Champion Iron announces production gains and new growth projects

Champion Iron's Q4 FY26 update shows higher production, strong liquidity, and progress on growth projects including its new DRPF plant and Rana Gruber acquisition.

Laura Stewart

Author bio Laura Stewart is a Finance Editor at The Motley Fool, where she covers Australian and international equity markets. She joined the company in 2022, following a career transition from legal advisory work in Southeast Asia into the investment industry. Prior to her current editorial role, Laura spent three years as an Equity Analyst and Writer, producing investment research across the ASX, NYSE, and NASDAQ. Her coverage included small-cap growth companies, thematic investment ideas, and high-quality U.S.-listed businesses. Laura holds a Master of Applied Finance and brings additional expertise in accounting, taxation, and estate and wealth planning from her postgraduate studies. She also has a background in law and communications, which supports her analytical and reporting work in financial markets. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the Adelaide Hills with her flock of sheep. Education Laura holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism), and a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Accounting and Corporate Finance. In 2025, she completed a Master of Applied Finance at the University of Adelaide, receiving postgraduate awards in Accounting Concepts & Methods, Ethical Principles in Accounting & Finance, Real Estate Valuation & Investment, and Tax, Estate & Wealth Planning. Social media LinkedIn FYI – I am taking a break from social media at the moment, so this account isn’t active at the moment, but I will let you know when I rejoin. Favorite investment quote "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it... he who doesn't... pays it." — Albert Einstein

Published April 30, 8:46 am AEST

The Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA) share price is in focus after the company reported Q4 FY26 production of 3.4 million wet metric tonnes, up 8% year-on-year, and a strong cash position of $296.8 million.

A group of three men in hard hats and high visibility vests stand together at a mine site while one points and the others look on with piles of dirt and mining equipment in the background. — Image source: Getty Images

What did Champion Iron report?

Quarterly production of 3.4 million wet metric tonnes (wmt) of 66.2% Fe concentrate, up 8% from Q4 FY25
Sales of 3.5 million dry metric tonnes (dmt), stable year-on-year despite rail and weather disruptions
C1 cash cost at $82.7/dmt, up 12% quarter-over-quarter and 3% year-on-year
Cash balance of $296.8 million as at 31 March 2026, up $51.7 million since December
Available liquidity of $812.4 million, supporting growth initiatives

What else do investors need to know?

Champion Iron advanced commissioning of its DRPF (Direct Reduction Pellet Feed) project during the quarter, with initial production tests completed in March. The first commercially sellable DRPF product is expected by the end of calendar Q2 2026. The company also successfully closed the acquisition of Norwegian iron ore producer Rana Gruber in April, adding 1.8 million dmt of high-grade iron ore to its annual output.

Despite disruptions caused by a third-party train derailment and harsh winter conditions, Champion kept production and sales broadly stable. Inventory at Bloom Lake and the port reduced from 1.5 million wmt to 1.3 million wmt, supporting ongoing sales and logistics. Mining performance at Bloom Lake also improved, with 20.9 million wmt of material mined in the quarter, up 3% on last year.

What did Champion Iron management say?

CEO David Cataford said:

Our team remains focused on efficiency and disciplined execution as we advance initiatives to optimise operations, strengthen sales performance and progress our growth projects. Concurrently, our DRPF project remains on schedule, with first sellable commercial production expected in the second quarter of the calendar year. In parallel, the recent closing of the Rana Gruber ASA transaction marks a significant milestone for Champion. It reinforces our leadership as a low carbon producer of high-purity iron ore while expanding our cash flows, positioning us to capitalise on opportunities to maximise long-term value for our shareholders and the communities in which we operate.

What's next for Champion Iron?

Investors can look forward to the commencement of commercial DRPF production by the end of calendar Q2 2026, expanding the company's product range and access to higher-value markets. With the full integration of Rana Gruber and continued investment in growth, Champion is aiming to boost cash flows and further cement its leadership in high-purity, low-carbon iron ore.

The company is also advancing feasibility work at the Kami Project, with a definitive study expected in the second half of 2026. Champion's strong cash and liquidity positions support these ongoing strategic projects and provide flexibility in a volatile iron ore market.

Champion Iron share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Champion Iron shares have risen 8%, slightly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

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