are expected to commence in August 2025.
  • Senior management appointments (news release dated April 27, 2025 ):
    • Strengthening of the project and operations teams at South Crofty with the appointments of Dave Howe as General Manager and Guillermo Alcazar as Project Director;
    • Mr. Howe has 35 years of open pit and underground hard rock mining (including narrow vein) operational and exploration experience, of which 24 years were in executive and senior management roles;
    • Mr. Alcazar is a project executive with over two decades of global experience leading and overseeing multimillion-dollar complex portfolios of mining, heavy industrial and infrastructure projects across diverse development stages.
  • Sale of North American Assets:
    • Mactung and Cantung royalties : the deferred consideration of US$1.5 million was received from Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. ("Elemental Altus") on July 23, 2025;
    • Nickel King : the Company received the final cash payment of $250,000 from Northera Resources Ltd. ("Northera") on July 30, 2025;
    • Sleitat : discussions are underway for the disposal of the Sleitat tin-silver exploration asset located in Alaska.
  • Purchase of 4.5 acres of land from Cornwall Council (news release dated April 1, 2025 ):
    • The purchased land is immediately adjacent to existing surface land owned by Cornish Metals and provides direct access to the main road at Dudnance Lane, where a new entrance to the mine site is planned and where new mine workshops and stores will be located.
  • Publication of sustainability report and Digbee rating (news releases dated June 25 and August 11 , 2025):
    • The Company published its inaugural sustainability report for the 2024 reporting year marking a meaningful milestone;
    • The report outlines the Company's performance and progress across key sustainability pillars, including governance and ethics, social responsibility and environmental stewardship, establishing a baseline for future reporting;
    • Cornish Metals was awarded an inaugural overall sustainability rating of "A" by Digbee.
  • The re-domiciliation of the Company from Canada to the UK is well advanced and expected to be completed in Q4 2025.

Don Turvey, CEO and Director of Cornish Metals, stated: "The Cornish Metals team continues to work hard on advancing and derisking South Crofty towards a restart of responsible tin production. The pace of activities across the South Crofty site on-surface and underground is ramping up steadily. Important milestones were achieved in the first half of 2025, namely the £57.4 million fundraise that was supported by existing and new shareholders including Vision Blue and the UK's National Wealth Fund, the placing of orders for the production and service winders that are key long-lead items and the strengthening of our operations and projects leadership. The publication of the Company's first sustainability report also marks an important step in formalising our approach to sustainability and strengthening transparency and provides a strong foundation for continued progress."

Review of activities

Strategic investment and fundraise

On January 28-31, 2025, the Company announced a Fundraise totaling £57.4 million that was anchored by NWF and Vision Blue, investing £28.6 million and £18.1 million, respectively. A further £10.7 million was raised from existing shareholders and new investors, including £1.4 million from a retail offer.

The Fundraise is expected to provide financial runway through to the end of Q1 2026 and enables the Company to further de-risk the South Crofty tin project and advance it towards a formal final investment decision by:

  • bringing the South Crofty tin project nearer to production by funding certain elements of the South Crofty tin project's initial capital expenditure requirements;
  • commencing early project works, including initial construction of the groundworks for the processing plant;
  • placing orders for long-lead items of plant and equipment; and
  • advancing detailed project engineering studies.

Grant funding investment

South Crofty's Bartles Foundry project received grant funding of up to £4.2 million from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The grant funding is equivalent to a maximum of 62% of the total Bartles Foundry project cost estimated at approximately £6.8 million for the construction of workshops and stores on the Bartles Foundry site. This will support the requirements associated with South Crofty moving to production and includes the cost for the purchase of 4.5 acres of land from Cornwall Council mentioned further below (refer news release dated June 11, 2025). The first claim in the amount of approximately £0.7 million was submitted to the Council in late July and is expected to be received by the end of August 2025.

Key long-lead item orders

Orders have been placed with Qualter Hall for the design, manufacture, supply, installation and commissioning of the production and service winders to be used at South Crofty's NCK shaft. The two winders are long-lead items and constitute an important use of proceeds from the fundraise completed in March 2025.

Mine dewatering and refurbishment of New Cook's Kitchen Shaft

Mine dewatering has resumed near full capacity following completion of staged maintenance of the submersible pumps that resulted in reduced pump availability and delays in the servicing one of the pump motors. Refurbishment of NCK shaft is progressing well with advance rates back in-line with the plan for mine dewatering.

The mid-shaft pump station at approximately 360 metres below surface has been reached. Securing the work area and stabilising of the underground chamber of the pump station, enabling the installation of new permanent pumps, has commenced. Shaft refurbishment and mine dewatering will continue in parallel with this work, down to the current level of the submersible pumps at approximately 380 metres below surface.

Work on the pump station is expected to be completed during Q4 2025. The submersible pumps will then be lowered to the lower pump station level (approximately 730 metres below surface) and mine dewatering and shaft refurbishment will resume at that point. Mine dewatering and NCK shaft refurbishment to the lower pump station level are expected to be completed by mid-2026.

Start of surface works at South Crofty

The first major phase of surface redevelopment at South Crofty started in early July with refurbishment of the Mine Dry building and demolition of the old Bartles Foundry buildings. Excavation and earthworks for the processing plant are expected to commence in August 2025.

Senior management appointments

On April 27, 2025, the Company announced the appointments of Dave Howe as General Manager and Guillermo Alcazar as Project Director, strengthening the project and operations teams at South Crofty as the project transitions to construction and development.

Mr. Howe has 35 years of open pit and underground hard rock mining (including narrow vein) operational and exploration experience, of which 24 years were in executive and senior management roles. He has experience in rehabilitation of old previously operating wet mines, including drilling, dewatering and developing them back into successful operation, and has also managed different narrow vein mines.

Mr. Alcazar is a project executive with over two decades of global experience leading and overseeing multimillion-dollar complex portfolios of mining, heavy industrial and infrastructure projects across diverse development stages.

The Company also announced that Owen Mihalop, Chief Operating Officer, left the Company with effect from April 25, 2025 in order to pursue new opportunities.

Land purchase from Cornwall Council

On April 1, 2025, the Company announced the purchase of a 4.5-acre land parcel from Cornwall Council that is immediately adjacent to South Crofty surface infrastructure. The land purchase provides direct access to the main road at Dudnance Lane where a new entrance to the mine site is planned and where new mine workshops and stores will be located. This acquisition increased the total land area at South Crofty owned by the Company to approximately 32.5 acres.

Sale of North American assets

Mactung and Cantung royalties : the deferred consideration of US$1.5 million was received from Elemental Altus on July 23, 2025.

Nickel King property : on July 30, 2025, the Company received the final cash payment of $250,000 from Northera, resulting in the agreed aggregate cash consideration of $500,000 being received in full. The Company will transfer the Nickel King property to Northera upon finalisation of a definitive sales agreement. Upon completion of a go-public transaction by Northera, resulting in a listing of securities on the TSX Venture Exchange, or other stock exchange, Northera will issue to Cornish Metals common shares in the capital of Northera having an aggregate market value equal to $5 million.

Sleitat : the Company is in discussions to dispose of the Sleitat tin-silver exploration asset located in Alaska, USA.

Publication of sustainability report and Digbee rating

The Company published its inaugural sustainability report for the 2024 reporting year marking a meaningful milestone. The report, published in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (" GRI ") Standards, outlines the Company's performance and progress across key sustainability pillars, including governance and ethics, social responsibility and environmental stewardship, establishing a baseline for future reporting.

Cornish Metals was awarded an inaugural overall sustainability rating of "A" by an independent panel of globally recognised sustainability experts from Digbee. This initial submission provides insights to enhance risk mitigation strategies, ensuring well-informed decision-making as the Company advances towards the responsible operation of South Crofty.

Financial highlights for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024

Six months ended
June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
Total operating expenses 7,618,614 4,561,792
Loss for the period 6,331,711 4,126,256
Net cash used in operating activities (6,275,976 ) (2,281,351 )
Net cash used in investing activities (17,906,530 ) (17,830,778 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 87,513,355 (96,159 )
Cash at end of the period 73,777,481 6,048,987
  • Operating expenses have risen reflecting increased professional fees associated with the planned re-domiciliation of the Company from Canada to the UK and costs relating to more corporate activity as the South Crofty tin project is advanced;
  • Project related expenditure of $11.3 million for the advancement of South Crofty, primarily relating to NCK shaft re-access & refurbishment, preparation for the refurbishment of the mid-shaft pump station, ongoing project engineering studies and preliminary work for the construction of workshops & stores;
  • Dewatering costs of $3.1 million for power, reagents, sludge disposal and maintenance of the water treatment plant ("WTP");
  • Receipt of $87.5 million in net proceeds from the Fundraise after repayment of the debt facility with Vision Blue which was settled through a set-off with the Fundraise; and
  • Cash increased by $63.3 million to $73.8 million at the period end due to the proceeds received from the Fundraise offset by ongoing development activities at the South Crofty tin project.

Outlook

As described above, the Company continues to advance and de-risk the South Crofty tin project towards production. The Company's near-term objectives are as follows:

  • Complete dewatering of South Crofty mine and refurbishment of NCK shaft;
  • Advance detailed engineering and Front End Engineering Design (" FEED ");
  • Place deposits for long lead items of plant and equipment;
  • Commence and advance early project works, including initial construction of the groundworks for the processing plant; and
  • Arrange project financing for the South Crofty tin project.

ABOUT CORNISH METALS

Cornish Metals is a dual-listed mineral exploration and development company (AIM and TSX-V: CUSN) that is advancing the South Crofty tin project towards production. South Crofty:

  • is a historical, high-grade, underground tin mine located in Cornwall, United Kingdom and benefits from existing mine infrastructure including multiple shafts that can be used for future operations;
  • is permitted to commence underground mining (valid to 2071), construct a new processing facility and for all necessary site infrastructure;
  • would be the only primary producer of tin in Europe or North America. Tin is a Critical Mineral as defined by the UK, American, and Canadian governments as it is used in almost all electronic devices and electrical infrastructure. Approximately two-thirds of the tin mined today comes from China, Myanmar and Indonesia;
  • benefits from strong local community, regional and national government support with a growing team of skilled people, local to Cornwall, and could generate over 300 direct jobs.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Don Turvey"
Don Turvey
CEO and Director

Engage with us directly at our investor hub. Sign up at: https://investors.cornishmetals.com/link/yVw05e

For additional information please contact:

Cornish Metals

Fawzi Hanano
Irene Dorsman
investors@cornishmetals.com
info@cornishmetals.com
Tel: +1 (604) 200 6664

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP
(Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)
Richard Morrison
Charlie Bouverat
Grant Barker
Tel: +44 203 470 0470

Hannam & Partners
(Joint Broker)
Matthew Hasson
Andrew Chubb
Jay Ashfield
cornish@hannam.partners
Tel: +44 207 907 8500

BlytheRay
(Financial PR)
Tim Blythe
Megan Ray
cornishmetals@blytheray.com
Tel: +44 207 138 3204

The Bartles Foundry project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release .

Caution regarding forward looking statements

This news release may contain certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, outlook, guidance, estimates and forecasts and other statements regarding future plans, the realisation, cost, timing and extent of mineral resource or mineral reserve estimates, estimation of commodity prices, currency exchange rate fluctuations, estimated future exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, requirements for additional capital and the Company's ability to obtain financing when required and on terms acceptable to the Company, future or estimated mine life and other activities or achievements of Cornish Metals. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could", "would" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to receipt of regulatory approvals, risks related to general economic and market conditions; risks related to the availability of financing; the timing and content of upcoming work programmes; actual results of proposed exploration activities; possible variations in Mineral Resources or grade; projected dates to commence mining operations; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations. The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect Cornish's forward-looking statements.

Cornish Metals' forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward- looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Cornish Metals does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law.

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information pursuant to Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 as amended.


CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

June 30, 2025 December 31, 2024
ASSETS

Current
Cash $ 73,777,481 $ 9,589,029
Marketable securities 3,108,832 2,874,696
Receivables 3,650,460 2,697,326
Prepaid expenses 1,219,926 504,902
Deferred financing fees - 637,718
81,756,699 16,303,671
Deposits 113,352 64,341
Property, plant and equipment 29,344,240 27,132,244
Exploration and evaluation assets 100,771,833 79,961,014
$ 211,986,124 $ 123,461,270
LIABILITIES
Current
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 6,507,324 $ 4,045,083
Deferred income - 150,000
Loan liability - 13,457,169
6,507,324 17,652,252
NSR liability 9,340,224 9,869,289
15,847,548 27,521,541
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock 229,373,265 128,394,652
Capital contribution 2,007,665 2,007,665
Share-based payment reserve 1,692,422 1,353,933
Foreign currency translation reserve 12,854,213 7,640,757
Deficit (49,788,989 ) (43,457,278 )
196,138,576 95,939,729
$ 211,986,124 $ 123,461,270


CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024
EXPENSES
Travel and marketing $ 231,911 $ 233,349 $ 437,578 $ 447,487
Insurance 184,241 196,444 364,161 399,507
Office, miscellaneous and rent 140,829 61,702 232,055 118,207
Professional fees 2,219,506 533,674 2,760,849 808,767
Generative exploration expense 2,278 4,513 2,278 5,704
Regulatory and filing fees 22,079 22,396 52,477 51,661
Share-based compensation (11,011 ) 7,000 151,606 130,799
Salaries, directors' fees and benefits 1,639,058 743,516 3,617,610 2,599,660
Total operating expenses (4,428,891 ) (1,802,594 ) (7,618,614 ) (4,561,792 )
Interest income 856,492 142,888 990,074 408,554
Interest expense - - (486,337 ) -
Foreign exchange gain (loss) 275,131 (9,140 ) 653,023 (28,040 )
Gain on receipt of non-refundable deposit - 91,296 150,000 91,296
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities 9,163 12,963 (19,857 ) (36,274
)
Loss for the period (3,288,105 ) (1,564,587 ) (6,331,711 ) (4,126,256 )
Foreign currency translation 1,325,644 977,535 5,213,456 2,391,472
Total comprehensive loss for the period $ (1,962,461 ) $ (587,052 ) $ (1,118,255 ) $ (1,734,784 )
Basic and diluted loss per share $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: 1,252,414,079 535,270,712 960,789,988 535,270,712


CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

For the six months ended
June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Loss for the period $ (6,331,711 ) $ (4,126,256 )
Items not involving cash:
Share-based compensation 151,606 130,799
Interest expense 486,337 -
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (653,023 ) 28,040
Gain on receipt of non-refundable deposit (150,000 ) (91,296 )
Unrealized loss on marketable securities 19,857 36,274
Changes in non-cash working capital items:
(Increase) decrease in receivables (949,755 ) 264,739
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses (224,802 ) 64,364
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,375,515 1,411,985
Net cash used in operating activities (6,275,976 ) (2,281,351 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (2,811,621 ) (5,968,493 )
Acquisition of exploration and evaluation assets (15,049,324 ) (11,968,598 )
Proceeds from receipt of non-refundable deposit - 91,296
(Increase) decrease in deposits (45,585 ) 15,017
Net cash used in investing activities (17,906,530 ) (17,830,778 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from the Fundraise 91,566,076 -
Share issue costs (4,052,721 ) -
Increase in deferred financing fees - (96,159 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 87,513,355 (96,159 )
Change in cash during the period 63,330,849 (20,208,288 )
Cash, beginning of the period 9,589,029 25,791,552
Impact of foreign exchange on cash 857,603 465,723
Cash, end of the period $ 73,777,481 $ 6,048,987
Cash paid during the period for interest $ - $ -
Cash paid during the period for income taxes $ - $ -


CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)

Foreign
Capital stock Share-based currency
Number of Capital payment translation Shareholders'
shares Amount contribution reserve reserve Deficit equity – total
Balance at December 31, 2023 535,270,712 $ 128,394,652 $ 2,007,665 $ 711,690 $ 1,369,146 $ (42,391,158 ) $ 90,091,995
Foreign currency translation - - - - 2,391,472 - 2,391,472
Share-based compensation - - - 217,336 - - 217,336
Loss for the period - - - - - (4,126,256 ) (4,126,256 )
Balance at June 30, 2024 535,270,712 $ 128,394,652 $ 2,007,665 $ 929,026 $ 3,760,618 $ (46,517,414 ) $ 88,574,547
Balance at December 31, 2024 535,270,712 $ 128,394,652 $ 2,007,665 $ 1,353,933 $ 7,640,757 $ (43,457,278 ) $ 95,939,729
Share issuance pursuant to Fundraise 717,143,367 105,361,387 - - - - 105,361,387
Share issue costs (4,382,774 ) - - - - (4,382,774 )
Foreign currency translation - - - - 5,213,456 - 5,213,456
Share-based compensation - - - 338,489 - - 338,489
Loss for the period - - - - - (6,331,711 ) (6,331,711 )
Balance at June 30, 2025 1,252,414,079 $ 229,373,265 $ 2,007,665 $ 1,692,422 $ 12,854,213 $ (49,788,989 ) $ 196,138,576

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Cornish Metals Inc.

Cornish Metals Inc.

Cornish Metals Inc is building a portfolio of strategic metals assets in North America and the United Kingdom, and its flagship project is the past-producing South Crofty underground tin mine in Cornwall, UK. South Crofty is arguably the important historical tin mine in the UK and hosts highest grade tin resources worldwide. The project has the potential to be a high-grade tin producer in Europe.

Gavel on a judge's block atop an Australian flag background.

Australia to Tighten Anti-Dumping Rules to Protect Domestic Industries

In the wake of tariff turmoil caused by the Trump administration's recent actions, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed reforms to the country's anti-dumping system.

In an April 3 statement, he emphasised the importance of safeguarding key sectors like steel, aluminium and manufacturing in the face of unfair competition. The government claims an overhaul would level the playing field for local manufacturers, while critics are warning of potential trade disputes with key partners like China.

The Albanese government has said it will provide AU$5 million to boost the Anti-Dumping Commission's ability to track claims of dumped imports. Ed Husic, minister for industry and science and a member of Albanese's Labor Party, called on the anti-dumping commissioner to take strong action in an April 1 statement of expectations.

"I expect you to use all the powers available to you to ensure that Australian manufacturers are not injured by unfair trade through dumping and subsidisation," Husic said, asking the recently reappointed commissioner to "consider the strategic environment" and act on "effective, timely and accessible remedies to unfair trade."

He further stated, "I expect you to lead a world-class trade remedies authority. I expect your advice, recommendations and decisions to be developed and discharged in line with relevant legislation; Australia’s international obligations; and to be robust, evidence‑based and provide certainty for all users of the anti-dumping system."

The commissioner has yet to respond; the government has said a statement will be published once available.

What is dumping?

Dumping occurs when a country or company exports goods to another market at prices below their normal value, often due to government subsidies or predatory pricing strategies.


This practice can distort competition, undercut domestic producers and harm local industries.

Anti-dumping measures, such as tariffs or import restrictions, can be imposed to counteract these unfair trade practices and protect homegrown businesses. Australia’s latest anti-dumping reforms aim to strengthen its ability to detect and penalise dumping, ensuring a fairer market for local manufacturers.

Australia's current anti-dumping system allows Australian manufacturers to apply for anti-dumping or countervailing duties when they believe dumped or subsidised goods being imported into Australia are harming their business.

The government notes that dumping is not prohibited or illegal under World Trade Organisation (WTO) international agreements, but also states that it is defined as anti-competitive behaviour.

In the context of the recent trade tensions and tariffs, Australia's anti-dumping measures are seen counteracting the influx of cheap imports while maintaining obligations under free trade agreements and WTO rules.

How do anti-dumping measures help Australia?

Given the imposition of tariffs, various countries, including Australia, could struggle to sell their products in the US and choose instead to dump them at lower costs in other markets.

This means potentially depriving local manufacturers of their full profits. The Guardian notes that in the worst-case scenario, these manufacturers could be forced out of business.

Strengthening anti-dumping capabilities means protecting the chances of these local manufacturers.

It's important to note that dumping is not always bad, especially if local producers aren't being disadvantaged.

According to TheGlobalEconomy.com, manufacturing makes up 5.36 percent of Australia’s economy. This is half of the world average of 12.33 percent, based on data from 153 countries.

Despite the smaller number, Australia sees manufacturing as a critical component of its economic landscape given that it's responsible for 45 percent of the nation's merchandise exports.

Manufacturing also contributes to 25 percent of total research and development spending in the country.

How does anti-dumping relate to mining?

Anti-dumping is relevant to the mining industry as protecting manufacturers equates to safeguarding domestic industries that supply essential materials and services to mining operations.

Steel is a major element in the manufacturing industry, with Australia currently having 44 anti-dumping measures in place on 12 steel products from 14 countries. Anti-dumping also protects downstream industries, given that mining supplies raw materials such as iron ore and bauxite used for steel and aluminum.

The Australian Steel Institute has said that robust anti-dumping provisions serve as a national defense against unfair trade practices. These policies prevent market distortions caused by dumped imports, helping maintain the viability of both manufacturing and mining sectors.

Anti-dumping and other Australian initiatives

Australia recently established a critical minerals strategic reserve to enhance the mining sector.

A report from Discovery Alert describes the reserve as a "strategic stockpile that emerges as a dual-purpose mechanism," saying that it will simultaneously incentivise domestic exploration and production, while establishing a national buffer against supply chain disruptions. This will assist in anti-dumping efforts by ensuring stable domestic supply of lithium, rare earths and the like, all of which are used in advancing manufacturing sectors.

The critical minerals strategy is also a show of national resilience, which complements the anti-dumping strategy. Foreign countries often use export restrictions or price wars to manipulate the global market raw materials scene.

By establishing a critical minerals reserve, Australia is protecting domestic industries, such as mining and high-tech manufacturing, from the risks of artificially low-priced imports and potential geopolitical leverage by foreign suppliers.

On February 11, the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2024 passed through parliament. This means two additional tax incentives, namely:

  • A Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive worth AU$2 per kilogram of renewable hydrogen produced.
  • A Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive worth 10 percent of eligible processing and refining costs for Australia’s 31 critical minerals.

At the time of this writing, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission has identified 24 imported products or commodities that it believes are being sold in Australia at unfairly low prices. The list includes zinc-coated steel, aluminum extrusions and precision pipe and tube steel, all usable for mining.

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Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.


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