[SMM Express] Recent developments across South Africa's Bushveld Complex indicate that operational optimization, rather than new mine development, is becoming an increasingly important driver of chrome production growth. As producers seek to maximize value from existing UG2 ore bodies, investments are increasingly focused on improving mining efficiencies, processing performance and chromite recovery to increase chrome output while strengthening overall project economics. Northam Platinum recently achieved a record 1.69 million mt of chrome concentrate production in FY2026, supported by higher UG2 throughput, expanded mining crews and processing improvements at its Eland mine. Similarly, Sibanye-Stillwater has outlined plans to increase chrome production to approximately 2.3 million mt/y by 2033 through optimization of its existing operations, while Southern Palladium's Bengwenyama Definitive Feasibility Study increased projected chrome concentrate output to more than 1.05 million mt/y after improving chromite recovery from 30% to 85.6%. SMM believes these developments highlight a broader industry trend in which producers are unlocking additional chrome supply through operational and metallurgical improvements, positioning chrome as an increasingly important contributor to earnings and long-term project value amid continued pressure on PGM markets.

[SMM Titanium Spot Flash: Titanium Concentrates Oversupply Pattern Unchanged, Weak Market Continues] SMM August 4: The mainstream 46% titanium concentrate was quoted at 1,250 yuan/mt today. Low-priced imported ore continued to impact, Panxi associated supply passively increased, while real estate chain demand remained sluggish, and downstream buyers were on the sidelines, delaying purchases. Short-term prices continued to be under pressure.

On August 4th, Andrada Mining Limited said it has extended the identified lithium mineralized trend at its Lithium Ridge Project in Namibia's Erongo Region by 50%, from six kilometers to nine kilometers, following completion of a license wide surface sampling programme. The sampling forms part of the first stage of an earn-in agreement with Chilean lithium producer Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile SA (SQM), conducted through its subsidiary SQM Australia. Andrada is listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market and the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX). Several surface samples returned lithium grades exceeding 3.5% Li₂O, with additional mineralized pegmatites identified outside the main Lithium Ridge trend. Grab samples also returned tin grades of up to 7.38% and tantalum levels of up to 3,192 parts per million. Andrada CEO Anthony Viljoen said the results confirm high-grade lithium mineralization across multiple new pegmatites, together with significant associated tin and tantalum mineralization, and complement earlier drilling that confirmed lithium mineralisation from surface to depth. Lithium Ridge is part of Andrada's broader Namibian critical minerals portfolio, alongside its established tin production operations.

To all relevant organizations: As the new round of global technological revolution and industrial transformation advances in depth, the non-ferrous metal processing industry is embracing critical opportunities for high-quality development. As a vital basic industry for the national economy, innovation in non-ferrous metal processing technologies and equipment upgrades hold great significance for driving the high-end, intelligent, and green development of the manufacturing sector. With its abundant mineral resources, solid industrial foundation, and unique regional advantages, West China has become a key cluster for the country’s non-ferrous metal processing industry, and the pace of technological innovation and industrial upgrading continues to accelerate. Against this backdrop, the "2026 China Mid-West Non-Ferrous Metal Industry Equipment and Technology Expo" will be grandly held at the Gansu International Convention and Exhibition Center from October 30 to November 1, 2026. Themed "Innovation-driven, Smart Future, Green Empowerment," this expo will focus on cutting-edge technologies, advanced equipment, and industry trends in the non-ferrous metal processing sector, aiming to create a high-level platform integrating technical exchanges, achievement displays, and business cooperation. The event will comprehensively showcase the latest achievements in non-ferrous metal smelting, intensive processing, intelligent manufacturing, energy conservation, and environmental protection, bringing together industry experts, enterprise leaders, and research institution representatives to jointly explore new paths and opportunities for industrial development. As a major industrial base in north-west China and a key period along the Belt and Road, Gansu is actively promoting the high-end, clustered, and green transformation of the non-ferrous metals industry. The hosting of this expo will not only inject new momentum into the high-quality development of the non-ferrous metal industry in the north-west region but also provide an important opportunity for industry peers from China and overseas to deepen cooperation and share a prosperous future. We sincerely invite experts, scholars, enterprise representatives, and industry peers from home and abroad in the non-ferrous metal processing sector to gather in Jincheng Lanzhou, jointly explore technological innovation, share development opportunities, and contribute to the transformation, upgrading, and sustainable development of China's non-ferrous metal processing industry. The Expo is scheduled for October 30 – November 1, 2026 at the Gansu International Convention and Exhibition Center. Relevant matters are hereby notified as follows: I. Expo Theme Green Smart Manufacturing · Innovation-driven · Coordinated Development II. Date and Venue Date: October 30 – November 1, 2026 Venue: Gansu International Convention and Exhibition Center III. Organizational Structure Organizers: Gansu Provincial Society for Metals Shaanxi Provincial Society for Metals Shanxi Provincial Society for Metals Henan Provincial Society for Metals Sichuan Provincial Society for Metals Gansu Provincial Mining Federation Co-organizers: Northwest Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Baiyin Nonferrous Group Co., Ltd. Jiuquan Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. Jinchuan Group Co., Ltd. Supporters: Lanzhou Engineering & Research Institute of Nonferrous Metallurgy Co., Ltd. Gansu Provincial Nonferrous Metals Geological Exploration Bureau Lanzhou University of Technology Chalco Lanzhou Aluminum Co., Ltd. Gansu Ferroalloy Association Jinhui Mining Co., Ltd. IV. Concurrent Events: 2026 China Mid-West Aluminum Industry Expo 2026 China Mid-West Casting & Die Casting, Forging, Heat Treatment & Industrial Furnace Expo V. Exhibition Scope: Non-ferrous metal raw materials: Nickel, vanadium, titanium, chromium, tungsten, copper, aluminum, magnesium, zinc, lead, manganese, zirconium, molybdenum, silicon, antimony, tin, tantalum, indium, and other non-ferrous metal ore products and raw materials, magnetic materials, rare and rare-earth materials, precious metal materials, and various alloy materials; Non-ferrous metal products: Copper products (tubes, sheets & plates, sheets, bars, strips, flats and their alloy products, etc.); aluminum products (aluminum alloy profiles, tubes, bars, sheets & plates, strips, foils, aluminum sheets, aluminum ingots, etc.); titanium alloy products; magnesium alloy products; powder metallurgy products, etc.; Non-ferrous metal mining technology and equipment: Non-ferrous mining exploration, extraction, and beneficiation equipment, filtration equipment, powder processing equipment, construction and transportation equipment, etc.; Non-ferrous metal smelting technology and equipment: Smelting furnaces, refining equipment, smelting pumps and valves, filtration equipment, conveying equipment, heat exchange equipment, gas-based acid production equipment, corrosion-resistant equipment, hydrometallurgy, electrolysis equipment, large power rectifier power supply, electrolytic cells, extraction equipment, etc.; Non-ferrous metal processing technology and equipment: Melting, heating, hot and cold rolling, extrusion, drawing, straightening, shearing, casting equipment, etc.; Non-ferrous metal environmental protection equipment: Recycling equipment, energy-saving and emission-reduction equipment; Non-ferrous metal automation control equipment: Instruments and meters, packaging equipment, surface treatment equipment, etc.; Auxiliary materials for non-ferrous metal production: Chemicals, solvents, refractory materials, catalysts, gases, lubricants, etc. VI. Event Arrangements (I) Opening Ceremony: Speeches by leaders and guests; exhibition tour. (II) Theme Forums: 1. Forum on the Green Transformation Pathway for the Metallurgical Industry Under the "Dual Carbon" Goals 2. Forum on Smart Factories Empowering Metal Processing Upgrades 3. Application of Digital Twin Technology in Smelting/Casting/Heat Treatment Processes 4. Building the Non-Ferrous Metal Supply Chain Along the Belt and Road 5. Frontier Forum on Green, Low-Carbon, and Intelligent Smelting 6. Focusing on Technological Innovation and Intelligent Upgrading in the Metallurgical Industry Under the "Dual Carbon" Goals (III) Expo Exhibition Setup: October 28–29, 2026 Exhibition Dates: October 30 – November 1, 2026 Venue: Gansu International Convention and Exhibition Center VII. Participants The China Mid-West Non-Ferrous Metal Industry Equipment and Technology Expo, centered on "high-end, green, and regionalized" themes, will precisely invite large smelters, equipment manufacturers and technology suppliers, experts and scholars from universities and research institutes, professionals focused on new materials, new processes, and new technologies for non-ferrous metals, aerospace and national defense sectors, automotive and rail transit, construction and home furnishings, local government agencies, industry associations, and chambers of commerce, enterprises involved in aluminum semis import and export trade, as well as logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management companies. Covering multiple sectors such as equipment manufacturers, research institutions, end-use applications, government bodies, and trade service providers, this will form a diverse group of professional attendees and promote industry exchange and cooperation. VIII. Publicity and Promotion Before, during, and after the event, publicity and coverage will be carried out through platforms such as the official website, official account, Baidu promotion, WeChat Video, Douyin, Kuaishou, Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and Zhihu. The expo’s opening ceremony is planned to be widely promoted via a full live broadcast on the Video platform.

[SMM Rare Earth Flash] According to foreign media reports, US President Trump is expected to attend a mining roundtable hosted by the US Department of State on Friday, discussing the development of critical minerals supply chains with executives from multiple mining enterprises, and further promoting the expansion of critical minerals supply by the US and its allies to reduce dependence on China. Sources say the Trump administration has made critical minerals a strategic priority. In addition to supporting mine development and processing capacity building, it will also strengthen the cultivation of mining talent. The US Department of Energy (DOE) is expected to host a mining workforce development event during the same period, inviting 14 mining colleges across the US to participate, enhancing the reserve of mining professionals, and providing technical and human support for future critical minerals projects.

On August 4th Namibian producer Andrada Mining, formerly AfriTin, reported that drilling at its Lithium Ridge prospect has returned near surface lithium grades of up to 3.46% Li₂O, alongside notable tin and tantalum mineralization, reinforcing the company's case for a globally significant lithium project. Lithium Ridge forms part of the broader Damaraland pegmatite belt surrounding Andrada's flagship Uis operation, an area the company continues to assess as having significant scale for lithium, tin, tantalum and tungsten mineralisation. Andrada has funded continued exploration at the prospect using cash flow generated from its established Uis tin operation, which posted record quarterly output during the same period. The company has also expanded its broader processing platform, adding a tantalum recovery circuit, with ore sorting under development to improve efficiencies across its Namibian project portfolio. Namibia's political stability, transport infrastructure and established mining legislation have been cited as supportive of continued exploration investment in the country, as regional lithium developers assess the wider Damaraland belt for further discoveries.