Largo Terminates Previously Announced Iron Ore Calcine Commercial Agreement, Advancing Discussions with Alternative Potential Buyers, and Provides Tariffs and Vanadium Markets Update
Rhea-AI Summary
Largo (TSX: LGO, NASDAQ: LGO) terminated the previously announced iron ore calcine sale after non-receipt of a US$2.9 million initial payment and retains full ownership of 4.5 million tonnes of calcine. The company is pursuing alternative buyers and assessing U.S. tariff changes affecting Brazilian-origin vanadium.
U.S. ferrovanadium prices strengthened since Feb 12, with U.S. FeV trading near $23/lb and European FeV rising to $27.7/kg; V2O5 moved above $5.5/lb. Bonded vanadium inventory in U.S. ports could be released if tariffs are reduced.
Positive
- Retains 4.5 million tonnes of calcine inventory
- Bonded vanadium inventory positioned in U.S. ports
- U.S. FeV prices accelerating to near $23/lb
- European FeV up to $27.7/kg
- V2O5 prices above $5.5/lb
- Potential tariff reductions improve U.S. competitiveness for Brazilian material
Negative
- Counterparty failed to pay US$2.9 million initial payment
- Working capital tied to bonded inventory due to prior 50% tariff
- Structural U.S. supply constraints remain, limiting conversion capacity
- Tariff uncertainty could cause short-term market disruption
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
While LGO is down 1.42%, 5 Argus-tracked peers (e.g., FURY, NVA, OMEX, GRO, WWR) show gains between about 2.63% and 6.92%. This divergence alongside sector strength points to a stock-specific reaction.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 05 | Calcine term sheet | Positive | +8.6% | Binding term sheet for US$56M monetization of 4.5M tonnes iron ore calcine. |
| Jan 08 | ATM equity program | Negative | -8.4% | Announcement of up to US$60M at-the-market equity program for funding needs. |
| Jan 12 | Copper studies, loan | Positive | +1.7% | Copper mineralization studies and extension of US$6M secured promissory note. |
| Jan 20 | Definitive calcine deal | Positive | -0.8% | Definitive agreement for sale of up to 4.5M tonnes calcine for >US$56M. |
| Feb 05 | 2025 results, guidance | Neutral | -7.5% | 2025 production/sales in line with guidance plus 2026 outlook and calcine update. |
Recent news often triggered sizable moves: liquidity/financing headlines drew negative reactions, while monetization or asset-optimization steps saw more mixed responses.
Over the past months, Largo has focused on monetizing its iron ore calcine byproduct and shoring up liquidity. A US$56M binding term sheet on Jan 5 and the definitive agreement on Jan 20 targeted up to 4.5M tonnes of calcine, but today’s article confirms that agreement has been terminated after missed payments. Alongside this, Largo launched a US$60M ATM equity program on Jan 8 and reported 2025 operating results and 2026 guidance on Feb 5. Today’s update ties those developments to shifting U.S. tariff dynamics and strengthening vanadium prices.
Regulatory & Risk Context
An effective Form F-3 allows resale of up to 15,260,671 warrant-related shares. Largo would receive up to $18,927,511 in gross proceeds if all such warrants are exercised for cash at strike prices of $1.22 and $1.53, implying potential dilution alongside additional capital. The shelf has been used in at least 2 prospectus supplements.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement combines a setback and potential tailwind: the iron ore calcine sale agreement was terminated after the US$2.9M initial payment was missed, but Largo retains 4.5 million tonnes of inventory and is pursuing other buyers. At the same time, U.S. FeV prices have climbed toward $23/lb and V₂O₅ moved above $5.5/lb, while a prior 50% tariff on Brazilian imports was struck down. Investors may watch tariff outcomes, inventory monetization progress, and any further use of the existing F-3 shelf.
Key Terms
vanadium pentoxide medical
ferrovanadium technical
bonded warehouse technical
tariff regulatory
ex works financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
All amounts expressed are in U.S. dollars, denoted by "$".
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 23, 2026) - Largo Inc. (TSX: LGO) (NASDAQ: LGO) ("Largo" or the "Company") today announced the termination of its previously disclosed iron ore calcine sale agreement and provided an update on recent developments related to U.S. tariff authority and on ongoing strength across vanadium markets.
Highlights
Iron ore calcine sale agreement terminated following non-receipt of the required initial payment. Largo retains full ownership of the 4.5 million tonnes of calcine iron ore inventory and is advancing discussions with alternative potential buyers. The termination is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, liquidity, or ongoing operations.
Largo is assessing recent developments relating to U.S. tariff authority and assessing its operational flexibility, including its bonded inventories in U.S. Ports, to respond efficiently to potential changes in trade conditions.
U.S. ferrovanadium prices have continued to strengthen since the Company's February 12 update, further widening the premium over Western Europe.
Structural supply constraints remain in the U.S. market, including limited conversion capacity and trade-related restrictions affecting certain regions.
Update on Iron Ore Calcine Transaction
As previously disclosed in the Company's February 5 and 12, 2026 press releases, the definitive agreement announced on January 20, 2026 for the sale of up to 4.5 million tonnes of iron ore calcine material was subject to receipt of an initial payment of US
The Company agreed to defer the initial payment until February 9, 2026. Since the payment was not received, the Company issued formal notice of non-compliance and provided the counterparty with a cure period through February 20, 2026, to satisfy the outstanding payment obligation.
As the required payment was not received within that cure period, the agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms. Largo intends to pursue its rights and remedies under the agreement against the counterparty.
No iron ore calcine was delivered under the agreement. Largo retains full ownership of the material, a valuable byproduct generated by its vanadium operations at the Maracás Menchen Mine in Brazil. The Company is reengaging with other interested parties.
The termination is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, liquidity, or ongoing operations.
Assessment of Recent U.S. Supreme Court Decisions on Tariff Authority
Largo is actively assessing the implications of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding the scope of executive tariff authority and how potential adjustments may affect Brazilian-origin vanadium products, including vanadium pentoxide ("V₂O₅") and ferrovanadium ("FeV").
Largo was subject to a
Even a slight reduction in tariff levels could quickly and significantly affect the U.S. vanadium market. Reducing tariff barriers would improve the competitiveness of Largo's Brazilian-origin material, boost Largo's supply flexibility in the U.S., and help address tight market conditions.
Readiness of Vanadium Through Largo's Bonded Vanadium Inventory in U.S. Ports
Largo currently has high purity vanadium units stored in a bonded warehouse within the United States which have not yet been imported in the U.S. thereby increasing Largo's working capital tied to unsold inventories due to high U.S. tariffs. Assuming the implementation of the Supreme Court's decision, tariffs will be modified or reduced, which could allow these units to be quickly released and supplied broadly to the Company's customers in the U.S.
This positioning enables Largo to respond rapidly to any change in tariff conditions, potentially increasing near-term availability of both FeV and V₂O₅ for steel, aerospace, defense, and specialty alloy applications. The presence of bonded inventory in U.S. Ports enhances the immediacy of Largo's potential market impact as tariff constraints are eased.
Continued Price Acceleration Since February 12, 2026 Market Update
Since Largo's last market update issued on February 12, 2026, vanadium prices have continued to strengthen materially across both FeV and V₂O₅ markets.
Since that date of the February 12 press release, European FeV prices have increased from approximately
U.S. FeV prices have increased from around
Notably, V₂O₅ prices have also moved upward for the first time since the beginning of the year and are now above
Positioning to Support U.S. Supply Security
Largo remains a western-aligned primary producer capable of supplying both FeV and high-purity vanadium products. As tariff constraints are modified or reduced, the Company believes it is well-positioned to contribute additional primary units to the U.S. market and to provide improved supply security for U.S. customers.
About Largo
Largo is a globally recognized supplier of high-quality vanadium and ilmenite products, sourced from its world-class Maracás Menchen Mine in Brazil. As one of the world's largest primary vanadium producers, Largo produces critical materials that empower global industries, including steel, aerospace, defense, chemical, and energy storage sectors. The Company is committed to operational excellence and sustainability, leveraging its vertical integration to ensure reliable supply and quality for its customers.
Largo is also strategically invested in the clean energy storage sector through its
The Company also holds a
Largo's common shares trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "LGO". For more information on the Company, please visit www.largoinc.com.
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For further information, please contact:
Investor Relations
Vera Abdo
Investor Relations Consultant
+1.640.223.6956
largoir@mzgroup.com
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Information:
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward‐looking information in this press release may include, but is not limited to, the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern, the ability of the Company to keep the Maracás Menchen Mine operating, the timing and amount of estimated future production and sales; the future price of commodities; Company's positioning to supply FeV to the U.S. market pending potential tariff developments; the impact of reduced tariffs on the U.S. vanadium market and the Company's ability to capitalize on such reduction; the future of FeV prices; and the Company's potential response to the termination of the iron ore sale agreement and the expectation that such termination will not have a material impact to the Company's financial position, liquidity and ongoing operations.
The following are some of the assumptions upon which forward-looking information is based: that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; demand for, and stable or improving price of V2O5 and other vanadium products, ilmenite and titanium dioxide pigment; receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals, permits and renewals in a timely manner; that the Company will not experience any material accident, labour dispute or failure of plant or equipment or other material disruption in the Company's operations at the Maracás Menchen Mine; the availability of financing for operations and development; the Company's ability to fund operations and meet its financial obligations as they come due; the availability of funding for future capital expenditures; the ability to replace current funding on terms satisfactory to the Company; the ability to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall; the reliability of production, including, without limitation, access to massive ore, the Company's ability to procure equipment, services and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; that the estimates of the resources and reserves at the Maracás Menchen Mine are within reasonable bounds of accuracy (including with respect to size, grade and recovery and the operational and price assumptions on which such estimates are based); the accuracy of the Company's mine plan at the Maracás Menchen Mine; the ability to obtain funding through government grants and awards for the Green Energy sector; that the Company's current plans for vanadium, ilmenite and TiO2 products can be achieved; the Company's "two-pillar" business strategy will be successful; the Company's ability to protect and develop its technology; the Company's ability to maintain its IP; the competitiveness of the Company's product in an evolving market; that the Company will enter into agreements for the sales of vanadium, ilmenite and TiO2 products on favourable terms and for the sale of substantially all of its annual production capacity; the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled personnel and directors; the ability of management to execute strategic goals; uncertainty regarding future sales volumes and customer demand; changes in global trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs or other trade restrictions by the United States or other jurisdictions.
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved", although not all forward-looking statements include those words or phrases. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections, guidance, potential, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts nor assurances of future performance but instead represent management's expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Forward-looking statements are based on our opinions, estimates and assumptions that we considered appropriate and reasonable as of the date such information is stated, subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Largo to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to those risks described in the annual information form of Largo and in its public documents filed on www.sedarplus.ca and available on www.sec.gov from time to time. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Although management of Largo has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Largo does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Readers should also review the risks and uncertainties sections of Largo's annual and interim MD&A, which also apply.
Trademarks are owned by Largo Inc.

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