According to market reports, Alaska Energy Metals Corporation (AEMC) is rapidly advancing its flagship Nikolai Nickel Project, capitalizing on a recent 18% rally in global nickel prices that underscores a tightening market. To accelerate the project's development, the company recently closed a $1 million private placement and secured a critical listing on the U.S. Permitting Council's FAST-41 Transparency Dashboard, a federal initiative designed to streamline and expedite mine permitting. Furthermore, AEMC is bolstering its downstream potential through memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with RecycLiCo Battery Materials for hydrometallurgical processing and with EV manufacturer Lucid Group.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the world’s top cobalt supplier (over 70% of global 2024 supply), imposed 2025 export bans/quotas, roiling cobalt prices. With large-scale exports unresumed, the U.S. launched "Project Vault" to secure critical minerals, adding DRC supply uncertainties and heightening geopolitical risks for Chinese cobalt procurement.

Li-ION BATTERY China 2025 Officially Announced and Scheduled

Rare earth permanent magnet concept stocks have been repeatedly active. As of Friday's close, BGRIMM Technology, which focuses on the R&D, production, sales, and services of mining and metallurgical equipment as well as magnetic materials, achieved five consecutive daily limit-ups. Huayang New Materials, whose subsidiary's business scope includes the recycling and utilization of high-magnetic rare earth materials, recorded three consecutive daily limit-ups. On the news front, the Ministry of Commerce stated that it reviews export license applications for rare earth-related items in accordance with laws and regulations, has approved a certain number of compliant applications, and will continue to strengthen the approval process for compliant applications. Ma Yan, an analyst at Caida Securities, pointed out in a research report on April 1 that assuming shipments of humanoid robots reach 890,000 units by 2030, the demand for rare earth permanent magnet materials in the humanoid robot sector is projected to reach 3,115 mt. The explosive growth in the market size of humanoid robots is expected to bring broad incremental space to the rare earth permanent magnet industry . Li Chao and Wang Qinyang, analysts at Guojin Securities, pointed out in a research report on February 20 that rare earth permanent magnets, as excellent magnets that currently balance performance and cost, are the top choice for magnetic components in humanoid robots and magnetic materials for low-altitude aircraft , and the dividends from industry chain integration are expected to gradually materialize. Emphasis should be placed on the layout opportunities brought about by "supply-side reform," integration, and the catalyzing effect of humanoid robots. Choice data shows that rare earth permanent magnet concept stocks that received institutional surveys in the past two months (April 14 - June 14) include Sinomine Resource Group, Shenghe Resources, JL MAG Rare-Earth, Xiamen Tungsten, Yahua Group, Zhenghai Magnetic Material, DMEGC, Lizhong Group, Zhongju Hi-Tech, Zhong Ke San Huan, Longi Magnet, China Northern Rare Earth, Xinlaifu, China Nonferrous Metal Industry's Foreign Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd., Goldwind Science&Technology, Instyle, GEM, Wuchan Zhongda Group, NCS Testing Technology Co., Ltd., Jintian Copper, Yian Technology, Advanced Powder Materials, and Sinosteel NMC . The specific situations are as follows: Among the above-mentioned rare earth permanent magnet concept stocks that received institutional surveys, publicly listed firms that have clearly responded regarding their "rare earth permanent magnet" related business situations mainly include Shenghe Resources, JL MAG Rare-Earth, Xiamen Tungsten, Zhenghai Magnetic Material, Zhong Ke San Huan, Longi Magnet, China Northern Rare Earth, Instyle, GEM, and Jintian Copper . Shenghe Resources disclosed an investor relations activity record on June 10, stating that the company maintains a close and good market cooperation relationship with major domestic rare earth concentrate suppliers . In addition, the company has signed long-term supply agreements for rare earth concentrates with Sichuan Hedi Mining, US MP Materials, Peak Rare Earths, and others, establishing a diversified supply channel for rare earth concentrates and providing sufficient raw material guarantees for the company's downstream businesses such as rare earth smelting and separation. Additionally, the imports of ore from Myanmar have been significantly influenced by the local situation, exhibiting fluctuating characteristics. The company will continue to closely monitor the situation of ore from Myanmar. During a survey conducted by institutions on June 13, JL MAG Rare-Earth stated that after the implementation of export control measures on medium-heavy rare earth-related items, the company had initiated export declaration work in accordance with relevant national regulations. It had also successively obtained export licenses issued by national authorities. The export regions include the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia, among others. The company exports magnetic materials, components, and motor rotors in compliance with laws and regulations. The company has established production facilities in Ganzhou, Jiangxi, a major production area for heavy rare earths, and in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, a major production area for light rare earths. The company has established long-term strategic cooperative relationships with major suppliers of rare earth raw materials, including China Northern Rare Earth Group and China Rare Earth Group. In 2024, the procurement amount from these two groups accounted for 63% of the company's total annual procurement. On May 21, Xiamen Tungsten disclosed the record of investor relations activities, indicating that since the second half of 2024, rare earth prices have generally shown a steady upward trend. If this trend continues, the price center of rare earths will gradually rise, and the fluctuation range will narrow compared to the past. In terms of magnetic material capacity layout, Jinlong Rare Earth has achieved an annual production capacity of 12,000 mt at its Changting base and is currently planning new capacity projects at its Changting and Baotou bases. Upon full commissioning of these two projects, Jinlong Rare Earth's magnetic material capacity will reach 22,000 mt. At the performance briefing on May 15, Zhenghai Magnetic Material, when answering the question "What rare earth permanent magnet projects are currently under construction?", stated that the construction of the third phase of 6,000 mt capacity at the company's Nantong base will adjust the investment pace and method in a timely manner based on changes in the external economic environment. The company's sales of high-performance NdFeB permanent magnet materials have achieved seven consecutive years of growth. During a survey conducted by institutions on May 23, Zhong Ke San Huan stated that the current export control measures on medium-heavy rare earth-related items mainly involve the company's NdFeB permanent magnet material products containing dysprosium and terbium. Exporting these products requires declaration and approval before they can be exported. The company has proactively taken measures to initiate export declarations in accordance with relevant regulations at the earliest opportunity, and has already obtained export licenses for a small number of orders. The company's main products are NdFeB permanent magnet materials, which are currently widely used in automobiles (including NEVs), consumer electronics, industrial robots, computers, energy-efficient home appliances, wind power, industrial motors, and other fields. Longi Magnet disclosed the record of investor relations activities on May 27, stating that building a capacity of 60,000 mt for permanent ferrite magnetic tiles has always been a medium and long-term goal . The company will make more optimizations in capacity layout integration, existing capacity utilization, and efficiency improvement, striving to increase capacity through low-cost expansion methods and controlling the pace of capacity release based on downstream demand. The technological transformation and upgrading work at the production sites in Lujiang, Jinzhai, and Vietnam have all shown initial results, and the expected capacity this year will reach 50,000 mt. China Northern Rare Earth stated during an institutional survey on May 21 that the company holds an optimistic view on the future price trend of rare earths . Currently, the upstream supply of rare earths is showing a steady growth trend, thanks to the country's scientific planning and rational development of rare earth resources, as well as the continuous progress in rare earth mining technology. Although the release speed of downstream consumer demand has not met expectations to a certain extent, the fluctuation range of mainstream product prices has significantly narrowed, indicating that the supply-demand relationship is gradually moving towards balance. This balance not only helps stabilize market expectations but also provides a solid foundation for the healthy development of the rare earth industry. On the demand side, the continuous growth in demand for rare earth products in fields such as new energy and high-tech has become a strong driving force for the development of the rare earth industry. During an institutional survey on June 12, Instyle stated that the company's products are mainly delivered through domestic bonded zones and domestic sales channels, and do not involve direct exports to the United States. Export control measures affect businesses involving products containing medium-heavy rare earths dysprosium and terbium, and the company has been handling relevant procedures in compliance with national laws, regulations, and customer order requirements . The company's core competitive advantages mainly lie in its advantages in magnetic circuit design and production manufacturing processes, its advantages in high-quality customer resources, and its advantages in having the origin of rare earths and lower electricity costs in Baotou. GEM stated at the earnings presentation on May 6 that the company has currently conducted technological reserves in the recycling of permanent magnetic materials in the dismantling and recycling field and has reserved the wet process for recycling and synthesizing rare earth oxides. The company has been continuously monitoring the market for rare earth permanent magnets and actively developing the recycling and utilization of rare and scattered metals such as germanium, gallium, indium, and rare earths, as well as expanding the recycling of energy metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium. Jintian Stock disclosed the record of investor relations activities on May 23, stating that the company has been engaged in the magnetic materials business since 2001. Currently, the company has two magnetic material production sites in Ningbo and Baotou . The first phase of the Baotou site has been put into operation, and the company's annual capacity for rare earth permanent magnets has increased by 4,000 mt on the original basis. The company's rare earth permanent magnet products are widely used in multiple high-end fields, including NEVs, wind power generation, high-efficiency energy-saving motors, robots, consumer electronics, and medical devices.

Hosted by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), CLNB 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Expo will be held from April 16 to 18, 2025 at Suzhou International Expo Center . During the exhibition, 1 main forum and 11 sub-forums will be held, with government leaders, academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, domestic and overseas scientists, foreign guests from dozens of countries, and leading entrepreneurs from various industries attending the event! Witness the gathering of industry leaders, explore core technologies, listen to experts' insights, interpret market trends, gather in Suzhou, focus on key issues, and join us in dissecting industry development. This expo covers 6 major exhibition areas , with 1,300+ domestic and overseas exhibiting and participating companies showcasing the entire industry chain of batteries, including power batteries, consumer batteries, ESS, raw materials, materials, equipment, battery recycling, as well as NEVs, power tools, electric drives, and the low-altitude economy in the power exhibition area, providing you with a one-stop exhibition experience. Click to fill out the registration form and register immediately to discuss the future development of the new energy industry with industry elites. We look forward to your arrival and joining SMM in opening this feast of the new energy industry. At this New Energy Industry Expo, Shanghai Youta Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. will make a grand appearance, discussing industry cooperation, sharing development opportunities, and jointly outlining the bright future of the new energy industry with peers. Shanghai Youta Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. Booth Number: G65 cordially invites you to visit the CLNB 2025 New Energy Industry Expo About • Youta Chemical Dedicated to Intelligent Equipment, Practicing Green Development Shanghai Youta Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., founded in 2015, specializes in providing high-quality products and technical process services for the extraction of key metal materials for NEV batteries. Its Hong Kong Guwei brand solvent oil is the world's first metal extraction-specific solvent oil, becoming a leader in the field of hydrometallurgy diluents. Meanwhile, Shanghai Youta Chemical is committed to extracting valuable metals from industrial wastewater, further helping metal smelters improve metal extraction efficiency. For example, extracting lithium from electrolyte production wastewater, extracting nickel and cobalt from extraction wastewater, extracting lithium from LiFSi waste, and extracting phosphorus from iron phosphate wastewater, etc. With the rapid development of the new energy market and Youta's years of efforts, the company has become a high-end solvent oil supplier widely recognized by customers in the field of metal extraction. Professional R&D capabilities and long-accumulated production process technologies provide customers with continuous technical value. Youta has served over 70% of new energy metal smelting enterprises and has been recognized by leading industry publicly listed firms. In 2022, the company was awarded the "Specialized and Sophisticated SME" key cultivation unit by the MIIT, a key supported enterprise in Jinshan District, Shanghai, and the "Emerging Enterprise Award" by the China Power Battery Recycling and Utilization Alliance. In the future, Youta will uphold the spirit of hard work, making new contributions to industry energy conservation, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement. 【CLNB 2025—Hot Registration】 CLNB 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Expo April 16 to 18, 2025 Suzhou International Expo Center

According to the MiningNews.net website, the latest Explorer Quarterly Cash Report from BDO International indicates that exploration expenditure appears to have flattened by the end of 2024, with uncertainty looming in 2025. A survey conducted by BDO of 770 ASX-listed resource companies revealed that these companies raised a total of A$2.88 billion in Q4 2024, up 48% QoQ, but investment was only A$792 million, basically flat. The average quarterly investment for the entire year of 2023 was $933 million. Due to declining prices dampening investor confidence, exploration activities for lithium and nickel mines continued to decrease, while gold and energy metals remained strong. Uranium and fossil fuel exploration companies performed well in financing, but undoubtedly, gold remained the largest investment sector, with exploration investment reaching $2.69 billion in 2024, including $845 million in Q4. BDO data shows that among the 57 companies that raised over A$10 million, 75% were gold mining companies, with Spartan Resources raising A$220 million and Capricorn Metals raising A$200 million. Sherif Andrawes, Global Head of Natural Resources and Energy at BDO, stated, "The rise in gold prices is a significant factor in the increased financing for this sector. Gold exploration companies benefit from global deflationary fiscal policies and political uncertainty." Australian copper-gold exploration companies raised A$221 million, which is noteworthy. In Q4 2024, among the top five exploration expenditure companies, oil and gas and uranium companies accounted for four, indicating geopolitical tensions and global energy changes driven by the energy transition. Support for lithium exploration companies continued to decline. Lithium mining companies raised $198 million, with 80% flowing into one company, Vulcan Energy Resources. Overall, lithium exploration investment peaked in Q4 2023 and then sharply declined, mainly due to the significant drop in lithium prices in 2024, with no rebound since the beginning of the year. Initial public offerings (IPOs) continued to slow, and investor interest in small, high-risk exploration companies remained low, but BDO believes there are some signs of recovery in investor confidence. In Q4 2024, only three companies listed on the ASX, including Fulcrum Lithium, Golden Horse Minerals, and Mount Hope Mining. Due to suspensions or delistings from the Australian Securities Exchange, only 18 companies reported cash balances. Despite the decline, Andrawes believes opportunities for high-quality assets, particularly in copper and gold, still exist. He said, "Looking ahead, gold exploration companies are expected to remain active in 2025." "However, ongoing challenges such as inflationary pressure, capital choices, and geopolitical instability will continue to reshape the industry, driving consolidation and strategic investments aimed at development." BDO expects cash-rich companies to pursue high-quality but unpopular assets, especially in the gold sector. Uranium and copper should be closely watched in 2025.