Iofina plc (LSE:IOF) has reported crystalline iodine production of 205.2 metric tonnes (MT) for the third quarter of 2026, compared with 215.8 MT in the corresponding period last year, while continuing work on expanding its iodine extraction capacity in the United States.
The AIM-listed iodine producer and specialty chemicals manufacturer said quarterly production was affected by reduced water volumes, maintenance activities and delays associated with development projects.
The company has revised its production expectations for the second half of 2026 to between 440 MT and 455 MT.
Despite the lower quarterly output, Iofina reported progress across several expansion projects, including an additional brine supply pipeline at IO#11, preparations to begin production at IO#12 and agreements covering the construction of IO#13 and IO#14.
Management also reported improving water flows, with iodine prices remaining in the mid-$70s per kilogram.
Third-Quarter Iodine Production Declines 4.9%
Iofina produced 205.2 MT of crystalline iodine during the three months ended 30 September 2026, representing a decline of approximately 4.9% from the 215.8 MT produced in the third quarter of 2025.
The company attributed the reduction to a combination of lower water volumes, scheduled and operational maintenance, and delays affecting its expansion activities.
Iofina extracts iodine from iodine-rich brine using its proprietary WET IOsorb technology, making the availability and volume of suitable brine an important factor in production levels.
The company said water flows have begun to improve following the conditions experienced during the quarter.
The lower output has led Iofina to adjust its production forecast for the second half of the financial year.
Second-Half Production Guidance Revised to 440–455 Tonnes
Iofina now expects crystalline iodine production of between 440 MT and 455 MT during the second half of 2026.
The revised guidance reflects the operational factors affecting third-quarter production, including water availability, maintenance requirements and project timing.
The company has not provided a revised full-year production figure in the supplied update.
Management expects improving water flows and additional extraction capacity to support production as the development programme progresses.
However, the timing and contribution of new facilities will depend on their commissioning and subsequent operating performance.
IO#11 Brine Pipeline Completed as IO#12 Nears Production
Iofina confirmed the completion of an additional brine supply pipeline at its IO#11 iodine extraction plant.
The new pipeline is intended to increase the availability of brine for processing at the facility, supporting the company’s efforts to improve iodine production.
The company is also preparing its IO#12 plant to commence production.
IO#12 forms part of Iofina’s programme to expand its network of iodine extraction facilities using its proprietary processing technology.
The company has not specified an exact start date for IO#12 production or disclosed the additional output expected from the new plant in the supplied announcement.
The completion of the IO#11 pipeline and preparations at IO#12 represent separate stages of the group’s ongoing capacity expansion.
Agreements Signed for IO#13 and IO#14 Construction
Iofina has signed agreements to begin construction of two further iodine extraction facilities, designated IO#13 and IO#14.
The planned plants will extend the company’s existing network of extraction operations in the United States.
The developments form part of Iofina’s longer-term objective of increasing annual iodine production capacity towards 2,000 MT.
The company operates its extraction plants through Iofina Resources, which uses proprietary WET IOsorb technology to recover iodine from brine.
The construction programme is intended to increase the group’s production capacity as additional facilities become operational.
Iofina has not disclosed commissioning dates, individual production targets or construction costs for IO#13 and IO#14 in the supplied update.
The planned capacity additions remain subject to construction, commissioning and operating requirements.
Iodine Prices Remain in Mid-$70s Per Kilogram
Iofina reported that iodine market prices remained in the mid-$70s per kilogram during the third quarter.
Management also described demand conditions as robust.
Iodine is used in a range of industrial and chemical applications, while Iofina’s downstream business manufactures specialty chemicals derived from iodine and other halogens.
The company’s integrated operations include iodine extraction through Iofina Resources and chemical manufacturing through Iofina Chemical.
Iofina expects its production expansion programme to contribute to future revenue and profitability as additional capacity is brought into operation.
These expectations remain dependent on production volumes, iodine pricing, customer demand and operating costs.
The company has not provided updated revenue or profit guidance in the supplied trading statement.
Iofina Continues Long-Term Production Expansion Strategy
Iofina’s development programme includes improvements to existing extraction facilities and the construction of additional plants.
The completed IO#11 pipeline, preparations at IO#12 and agreements for IO#13 and IO#14 are intended to increase the company’s available production capacity over time.
The group’s longer-term production objective is to reach approximately 2,000 MT of iodine annually.
The company continues to operate within a vertically integrated structure combining iodine extraction and specialty chemical manufacturing.
Its near-term operational priorities include improving brine availability, bringing additional extraction capacity into production and meeting its revised second-half output expectations.
About Iofina plc
Iofina plc (LSE:IOF) is an AIM-listed iodine producer and specialty chemicals manufacturer operating primarily in the United States.
The company operates through two principal businesses: Iofina Resources, which extracts iodine from brine using proprietary WET IOsorb technology, and Iofina Chemical, which manufactures iodine-based and other halogen specialty chemicals.
Iofina operates nine iodine extraction plants and is developing additional facilities to expand its production network.
The company describes itself as the second-largest iodine producer in North America and is pursuing a longer-term annual production target of approximately 2,000 MT.
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