BERLIN, GERMANY - HMS Bergbau AG (ISIN: DE0006061104, WKN: 606110), a leading independent commodities trading and marketing company, has published its preliminary and unaudited figures for the first half of 2026, revealing a substantial increase in revenue and earnings. The company's revenue surged by approximately 71% to EUR 1.1 billion, up from EUR 643 million in the same period last year. EBITDA, including one-off items, reached EUR 22.5 million, compared to EUR 8.3 million in the previous year. Excluding one-off items, adjusted EBITDA stood at EUR 14.1 million. The positive one-off effects of EUR 8.4 million are attributed to the consolidation of the South African mining company Hoshoza Resources Vryheid.
These results mark a significant milestone in HMS Bergbau's transformation into a diversified commodities company. The company reported a strong performance in its trading business, particularly in bulk products and liquid fuels, with March and April being the most successful months in its history in terms of tonnage handled. Additionally, activities in the metal ores sector were expanded. A key development was the signing of an exclusive off-take agreement for a minimum of eight years for the entire output of chromite ore from the Langpan mining project in South Africa.
Perhaps the most notable achievement was the start of production at HMS's coal mines in South Africa and Botswana. Both mines are expected to reach full production in 2026 and make significant contributions to earnings. CEO Dennis Schwindt expressed satisfaction with the first half performance, noting that the trading business managed to offset the restrictions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz through increased trading in South-East Asia. He added, 'We are particularly pleased that our coal mines have started production. Over the course of the rest of this year, we will gradually ramp up production there.'
The company has confirmed its full-year forecast, expecting revenue to rise to EUR 2 billion and adjusted EBITDA to increase from EUR 23.1 million in 2025 to EUR 35 million in 2026. The exact impact from the ongoing activities at Hoshoza Resources Vryheid remains uncertain. The full half-year report will be available from 30 September 2026 on the company's website, www.hms-ag.com, under the Investor Relations section.
This announcement is important as it demonstrates HMS Bergbau's successful pivot from a trading-focused entity to a diversified commodities company with mining operations. The strong financial results and confirmed guidance provide confidence to investors and stakeholders, indicating that the company's strategic initiatives are yielding tangible outcomes. The expansion into mining and the long-term off-take agreement for chromite ore underscore the company's commitment to securing supply chains and enhancing its market position globally.
