**Summary of BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC Half-Year Report (September 2025)**
**Financial Performance Highlights (Six Months Ended June 2025):**
**Net Assets & NAV** Net assets increased to £1,012.777 million, with a net asset value (NAV) per share of 540.48 pence, up from 510.53 pence at the end of 2024.
**Share Price** The ordinary share price (mid-market) rose to 528.00 pence from 481.00 pence at the end of 2024.
**Performance** NAV returned +8.2%, and the share price returned +12.5%, outperforming the reference index (MSCI ACWI Metals & Mining 30% Buffer 10/40 Index) which returned +9.5%.
**Revenue** Net revenue profit after taxation was £21.325 million, down from £22.848 million in the same period in 2024, reflecting reduced dividends from mining companies due to higher costs and weaker USD.
**Dividends** Paid 11.00p per share in total dividends, with 5.50p paid in each of the first two quarters.
**Market Overview**
**Volatility** The first half of 2025 saw significant market volatility due to geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and diverging central bank policies.
**Commodity Prices** Copper and gold prices reached new highs, driven by energy transition demand and central bank purchases. Bulk commodities like iron ore and coal faced headwinds due to China’s property sector weakness.
**M&A Activity** Elevated M&A activity as companies repositioned towards future-facing assets like copper, lithium, and rare earths.
**Sector Sentiment** Dampened by uncertainty over China’s growth outlook, global election cycles, and potential trade restrictions.
**Portfolio Performance**
**Key Exposures** Copper and gold were the primary commodity exposures, with strong price performance translating into portfolio gains.
**Positive Contributors** Gold holdings drove significant gains, with share prices rallying over 50% in many cases. Develop Global, a mid-cap copper miner, saw its share price rise over 100% as it moved towards first production.
**Negative Contributors** Ivanhoe Mines (0.5% of portfolio) suffered production losses due to geotechnical issues, costing the portfolio 1.1% relative to the index. Foran Mining (1.3% of portfolio) faced a funding shortfall during construction.
**Revenue and Dividends**
**Revenue Return** Decreased to 11.26p per share from 11.95p in 2024, reflecting lower dividends from mining companies due to higher costs and weaker USD.
**Dividend Policy** The Board aims to distribute substantially all available income, with 5.50p per share paid in each of the first two quarters.
**Share Management**
**Repurchases** Repurchased 3,635,000 shares (1.9% of issued share capital) at an average price of 479.28p per share, totaling £17,422,000. Shares were bought back at a discount to NAV, benefiting existing shareholders.
**Discount to NAV** Traded at an average discount to NAV of 7.9% during the period, with a 7.1% discount as of 1 September 2025.
**Gearing**
**Level** Gearing was 6.9% at 30 June 2025, down from 12.0% at the beginning of the year, due to a more cautious outlook amid concerns over US tariffs and China’s economic growth.
**Board Changes**
**Appointments** Marion Sears appointed as a non-executive Director effective 27 August 2025, bringing expertise in investment banking and M&A.
**Retirements** Jane Lewis retired after nine years on the Board following the 2025 Annual General Meeting.
**Market Outlook**
**Volatility** Expected to persist in the second half of 2025 due to geopolitical developments and monetary policy shifts.
**China’s Role** China’s economic trajectory remains critical for commodity demand.
**Long-Term Prospects** The global transition to a low-carbon economy is expected to drive sustained demand for critical minerals and metals, positioning the sector for future growth.
**Investment Manager’s Report**
**Commodity Performance** Gold was the largest beneficiary, with prices reaching new highs. Industrial metals saw mixed performance, with copper and aluminium rising, while nickel and zinc declined.
**Corporate Activity** Notable M&A activity included the bid for Metals Acquisition by Harmony. US government funding for critical minerals sparked interest in the sector.
**ESG Focus** Engagement focused on M&A, decarbonization, capital allocation, and social license to operate. Concerns raised over excessive spending without commensurate cash generation.
**Portfolio Adjustments** Reduced exposure to iron ore due to price pressures and reinvestment into growth projects. Increased exposure to precious metals, which constituted 34.7% of the portfolio as of 30 June 2025.
**Royalty and Unquoted Investments**
**BHP Brazil Royalty** Received US$37 million in royalty payments, achieving full payback on the initial US$12 million investment in 3.5 years. Valued at £19.3 million as of 30 June 2025.
**Vale Debentures** Received R$24 million in payments, with the Southeastern System expected to start making payments in 2025.
**Jetti Resources** Reduced holding value by 39% due to delays in revenue expectations, impacting performance by 0.7%.
**MCC Mining** Published an initial resource at Pantanos and completed an oversubscribed funding round, adding circa 40 basis points to the portfolio.
**Derivatives and Gearing**
**Derivatives Income** Generated £3.9 million from options, with exposure averaging less than 5% of net assets.
**Gearing** Maintained at 6.9% as of 30 June 2025, with a cautious approach due to market uncertainties.
**Outlook**
**Tariff Impact** US tariffs may have brought forward demand, tightening markets in the short term. Economic slowdown or softening demand could lead to lower prices.
**Precious Metals** Potential for significant cash flow from buoyant prices, with management’s use of cash being a key focus.
**Income** Lower distributable cash from bulk commodities may require increased contributions from precious metal companies to maintain revenue levels.
**Top Ten Investments (as of 30 June 2025):**
1. **Vale** (7.6% of portfolio) – Diversified mining group, world’s largest iron ore producer.
2. **Agnico Eagle Mines** (6.6%) – Senior gold producer.
3. **BHP** (6.1%) – Diversified mining group.
4. **Rio Tinto** (6.0%) – Leading mining group.
5. **Wheaton Precious Metals** (5.5%) – Precious metals streaming company.
6. **Freeport-McMoRan** (5.4%) – Copper producer.
7. **Kinross Gold** (4.0%) – Gold and silver mining company.
8. **Anglo American** (4.0%) – Diversified mining group.
9. **Glencore** (4.0%) – Diversified natural resources group.
10. **Newmont Corporation** (3.7%) – Gold producer.
**Conclusion**
BlackRock World Mining Trust PLC demonstrated resilience in a volatile market environment, with strong performance in gold and copper holdings offsetting challenges in bulk commodities. The trust continues to focus on strategic portfolio adjustments, active share management, and a cautious approach to gearing, positioning itself for long-term growth in the mining sector.