Western Mining Group Technology Development Co., Ltd., with high-efficiency flotation reagents at its core, developed new-type lead-gold-silver collectors and zinc depressants, establishing an efficient mineral processing technology system. This technology effectively reduced zinc impurity content in lead concentrates and significantly improved the recovery efficiency of precious metals. After the research results were industrially applied at Western Mining Co., Ltd. Xitieshan Branch, mineral processing capacity increased from the designed 1.32 million mt/year to 1.5 million mt/year; lead and zinc recovery rates reached 92.76% and 95.66%, respectively, while gold and silver recovery rates increased by 4.65 and 2.73 percentage points, respectively.

This week，the solid-state battery industry showed a dual-engine momentum driven by "intensive breakthroughs on the technology front and targeted solutions on the policy front." CATL disclosed a sulphide patent, Zhongkeyuanben's 20Ah all-solid-state battery passed third-party detection, and Dreame Technology released a 450Wh/kg product; Guangdong took the lead in incorporating diversified solid-state battery technology routes and eVTOL scenarios into provincial-level action plans.

This week，the solid-state battery industry showed a dual-engine momentum driven by "intensive breakthroughs on the technology front and targeted solutions on the policy front." CATL disclosed a sulphide patent, Zhongkeyuanben's 20Ah all-solid-state battery passed third-party detection, and Dreame Technology released a 450Wh/kg product; Guangdong took the lead in incorporating diversified solid-state battery technology routes and eVTOL scenarios into provincial-level action plans.

Since the global consensus on green and low-carbon development was reached, the strategic position of the secondary metal industry has become increasingly prominent. With the accelerated advancement of industrialization, the demand for metal resources has continued to grow. As a green, environmentally friendly, and economically viable alternative resource, secondary metals have become a global focus. In recent years, Southeast Asia has emerged as a significant global hub for the collection, distribution, and processing of secondary resources. Meanwhile, with the deepening internationalization of industries such as NEVs, processing enterprises in the secondary copper, secondary aluminum, and battery sectors, which are part of the material supply chain, have chosen to establish factories in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand to expand overseas resources and enhance global competitiveness. Thailand, as a key economy in Southeast Asia, boasts a relatively mature resource recycling system and a favorable geographical location, providing convenient conditions for regional collaboration and international trade in the secondary metal industry. It has now developed into a global industrial base for the recycling, sorting, and reprocessing of secondary metals such as secondary aluminum and secondary copper, annually exporting substantial amounts of secondary metal resources to China and other countries. Additionally, Thailand's manufacturing sector is thriving, with annual expansions in areas such as automotive manufacturing and electronics and appliances, providing strong demand support for the secondary metal resource industry. From June 24-25, 2024, the 1st SMM Global Secondary Metal Industry Forum was held in Malaysia. The event brought together recycling associations, government officials, and renowned enterprises from various regions to discuss the current state and future development of the secondary metal industry. From 2024 to 2025, with the continuous updating of secondary metal policies and the rapid development of the industry, SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. plans to hold the 2025 SMM 2nd Global Secondary Metal Industry Chain Peak Forum in Thailand from June 12-13, 2025, to assist enterprises in navigating the changes in the secondary metal industry, comply with industry standardization requirements, and provide a platform for business exchanges. The summit aims to gather associations, leading enterprises, research institutions, industry experts, and policymakers from the global secondary metal sector to jointly explore new trends, technologies, and policies in the development of the secondary metal industry. It will build an international platform for exchange, cooperation, resource sharing, and collaborative innovation, contributing to the construction and improvement of the global resource recycling system and the realization of a global green economic transition. At this year's conference, Jiangxi Mingxin Metallurgical Equipment Co., Ltd. will make a grand appearance. Along with upstream and downstream colleagues in the secondary metal industry, they will engage in in-depth discussions on the pain points and challenges facing the industry, jointly explore business opportunities for win-win cooperation, and discuss ways to promote high-quality development in the industry. Click on the registration form to register for the conference immediately. The voice of low-carbon development resonates globally. See you in Bangkok. Jiangxi Mingxin Metallurgical Equipment Co., Ltd. is a national high-tech enterprise that integrates "high-end environmental protection equipment, mining machinery manufacturing, waste recycling and treatment, resource utilization, waste electrical and electronic product treatment qualifications, and hazardous waste business licenses". The company holds 3 national invention patents and over 60 national utility model patents. Its scientific research achievement, "R&D and industrialisation of a series of complete equipment for resource utilization of waste electronic products", has been accredited by the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology. The overall technology of this achievement has reached the international advanced level, with the crushing technology for waste circuit boards achieving international leadership. It has won the first prize of the Jiangxi Science and Technology Progress Award and the first prize of the Ganzhou Science and Technology Progress Award. The company collaborates with multiple key national universities and research departments, forming an innovative enterprise that integrates "production, education, and research". It has been honored as a Postdoctoral Innovation Base in Jiangxi Province. It has also successively passed ISO9001 quality system certification and comprehensive quality management compliance qualification, and has been awarded titles such as National Intellectual Property Advantage Enterprise, Jiangxi Intellectual Property Advantage Enterprise, Jiangxi Science and Technology Enterprise, Jiangxi AAA Enterprise for Abiding by Contracts and Keeping Promises, Jiangxi Specialized, Sophisticated, Unique, and New Small and Medium-sized Enterprise, Jiangxi Famous Trademark, as well as the honorary title of Ganzhou's First Integrity Demonstration Enterprise. The company has the right to self-manage import and export, and its products are exported to over 60 countries and regions worldwide, gaining recognition and favour in the international market. The people of Mingxin are united, hardworking, pioneering, and innovative, adhering to scientific innovation. With high-quality products, reasonable prices, and sincere service, they sincerely look forward to cooperation and development with all friends. Jiangxi Mingxin Metallurgical Equipment Co., Ltd. is a national high-tech enterprise integrating "high-end environmental protection equipment, mining machinery manufacturing, waste recycling and treatment, resource utilization, waste electrical and electronic product treatment qualifications, and hazardous waste business license". The company has 3 national invention patents and more than 60 national utility model patents, and the scientific research results of "R&D and industrialization of a series of complete equipment for resource utilization of waste electronic products" have been identified by the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology. The overall technology of this achievement has reached the international advanced level, among which the crushing technology of waste circuit boards has reached the international leading level and won the first prize of Jiangxi Science and Technology Progress and the first prize of Ganzhou Science and Technology Progress. The company has collaborated with numerous national key universities and scientific research departments to establish an innovative enterprise integrating "industry, university, and research," and has been awarded the Jiangxi Postdoctoral Innovation Base. The company has obtained ISO9001 quality system certification and total quality management qualification certification, and has earned the titles of National Intellectual Property Advantage Enterprise, Jiangxi Intellectual Property Advantage Enterprise, Jiangxi Science and Technology Enterprise, Jiangxi AAA Enterprise for Contract Compliance and Credit Keeping, Specialized, Refined, Specialized, and Innovative Small and Medium Enterprises in Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Famous Trademarks, and Ganzhou First Honest Demonstration Enterprise. The company has the right to import and export independently, and its products are exported to over 60 countries and regions worldwide, gaining recognition and favor in the international market. The people of Mingxin unite, strive, forge ahead, and innovate scientifically. With high-quality products, reasonable prices, and sincere services, we sincerely look forward to the cooperation and development of all friends. Contact Information Manager Li: 13970779688 Long press to scan the QR code and register immediately 2025 SMM (2nd) Global Recycled Metal Industry Peak Forum

On February 13, Fudan University announced that the team led by Huisheng Peng/Yue Gao from the Department of Macromolecular Science had made a significant breakthrough in the field of lithium batteries. The research team overturned traditional design concepts and innovatively combined artificial intelligence (AI) with organic electrochemistry to successfully design a lithium carrier molecule. After injecting this molecule into the battery, it can precisely replenish the lithium ions lost during the battery's cycling process, thereby achieving non-destructive restoration of battery capacity. This technology provides crucial support for the transformation of the battery industry.

[Indian Government: Has Provided Separate Import Quotas for ICE and EV Vehicles to the UK Under Trade Agreement] An Indian government official stated that India has provided separate import quotas for internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) vehicles to the UK under a trade agreement. Tariffs on ICE and EV vehicles will be reduced in phases. The free trade agreement with the UK is expected to be signed in three months. (Financial Link) [India-US Tariff Negotiations: India Proposes "Zero-for-Zero" Tariff Arrangement] Informed sources revealed that during trade negotiations with the US, India proposed a "zero-for-zero" tariff arrangement for specific goods, including steel, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals. However, the proposal is based on the principle of reciprocity and is limited to a certain quantity of imported goods. Washington has expressed concerns about India's quality control orders, viewing them as non-tariff trade barriers to its exports. The US's so-called "reciprocal tariff" of 26% on India has been shelved, but the baseline tariff of 10% remains in effect. Reports indicate that imports of industrial products exceeding a certain quantity threshold will be subject to regular tariff rates. (Financial Link) [EU: Plans to Impose Tariffs on US Goods Worth €95 Billion if Negotiations Fail] The European Commission has launched a public consultation on possible countermeasures in response to US tariffs. The European Commission stated that if negotiations fail, it plans to impose tariff measures on US goods worth €95 billion. The tariff proposal includes aircraft, automobiles, and bourbon whiskey, as well as meat, fish, and agricultural products. The EU is considering imposing export restrictions on the US for scrap metal and chemicals worth €4.4 billion. The EU will initiate a dispute settlement procedure against the US at the WTO regarding automobiles and reciprocal tariffs. The European Commission stated that it will continue to prioritize seeking mutually beneficial and balanced solutions with the US. [Chinese Research Team Develops New Monitoring Technology to Safeguard the "Health" of Lithium-Ion Batteries] A team led by Professor Tingrui Pan and Researcher Yu Chang from the Suzhou Institute for Advanced Study of the University of Science and Technology of China, in collaboration with a team led by Professor Peng Tan from the University of Science and Technology of China and a team led by Professor Yongbing Tang and Researcher Fan Zhang from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed a long-lasting and stable in-situ expansion force monitoring technology for lithium-ion batteries. Relevant research results were recently published in National Science Review. Lithium-ion batteries have become the core of electric vehicles and energy storage systems due to their high energy density and long cycle life. However, issues such as lithium dendrite growth and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film growth threaten the safety and service life of batteries. In response to this challenge, the research team has developed a new in-situ monitoring technology based on integrated iontronic sensing technology. This technology utilizes the battery's own electrolyte and materials to construct a sensing interface, enabling high-precision pressure monitoring without additional encapsulation.This structure is not only highly compatible with battery materials but also addresses the stability challenges of traditional flexible pressure sensors in corrosive environments. Experiments have shown that the integrated iontronic sensing technology can operate stably within a battery for over one month, capturing the irreversible deposition of lithium dendrites through changes in the asymmetry and peak values of the pressure curve. Researchers have introduced that this technology opens up new avenues for the design of smart batteries, with its low cost, high precision, and long lifespan making it particularly suitable for vehicle battery management systems. (CCTV News) [Geely and DP Technology Usher in an Era of "Targeted Drug-Level Precision Regulation" for Battery Safety, Becoming One of the First Automakers to Pass New National Standards for Battery Safety] Recently, DP Technology and Geely Auto announced the establishment of a joint "New Energy + AI" laboratory. Both parties have introduced the "AI + Molecular Simulation" technology system from the biomedical field into the R&D of power batteries for the first time, marking the official entry of global power battery technology into a new phase of "atomic-level precision R&D." It is also understood that Geely Auto obtained the GB 38031-2025 "Safety Requirements for Traction Batteries in Electric Vehicles" test report on May 8, becoming one of the first domestic enterprises to pass the new national standards for battery safety. The test report was issued by the authoritative third-party testing institution, CATARC Automotive Test Center. Relying on its unique Shendun Battery Safety System, Geely passed all new national standard safety verifications in one go, fully reflecting its consistent safety philosophy. (Cailian Press) [Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao: Sales from Trade-in Programs for Consumer Goods Exceeded 1.3 Trillion Yuan in 2024, and Will Be Expanded and Intensified in 2025] The magazine Qizhi recently published an article titled "Vigorously Boosting Consumption, Expanding Domestic Demand in All Aspects, and Promoting Sustained Economic Rebound" by Wang Wentao, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Minister of the Ministry of Commerce. The article points out that upgrading commodity consumption is crucial for stabilizing the overall consumption market. With its large scale and strong driving force, stabilizing the basic consumption market requires first and foremost focusing on commodity consumption, which serves as the "linchpin." Currently, the main challenge facing commodity consumption is insufficient effective demand. We will explore multiple approaches from the demand side to tap into the potential for upgrading commodity consumption. We will intensify and expand the scope of trade-in programs for consumer goods. In 2024, sales from trade-in programs for consumer goods exceeded 1.3 trillion yuan, effectively boosting consumption recovery. In 2025, we will build on this momentum and further expand and intensify these efforts. In terms of intensification, the support funds from ultra-long-term special national bonds will be increased to 300 billion yuan, doubling the amount from the previous year. In terms of expansion, for the first time, subsidies will be introduced for the purchase of new digital products such as mobile phones, and the categories of home appliances eligible for trade-in subsidies will be expanded from "8+N" to "12+N." Additionally, the scope of vehicles eligible for scrappage and renewal under the program will be appropriately broadened. We will also improve the subsidy application process to enable consumers to enjoy policy incentives more quickly and conveniently.Launch pilot work on reforming automobile circulation and consumption. Support local governments in actively exploring and taking the lead in eliminating restrictive measures on automobile consumption and developing the automotive aftermarket, accelerating the release of consumption potential across all links in the entire chain of automobile purchase and use. Promote the consumption of high-quality foreign trade products. Organize the "China Tour for High-Quality Foreign Trade Products" campaign to expand online and offline channels and facilitate greater entry of high-quality foreign trade products into the domestic market. Advance the consumption of trendy domestic products. Continuously promote the innovative development of time-honored brands, host a series of featured events under the "Time-Honored Brand Carnival" initiative, and create growth points for the consumption of trendy domestic products. (Cailian Press) Related Reading: In Q1, lithium carbonate prices fell by over 25% YoY, with miners experiencing mixed performance. When will lithium prices rise? [SMM Special Report] [SMM Analysis] In April 2025, SMM's total domestic lithium carbonate production fell by 7% MoM but increased by 40% YoY. Salt Lake Potash's net profit in Q1 increased by over 22% YoY. By 2030, it aims to achieve an annual lithium chemicals production capacity of 200,000 mt. On the first trading day after the holiday, the automotive parts sector saw a surge in "limit-up" stocks, with Jingjin Electric achieving three consecutive daily limit-ups. The market performed well during the holiday. [Hot Stocks] [SMM Analysis] The spot price of refined cobalt strengthened. [SMM Analysis] The spot price of cobalt intermediate products rose. [SMM Analysis] The economic viability of refined cobalt production declined, with April's refined cobalt production falling MoM. [SMM Analysis] In April, lithium hydroxide production remained relatively stable but slightly weak MoM, with expectations for May being basically flat. [SMM Analysis] In April, the production of ternary cathode precursors increased by 0.36% MoM. [SMM Analysis] In April, the production of ternary cathode materials increased by 7.38% MoM. [SMM Analysis] Between advancement and retreat: The pragmatic compromise of the US automotive tariff compensation policy and the challenges of global industry chain restructuring. [SMM Analysis] In April, the iron phosphate market remained stable, with enterprises facing pressure and struggling to raise prices. Lithium: Driving the Green Revolution. Analyzing how the industry chain is reshaping the future of energy. [SMM Popular Science] [SMM Analysis] Driven by the demand in the LCO market, the production of Co3O4 increased significantly MoM in April. [SMM Special Report] In Q1, the automobile industry achieved double-digit growth in both production and sales. Under the shadow of tariffs, what are the expectations for Q2? SMM: Global ESS market demand may reach around 470 GWh by 2030. How will various markets perform? [SMM Special Report] In March, import and export data for battery materials were released. Imports of spodumene and lithium carbonate showed one decrease and one increase MoM. How did they perform? [Weekly Observation] Spot quotes for refined cobalt continue to rise. High raw material costs have led some smelters to cut production. The price of this cobalt salt may remain firm.