Rapid growth in global solar installations is creating a new source of secondary raw materials as increasing volumes of PV modules approach end-of-life. Global installed solar PV capacity reached 2.4 TW by the end of 2025, while IRENA forecasts PV waste could increase from 0.2 million tonnes in 2021 to 4 million tonnes in 2030, nearly 50 million tonnes in 2040 and over 200 million tonnes by 2050. Recovered materials could meet around 20% of future aluminum and copper demand and 70% of silver demand for PV expansion by 2040, with recovered metals potentially worth around US$6 billion annually. Major markets including the EU, China, India and South Korea are strengthening EPR and recycling frameworks as the industry prepares for larger volumes of retired solar panels.

Zimbabwe's first lithium sulfate plant, built by China owned Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ) at Goromonzi, became fully operational in May 2026, mines minister Polite Kambamura confirmed last week. The $400 million facility is Africa's first lithium sulfate plant. Carbonate unit nearing completion, per Kambamura; more sulfate capacity expected sector-wide ahead of the January 2027 concentrate export ban. Policy backdrop: Zimbabwe froze raw mineral exports in February 2026 ahead of the 2027 ban. President Mnangagwa reiterated the stance this week, citing zero tolerance for raw mineral exports going forward. Investment: Over $1 billion in lithium-sector investment logged since February 2026, per policy expert Tedious Ncube figure undisaggregated by project. Scope widens: 13 additional minerals (cobalt, PGMs, rare earths) join the export restriction from January 2027. Kambamura also flagged domestic battery/solar panel manufacturing as a longer-term goal, with no timeline attached. SMM View: Goromonzi's "fully operational" status (May 2026) is confirmed processing capacity log as verified, distinct from the carbonate unit (unconfirmed) and the $1bn investment figure (unverified, project-level breakdown pending).

Zimbabwe's first lithium sulfate plant, built by China-owned Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe at Goromonzi, reached full operational status in May 2026, mines minister Polite Kambamura confirmed last week. The $400 million facility is Africa's first lithium sulfate plant the first beneficiation announcement in Zimbabwe's sector to convert from construction to verified operating capacity. Carbonate unit still pre-commercial. PLZ's lithium carbonate refining facility is reported near completion but unconfirmed operational; more sulfate capacity is expected sector-wide ahead of Zimbabwe's full concentrate export ban, effective January 2027. Policy driver. Zimbabwe froze raw mineral exports in February 2026 ahead of the 2027 ban, forcing producers to build domestic processing capacity or lose export access. The restriction extends to 13 minerals beyond lithium, including cobalt, PGMs, and rare earths, from January 2027. Investment context. Over $1 billion in lithium sector investment has been logged since February 2026, per policy expert Tedious Ncube though the figure is undisaggregated by project and may blend processing and upstream mining capex. Battery manufacturing remains aspirational. Kambamura flagged domestic battery and solar panel production as a longer-term goal, with no capex, partner, or timeline attached. South Africa currently leads Africa's nascent battery-manufacturing capacity. SMM View: Goromonzi is the first verified beneficiation capacity milestone in Zimbabwe's lithium sector log as confirmed, distinct from carbonate and the $1bn aggregate unverified, project-level breakdown pending). Key watch point: whether sulfate or carbonate capacity build keeps pace with the January 2027 export cutoff or risks a supply disruption relevant to our Zimbabwe ban scenario model.

Abu Dhabi-based Kinetic7 Technologies said hydrogen produced on demand at the point of use could strengthen energy security by reducing dependence on imported fuel, large-scale storage and centralised infrastructure. Its technology uses water and electrolysis to generate hydrogen only when required and has been incorporated into portable cooking systems and the commercial HODBox unit for hospitality and catering applications. The company is also developing a residential version initially targeting off-grid households, which could be powered by solar panels, batteries or grid electricity.

July 27, 2026 After several months of correction, the silver market is once again attracting increased investor attention. Following significant price declines earlier this year, signs of stabilization have begun to emerge. The US$60 per ounce level is increasingly developing into the key technical hurdle. A sustained breakout above this level could trigger the next leg higher, while another rejection would likely point to continued volatility in the near term. Silver Benefits from Both Industrial and Investment Demand Unlike gold, silver serves a dual purpose. In addition to its role as a precious metal and store of value, it is also an essential industrial metal. Demand from the solar industry, electronics, electric vehicles, and numerous high-tech applications remains robust, contributing to a physical market that has been operating in structural deficit for several consecutive years. Industry analysts expect this supply deficit to persist throughout 2026. The broader macroeconomic backdrop also remains supportive. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising energy prices, and growing concerns about stagflation continue to enhance the appeal of precious metals. While gold is primarily viewed as a monetary safe haven, silver also benefits from its industrial applications and therefore often responds even more dynamically to changes in the global economic outlook. US$60 Remains the Key Technical Level Following several consecutive sessions of gains, silver recently traded just below—or briefly around—the US$60 per ounce level. As a result, this price area has become the market's primary technical resistance. Many market observers believe that a sustained move above US$60 would represent an important breakout, potentially opening the door to further upside. At the same time, volatility remains elevated. Temporary pullbacks toward the US$57–58 range demonstrate that profit-taking can emerge at any time, while investor sentiment continues to react quickly to movements in Treasury yields, the U.S. dollar, and geopolitical developments. Nevertheless, the short-term technical picture has improved noticeably. Several technical analysts point to strengthening momentum after silver reclaimed key moving averages during the recent recovery. Fundamentals Continue to Support the Market From a fundamental perspective, the outlook also remains constructive. The global energy transition continues to drive demand for silver in solar panels, power grids, and electronic components. At the same time, the metal is becoming increasingly important in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data centers, and advanced electronics. Should inflation remain persistent while real interest rates begin to decline again over the medium term, both gold and silver are likely to benefit. However, silver enjoys an additional advantage: unlike gold, it is supported by both investment demand and industrial consumption. Conclusion The silver market is approaching an important decision point. In the short term, price action will continue to be driven by geopolitical developments, oil prices, the U.S. dollar, and interest-rate expectations. Over the medium to long term, however, the combination of strong industrial demand, an ongoing structural supply deficit, and an increasingly challenging macroeconomic environment continues to provide a supportive backdrop for silver. Whether this ultimately develops into the next major rally will largely depend on whether silver can establish itself convincingly above the US$60 level. A successful breakout would significantly improve the technical outlook and shift investors' attention toward the next major resistance zones. Source： https://goldinvest.de/en/silver-price-approaches-a-key-turning-point-will-it-break-above-ususd60

[SMM Tin Morning Brief: Demand off-season suppresses, SHFE tin night session weakens testing 410,000 support]