In the fields of precious and rare metals, compared with well-known categories such as gold, silver, and platinum-group metals, osmium has always remained a niche yet highly distinctive presence. With its unmatched physicochemical properties, it has become an indispensable key material in high-end industry and scientific research. Even though it receives limited market attention, it still possesses irreplaceable value. This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of osmium metal, covering its basic properties, resource supply, application scenarios, and market characteristics, to offer a full understanding of this “king of density.” I. First Encounter with Osmium: A Hardcore Outlier Among the Platinum-Group Metals Osmium, with the chemical symbol Os and atomic number 76, belongs to the platinum-group metals. It is a Group VIII transition metal on the periodic table and also one of the rarest metals found in nature. As one of the six major members of the platinum-group metal family, osmium has no independent ore deposits and is commonly associated with platinum, iridium, ruthenium, rhodium, and palladium. It can only be recovered through purification during platinum ore smelting and cannot be extracted through standalone large-scale mining. This inherent characteristic directly defines its scarcity. Osmium’s physicochemical properties are truly unique in the world of metals, with highly recognizable core characteristics: first, it has the highest density in the world. Under standard conditions at 20°C, its density reaches 22.59 g/cm³, far exceeding that of gold (19.32 g/cm³) and platinum (21.45 g/cm³). It is currently the densest naturally occurring metal known, and at the same volume, it weighs far more than various conventional precious metals. Second, it demonstrates excellent high-temperature resistance, with a melting point of 3,033°C and a boiling point exceeding 5,000°C. It remains highly stable in high-temperature environments and can adapt to various industrial and scientific applications under extreme heat. Third, it has outstanding hardness and strong corrosion resistance. With a Mohs hardness of 7, it is hard, durable, and wear-resistant, and is difficult to corrode under conventional acidic or alkaline conditions. However, its drawbacks are also quite evident: it is highly brittle and has extremely poor plasticity, making it impossible to process through conventional mechanical methods, so it is mostly used in powder or alloy form. A key safety precaution must be emphasized here: when osmium metal is heated in air to above 100°C, it slowly oxidizes to form osmium tetroxide (OsO₄). This substance is highly irritating, highly volatile, and somewhat toxic. Therefore, the entire process involving osmium, including production smelting, storage and transportation, and deep processing, must be carried out under the protection of inert gas and in strict compliance with operational standards. These exceptionally high compliance and control requirements further raise the barriers to osmium’s production and application. II. Extreme Scarcity: Osmium’s Resource Endowment and Supply Landscape Osmium is far rarer than commonly recognized precious metals such as gold and platinum, and it can be regarded as a “niche treasure” in the precious metals sector. Relevant data show that the average abundance of osmium in the Earth’s crust is only about 0.001 ppm, making it one of the least abundant stable elements in the crust. Globally, identified recoverable reserves are extremely limited, and resource distribution is highly concentrated, without the formation of widely distributed ore deposits. Supply side, the scarcity of osmium is even more pronounced. As there are no standalone mines, global osmium production is entirely dependent on platinum ore mining and smelting, with capacity remaining at an extremely low level year-round. Global annual production is about 1 mt (data from the International Platinum Group Metals Association), while China’s annual production is less than 100 kg, with supply far below that of other platinum group metals. From the global supply landscape, traditional major platinum group metal-producing countries such as South Africa and Russia control the vast majority of the world’s osmium resources and smelting capacity. Industry supply shows a highly monopolized pattern, with extremely low supply elasticity. Minor changes in mining progress, geopolitical conditions, environmental protection-related controls policies, and platinum group metal smelting capacity all directly affect global osmium supply. This dual characteristic of “inherent resource scarcity + constrained supply” has kept the osmium market in a long-term tight supply-demand balance and has also given it strong price resilience and fluctuation elasticity, securing a unique position in the rare metals market. 3. Exclusive to High-End, Cutting-Edge Applications: Core Application Scenarios of Osmium Although osmium has limited production and a relatively narrow range of applications, its exceptional physical and chemical properties have enabled it to take root precisely in high-end niche fields, making it an irreplaceable core material in many advanced applications. Downstream demand is concentrated and highly rigid, with no low-cost substitutes currently available. Its core applications are mainly concentrated in four major fields: 1. Special Hard Alloys: Core Raw Material for High-End Wear-Resistant Components Osmium-based alloys made by melting osmium with metals such as iridium and platinum combine ultra-high hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, making them key core materials for high-end precision instruments. These alloys are widely used in high-precision bearings for high-end watches and precision instruments, premium fountain pen nibs, professional turntable styluses, medical precision scalpels, and high-end wear-resistant mechanical components. They can significantly improve component service life and durability, making them suitable for long-term, high-load, high-wear operating environments, and they are core wear-resistant materials in the high-end manufacturing sector. 2. Industrial Catalysis: Dedicated High-Efficiency Additive for Fine Chemicals Osmium and its compounds have excellent catalytic activity and serve as dedicated catalysts in certain fine chemical and organic synthesis reactions. Especially in special chemical processes such as hydrogenation and oxidation reactions, they offer high catalytic efficiency and strong reaction selectivity, effectively optimizing process flows and improving product purity and yield. Although the unit consumption of osmium catalysts is extremely low, they are rigid process necessities and are difficult to replace with other common metal catalysts, resulting in relatively strong downstream demand stability. 3. Scientific Research and Detection: Essential Specialty Consumable for Laboratories Although osmium tetroxide is toxic, it has irreplaceable value in scientific research. It is a high-quality staining agent for biological samples and microscopic material sections under electron microscopes, significantly enhancing the clarity and contrast of observed samples, and is an indispensable experimental reagent in frontier research fields such as materials science and life sciences. Meanwhile, high-purity osmium powder was also widely used in high-end scientific research experiments and the R&D of specialized new materials, serving as a niche but essential consumable for major research institutes and high-end laboratories. 4. High-End Specialized Fields: Core Components for Military and Aerospace Applications Leveraging its core advantages of high density, high-temperature resistance, and high stability, osmium was also applied in specialized high-temperature components for aerospace and military applications, precision guidance components, as well as niche scenarios such as high-end electrical contacts and wear-resistant coatings. These applications were all concentrated in cutting-edge, high-precision sectors. Although the volume of each individual application was small, the product value-added was extremely high. Moreover, with the technological iteration and development of high-end manufacturing and the military and aerospace industries, related demand had the potential for steady growth. IV. Summary of the Core Characteristics of the Osmium Metal Market Overall, as a rare category among platinum group metals, osmium had highly distinctive core characteristics: extreme scarcity on the resource side, highly monopolized supply with insufficient elasticity; application-side concentration in high-precision, cutting-edge fields, with rigid and irreplaceable demand; and unique physicochemical properties, combining both advantages and application barriers. Unlike the market-driven fluctuation logic of conventional bulk commodities, the osmium market was significantly affected by factors such as supply-side changes, downstream demand from high-end industries, and compliance costs. The overall market size was small, and trading frequency was relatively low, placing it in the category of niche rare precious metals. Its core value always revolved around the two key points of “scarcity” and “irreplaceability,” making it an indispensable key metal material in high-end industrial and scientific research fields.

Capacity-wise, according to incomplete statistics, the domestic alkaline electrolyzer market remains at 43.77GW, and the PEM electrolyzer market stays at 2.7GW, with no new capacity added. The "water electrolysis hydrogen production system - oxygen purification unit" produced by Skyreach Hydrogen Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. has been successfully delivered to a leading large-scale polysilicon producer in China. Updates on electrolyzer projects: Jinfeng Green Energy Chemical (Xing'an League) Co., Ltd.: The Yujinfeng Xing'an League green hydrogen to green methanol (Phase III) project has been filed, with the construction site located in Xing'an League Economic and Technological Development Zone, Ulanhot City, Xing'an League. Total investment: 2.3 billion yuan, including 460 million yuan of own funds and 1.84 billion yuan of bank loans applied for. The planned construction period is from May 2026 to May 2028. The project will mainly construct biomass gasification, methanol synthesis distillation, and other main production facilities along with supporting public auxiliary works, producing 725,000 tons of green methanol annually. Guohua Investment Guohua (Cangzhou) Integrated Energy Co., Ltd.: The Alashan Large Wind and Solar Base Electrolysis Water Hydrogen Production and Ammonia Synthesis System Integration and Engineering Demonstration Project Cangzhou Green Ammonia Phase II Electrolysis Water Hydrogen Production System Preliminary Design Service has issued a public tender. According to the announcement, the first phase of the Cangzhou green hydrogen and green ammonia electrolysis water hydrogen production and ammonia synthesis facility has already been constructed within the reserved area of the green ammonia plant. Shaanxi Hydrogen Luyuan Technology Co., Ltd.: The shortlisted candidates for the hydrogen power supply equipment and its auxiliary devices procurement (0021GBT rectifier power supply) of the Yulin Zero-Carbon Industrial Park Hydrogen (Hydrogen Production) Demonstration Project have been announced. According to the announcement, the first candidate is Beijing Leidong Zhi Chuang Technology Co., Ltd., with a bid price of 1.3668 million yuan; the second candidate is Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co., Ltd., with a bid price of 1.4661 million yuan; the third candidate is Shenzhen Hopewind Technology Co., Ltd., with a bid price of 1.48 million yuan. North Engineering Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. : A quotation request has been issued for the process equipment of the hydrogen production unit of the electrolysis water hydrogen production device (including electrolyzers, gas-liquid separation skids, purification skids, centrifugal pumps, canned motor pumps, alkali mixing tanks, demineralized water tanks, and auxiliary facilities). Jiangxi Xinlianxin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.: The annual 100kt green methanol demonstration project has passed the filing. It is understood that the total investment of the project is 100.96 million yuan, and the construction scale and content do not involve additional land use, partially relying on Jiangxi Xinlianxin Chemical Co., Ltd. Upon project completion, the facility is expected to achieve an annual production of 100kt of green methanol. Construction is scheduled to commence in April 2026 and conclude in April 2027. Jinda Hongjing (Shache) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd.: The company issued postponement announcements for the full-process tracking audit service and project supervision service of the Jinda Hongjing Shache County Integrated PV Hydrogen Production Project. The revised bid opening date for both is March 10, 2026. The project involves the construction of a new 250kt/year green methanol production facility, including water electrolysis for hydrogen production, biomass gasification units, and methanol synthesis units, along with storage systems and supporting utilities and auxiliary facilities. The annual output is set at 250kt of green methanol, with by-products including 30kt/year of steam and 179.2 million standard cubic meters/year of oxygen. Ningxia Wangwa Coal Industry Co., Ltd.: The winning bid result was announced for the hydrogen production equipment procurement of the Guyuan Pengyang 2×660MW Unit Project. The winning bidders are Suzhou Xipeiyou Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (bid price: 2.062 million yuan), Wuxi Weifu High-Technology Group Co., Ltd. (bid price: 2.2 million yuan), and Shanghai Hydrogen Sharp Technology Co., Ltd. (bid price: 2.3736 million yuan). The tender was divided into one section, specifically for a 10Nm³/h proton exchange membrane hydrogen production unit. Xinjiang Huadian Weihuliang New Energy Co., Ltd.: The company announced the transaction results for the UPS and EPS of the alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production system for the Xinjiang Huadian Urumqi Point-to-Point Hydrogen Refueling Station, as well as the results for the hydrogen production system distribution cabinet. The suppliers are Harbin Jiuzhou Group Co., Ltd. and Tengzhou Taiyuan Power Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., respectively. Junrui Green Hydrogen Energy (Chahar Right Rear Banner) Co., Ltd.: A competitive consultation announcement was released for the full-process management of the Chahar Right Rear Banner 14,400 t/year Hydrogen Production Project. According to the announcement, the procurement budget for the full-process management is 1.69% (bidders must not quote a rate higher than 1.69%, or the bid will be deemed invalid). Policy Review 1. The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Development and Reform Commission published the "Ningxia 2026 First Batch of Project List Recommended to Private Capital." One key project in the hydrogen energy sector is the Integrated Hydrogen Storage, Transportation, and Utilization Zero-Carbon Energy Demonstration Base, located in the Lingzhou Chemical Industry Park in Lingwu City. The project aims to establish a demonstration model covering the entire green hydrogen production chain, including wind and solar power generation, hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. It will be equipped with corresponding facilities, pipelines, and transport fleets to provide logistics services to surrounding chemical enterprises and offer a feasible solution for replacing gray hydrogen with green hydrogen in the Ningdong coal chemical industry. Additionally, the project plans to construct hydrogen refueling stations to support bus operations and distributed fuel cell power generation projects. The total investment in the project amounts to 2.8 billion yuan. 2. The Jilin Provincial Energy Bureau released the "Implementation Plan for the Development and Construction of Green Electricity Direct Connection Projects in Jilin Province (Trial)" (Draft for Comments). The document indicates that new load projects can carry out green electricity direct connections, with priority support for hydrogen-based green energy (green hydrogen, green hydrogen to green ammonia, green hydrogen to green methanol, green hydrogen to sustainable aviation fuel, etc.), steel metallurgy, computing (data) centers, automotive manufacturing, and other industries. Electricity consumption projects that have not been registered with grid enterprises (including expansion parts of existing loads), electricity consumption projects that have been registered but whose supporting grid projects have not yet started construction, and existing projects agreed upon through consultation with grid enterprises are all considered new loads. In principle, new loads (including expansion parts of existing loads) and existing loads should not have direct electrical connections. 3. The European Commission approved a 4 billion euro special fund for electrolyzers, providing a 30% subsidy on equipment costs for projects with an annual capacity of ≥500 MW, and setting a 2030 target for electrolyzer efficiency in green hydrogen projects at ≥60% (LHV basis). Corporate Developments Plug Power : Faces a securities class action lawsuit in the US District Court for the Northern District of New York, accused of making misleading disclosures to investors regarding the progress of a US Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee of $1.66 billion (approximately 12 billion yuan), exaggerating the likelihood of obtaining the loan and the project construction capabilities. In November 2025, Plug announced the suspension of the loan-related project, jeopardizing the loan and the plan for six hydrogen plants, leading to consecutive declines in its stock price. Transition Industries : Signed a long-term natural gas supply agreement with Mexico's CFEnergía, securing a daily supply of 160 million cubic feet of US gas for the Pacifico Mexinol ultra-low carbon methanol project in Mexico. This contract marks the final key commercial milestone for the project, which has a total investment of $3.3 billion and is expected to commence operation by the end of 2029 to early 2030, producing 2.15 million mt of ultra-low carbon methanol annually, making it the largest facility of its kind globally. Power2X : Dutch hydrogen-based synthetic fuel developer Power2X acquired green hydrogen enterprise HyCC, with the transaction valuation undisclosed. The acquisition adds five green hydrogen projects in the Netherlands and Germany, with a total developable scale of 1 GW, aiding the company in advancing its 250,000 mt per year green hydrogen-based SAF project in Rotterdam, marking its transition from project development to execution. Robert Bosch GmbH: Conducted workforce optimization in China, with the first round involving nearly 200 employees at the Wuxi plant's internal combustion engine and hydrogen fuel cell projects. This is an economic layoff, with the company offering N+4 compensation, exceeding the statutory standard. China Huadian Corporation Ltd. : Party Secretary and Chairman Jiang Yi held talks in Baotou with Chen Zhichang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Party Committee and Secretary of the Baotou Municipal Party Committee, and Meng Qingwei, Deputy Secretary of the Baotou Municipal Party Committee and Mayor, where both sides exchanged views on further deepening central-local cooperation. Hebei Province Baoding High-Tech Environment Technology Co., Ltd.: announced the winning bid result for the Baoding High-Tech Environment Technology Co., Ltd. Hydrogen-Powered Sanitation Vehicle Procurement Project. The winning bidder was Changsha Zoomlion Environment Industry Co., Ltd., with a bid price of 37.685 million yuan. Inner Mongolia Ebert Coal Technology Co., Ltd.: The hydrogen refueling, hydrogen swapping, charging and swapping integrated station at Plot 02-02C1 in the Airport Logistics Park was approved for construction by the Yijinhuoluo Banner Energy Bureau. The bid inviter is Inner Mongolia Ebert Coal Technology Co., Ltd., and the construction funds are self-raised. It is understood that this project is an integrated station for hydrogen refueling, hydrogen swapping, and charging. The hydrogen refueling station is classified as a Level III station with a hydrogen refueling capacity of 500 kg/d. The main facilities of the hydrogen refueling station include 1 unloading column, 2 units of 45 MPa hydrogen compressors, 1 unit of 90 MPa hydrogen compressor, 1 set of 45 MPa hydrogen storage cylinder bundle, 1 set of 90 MPa hydrogen storage cylinder bundle, 1 unit of HB5/H70 hydrogen refueling integrated machine, 3 units of compressor chiller units, 1 unit of hydrogen refueling machine chiller unit, 1 set of nitrogen cylinder bundle, 1 unit of nitrogen cabinet, 2 units of sequential control cabinets, 1 unit of heat exchanger, etc. The facilities for the hydrogen swapping and battery swapping station include 1 set of integrated hydrogen swapping and battery swapping skid, etc. Patent Applications 1. Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China) disclosed patent CN2025110028, developing a ceramic-based anion exchange membrane with a laboratory test lifespan reaching 80,000 hours. 2. Johnson Matthey (UK) filed patent WO2025109876, disclosing a Fe-Ni-Mo ternary non-precious metal catalyst formulation with activity close to platinum-based materials. Technology Footprints/Technical Specifications 1. The team of Liu Qingju from Yunnan University constructed a superwetting Pt/NF@CF graded heterojunction electrocatalyst for low-energy consumption and high-efficiency hydrogen production. 2. Teams from Hunan Normal University and Central South University (AM) revealed the effects of compressive strain and oxygen vacancies on iridium oxide in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers. 3. Relevant research teams from the School of Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, and the State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Electrical Materials successfully developed a Ru/Ti3C2Ox@NF bifunctional seawater electrolysis electrocatalyst. 4. The group standard "Technical Specification for Wind-Solar-Storage Green Electricity Coupled Electrolysis Hydrogen Production" (Number T/CIEP 0272—2025) was released and implemented by the China Industrial Environmental Protection Promotion Association. Zhongneng Dayou Energy Technology Co., Ltd. successfully developed a 100 kW-level PEM electrolyzer hydrogen production multi-field coupling test equipment. 5. GKN Powder Metallurgy announced the development of a new generation of high-performance, high-porosity, high-purity porous transport layer (HP-PTL) for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis.

According to precious metals and refinery services provider Heraeus, the gold price continues to show a consolidation phase. Following record highs at the end of December, the market is currently moving sideways within a clearly defined trading range rather than forming a pronounced upward or downward trend.

Capacity side, the domestic alkaline electrolyzer market maintained at 43.77 GW, and the PEM electrolyzer market remained at 2.7 GW, with no new capacity added. No offline public delivery information was available this week. Electrolyzer project updates: Yulin Institute of Clean Energy Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences : The institute issued a tender for the procurement of megawatt-scale alkaline electrolyzers and hydrogen-oxygen separation and purification modules. The procurement includes megawatt-scale alkaline electrolyzers and hydrogen-oxygen separation and purification equipment, with a budget of 3.18 million yuan. The equipment will be used for a hydrogen production project from coal chemical wastewater coupled with freshwater production. It is understood that Dalian Chemical Engineering Design Institute Co., Ltd. previously won the bid for the project design. Inner Mongolia Green Hydrogen Steel Union Technology Co., Ltd.: The company announced the winning bidder for the civil engineering part of Sections 1 and 2 of the construction project for the full green steel production line integrating green electricity-green hydrogen shaft furnace reduction-electric furnace short process. It is understood that both sections were won by China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Fourth Engineering Co., Ltd. (including consortium partner: Tianjin Tianhengda Environmental Protection Engineering Co., Ltd.). Shanghai Reshaping Energy Group Co., Ltd. : Reshaping Energy and China MCC5 Group Corp., Ltd. recently formally partnered by signing a cooperation agreement, establishing a comprehensive partnership. Additionally, both parties jointly signed a cooperation memorandum for the Ningxia Sun Mountain Integrated Wind-Solar-Hydrogen-Methanol Project. Moving forward, the two parties will collaborate to promote the construction of hydrogen production projects using wind and solar renewable energy, and coordinate with relevant parties to advance the construction of green methanol synthesis projects, aiming to create a benchmark "green electricity-green hydrogen-green methanol" industry chain project in north-west China. SPIC : The list of prospective winning bidders for the 99th centralized tender in 2025 (Jilin Power Share Lishu Wind-Solar Green Hydrogen Production and Biomass Coupled Green Methanol Project PEM Water Electrolysis Hydrogen Production Equipment) was announced. The first prospective winning bidder: Changchun Green Dynamic Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd., with a bid price of 30.88 million yuan; the second prospective winning bidder: Shaanxi Xingran Technology Co., Ltd., with a bid price of 36.4265 million yuan. It is understood that the Jilin Power Share Lishu Wind-Solar Green Hydrogen Production and Biomass Coupled Green Methanol Project is located in Siping City, Jilin Province, and plans to construct one set of 2000 Nm³/h PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system, with a PEM hydrogen production scale of 2000 Nm³/h. The project is scheduled to start construction in August 2025, with a total planned duration of 22 months. The tender scope includes the PEM water electrolysis hydrogen production system and auxiliary systems, including but not limited to 4 PEM hydrogen production electrolyzers each with a measured hydrogen production rate of 500 Nm³/h under rated conditions, one set of 2000 Nm³/h hydrogen purification skid, and 4 sets of IGBT rectifiers. Windey Energy Technology Group Co., Ltd.: The tender for the biomass gasification process package and technical services for the first phase of the Handan Biomass Green Methanol Project was released. The project's main entity is Windey Energy Technology Group Co., Ltd. It is understood that the project primarily adopts the biomass pressurized bubbling fluidized bed gasification process. The scope of the process package extends from the atmospheric raw material receiving hopper of the gasification framework to the outlet of the syngas scrubber, includes the ash and slag discharge unit, and involves the discharge of wastewater after ammonia stripping treatment. Goldwind Green Chemical (Xing'an League) Co., Ltd.: The acceptance of the environmental impact assessment documents for the Goldwind Xing'an League Green Hydrogen to Green Methanol (Phase II) Project was announced. It is understood that the project has a total investment of 1.2 billion yuan, with a planned construction period from December 2025 to December 2027. The construction scale and content include primarily building main production facilities such as biomass gasification and methanol synthesis and distillation, along with supporting public and auxiliary utilities, aiming for an annual production of 600,000 mt of green methanol. Zhongneng Yida (Hebei) New Energy Co., Ltd.: The EPC general contracting tender announcement (second call) for the new 400,000 mt/year sustainable aviation fuel hydrogenation project. It is understood that the project covers an area of approximately 230 mu. The construction project includes a 400,000 mt/year sustainable aviation fuel hydrogenation unit, supporting hydrogen production facilities with a capacity of 30,000 Nm³/h, a sulfur recovery combined unit, and main supporting utilities. The primary raw materials are gutter oil, acidified oil, fatty acid methyl ester, and waste animal and vegetable oils, used to produce biodiesel, bio-naphtha, bio-jet fuel, and other products, with by-products including dry gas, bio-liquefied petroleum gas, and sulfur. The annual production volumes are bio-jet fuel (315,700 mt), bio-naphtha (21,000 mt), biodiesel (maximum daily production of 340,800 mt), and other by-products: dry gas (7,900 mt), bio-liquefied petroleum gas (19,500 mt), and sulfur (72 mt). Inner Mongolia Hydroelectric Technology Co., Ltd.: Its Dalad Banner Grid-Side (Incremental Distribution Network) Standalone Energy Storage Demonstration Project has completed the modification filing. The project construction content is now modified as follows: The total project investment is 153.332 million yuan, funded from two sources: self-owned funds of 45.9996 million yuan and a bank loan of 107.3324 million yuan. Regarding construction content and scale, the total energy storage capacity is set at 2 MW/4 MWh, adopting a pure hydrogen energy storage solution. Specifically, the hydrogen energy storage system encompasses three major segments: water electrolysis for hydrogen production, energy storage, and hydrogen fuel cell power generation. It is configured with 12 sets of 1,000 Nm³ alkaline electrolyzers, 2 sets of 1 MW hydrogen fuel cell power generation systems, and a 90,000 Nm³ hydrogen storage system. Each electrolyzer unit consists of the electrolyzer body, purification framework, gas-liquid separation device, and power supply and electrical control system. Each 1MW hydrogen fuel cell power generation system uses 16 proton exchange membrane fuel cell modules, each with a rated power of 100KW, as the core energy supply units. The hydrogen storage system comprises a spherical tank hydrogen storage system with a capacity of 2,000 cubic meters and a pressure of 1.6 MPa, requiring a total of three hydrogen storage tanks. Jinfeng Green Energy Chemical (Xing'an League) Co., Ltd. : Jinfeng Xing'an League Green Hydrogen to Green Methanol (Phase III) Project has been filed. Construction Location: Xing'an League - Ulanhot City - Xing'an League Economic and Technological Development Zone. Total Investment: 2.3 billion yuan, including self-owned funds: 460 million yuan, and bank loan application: 1.84 billion yuan. Planned Construction Period: May 2026 to May 2028. Construction Scale and Content: Mainly involves building key production facilities such as biomass gasification and methanol synthesis and distillation, along with supporting public and auxiliary facilities, with an annual output of 725,000 mt of green methanol. Shanghai Electric Power Station Group: Successfully won the bid for Section 1 of the EPC project for the Lanzhou New Area 100,000 mt/year Biomass Green Methanol Project (Phase I), and will provide key technologies, core equipment, and EPC turnkey services. Previously, Shanghai Electric had successfully verified its self-developed entire industry chain technology system for "green electricity coupled with biomass gasification to produce green methanol" in the Jilin Taonan Green Methanol Integrated Demonstration Project. Policy Review 1. The Gansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission, Gansu Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, and Gansu Provincial Energy Bureau issued the "Gansu Provincial Zero-Carbon Park Construction Plan." The document points out that organic integration of solar, wind, geothermal, and air energy should be used for direct building energy supply; relying on technologies such as wind and solar power plus energy storage and hydrogen microgrids, heat pumps, and molten salt thermal storage, the park's multi-energy conversion and mutual utilization of "electricity, heat, cooling, steam, and hydrogen" should be enhanced. Vigorously develop green and low-carbon emerging industries. Promote breakthroughs in core technologies for wind, solar, and energy storage equipment, improve the localization rate of new energy equipment, and build a new energy equipment industry chain driven by a "high proportion of green electricity." Support the construction of projects for the wind and solar power coupled green hydrogen production and hydrogen energy storage industry chain, advance the integrated development of "green hydrogen production, storage, transportation, refueling, and utilization," and create a "wind-solar-hydrogen-methanol-ammonia" zero-carbon industry chain. Guide the coordinated development of computing power projects and clean energy layout, increase the proportion of green electricity supply for data centers, and build a "computing power + green electricity" digital economy industry chain. 2. The Jilin Provincial Energy Bureau issued the "Jilin Province Green Electricity Direct Connection Project Development and Construction Implementation Plan (Trial)" (Draft for Comments).. The document indicates that new load projects can carry out green electricity direct connection, with key support for hydrogen-based green energy (green hydrogen, green hydrogen to green ammonia, green hydrogen to green methanol, green hydrogen to sustainable aviation fuel, etc.), steel metallurgy, computing (data) centers, automotive manufacturing, and other industries. Electricity consumption projects that have not been registered with the power grid enterprise (including expansion parts of existing loads), electricity consumption projects that have been registered but whose supporting power grid projects have not yet commenced construction, and existing projects agreed upon through consultation with the power grid enterprise are all considered as new loads. In principle, new loads (including expansion parts of existing loads) and existing loads should not establish direct electrical connections. 3. The European Commission approved a €4 billion special fund for electrolyzers, providing a 30% subsidy on equipment costs for projects with an annual capacity of ≥500 MW, and set a 2030 efficiency target for green hydrogen project electrolyzers of ≥60% (LHV basis). Enterprise Dynamics Shanghai Qingluan Energy Co., Ltd. : Shanghai Qingluan Energy Co., Ltd. was established, with legal representative Li Kun and registered capital of 5 million yuan. Its main business includes the manufacturing and sales of gas and liquid separation and purification equipment. The company is 100% owned by Shanghai Qingluan Technology Co., Ltd. Xinjiang Zhiling Hydrogen Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. : The launch ceremony for the delivery and experience event of hydrogen energy buses, jointly organized with Skywell New Energy Automobile Group Co., Ltd., was held at the Guangbao Guangzhou Technology Park in Huangpu District, Guangzhou. Following the successive winning of related projects in November and December last year, HTWO Guangzhou, in collaboration with Skywell Group, delivered 249 hydrogen fuel cell buses in bulk to Guangzhou Bus Group. Shaanxi Hydrogen Energy Industry Development Co., Ltd. : Signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with the Baoji Municipal Government. The Baoji Municipal Government will take this signing as an opportunity to provide comprehensive support for project construction, fully promote project implementation and effectiveness, and ensure smooth project advancement with high-quality services. Zhongtian Hua Hydrogen Co., Ltd.: Successfully won a bid for an overseas hydrogen valley project, achieving a "zero breakthrough" in overseas business, marking substantial progress in its internationalization strategy. Hubei Intelli Electric Co., Ltd. : Successfully delivered several sets of large containerized power supply systems, all of which will be used for a shore power project. HydrogenT Energy Group: Its "Fuel Cell Engine (TK-300)" project successfully passed the certification for Shanghai High-Tech Achievement Transformation Project and received an A-grade evaluation. Weishi Energy Technology Co., Ltd.: In collaboration with Yutong Light Truck, completed a series of multi-dimensional, complex working condition vehicle-level verifications, comprehensively validating the reliability and environmental adaptability of Weishi Energy's 80 kW hydrogen fuel cell system under complex environments such as low temperature, high altitude, transient load, emergency stop, and steep slopes. The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas): Signed a memorandum of cooperation with Sinopec (Hong Kong) Limited (Sinopec Hong Kong) and Sinopec Star Petroleum Co., Ltd. (Sinopec Star), establishing a strategic partnership to engage in in-depth cooperation on clean energy, including hydrogen, green methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Patent Applications 1. Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China) disclosed patent CN2025110028, developing ceramic-based anion exchange membranes with a laboratory test lifespan reaching 80,000 hours. 2. Johnson Matthey (UK) filed patent WO2025109876, disclosing a Fe-Ni-Mo ternary non-precious metal catalyst formulation with activity close to that of platinum-based materials. Technology Footprints/Technical Specifications 1. The team led by Liu Qingju at Yunnan University constructed a superwetting Pt/NF@CF graded heterojunction electrocatalyst for low-energy, high-efficiency hydrogen production. 2. Hunan Normal University and Central South University's AM team revealed the compressive strain and oxygen vacancy effects of iridium oxide in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers. 3. The relevant research team from the School of Electrical Engineering and the State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Electrical Engineering Materials at Xi’an Jiaotong University successfully developed a Ru/Ti3C2Ox@NF bifunctional seawater electrolysis electrocatalyst. 4. The group standard "Technical Specification for Wind and Solar Power Green Electricity Coupling Electrolysis Hydrogen Production" (No. T/CIEP 0272—2025) was released and implemented by the China Industrial Environmental Protection Promotion Association. Zhongneng Dayou Energy Technology Co., Ltd. successfully developed a 100kW-class PEM electrolyzer hydrogen production multi-field coupling test equipment. 5. GKN Powder Metallurgy announced the development of a new generation of high-performance, high-porosity, high-purity porous transport layers (HP-PTL) for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis.

Capacity side, according to incomplete statistics, the domestic alkaline electrolyzer market maintained at 43.77 GW, and the PEM electrolyzer market maintained at 2.7 GW, with no new capacity added for the time being. No offline public delivery information was available this week. Electrolyzer project updates: Inner Mongolia Huadian Huayang Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd.: The tender announcement for the survey and design services of the wind, solar, energy storage, and hydrogen components of the Inner Mongolia Huadian Damao Banner 1,000 MW wind-solar-hydrogen integration project was released. It is understood that the project is located in Damao Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The project involves the construction of 1,000 MW of new energy power generation, comprising 700 MW of wind power and 300 MW of PV power. It includes the installation of 70 wind turbine generators with a unit capacity of 10 MW, 614,770 pieces of 610Wp half-cell bifacial N-type modules, two 220 kV booster stations and access roads, and the construction of one 100 MW/200 MWh LFP battery ESS power station. Additionally, it involves the construction of 88 sets of 1,000 Nm³/h water electrolysis hydrogen production units and supporting equipment, with an annual hydrogen production capacity of 547 million Nm³. The project includes 25 hydrogen spherical tanks of 2,000 cubic meters each, providing a hydrogen storage capacity of 650,000 Nm³, and the construction of one 220 kV hydrogen production main step-down station and other facilities and equipment. CECEP Green Hydrogen Ammonia New Energy (Songyuan) Co., Ltd.: Good news came from the CECCE Songyuan Hydrogen Energy Industrial Park (Green Hydrogen-Ammonia-Methanol Integration) project. Since its official commissioning on December 16, 2025, the project's cumulative green ammonia production has exceeded 10,000 mt. Zhonggu (Otog Front Banner) New Energy Co., Ltd. : The land pre-examination and site selection opinion certificate for the CECEE Otog Front Banner Wind-Solar-Hydrogen Integration Project was approved by the Ordos Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources. It is understood that the project is located in Chengchuan Town and Aolezhaoqi Town, Otog Front Banner, Ordos City, with a total investment of 1.1527 billion yuan and a total land area of 5.7253 hectares. The construction content involves a new wind farm area, which includes 48 wind turbine generators with a unit capacity of 6.25 MW, a new 220 kV booster station, and an access road. China Coal Pingshuo Group Co., Ltd. : The tender for the alkaline electrolyzer package equipment and ancillary facilities for the Phase I 600,000 kW off-grid renewable energy hydrogen production project in the coal mining subsidence area of China Coal Pingshuo Group (Green Hydrogen Coupling with Coal Chemical Industry section) was released. It is understood that this tender includes 12 × 1,200 Nm³/h alkaline electrolyzers, 3 × 4,800 Nm³/h gas-liquid separation systems, 3 × 4,800 Nm³/h gas purification systems, along with supporting electrical instruments and spare parts, etc. The supply scope covers the design, manufacturing, factory acceptance, supply packaging, shipment, and delivery on board the truck at the site for all equipment. The project adopts a primary and auxiliary supply model. Main Supply: Includes 8 alkaline electrolyzers of 1,200 Nm³/h each, collectively supporting 2 sets of gas-liquid separation systems (4,800 Nm³/h each), 2 sets of gas purification systems (4,800 Nm³/h each), and other auxiliary facilities. Auxiliary Supply: Includes 4 alkaline electrolyzers of 1,200 Nm³/h each, collectively supporting 1 set of gas-liquid separation system (4,800 Nm³/h), 1 set of gas purification system (4,800 Nm³/h), and other auxiliary facilities. Sikage (Hebei) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd.: The Sikage Hydrogen Energy Ecosystem Chain Project (Phase I) 8,000 mt electrolytic water hydrogen production project has been filed. The project's main entity is Sikage (Hebei) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (established on December 29, 2025). Construction Location: Anci District, Langfang City, Hebei Province. Technical Route: Electrolytic water hydrogen production, including alkaline electrolytic water hydrogen production, proton exchange membrane electrolytic water hydrogen production, and 10 MW solid oxide electrolytic water hydrogen production. The annual hydrogen production capacity is 8,000 mt. Phase I will construct 200 MW wind power generation and ESS green electricity direct connection (off-grid type), achieving green hydrogen production from green electricity. Hebei Haite Weiye Petrochemical Co., Ltd.: The 2 million mt/year residue oil deep processing project has been filed. Construction Location: Huanghua City, Bohai New Area, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province. Total Investment: 1.594 billion yuan. It is reported that the project will construct a 2 million mt/year residue oil deep processing unit; a 1 million mt/year fuel oil desulfurization unit; a 20,000 Nm³/h dry gas hydrogen production unit; and a 100,000 mt/year sulphuric acid combined unit. Annual production includes liquefied petroleum gas (10,000 mt), isobutane (10,000 mt), propane (9,600 mt), etc. Hydrogen production is 30,000 Nm³/h. The hydrogen production route adopts the dry gas hydrogen production process. Yunnan Energy Research Institute Co., Ltd.: Announcement of winning candidates for the procurement of hydrogen production power supply equipment for the Key Technology Research Project on Control of Renewable Energy Electrolytic Water Hydrogen Production System. According to the announcement: The first winning candidate is Beijing Leidong Zhichuang Technology Co., Ltd., with a bid price of 760,000 yuan/tax included; the second candidate is Hubei Intelli Electric Co., Ltd., with a bid price of 650,000 yuan/tax included; the third candidate is Baoding Hongri Electric Co., Ltd., with a bid price of 799,000 yuan/tax included. It is reported that the project intends to procure 1 dry-type transformer, 1 IGBT rectifier power supply, 1 DC/DC converter, and 1 set of EMS energy management system, with the above power supplies integrated into one container. Fengqing Hydrogen Energy (Guizhou) Technology Co., Ltd. : Fengqing Hydrogen Energy (Guiyang Duyun Base) has launched the tender for civil construction of its Green Hydrogen Zero-Carbon Smart Park project, marking the official commencement of the project's implementation phase. The project is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 10,400 mt of electrolytic water hydrogen production, with supporting construction including a green hydrogen plant, storage and transportation area, hydrogen energy detection center, and comprehensive energy station facilities. The hydrogen production plant is subdivided into five hydrogen production units: the first unit is equipped with 5 sets of 1,000 Nm³ electrolyzers, 5 sets of 1,000 Nm³/h gas-liquid separation devices, and 1 set of 5,000 Nm³/h purification device; the second and third units each contain 4 sets of 1,000 Nm³/h electrolyzers, 1 set of 4,000 Nm³/h gas-liquid separation device, and 1 set of 4,000 Nm³/h purification device; the fourth unit (as a backup) is configured with 6 sets of 1,000 Nm³/h electrolyzers, 6 sets of 1,000 Nm³/h gas-liquid separation devices, and 1 set of 6,000 Nm³/h purification device; the fifth unit adopts PEM technology with a capacity of 200 Nm³/h. Shandong Shankerongfa Pilot Base Co., Ltd. : Shankerongfa is advancing the procurement of cost consulting services for the 20,000 mt per year integrated green hydrogen-methanol demonstration project. The project is located in the Rizhao Haiyou Chemical Industry Park in Ju County, Rizhao City, Shandong Province. Its core construction involves a set of integrated green methanol production equipment with an annual capacity of 20,000 mt and its supporting facilities. This integrated green methanol production equipment covers multiple key production stages, including biomass grinding and gasification devices, syngas purification devices, green electricity electrolysis hydrogen production devices, methanol synthesis and distillation devices, etc. In the production process, the project uses biomass as the raw material, going through a series of steps including biomass gasification, syngas purification, green hydrogen production via green electricity, methanol synthesis, and distillation, ultimately producing green methanol. In terms of energy and raw material consumption, the project annually consumes approximately 100 million kWh of green electricity and about 30,000 mt of biomass. Anhui Yousai Technology Co., Ltd.: The Gucheng Economic Development Zone in Hengshui City signed a cooperation framework agreement with Anhui Yousai Technology Co., Ltd. for a 300 MW wind power hydrogen production project. Lanzhou New Area Nengke Ecological Development Co., Ltd.: The EPC general contracting winning candidates were announced for the Lanzhou New Area 100,000 mt/year biomass green methanol project (Phase I). The top winning candidate is the consortium led by Shanghai Electric Group Guokong Global Engineering Co., Ltd. (members: China Chemical Engineering Fourteenth Construction Co., Ltd., China Chemical Engineering Ninth Construction Co., Ltd., Shanxi Installation Group Co., Ltd.) with a bid of 959.06 million yuan. Section 2 was invalidated due to insufficient bidders (less than three). It is understood that the project's main production equipment includes biomass gasification to syngas units, shift and purification, compression, methanol synthesis, methanol distillation, 200 MW PV power generation (PV power generation and lines are not included in this tender) and water electrolysis for hydrogen production, etc. Policy Review 1. The Gansu Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Gansu Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, and the Gansu Provincial Energy Bureau issued the "Gansu Province Zero-Carbon Park Construction Plan."The document pointed out that organically integrating solar, wind, geothermal, and air energy to directly supply buildings with energy, and relying on technologies such as wind-solar-hydrogen-storage microgrids, heat pumps, and molten salt thermal storage, will enhance the multi-energy conversion and mutual utilization of "electricity, heat, cooling, steam, and hydrogen" in industrial parks. It will vigorously develop emerging green and low-carbon industries, promote breakthroughs in core technologies for wind, solar, and ESS equipment, increase the localization rate of new energy equipment production, and build a "high-proportion green electricity-driven" new energy equipment industry chain. It will support the construction of projects for wind-solar coupled green hydrogen production and hydrogen energy storage industry chains, advance the integrated development of "green hydrogen production, storage, transportation, refueling, and utilization," and create a "wind-solar-hydrogen-methanol-ammonia" zero-carbon industry chain. It will guide the coordinated development of computing power projects and clean energy layout, increase the proportion of green electricity supply in data centers, and build a "computing power + green electricity" digital economy industry chain. 2. The Jilin Provincial Energy Bureau issued the "Implementation Plan for the Development and Construction of Green Electricity Direct Connection Projects in Jilin Province (Trial)" (Draft for Comments). The document indicated that new load projects can carry out green electricity direct connections, with key support for hydrogen-based green energy (green hydrogen, green hydrogen to green ammonia, green hydrogen to green methanol, green hydrogen to sustainable aviation fuel, etc.), steel metallurgy, computing power (data) centers, automotive manufacturing, and other industries. Electricity consumption projects that have not registered with grid companies (including expansion parts of existing loads), projects that have registered but whose supporting grid projects have not yet started construction, and existing projects agreed upon through consultation with grid companies are all regarded as new loads. In principle, new loads (including expansion parts of existing loads) and existing loads should not have direct electrical connections. 3. The European Commission approved a €4 billion electrolyzer special fund, providing a 30% subsidy on equipment costs for projects with an annual capacity of ≥500MW, and set a 2030 efficiency target for green hydrogen project electrolyzers at ≥60% (LHV basis). Corporate Updates CRRC Zhuzhou Institute Co., Ltd. : The green electricity hydrogen production equipment laboratory successfully obtained both CNAS and CMA certifications. As the first domestic institution to receive this dual certification, its water electrolysis hydrogen production system testing capacity reached 26MW, leading among similar certified institutions in China. Hyundai Motor Hydrogen Fuel Cell (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. : The launch ceremony for the hydrogen energy bus delivery experience event, co-hosted with Skywell New Energy Automobile Group Co., Ltd., was held at the Guangbao Guangzhou Technology Park in Huangpu District, Guangzhou. Following the successful bidding for related projects in November and December last year, HTWO Guangzhou, in collaboration with Skywell Group, delivered 249 hydrogen fuel cell buses in bulk to the Guangzhou Bus Group. Cummins : Due to a significant deterioration in the market environment for hydrogen production technology, the US engine manufacturer Cummins announced that it will no longer engage in new electrolyzer commercial business. Mingyang Group : Mingyang Group, together with the Director of Vietnam's Xuan Qiao Group and Zhou Jiayi, Asia Pacific Regional General Manager of PowerChina International, gathered to reach a consensus on cooperation. The three parties will leverage the significant advantages of cross-border collaboration to jointly invest in and develop an energy project cluster. This cluster encompasses three core sectors: offshore wind power, green hydrogen and green ammonia, and zero-carbon industrial parks, with a substantial total scale, aiming to establish a new benchmark in the field of Sino-Vietnamese green transformation cooperation. Tianji Hydrogen Energy Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. : Lu Beiming, Chairman of Impex Group Co., Ltd., and Zhang Xiaolin, Deputy General Manager, visited the Changshu R&D and production site of Tianji Hydrogen Energy Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. for a field trip and exchange. Yuchai Xinlan (Jiangsu) Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd.: formally signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Hydrogen Green Power New Energy (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. The two parties will engage in in-depth cooperation regarding the full range of Yuchai hydrogen energy products, focusing on multi-scenario application development and market sales. Patent Applications 1. Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China) publicly disclosed patent CN2025110028, developing a ceramic-based anion exchange membrane with a laboratory test lifespan reaching 80,000 hours. 2. Johnson Matthey (UK) submitted patent WO2025109876, disclosing a Fe-Ni-Mo ternary non-precious metal catalyst formulation with activity close to that of platinum-based materials. Technology Footprints/Technical Specifications 1. The team of Liu Qingju from Yunnan University constructed a superwetting Pt/NF@CF graded heterojunction electrocatalyst for low-energy consumption, high-efficiency hydrogen production. 2. A team from Hunan Normal University and Central South University revealed the effects of compressive strain and oxygen vacancies on iridium oxide in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers in Advanced Materials. 3. A relevant research team from the School of Electrical Engineering and the State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Electrical Materials at Xi'an Jiaotong University successfully developed a Ru/Ti3C2Ox@NF bifunctional electrocatalyst for seawater electrolysis. 4. The group standard "Technical Specification for Wind-Solar-Storage Green Electricity Coupled Electrolysis Hydrogen Production" (Number T/CIEP 0272—2025) was released and implemented by the China Industrial Association of Environmental Protection. Zhongneng Dayou Energy Technology Co., Ltd. successfully developed a 100kW-class PEM electrolyzer hydrogen production multi-field coupling test equipment. 5. GKN Powder Metallurgy announced the development of a new generation of high-performance, high-porosity, high-purity porous transport layer (HP-PTL) for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis.

【SMM News Flash】The European Union is considering further intensifying trade sanctions against Russia. Market sources revealed that the EU is contemplating a ban on imports of Russian platinum group metals and copper as part of new sanctions measures. Market sources indicated that, if the restrictions gain support from member states, they may cover elements such as iridium, rhodium, platinum, and copper. EU sanctions require unanimous approval from all member states, and the new package is expected to be adopted this month.

Against the backdrop of a reshaped supply-demand pattern, accelerated technological innovation, and an urgent need for green transformation in the global copper industry, the CCAE 2025 SMM (14th) Copper Industry Annual Conference & the 2nd Copper-Based New Materials Industry Chain Development Conference of Shanxi Province , jointly organized by Zhongtiaoshan Nonferrous Metals Group Co., Ltd./North Copper Co., Ltd. and SMM, will be grandly held in Yuncheng, Shanxi, from October 15-17, 2025 . Themed " "Smart Innovation in Copper-Based New Materials, Green Initiatives for a New Industrial Future" , the conference will focus on technological breakthroughs, market trends, policy coordination, and international cooperation within the copper industry chain. It will feature keynote speeches, industry matchmaking, project signings, and technology exhibition sessions. We invite leading enterprises, research institutions, financial institutions, and industry experts from both domestic and overseas markets to participate and jointly explore new paths for collaborative development within the industry chain. Click on the registration form to immediately register for the conference. We look forward to meeting you there. Zhongtiaoshan Nonferrous Metals Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Zhongtiaoshan Group), established in 1956, was a key project under China's "First Five-Year Plan." It is a major copper conglomerate in North China, integrating geological exploration, mining, beneficiation, smelting, deep processing, machinery manufacturing, construction materials, international trade, scientific research and design, and comprehensive utilization of tailings, with copper as its main business and multiple industries operating in parallel. It has undertaken key (copper industry) scientific research projects during the "Sixth Five-Year Plan," "Seventh Five-Year Plan," "Ninth Five-Year Plan," and "Tenth Five-Year Plan" periods, serving as an important breeding ground, practice site, and technological source for China's copper industry. Its largest holding subsidiary, North Copper Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as North Copper, stock code 000737), was successfully listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in December 2021. In 2023, it was elected as the "chain leader" enterprise for the "copper-based new materials" key industry chain in Shanxi Province, shouldering the significant mission of "leading and promoting the high-quality development of the copper industry in Shanxi Province." As one of China's important copper production bases, Zhongtiaoshan Group currently has total assets of 20.758 billion yuan, owner's equity of 6.606 billion yuan, and a liability ratio of 68.17%. It has 45 subsidiary (branch) companies, including 23 subsidiaries and 22 branches, with over 10,300 employees. Its main products and capacities include 10.5 million mt of mining, 11.5 million mt of beneficiation, 55,000 mt of copper in copper concentrates, 350,000 mt of copper cathode, 30,000 mt of high-performance rolled copper strip, 5,000 mt of high-precision rolled copper foil, 15 mt of gold ingots, 275 mt of silver ingots, 1.5 million mt of cement, and 20,000 mt of wear-resistant materials. It also comprehensively recovers valuable metal elements such as platinum, palladium, selenium, tellurium, bismuth, rhodium, and iridium. It ranks among the top 10 in China's copper industry in terms of copper mining, beneficiation, and smelting capacity. Product Images Contact Information Shanxi Beitong New Material Technology Co., Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of North Copper, established in January 2020 and located in Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. It is a technology-based enterprise integrating the R&D, production, and sales of high-performance copper and copper alloy plate/sheet, strip, and foil materials. The product quality meets advanced industry standards, and the company has successively obtained ISO9001 Quality Management System, ISO14001 Environmental Management System, ISO45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, IATF16949 Automotive Quality Management System, and ISO50001 Energy Management System certifications. Its products are mainly applied in high-end fields such as power transmission, consumer electronics, new energy, 5G communication, AI intelligence, aerospace, and graphene film preparation. The company will be based on its position as the "chain leader" enterprise in the copper-based new material industry chain, a key industry chain in Shanxi Province under Zhongtiaoshan Group, and will contribute to the creation of an advanced manufacturing cluster for copper-based new materials in North China. Focusing on the extension of North Copper's copper deep-processing industry chain, the company adheres to the mission and vision of becoming a first-class benchmark enterprise in the copper processing industry, and is fully committed to promoting the high-end development of its copper-based new material industry. Scan the QR Code to Register Immediately SMM Conference Contact Person Li Chongshan 173 4975 4665 lichongshan@smm.cn

After a decade of "simmering," platinum has entered a mode of rushing to buy amid continuous price rise relative to gold, with prices hitting new highs. Through interviews with multiple sources, a reporter from Cailian Press learned that compared to gold's stellar performance in recent years, platinum's former "value trough" is attracting capital inflows. Driven by expectations of supply contraction, jewelers using it as a "flat substitute" for gold, and a significant increase in medium and long-term hydrogen energy demand, the industry generally holds a relatively optimistic outlook for platinum prices in the long term. In the A-share market, shares of platinum industry chain companies such as Sino-Platinum Metals Co., Ltd. (600459.SH), Haotong Technology (301026.SZ), and Huayang New Materials (600281.SH) have strengthened recently, all hovering near their two-year highs. Platinum prices hit a nearly 10-year high Since June, platinum prices have entered a rally mode. According to data from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, as of June 10, 2025, PLc1 broke through $1,200 per ounce, reaching a nearly 10-year high. As of June 11, the Pt99.95 on the Shanghai Gold Exchange rose by approximately 22% this week. PLc1 price trend. Source: Investing.com "It can be understood as a catch-up rally," Xu Yongqi, chief analyst of metal and new materials at Hua'an Securities, told the reporter. Over the past decade, platinum prices have generally fluctuated considerably. Compared to the strong price trends of gold and silver in recent years, platinum has to some extent formed a "value trough," attracting capital inflows. Zhu Zhigang, director of the Platinum Committee of the Guangdong Gold Association, said in an interview with Cailian Press that the sharp rally in platinum prices in a short period suggests speculative sentiment. Meanwhile, against the backdrop of high gold prices, some upstream merchants in the jewelry market are intentionally increasing efforts to promote platinum as a substitute for gold. A relevant executive from a large domestic jeweler told Cailian Press that since the second half of 2024, the company has been vigorously promoting the sales of platinum series products, as platinum offers higher gross margins compared to gold products. From a fundamental perspective, the continuous pullback in inventory is an important support for the rise in platinum prices. Data from the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) shows that global above-ground platinum stocks are expected to fall to 67 mt in 2025, meeting only three months of market demand. In the first quarter of 2025, global total platinum supply fell by 10% YoY to 45 mt, while demand increased by 10% YoY to 71 mt over the same period. In terms of platinum demand structure, automotive catalysts account for 40%, jewelry accounts for 25%, industrial uses (excluding the automotive industry) account for 20%, and investment demand accounts for 9%. Three major A-share platinum industry chain companies In the futures market, shares of Sino-Platinum Metals Co., Ltd., Haotong Technology, and Huayang New Materials in the A-share platinum industry chain have strengthened recently, all hovering near their two-year highs. It should be noted that currently, there are no domestic A-share companies primarily engaged in platinum ore business. One of the main businesses of the aforementioned three companies is the recycling, processing, and manufacturing of platinum group metals (platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, and iridium). A representative from Sino-Platinum Metals Co., Ltd. told a Cailian Press reporter that the company is not a mineral resources company. As the prices of the relevant precious metal raw materials have been hedged, their price changes have relatively small impact on the company. The company's main profits come from the processing fees of various precious metal-related products. In fact, Sino-Platinum Metals Co., Ltd. is a new materials company. In terms of capacity, Sino-Platinum Metals Co., Ltd. has the largest platinum group metal recycling and utilization base in China, with an annual capacity of around 10 mt currently, equivalent to the output of a medium-sized mine. The actual recycling volume in 2024 was nearly 15 mt. A company representative told a Cailian Press reporter that after the second phase of the Yimen Precious Metal Recycling and Processing Project reaches full production, the company will have an annual platinum group metal capacity of about 20 mt. The project has recently entered the final stage of trial production and is gradually transitioning to mass production. Haotong Technology's production has been unstable in recent years, with precious metal recycling production volumes of approximately 110 mt, 234 mt, and 64 mt from 2022 to 2024. Previously, the company stated on an investor interaction platform that it produces platinum, palladium, rhodium, silver, gold, iridium, and ruthenium metals. To avoid excessive exposure of company information and prevent competitors from understanding the company's situation, it has not disclosed specific production data. According to public information, as of the end of 2023, Haotong Technology's processing capacity of spent catalysts containing precious metals was approximately 2,600 mt. The first phase of Haobo New Materials' precious metal secondary resource comprehensive utilization project was designed to process 3,000 t/a of spent automotive catalysts, while the second phase was designed to process 12,000 t/a of spent automotive catalysts and 3,000 t/a of spent agents containing palladium, etc. Haotong Technology previously mentioned in an announcement that the originally planned construction capacity of the aforementioned first-phase project was mainly positioned for spent automotive catalyst recycling. At this stage, a centralized and standardized raw material market for spent automotive catalyst recycling has not yet formed, and the overall development of this market has fallen short of expectations, resulting in the underutilization of some of the company's completed capacities. The company has postponed the date for the entire project to reach the intended usable state to September 30, 2026. An industry chain representative told a reporter that the recycling of platinum group metal scrap is dominated by a seller's market, in a state of full competition. The industry adopts a tendering system, with basically one tender per order. Regarding Huayang New Materials, the company has an annual production capacity of 2,500 kg for platinum mesh products and an annual disposal capacity of 1,000 mt for spent catalysts containing precious metals. The long-term bullish trend remains. Zhu Zhigang stated that if the platinum price can steadily break through the high-pressure level of $1,200/ounce, there is still room for further upside in the future market. Otherwise, it may fall back to around $1,000/ounce again. Meanwhile, attention should also be paid to gold prices, as the price trends of the two metals show a certain degree of convergence. In terms of end-use consumption, industry chain insiders told a Cailian Press reporter that, based on the Shenzhen Shuibei Jewelry Trading Market, platinum series products are currently concentrated in the hands of mid-to-upstream wholesalers, and it will take time for these products to reach end-use consumption, with lower acceptance compared to gold. It is worth noting that platinum inventories among leading jewelry retailers are currently low. Taking Chow Tai Seng (002867.SZ) and CHJ Jewellery (002345.SZ) as examples, as of year-end 2024, platinum products accounted for less than 0.5% of their raw material inventories. An industry insider told a Cailian Press reporter that some upstream enterprises in the jewelry market are actively increasing their marketing efforts for platinum products. Once the market reaches a consensus on buying amid continuous price rise, low inventories will struggle to fully meet demand in the short term, potentially continuing to stimulate platinum price increases. Xu Yongqi stated that, from a fundamental perspective, platinum is in a trend of tight supply and strong demand. Global capital expenditures in the mining sector have declined in recent years, and production has pulled back. In the medium and long-term, global demand for platinum related to hydrogen is expected to grow significantly. Compared to gold or other rare minor metals, the current price increase of platinum is not high. After a decade of stagnation, platinum prices are likely to rise overall in the next three to five years, with the potential to reach $2,000 per ounce. An industry chain insider told a Cailian Press reporter that there is still a certain gap between some of the core technologies of domestic hydrogen fuel cells and those of leading countries such as Japan. The platinum-carbon catalyst in hydrogen fuel cells plays a crucial role in catalyzing discharge, with platinum accounting for about half of the catalyst cost. With the development of China's hydrogen energy industry, there is expected to be a significant increase in platinum demand in the long term. WPIC forecasts that the total platinum supply in 2025 will be at its lowest level in five years, with the expected shortage expanding to 30 mt, marking the third consecutive year of shortage. It is projected that by 2030, global platinum demand from hydrogen energy applications will increase from 1% to 11%.

Recently, a significant breakthrough has been achieved in hydrogen energy technology: The new-type supported catalyst introduced by the Yong Hydrogen team has reduced the iridium usage in PEM electrolyzers from 1.0 mg/cm² to 0.3 mg/cm², resulting in a 70% cost reduction. This technology was jointly developed by the University of Oxford and the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute, utilizing inexpensive carriers to replace the core, thereby increasing the iridium utilization rate to over 90%. This advancement may address the global scarcity of iridium resources, significantly reduce the cost of PEM hydrogen production, and accelerate its commercialization process.

[SMM Analysis: Iridium Usage in PEM Electrolyzers Drops by 70%, Yong Hydrogen Team's New-Type Catalyst Ushers in a New Era of Cost Reduction in Hydrogen Production] Recently, a significant breakthrough has been achieved in hydrogen energy technology: The new-type supported catalyst introduced by the Yong Hydrogen team has reduced the iridium usage in PEM electrolyzers from 1.0 mg/cm² to 0.3 mg/cm², resulting in a 70% cost reduction. This technology was jointly developed by the University of Oxford and the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute, utilizing inexpensive carriers to replace the core, thereby increasing the iridium utilization rate to over 90%. This advancement may address the global scarcity of iridium resources, significantly reduce the cost of PEM hydrogen production, and accelerate its commercialization process.