On 30 May, JinkoSolar released the ‘’Announcement on Obtaining Government Subsidy‘’, which stated that the Company received a government subsidy of RMB98 million on 29 May 2025, which is a revenue-related government subsidy payment.

SMM News on May 29: In the morning of May 29, the automobile and auto parts sectors surged rapidly at the opening bell. The automobile sector index briefly rose by over 2.6% during the session, while the auto parts sector gained more than 2.3%. Among individual stocks, Dongfeng Motor's share price hit the daily limit, with multiple stocks such as King Long United Automotive Industry and Dongfeng Motor New Energy Technology following suit. The auto parts sector witnessed a wave of stocks hitting the daily limit, with over nine stocks, including Chaojie Technology, Yunnan Inner Power, Tongda Electrical, Zhengyu Industry, Hexing Co., Ltd., and Xingmin Intelligent Transportation, sealing the daily limit during the session. On the news front, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released its 2025 regulatory development work plan this morning. Projects to be submitted to the ministerial meeting for review this year include the Interim Measures for the Comprehensive Utilisation Management of Scrap Power Batteries from New Energy Vehicles and the Interim Measures for the Total Volume Control and Management of Rare Earth Mining and Smelting and Separation. Projects to be urgently researched and drafted include the Management Measures for the Recycling and Comprehensive Utilisation of Lithium-ion Batteries from E-bikes and the Implementation Rules for the Approval of Domestic Units Leasing Overseas Satellite Resources. Notably, the price war in the new energy vehicle sector has reignited recently. Last Friday, BYD launched a limited-time "fixed-price" sales promotion, mainly targeting users replacing their old vehicles, and increased the replacement subsidy while reducing prices. It is understood that this promotion involves a total of 22 intelligent driving models from the Wangchao and Ocean networks, with a maximum subsidy of up to 53,000 yuan. The promotion period runs from May 23 to June 30. The Ocean network's intelligent driving models start at 55,800 yuan, and the Haishi 07EV 550 Intelligent Navigation Edition's official guidance price of 189,800 yuan has been directly reduced to 149,800 yuan under the "fixed-price" scheme. Following BYD's move to initiate price cuts, multiple automotive brands, including Geely Galaxy, Leap Motor, and Shanghai GM Buick, have also gradually followed suit with price reductions, offering maximum replacement subsidies ranging from 20,000 to 25,000 yuan. Cui Dongshu, Secretary General of the China Passenger Car Association, stated that BYD's recent price cuts on 22 models would have a certain impact on current car market prices. He also mentioned that compared to 41 models in April last year and 19 models in April 2023, the number of models with price reductions in April this year has significantly decreased, reflecting a notable cooling of the "price-cutting trend." However, as automakers strive to achieve their annual sales targets, competition in the car market will intensify further in the second half of the year. He Xiaopeng, Chairman of XPeng Motors, mentioned on the evening of May 28 that the current "price war" is not yet the most intense, and it may become even fiercer in one of the next five years. Regarding XPeng Motors' future, He Xiaopeng stated that XPeng Motors should first not "compete on price" but rather "compete on technology"; second, it should expand globally beyond China; and third, it should transform new quality productive forces towards embodied intelligence. In addition, recently, trade-in policies across various regions in China have been continuously strengthened. Over the past few trading days, several provinces and cities, including Shanghai, Henan, Fujian, and Harbin, have successively issued car purchase incentive policies. In Shanghai, on May 21, the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government issued the "Shanghai Special Action Plan to Boost Consumption." It mentioned intensifying and expanding the implementation of trade-in for consumer goods. To promote auto consumption, the plan aims to implement the national vehicle scrappage and renewal subsidy policy and Shanghai's vehicle replacement and renewal subsidy policy. It also seeks to implement the national home appliance trade-in subsidy policy, introduce new subsidies for digital products such as mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches (or smart bands), and further support green home appliances, home furnishings, and home decoration consumption. The General Office of the Henan Provincial Government also recently issued the "Henan Province Special Action Plan to Boost Consumption," which proposed intensifying efforts to promote trade-in. It supports vehicle scrappage and replacement, offering a maximum subsidy of 20,000 yuan for scrapping eligible old passenger cars and purchasing passenger NEVs, and a maximum subsidy of 15,000 yuan for purchasing fuel-powered passenger cars. For transferring old cars and purchasing passenger NEVs, the maximum subsidy is 15,000 yuan, and for fuel-powered passenger cars, it is 13,000 yuan. By 2025, the province aims to complete the scrappage and replacement of approximately 500,000 vehicles and the trade-in of over 8 million home appliances. In Harbin, according to the Harbin Bureau of Commerce, starting from May 28, Harbin will launch the "2025 Harbin Summer Charm Ice City Car Purchase Promotion" campaign. During the event, 48 million yuan in car purchase subsidies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted. The subsidies are targeted at individual consumers, with no regional restrictions. Anyone purchasing a new household passenger car (including NEVs) with "China VI" standards and seven seats or fewer from participating merchants can enjoy government subsidy policies in three tiers. For vehicles priced at 150,000 yuan or below (inclusive), a subsidy of 3,000 yuan per car will be provided; for vehicles priced above 150,000 yuan up to 300,000 yuan (inclusive), a subsidy of 4,000 yuan per car will be provided; and for vehicles priced above 300,000 yuan, a subsidy of 5,000 yuan per car will be provided. On May 28, the General Office of the Fujian Provincial Government issued the "Fujian Province Special Action Plan to Boost Consumption," which proposed supporting auto consumption. It aims to promote activities such as car modification, rental, racing, exhibitions, RV camping, and traditional classic car consumption in the automotive aftermarket. It encourages local governments to cultivate and expand used car business entities, promote "reverse invoicing" for used car sales, and accelerate the transition from brokerage to dealership models in the used car market. It also supports local governments in conducting auto consumption promotion activities, stacking car purchase incentive policies for additional support. By the end of 2025, China aims to have built over 80,000 public charging piles in total, achieving full coverage of public charging facilities in every township. The vehicle trade-in subsidy policy has also significantly boosted the automotive market. The China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) has stated that the effects of the "program of large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins" have continued to emerge this year. From January to April this year, various regions and relevant departments have fully utilized the ultra-long-term special treasury bond funds to promote the continued effectiveness of the policy to expand and strengthen the "program of large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins". The policy to expand and strengthen the trade-in of consumer goods has yielded remarkable results, with diverse consumption scenarios continuously innovating, driving improved performance in the industries and supply chains of related products. Driven by the vehicle trade-in and replacement subsidy policy, 10.12 million vehicles were produced from January to April 2025, up 11% YoY.

Recently, Shenzhen Hemei Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Hemei Group), a company primarily engaged in the clothing business, released its 2024 annual report. Since venturing into the hydrogen energy sector in 2024, as of the end of the reporting period, the company has acquired six energy replenishment stations, with the production of green hydrogen and green methanol from wind and solar power in the preliminary planning stage, and 500 hydrogen-electric shared bicycles have been put into operation. In 2024, Hemei Group achieved a total operating revenue of 407 million yuan, up 146.43% YoY; it incurred a net loss attributable to shareholders of 43.6857 million yuan, compared to a loss of 47.2035 million yuan in the same period last year; its net loss excluding non-recurring gains and losses was 73.9414 million yuan, compared to a loss of 28.1426 million yuan in the same period last year; the net cash flow generated from operating activities was -94.3123 million yuan, compared to -11.9032 million yuan in the same period last year. During the reporting period, Hemei Group's basic earnings per share was -0.0333 yuan, and its weighted average return on net assets was -7.65%. Breaking down by product, in the hydrogen sector, Hemei Group achieved an operating revenue of 4.6469 million yuan in 2024, with an operating revenue of 1.3636 million yuan from shared bicycle operations. It is understood that Hemei Group positions itself as a "service provider for international brand operations," with its main business being international brand clothing, footwear, luggage, etc., covering accessories, jewelry, men's wear, women's wear, casual wear, sportswear, children's wear, footwear, and other categories. At the beginning of 2024, relying on the industrial background of its shareholders and policy support, Hemei Group established a hydrogen energy development strategy, rapidly entering the energy replenishment sector through asset acquisitions, focusing on the layout of green energy industries such as the production of green hydrogen and green methanol from wind and solar power, integrated energy stations, and hydrogen-powered shared bicycles, while simultaneously advancing the construction of new stations. As of the end of the reporting period, the company has acquired six energy replenishment stations, with the production of green hydrogen and green methanol from wind and solar power in the preliminary planning stage, and 500 hydrogen-electric shared bicycles have been put into operation. Meanwhile, at the beginning of 2024, the company also jointly established Pengfei Hydrogen Hemei with its related party Pengfei Green Energy. Pengfei Hydrogen Hemei is a holding subsidiary in which the company holds a 51% stake, serving as the operational entity for the company's energy sector business. The company's energy sector business encompasses integrated energy station operations and hydrogen energy business, which is a new business for the company during the reporting period. The report states that in terms of the production of green hydrogen and green methanol from wind and solar power, as well as the hydrogen-powered shared bicycle business, in 2024, Hemei Group invested in and constructed two wind and solar power-based hydrogen/methanol production projects in Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, leveraging the abundant wind and solar resources in these two regions to reduce hydrogen production costs, aiming to provide green hydrogen and green methanol supplies for the company's integrated energy stations, as well as for local industrial and transportation sectors. Currently, both projects are still in the preliminary preparation stage and have not yet officially commenced construction or entered production. It is reported that, in line with the national promotion direction of "diversified demonstration applications of hydrogen energy," Hemei Group has deployed 500 hydrogen-powered shared electric bicycles in some regions of Shanxi Province, targeting C-end consumers to explore the commercial application of hydrogen energy in short-distance travel and accumulate operational experience. Hemei Group stated that in 2025, the company will continue to focus on the strategic transformation of hydrogen energy and build differentiated competitiveness through three major directions: Integrated Energy Station Operation: Relying on existing natural gas station resources, the company plans to gradually upgrade them into an "oil, gas, hydrogen, and electricity" integrated energy replenishment network. By acquiring and integrating resources and implementing technological upgrades (such as expanding hydrogen refueling modules), the company aims to seize the regional hydrogen-powered vehicle energy replenishment market. Wind and Solar Power-to-Hydrogen/Methanol Projects: The company will establish green hydrogen production capacity in Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, creating green energy bases by leveraging wind and solar resources. In 2025, the focus will be on advancing two wind and solar power-to-hydrogen projects by Pengfei Hydrogen Hemei in Qinyuan and Chifeng, accelerating the commissioning progress of these projects, collaborating with downstream chemical, logistics, and shipping enterprises to secure long-term orders, and promoting the commercial application of green hydrogen. Hydrogen Energy Application in Shared Electric Bicycles: The company will expand the operational regions of hydrogen-powered shared electric bicycles, focusing on short-distance and high-frequency scenarios to verify the technical and economic feasibility of miniaturized hydrogen energy technologies and accumulate data for subsequent expansion into the light-duty transportation market. In terms of implementation strategies, Hemei Group will leverage the resource advantages of Shanxi and surrounding provinces to actively expand the range of upstream suppliers, securing low-cost, high-purity, and stable natural gas and hydrogen sources to reduce procurement costs. The company will focus on major transportation corridors and regions with a high density of new energy heavy-duty trucks, adding new stations to meet the growing market demand for heavy-duty trucks. It will promote the construction of "oil, gas, hydrogen, electricity, and service" integrated energy stations, deploying integrated service stations in key locations such as major highways and logistics parks to enhance coverage density. The company will strengthen cooperation with downstream partners, offering customized refueling service agreements for major clients to seize the initiative in the demonstration application market for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. It will introduce membership marketing programs, combining with government subsidy policies for hydrogen-powered vehicles to reduce user costs and enhance customer loyalty. For energy-intensive enterprises such as coking parks and steel plants, the company will continue to promote the use of clean energy to replace traditional energy sources, expanding gas application scenarios in the industrial sector. It will collaborate with urban logistics and cold chain transportation enterprises to promote the large-scale application of clean energy vehicles in short-distance transportation, establishing a regional green logistics industry chain. The company will create an "energy + services" complex by adding catering, convenience stores, and other business formats within energy stations, forming a one-stop service of "energy replenishment + consumption" to enhance the profitability of individual stations. It will integrate after-market services such as car washing and vehicle maintenance, improve the membership points redemption system, and increase user dwell time and repurchase rates. Explore intelligent operations and cross-industry cooperation, introduce intelligent refueling systems and digital management platforms to achieve real-time monitoring and optimized scheduling of inventory, orders, and payments, thereby reducing operational costs.

SMM April 25 News: In the metal market: As of the midday close, base metals in the domestic market rose across the board, with SHFE copper up 0.26%. SHFE tin rose 1.14%, and SHFE nickel increased 0.12%. SHFE aluminum rose 0.4%, SHFE lead increased 0.77%, and SHFE zinc climbed 1.31%. In addition, alumina rose 0.28%. Lithium carbonate increased 0.2%, silicon metal rose 0.62%, and polysilicon gained 0.17%. Ferrous metals series generally rose, with iron ore down 0.62%, rebar up 0.29%, HRC up 0.37%, and stainless steel down 0.24%. For coking coal and coke, coking coal rose 1.78%, and coke increased 0.19%. In the overseas metal market, as of 11:45, base metals in the overseas market all rose. LME tin increased 0.27%. LME nickel rose 0.25%. LME lead increased 0.13%, LME copper rose 0.51%, LME aluminum climbed 0.63%, and LME zinc gained 0.41%. In the precious metals sector, as of 11:45, COMEX gold rose 0.22%, while COMEX silver remained flat at $33.825/oz. Domestically, SHFE gold rose 1.22%, and SHFE silver increased 0.39%. As of the midday close, the most-traded contract for European container shipping fell 0.43% to 1,400.1 points. As of 11:45 on April 25, some futures midday market conditions: 》April 25 SMM Metal Spot Prices Spot and Fundamentals Copper: Today, spot prices of #1 copper cathode in Guangdong against the front-month contract were reported at a premium of 180-230 yuan/mt, with an average premium of 205 yuan/mt, down 20 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. SX-EW copper was reported at a premium of 120-140 yuan/mt, with an average premium of 130 yuan/mt, down 20 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The average price of #1 copper cathode in Guangdong was 78,135 yuan/mt, down 35 yuan/mt from the previous trading day, while the average price of SX-EW copper was 78,060 yuan/mt, down 35 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot market: Guangdong inventory has declined for 17 consecutive days, mainly due to increased cargo pick-up by downstream users. Although inventory continues to decline and copper prices remain relatively stable, some suppliers are eager to sell and have actively lowered premiums to cash out... 》Click for details Macro Front Domestic: 【Pan Gongsheng: Implement a Moderately Loose Monetary Policy to Promote High-Quality Development of China's Economy】 According to the central bank's official website, the second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting of 2025 was held in Washington, D.C., on April 23-24. The meeting discussed the global economic outlook, improving the international financial architecture, and addressing development and growth challenges in Africa. Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People's Bank of China, attended the meeting and delivered a speech, while Deputy Governor Xuan Changneng also participated. Participants noted that the global economy continues to recover, but downside risks have significantly increased, with trade tensions, tightening financing conditions, and long-term structural challenges intertwined. Concerns were raised about the negative impact of escalating trade frictions, and calls were made to strengthen dialogue and policy coordination, improve the multilateral trading system, and seek solutions that benefit all parties. Participants supported building a more stable, efficient, and resilient international financial architecture, enhancing the financing capacity of multilateral development banks, and continuing to provide development financing. Pan Gongsheng emphasized that economic fragmentation and trade tensions continue to disrupt industrial and supply chains, weakening global growth momentum. Trade wars and tariff wars have no winners, and major economies should strengthen their participation in international macroeconomic and financial policy coordination, take substantive actions to promote international cooperation, and maintain global economic and financial stability. The Chinese economy has started the year on a positive note, maintaining a recovery trend, with stable financial market operations. The People's Bank of China will implement a moderately loose monetary policy to promote high-quality development of China's economy. 【Central Bank Conducts Net Withdrawal of 91 Billion Yuan in Open Market Operations】 The central bank conducted 159.5 billion yuan in 7-day reverse repo operations today, with the operation rate unchanged at 1.50%. As 250.5 billion yuan in 7-day reverse repos matured today, a net withdrawal of 91 billion yuan was achieved. 【Shanghai Vice Mayor Xie Dong: Shanghai is Committed to Building a Global Investment Safe Haven】 At the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Forum 2025, Shanghai Vice Mayor Xie Dong stated in her speech that, looking to the future, Shanghai will continue to follow the path of openness and play the innovation card, committed to building a global investment safe haven. Shanghai will create a more stable, transparent, and predictable environment for foreign enterprises to develop in the city, working with global enterprises and talent to promote stable economic growth. Xie Dong also stated that Shanghai will focus on building a new highland for technological innovation, opening its arms to welcome technology companies, international talent, and various factors to gather in Shanghai, driving continuous innovation in scientific and technological achievements. Shanghai will focus on building a bridgehead for cooperation and exchange, continuing to strengthen the construction of high-level international cooperation and exchange platforms such as the Shanghai Forum, actively participating in global governance innovation, and striving to build consensus, enhance understanding, and solve problems. ► On April 25, the central parity rate of the RMB in the interbank foreign exchange market was 7.2066 yuan per US dollar. US Dollar: As of 11:45, the US dollar index rose 0.45% to 99.74. Cleveland Fed President Hammack stated on Thursday that she believes policymakers need patience in assessing how tariffs will affect inflation and economic growth, rather than acting preemptively. This was her first broadcast interview since taking office in August 2024, and she noted that current uncertainty is high, without committing to specific actions on interest rate policy. Hammack does not have a vote on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) this year but will vote in 2026. According to data from the CME Group, the market strongly expects the US Fed to keep rates unchanged at the May 6-7 meeting, then resume rate cuts in June, with a total of three to four cuts possible by year-end. Other Currencies: Latest data shows that Tokyo's core consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.4% YoY in April, far exceeding market expectations of 3.2% and marking the second consecutive month of acceleration. This jump in inflation data is mainly due to government subsidy cuts and widespread food price increases, once again putting the Bank of Japan in a policy dilemma in the face of external risks from US tariff hikes. The market generally expects the Bank of Japan to keep current rates unchanged at the end-of-April meeting, but persistently high inflation pressure may prompt it to take further rate hikes earlier. (Huitong Finance) Data: Today, the UK's seasonally adjusted retail sales MoM for March, the UK's seasonally adjusted core retail sales MoM for March, Canada's retail sales MoM for February, Canada's core retail sales MoM for February, and the final value of the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for April will be released. Additionally, it is worth noting that Swiss National Bank President Schlegel will deliver a speech; global financial leaders will attend the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, until April 26. Crude Oil: As of 11:45, crude oil futures rose, with US crude up 0.51% and Brent crude up 0.5%. Weekly losses are expected due to potential increases in global supply, though US tariff signals have limited demand prospects. The market is focused on Iran's supply outlook, as the country is the third-largest oil producer in OPEC, after Saudi Arabia and Iraq. However, global trade tensions continue to cloud demand prospects. (Webstock Inc.) Spot Market Overview: ► Some Suppliers Eager to Cash Out, Actively Lower Prices, Spot Premiums Decline [SMM South China Copper Spot] ► [SMM Ferrous Party] "Golden March, Silver April" Expectations Fall Short, Can Steel Prices Rebound in May? ► [SMM Analysis] Pre-Labour Day Stockpiling Begins, Pushing Iron Ore Prices to Continue Rising Other metal spot midday reviews will be updated later, please refresh to view~

Recently, the world's first 10 mt hydrogen fuel cell forklift with a replaceable hydrogen system, a milestone innovation, was successfully assembled and tested in Zhoushan Liuheng and is expected to be delivered for use soon. This forklift not only fills the gap in the global market for large-tonnage hydrogen fuel cell forklifts but also injects new momentum into the construction of a clean energy island. As an important shipbuilding and repair base in China, Zhoushan is home to many large-scale shipbuilding and repair enterprises, which have consistently shown robust demand for large-tonnage forklifts. However, traditional internal combustion engine forklifts pose issues such as environmental pollution and high fuel costs, while lithium battery forklifts, though environmentally friendly, still fall short in terms of energy density and driving range. Therefore, a large-tonnage forklift that is both environmentally friendly and efficient has become a pressing market need. This hydrogen fuel cell forklift, independently developed by Guoqing (Zhoushan Liuheng) New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., was created to address this market demand. Compared with traditional internal combustion engine and lithium battery forklifts, the replaceable hydrogen fuel cell forklift reduces fuel costs by 1/4 and achieves an energy density 17 times that of lithium batteries, easily meeting the demands of handling large-tonnage cargo while achieving zero emissions. The forklift features an innovative replaceable hydrogen system, allowing continuous operation for 12 hours with a single hydrogen system replacement, which is basically consistent with the operating duration of internal combustion engine forklifts. Notably, replacing the hydrogen system takes only 3 minutes, significantly faster than the 5–8 hours required to charge lithium battery forklifts, greatly improving work efficiency. To actively respond to the municipal government's policy initiative to promote the replacement of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles with new energy vehicles in the forklift sector and to support the construction of a clean energy island, the Zhoushan Liuheng Administrative Committee has provided strong support for this hydrogen fuel cell forklift, including introducing government subsidy policies. This has made the procurement cost of hydrogen fuel cell forklifts basically flat with that of internal combustion engine forklifts, significantly reducing procurement costs for enterprises. With the successful assembly and testing of the world's first 10 mt hydrogen fuel cell forklift with a replaceable hydrogen system and its imminent delivery, Zhoushan Liuheng has taken a solid step forward in advancing the construction of a clean energy island. The successful launch of this forklift not only provides shipbuilding and repair enterprises with a more environmentally friendly and efficient handling tool but also sets a new benchmark for the global hydrogen fuel cell forklift industry. In the future, Zhoushan Liuheng will continue to increase its support for the clean energy industry, promoting the R&D and application of more new energy technologies, contributing further to achieving green and low-carbon development.

【Idemitsu Kosan to Build New Lithium Sulphide Plant in Japan】 On March 3, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) announced plans to invest approximately 21.3 billion yen to establish a world-class large-scale lithium sulphide (Li₂S) production facility at its Chiba plant. This material is a key intermediate for manufacturing all-solid state lithium-ion batteries. The company plans to increase its capacity to a scale equivalent to 3 GWh of ESS batteries annually and establish a vertically integrated industry chain from raw materials to intermediates and final products. This move aims to meet the demand for the commercialization of all-solid state batteries by automakers and battery producers in 2027-2028, accelerating the adoption of solid electrolyte technology. According to the plan, the large-scale lithium sulphide facility is expected to be completed in June 2027. The project has been certified under Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "Battery Supply Chain Enhancement Project," with approximately 7.1 billion yen of the total investment coming from the maximum government subsidy. Source: Chemical Engineering 【American Salars Lithium Expands Argentina Lithium Project by 1,635%】 On March 3, Canadian exploration company American Salars Lithium announced that it had reached a tentative agreement with an independent third party to acquire up to 100% equity in the Salar De Pocitos Project in Salta Province, Argentina. This acquisition will enable the company to increase its lithium ore assets in the "Lithium Triangle" region by 1,635%, making it the second-largest resource holder in the Salar De Pocitos. Under the agreement, American Salars Lithium will initially acquire a 75% stake and can increase to full ownership by paying a total of $2 million (approximately 2.89 million Canadian dollars) in cash and issuing 20 million shares. The transaction includes royalties, acquisition premium terms, and a 10% intermediary commission. The acquisition covers 10 mining rights spanning approximately 13,080 hectares, contiguous with the company's flagship project—the 800-hectare Pocitos 1 lithium salt lake project, which was fully acquired from Recharge Resources in June 2024. The company's CEO, Nick Horsley, stated: "This acquisition marks a strategic breakthrough for our team and will fundamentally reshape the company's development trajectory. Through discussions with top global lithium mining companies, we have precisely identified the core elements of resource acquisition and capacity building. The newly acquired mining area provides ample scope for our engineering and technical teams." The Pocitos 1 project currently holds 760,000 mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) resources compliant with NI 43-101 standards. For the newly acquired assets, the company will initiate data integration to update resource assessments, followed by scoping and feasibility studies to achieve commercial production. The project boasts significant locational advantages, being adjacent to Provincial Route 17 and equipped with natural gas pipelines and rail connections to the Port of Antofagasta, Chile, via the Pocitos Industrial Park. In terms of strategic adjustments, the company announced the termination of its option for the Candela Phase II project at the Incahuasi Salt Lake in Bolivia, a move seen as a major decision to focus resources on the Argentine lithium belt. Source: Mining Technology 【Trojan Battery Co. Launches New Range-Extending Lithium Battery Pack】 Recently, global ESS giant Trojan Battery Co. officially launched a groundbreaking product—the 48V 171Ah integrated range-extending lithium battery pack (Trojan Lithium OnePack XR). This product redefines energy standards for low-speed EVs with "multi-layer safety architecture + ultra-long driving range," offering comprehensive power solutions for recreational vehicles such as 6-8 seat golf carts. Key Technological Innovations Driving Range Revolution: Single-charge range of 75 miles (approximately 120 km), a 300% improvement over traditional lead-acid batteries. Low-Voltage Safety: 48V low-voltage platform avoids safety risks associated with systems above 60V, certified by UL safety standards. Smart Control Ecosystem: Paired with the Trojan SmartBattery app for real-time battery status monitoring via mobile devices. Worry-Free Warranty: Industry-first 8-year extended warranty, eliminating the need for regular maintenance of traditional batteries. Plug-and-Play: Equipped with vehicle-specific brackets, power display modules, and multi-specification chargers in an all-in-one package. The company's Chief Commercial Officer, Laurie Oswald, emphasized: "A century of technological expertise underpins the product's robust performance. The launch of OnePack XR precisely addresses the surging demand in emerging markets for mobility vehicles in retirement communities and scenic areas, helping to solidify our global leadership in the specialty EV market." Source: Golfdom 【Korean Battery Makers Race to Develop Lithium Metal Anodes – EcoPro, POSCO, LG Energy Solution Innovate Lighter, Faster-Charging Batteries】 Recently, to enhance energy density, Korean battery and materials companies have intensified efforts to develop lithium metal anodes. While past innovations primarily focused on increasing nickel content in cathodes, this approach has reached its limits, driving the need for advancements in anode materials. Compared to traditional graphite-based anodes, lithium metal anodes offer higher energy density, enabling lighter batteries and faster charging. According to industry news on March 5, EcoPro will unveil its lithium metal anode development plans at the 2025 International Battery Expo held at COEX in Seoul, running through March 7. This marks the company's first official announcement regarding lithium metal anodes. EcoPro stated that its subsidiary, EcoPro Innovation, is collaborating with Canada's Hydro-Québec to develop lithium metal technology and plans to establish a lithium sulphide production line for solid-state batteries by 2026. POSCO Future M has also entered the lithium metal anode market through the N.EX.T Hub research institute under POSCO Holdings. As the only domestic company producing both natural and synthetic graphite anodes, it is committed to expanding its product portfolio, including lithium metal anodes, to enhance competitiveness. Source: Batteries News 【Rio Tinto Completes $6.7 Billion Acquisition of Arcadium Lithium】 On March 6, diversified mining giant Rio Tinto successfully completed its $6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium Lithium. The transaction received formal approval from the Royal Court of Jersey on Wednesday, marking the official integration of Arcadium Lithium into Rio Tinto's portfolio. The newly acquired entity will operate under the name Rio Tinto Lithium. This acquisition further strengthens Rio Tinto's leadership in the energy transition materials market and expands its asset portfolio to include one of the world's premier lithium resource bases. Leveraging Arcadium Lithium's high-quality assets and the Rincon lithium mine project, Rio Tinto Lithium aims to increase its annual lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production capacity to over 200,000 mt by 2028. Looking ahead, the company expects to benefit from technological synergies and geographic diversification, which are anticipated to significantly boost EBITDA and operating cash flow in the coming years. Source: Mining Weekly 【Sapura Industrial Partners With Chinese Lithium Battery Company to Establish Battery Plant in Malaysia】 On March 6, Malaysian company Sapura Industrial Bhd announced a collaboration plan with Chinese lithium battery manufacturer Zhejiang Zhongze Precision Technology Co., Ltd. to jointly establish a factory in Malaysia focused on producing industrial and commercial battery components. According to a filing submitted by Sapura Industrial to the stock exchange on Thursday, its wholly-owned subsidiary, SIB Ventures Sdn Bhd, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Zhejiang Zhongze, marking the formal initiation of their partnership. Sapura Industrial emphasized that the MOU provides a framework for in-depth negotiations on potential collaboration and includes plans for a joint feasibility study on constructing the manufacturing facility. The company further stated: "The realization of this collaboration is contingent upon both parties reaching a consensus on the business plan, after which negotiations will proceed to finalize an agreement detailing further terms, rights, and obligations of each party." Overall, Sapura Industrial and Zhejiang Zhongze are expected to finalize the agreement within the next six months. Source: The Edge