Why has the Queensland Pacific Metals share price crashed over 30% so far this week?

This energy chemicals company's shares are being hammered this week…

| More on:
A man in a suit face palms at the downturn happening with shares today.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Queensland Pacific Metals Ltd (ASX: QPM) share price has taken another tumble on Tuesday.

At the time of writing, the energy chemicals developer's shares are down 8% to 11.5 cents.

This means the Queensland Pacific Metals share price is now down 34% in the space of two days.

Why is the Queensland Pacific Metals share price crashing this week?

Investors have been hitting the sell button this week after the company released the results of the advanced feasibility study on stage 1 of the Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) project.

Investors appear alarmed at the capital expenditure estimate for stage one of $1.9 billion plus contingency allowance. This compares to the 2020 pre-feasibility study (PFS) estimate of $650 million.

Though, it is worth noting that the plant scale has increased 2.7x since the PFS and global equipment costs have increased over the past two years.

Nevertheless, the big question is how will the company fund this massive cost? With a market capitalisation now under $200 million, Queensland Pacific Metals needs to raise 10x its market cap in debt or equity to get the project up and running.

Though, with a base case stage one annual EBITDA estimate of $546 million and a pre-tax IRR of 18.4%, there might be some takers.

The company also has a conditional commitment of $250 million from Export Finance Australia and interest from other export credit agencies and commercial banks.

Time will tell what happens, but the existing shareholders that have stuck around might need to brace for some major share dilution in the coming months.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Materials Shares

a geologist or mine worker looks closely at a rock formation in a darkened cave with water on the ground, wearing a full protective suit and hard hat.
Materials Shares

Lynas shares crash 41% from their peak: Buy, hold or sell?

Demand for rare earths has soared this year.

Read more »

Image of young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Materials Shares

Bell Potter names the best ASX critical minerals stocks to buy

Let's see what the broker is saying about these in-demand commodities.

Read more »

Man in mining hat with fists raised and eyes closed looking happy and excited about the Newcrest share price
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX mining stock is rocketing 14% on production plans

This miner is making its shareholders smile on Thursday. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price
Materials Shares

Gina Rinehart backed ASX rare earths stock jumps 17% on big news

This rare earths stock is getting investors excited on Thursday with some big news.

Read more »

A man scoots in superman pose across a bride, excited about a future with electric vehicles.
Materials Shares

PLS? Why did Pilbara Minerals shares just change name?

Pilbara has rebranded itself...

Read more »

A young male ASX investor raises his clenched fists in excitement because of rising ASX share prices today
Materials Shares

Why are Liontown shares rising today and up 18% this week?

This lithium miner's shares have been in demand with investors this week.

Read more »

Workers at a steel making factory
Materials Shares

Can this ASX 200 stock keep its end of year rally going?

Brokers are upbeat and see gains in 2026.

Read more »

A mining worker wearing a white hardhat and a high vis vest stands on a platform overlooking a huge mine, thinking about what comes next.
Resources Shares

ASX 200 mining shares outperform as iron ore and copper prices strengthen

BHP, Fortescue, and Rio Tinto shares reached new 52-week highs while the ASX 200 edged up 0.24%.

Read more »