The University of Tsukuba in Japan successfully developed a new-type magnesium-air solid-state battery, using a nitrogen-doped porous graphene cathode to solve the problem of chloride corrosion, providing a high-safety, low-cost technological pathway for flexible electronics and wearable devices. At the same time, the Record Ridge magnesium mine project in British Columbia, Canada, has triggered strong opposition from the local tourism community over plans to transport ore to China for processing, and has been halted by litigation, with a court hearing scheduled for March 10. The two developments respectively highlight magnesium’s cutting-edge applications in new energy technology and the real-world tensions in resource development.

[SMM Magnesium Express] Researchers at Japan's University of Tsukuba have developed an all-solid-state magnesium-air rechargeable battery featuring a nitrogen-doped porous graphene cathode. This design replaces platinum-based cathodes and uses a magnesium chloride-based solid polymer electrolyte, successfully addressing chloride-induced degradation that previously limited this technology. The battery maintains performance even when bent to 120 degrees, offering high energy density with enhanced safety, opening new pathways for magnesium in next-generation, low-cost energy storage systems.

[SMM Analysis] On March 12, 2026, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled against imposing tariffs on Chinese graphite imports. Below is the complete timeline of the US anti-dumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) investigations into active anode material (graphite anode) from China, the duty rates at each stage, and the latest results as of March 12, 2026.

[Three Companies Jointly Develop Graphene Lithium Iron Phosphate (Manganese) Cathode Material] Fuan Qingmei Energy Material Co., Ltd., a holding subsidiary of GEM Group, Wuhan Power Battery Recycling Technology Co., Ltd., and Shenzhen Eigen Graphene Technology Co., Ltd. have jointly signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement on Joint Development of Graphene Lithium Iron Phosphate (Manganese) Material Industrialization Technology and Market Promotion. The three parties will combine their technological, industrial, and market advantages, starting from the recycling and utilization of lithium iron phosphate batteries and waste materials, to jointly develop graphene-enhanced lithium iron phosphate (manganese) material industrialization technology. By using graphene technology to improve the conductivity and electrochemical performance of recycled lithium iron phosphate (manganese) materials, the energy density and cycle life of batteries will be increased, enabling high-value reuse of recycled lithium iron phosphate (manganese) materials.

Dalian Graphene Valley Carbon Material Industrial New City Project Starts Construction Recently, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dalian Graphene Valley Carbon Material Industrial New City Project was held in the Songmuidao Chemical Industry Development Zone of Jinpu New Area. The project is jointly invested and constructed by Heilongjiang Graphene Valley Industrial Group Co., Ltd. and Better New Material Group Co., Ltd. The first phase of the project has started with an investment of 6.16 billion yuan to build the Graphene Valley Carbon Material Industrial New City Project, covering an area of 690,000 square meters. The project includes the construction of a production line with an annual output of 1,300 tons of carbon nanotubes, an annual output of 485,000 tons of artificial graphite, and an annual output of 100,000 tons of artificial graphite negative electrode materials. It is planned to be completed and put into operation by the end of 2025. In addition, the second phase of the project is actively promoting, with a planned investment of 1.5 billion yuan to build a natural graphite negative electrode project. After the completion and operation of all phases, the annual output value is expected to reach 8.7 billion yuan, with an annual tax revenue of approximately 650 million yuan, providing employment for approximately 2,000 people.

[GEM: Subsidiaries Signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement] GEM announced that its affiliated subsidiaries, Fu'an Qingmei Energy Materials Co., Ltd. and Wuhan Power Battery Recycling Technology Co., Ltd., have jointly signed a "Strategic Cooperation Agreement" with Shenzhen Eigen Equation Graphene Technology Co., Ltd. after friendly negotiations. The three parties have decided to combine their technological advantages, industrial advantages, and market advantages to jointly develop the industrialization technology of graphene-enhanced lithium iron phosphate (manganese) materials, starting with the recycling and utilization of lithium iron phosphate batteries and scraps.