Ouyang Minggao pointed out that large-scale mass production of all-solid-state batteries will still require 3–5 years, with test vehicles expected to appear by the end of 2026. Sulphide electrolyte has fallen from 20 million/mt to the million-level range. However, he stressed that the technical difficulty is extremely high and advised consumers that they “need not wait,” as LFP batteries remain the “ballast stone” at present.

[Surg e Battery Metals PEA Reveals US$9.2 Billion Nevada Lithium Project] Surg e Battery Metals (SBM) has released a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its North Nevada Lithium Project (NNLP), outlining the project's potential to become a low-cost, long-life producer of battery-grade materials for the US market. The PEA, jointly completed by M3 Engineering & Technology Corporation and Independent Mining Consultants, is based on a two-phase construction of the lithium plant to support a conventional open-pit mining operation projected to last 42 years. The report indicates that approximately 205 million mt of mineralized material will be mined over this period, with an average lithium grade of 4016 ppm. Mining will commence from the shallow, high-grade portion of the resource, which currently has an estimated lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) of 8.65 million mt. The lithium plant will initially process ore at a rate of 2.58 million mt per year in Phase 1, doubling to 5.15 million mt per year in Phase 2, which is expected to come online in Year 4, resulting in an average throughput of 4.88 million mt per year over the life of the mine. Over 42 years, NNLP is projected to produce 86,300 mt of LCE per year, with an average recovery rate of 82.8%. Peak production of 109,100 mt is expected to be reached in Year 6. According to the PEA, the construction cost for Phase 1 is approximately US$2.97 billion, including US$23 million in mine capital expenditure, while Phase 2 is expected to cost an additional US$2.35 billion. Adding US$1.51 billion in sustaining capital, the total project cost will reach US$6.86 billion. Using a base case LCE price of US$24,000 per mt, the study results in an after-tax net present value (at an 8% discount rate) of US$9.21 billion and an internal rate of return of 22.8% for the project. Operating costs are set at US$5,097 per mt of LCE, owing to NNLP's near-surface, high-grade mineralization. The report projects a payback period of 4.7 years for the project. Following the release of the PEA, SBM's share price surged 15.8% to reach CAD$0.33 per share by midday Toronto time, giving the company a market capitalization of CAD$59 million (approximately US$43 million). "NNLP has the potential to become a major low-cost producer of battery-grade lithium carbonate for the US battery industry, and our results today take us a significant step closer to achieving that goal," said SBM CEO Greg Reimer in a press release. "Low operating costs, a good return on investment, and the ability to produce significant quantities of battery-grade lithium carbonate, including a peak of 109,100 mt in a single year, all demonstrate NNLP's first-tier status," he added. Source: mining.com [Zimbabwe to Ban Lithium Concentrates Exports from 2027] Zimbabwe's Minister of Mines, Winston Chitando, announced on Tuesday that the country will ban the export of lithium concentrates starting from 2027 to promote the development of more local processing industries. As Africa's largest lithium producer, Zimbabwe's lithium resources are primarily used in batteries that power renewable energy technologies. In 2022, Zimbabwe banned the export of lithium ore and has been encouraging miners to increase domestic processing. Currently, most of Zimbabwe's lithium mining companies are from China, and they previously mainly exported lithium concentrates to China for further processing. Chitando stated that currently, Bikita Minerals (owned by China's Sinomine Resource Group) and Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (owned by Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt) are actively developing lithium sulfate plants. Lithium sulfate is an important intermediate product that can be further refined into battery-grade materials, such as lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate, for battery manufacturing. He pointed out, "As the country's relevant capacity gradually improves, we will completely ban the export of lithium concentrates starting from January 2027." In 2023, Zimbabwe required lithium mining companies to submit plans for building local refineries by March 2024, but this requirement was adjusted due to the sharp decline in metal prices. Sinomine Resource Group and Huayou Cobalt are part of a group of Chinese companies. Since 2021, companies including Chengxin Lithium Group, Yahua Group, and Canmax have invested over $1 billion in total to acquire and develop lithium projects in Zimbabwe. Source: mining.com [Volt Lithium to Deploy Mobile Direct Lithium Extraction Unit in Bakken Region, North Dakota] Volt Lithium Group, soon to be renamed LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners, announced that its proprietary mobile direct lithium extraction ("DLE") unit will undergo final assembly and deployment in the Bakken region of North Dakota, with plans to be put into use in the second half of June 2025. This initiative, in collaboration with Wellspring Hydro ("Wellspring"), has received a total of $2.5 million in funding support from the North Dakota Industrial Commission's Clean and Sustainable Energy Authority and Renewable Energy Program. "Wellspring and the North Dakota government are very excited to commence on-site operations with Volt in North Dakota in the second half of June," commented Mark Watson, President and CEO of Wellspring. "Volt is the only DLE company funded in North Dakota to date," added Mr. Watson. "Based on Volt's successful lithium extraction results at its Calgary R&D facility, both parties are confident in the success of Volt's proprietary lithium extraction unit on-site." The upcoming renaming to LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners reflects the company's strategy of continuing to collaborate with major oilfield infrastructure players in the US, aiming to extract valuable lithium, a critical mineral, from the large volumes of produced water associated with oil and gas production. Key Highlights: Proprietary technology and processes adapt to diverse brine chemistries, facilitating Volt's expansion in the Bakken region of North Dakota. Strategically located in two major oil-producing basins in North America (Permian and Bakken). Permian Potential: Up to 170,000 mt LCE per year. Bakken Potential: Up to 50,000 mt LCE per year, with lithium concentrations nearly three times those of the Permian. Actively building lithium chloride inventory and converting it into high-purity lithium carbonate for potential buyers. Within six months of initial deployment, deployed, expanded, and optimized the largest operational DLE system in North America (over 10,000 barrels per day). Source: junior mining network [Q2 Metals Announces Final Analysis Results of 2025 Winter Drilling Program and Initiates Work on Exploration Targets for the Cisco Lithium Project] Q2 Metals is pleased to announce the remaining analysis results of the 2025 Winter Drilling Program (the "2025 Winter Program") for its Cisco Lithium Project (the "Project" or "Cisco Project") located within the traditional territory of Nemaska in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. During the 2025 Winter Program, the Company drilled a total of 14 holes for 6,980 meters, and the analysis results reported herein cover 4,409 meters of drilling data from the last 10 holes. "We are extremely pleased with the final results from these widely spaced holes. Not only did they intercept significant widths and grades, but they also provided us with critical information that will guide subsequent drilling activities. The Cisco Project continues to demonstrate immense potential and is emerging as a significant discovery within one of the world's top mining jurisdictions," said Alicia Milne, CEO and President of Q2 Metals. "We look forward to commencing work on exploration targets, which will provide initial guidance on the potential size, grade range, and relative position of the Cisco Project compared to other major hard-rock lithium projects." "Q2 is in for a busy summer at the Cisco Project. Currently, our team is on-site conducting geological mapping and sampling work, with the first hole expected to commence next week," said Neil McCallum, Vice President of Exploration for Q2 Metals. "The information we have gathered through multiple drilling campaigns is currently under review by BBA Engineering, which is developing an exploration target aimed at quantifying the potential of the main mineralized zones at the Cisco Project. Additionally, three composite samples are undergoing testing by SGS to understand the potential for heavy liquid separation processing capabilities." Hole CS25-028 tested the eastern part of the main mineralized zone and provided additional data for this area. Combined with other drillholes previously drilled in the east, the mineralized zone in this area remains open to the east. Drillhole CS25-030 targeted the deep part of the northern extension of the main mineralized zone, and the results indicate that the mineralized zone is also open in this direction. Drillhole CS25-036 was terminated prematurely before the suspension of the current year's goose hunting season, failing to reach the planned final depth. Nevertheless, the objectives of the drillhole were achieved, intercepting multiple wide pegmatite intervals, which will help determine the geometry of the pegmatite and provide guidance for scale-defining drilling. The drillhole will be restarted during the 2025 summer drilling campaign. Drillholes CS25-029, 031, and 033 targeted the southern extension of the main mineralized zone. Due to a drillhole spacing of 200 meters and a limited number of drillholes on each profile line, pegmatite intervals wider than 100 meters were not intercepted. Although wide pegmatite intervals are expected in this area, further testing is required. It is noteworthy that the pegmatite intervals in the southern drillholes are deeper, and further work will be conducted in this area during the 2025 summer exploration season to test the potential location of the pegmatite plunging to the west. Overall, the main mineralized zone remains open to the south. Drillholes CS25-032, 034, 035, and 037 were used to define the subsurface expression of prominent mineralized carbon dioxide veins. There are still multiple potential directions in this area that have not been tested, requiring further follow-up. Source: junior mining network

Volt Lithium Corp. is preparing to commission a direct lithium extraction (DLE) facility in the Bakken region of North Dakota. The equipment, developed in collaboration with Wellspring Hydro, received a US$2.5 million grant from the state government and is expected to undergo on-site commissioning by the end of June 2025. The company's technology can adapt to different chemical compositions of salt lakes and has been deployed in two major oil-producing regions, the Permian and the Bakken, with an expected annual capacity of 170,000 mt and 50,000 mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), respectively. Its DLE system directly interfaces with oilfield wastewater treatment facilities, achieving a daily processing capacity of over 10,000 barrels of brine within six months. Currently, the company is converting lithium chloride into high-purity lithium carbonate samples for potential customers.

In recent years, the significant fluctuations in lithium prices have subjected enterprises across the industry chain to a rollercoaster of experiences, encompassing both the highs and lows of the market. Although lithium prices have long since lost their former glory, the development prospects of the new energy industry chain remain bright amid the global advocacy for a low-carbon economy, with the importance of lithium resources becoming increasingly prominent. As one of the regions with the most abundant lithium resources globally, South America, particularly the "Lithium Triangle" region (comprising Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile), boasts over 55% of the world's proven lithium reserves. Consequently, South America's lithium resources play a pivotal role in the global energy transition. Against this backdrop, SMM organized the 2025 SMM South American Lithium Resources Field Trip . Led by Chen Siyu, the project manager of SMM's overseas South American lithium resources field trip, and Zhou Zhicheng, a senior analyst in new energy and lithium batteries, the delegation visited South American lithium-related enterprises, toured local lithium ore and material companies, and held discussions with company executives from May 15 to May 26, 2025, to explore potential opportunities in lithium ore resource development, technological exchanges, and investment cooperation. On May 18, SMM and the delegation members headed to Tibet Summit Resources Co., Ltd., the actual controller of Argentina Lithium & Potash Co., Ltd. for in-depth exchanges. Company Profile SMM and the delegation members visited Tibet Summit Resources Co., Ltd., the actual controller of Argentina Lithium & Potash Co., Ltd. . The general manager in charge of Tibet Summit's operations in Argentina warmly received the delegation and provided a detailed introduction to the company's business development. Tibet Summit, positioned in the upstream of the non-ferrous metal resources industry and relying on its lead-zinc polymetallic mine in Tajikistan, has emerged as a benchmark project for successful investments by Chinese enterprises in countries along the "Belt" under the "Belt and Road" Initiative. Meanwhile, the company has commenced investments in upstream lithium salt lake development projects in the new energy industry in Argentina, along the "Road". The company has continuously achieved transformation and upgrading, becoming one of the leading stocks in the mining resource development sector on the securities market. In April 2018, the company, in collaboration with its financial investment partners, acquired and privatized a Canadian publicly listed firm for $206.7 million, thereby gaining full ownership of its two lithium salt lake projects in Argentina, which boast excellent resource endowments and advanced development progress. This marked the company's official entry into the upstream lithium resource development sector of the new energy industry. In Argentina, South America, Tibet Summit indirectly controls Argentina Lithium & Potash Co., Ltd., whose projects in Argentina cover two major lithium salt lake blocks. These projects have completed resource assessments, possess economic viability for mining, are supported by freshwater resources, and have suitable geological conditions, laying a solid foundation for continuous operations and large-scale lithium extraction. It is reported that the Diablillos salt lake project is expected to be completed and put into operation in 2025. Preliminary drilling and oil pumping tests have been completed, and the construction progress is advancing steadily. The project site will adopt a hybrid energy supply model combining PV and diesel to meet both environmental protection and continuous operation needs. The "adsorption + membrane separation" process (DLI process) used in Argentina's salt lake projects significantly differs from the traditional evaporation pond method, offering the following advantages: High lithium recovery rate: The recovery rate reaches 80-90%, placing it at a leading level among similar projects; Shortened production cycle: The entire production cycle is shortened from the traditional 18-24 months to approximately 12 months; Reduced environmental impact: There is no need to construct large-area evaporation ponds, avoiding the occupation of significant land areas and significantly reducing environmental pollution; Flexible and adjustable process: The process can be fine-tuned according to different brine compositions, enabling adaptive extraction of complex brines; Optimized energy consumption: The membrane separation and adsorption processes have lower energy consumption while improving overall process efficiency. In terms of operating costs, according to calculations by the project team, the total production cost per tonne of lithium carbonate using the adsorption + membrane method is expected to be controlled at around 40,000 yuan RMB , significantly lower than that of traditional processes. This also means that when lithium prices remain at 6 yuan RMB/gram (60,000 yuan RMB/mt), the project still maintains strong profitability, with an attractive internal rate of return (IRR) and strong resilience to market cycles. The final products of the aforementioned projects will primarily be lithium carbonate, replacing lithium chloride. Strategies will be flexibly adjusted based on market demand and profitability, without blindly pursuing high-purity products. Focus will be placed on end-use market demand and downstream customer acceptance. In addition, the company also stated that Argentina encourages lithium resource development at the national level, with smooth export channels. Influenced by the international shift in the lithium battery industry chain and price trends, the lithium salt lake projects have good medium and long-term development prospects. Overall, Tibet Summit's lithium salt lake projects in Argentina are international resource development projects with a clear structure, advanced technology, optimized costs, and promising profitability. Through technological innovation, localization efforts, policy adaptation, and the effective export of Chinese experience, the projects possess strong medium and long-term development potential and serve as a replicable model for Chinese enterprises to "go global." Group photo during the field trip After the visit, SMM and members of the field trip team took a group photo together with Tibet Summit Resources Co., Ltd., the actual controller of Argentina Lithium & Potash Co., Ltd., to deepen cooperation and friendship. It is believed that there will be deeper exchanges and cooperation in the future! Following this field trip and survey, SMM and members of the delegation gained a deeper understanding of the business development of Argentina Lithium & Potash Co., Ltd., which is actually controlled by Tibet Summit Resources Co., Ltd. They also gained a more profound understanding of the market status, development trends, and existing issues in the lithium battery industry in South America. They will continue to deepen cooperation with large enterprises to achieve complementary advantages and promote the development of the lithium battery industry.

In recent years, the significant fluctuations in lithium prices have subjected enterprises across the industry chain to a rollercoaster of experiences. Although lithium prices have long since lost their former glory, the development prospects of the new energy industry chain remain bright under the advocacy of the global low-carbon economy, and the importance of lithium resources has become increasingly prominent. As one of the regions with the most abundant lithium resources globally, South America, particularly the "Lithium Triangle" region (Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile), holds over 55% of the world's proven lithium resources. Therefore, South America's lithium resources play a pivotal role in the global energy transition. Against this backdrop, SMM organized the 2025 SMM South American Lithium Resources Field Trip . Led by Chen Siyu, the project manager of SMM's overseas South American lithium resources field trip, and Zhou Zhicheng, a senior analyst in new energy and lithium batteries, the delegation visited South American lithium-related enterprises, toured local lithium mines and material companies, and held discussions with company executives from May 15 to May 26, 2025, to explore potential opportunities in lithium ore resource development, technological exchanges, and investment cooperation. On May 19, SMM and delegation members headed to Ganfeng Lithium for in-depth exchanges. Company Profile SMM and delegation members visited Ganfeng Lithium , where Yu Xingguo, the overall operational head of Minera Exar for the Cauchari-Olaroz project in Jujuy Province, warmly received the delegation and provided a detailed introduction to the company's business development. As a well-known lithium ore giant in China, Ganfeng Lithium Group's business spans the entire industry chain, from resource extraction, refining and processing, to battery manufacturing and recycling. Its products are widely used in electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), 3C products, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The group's lithium ore resources are distributed globally, and it possesses industrialised technologies for "lithium extraction from brine," "lithium extraction from ore," and "lithium extraction from recycling." It has sufficient capacity for lithium compounds and lithium metal, with multiple production sites at home and abroad. It also boasts complete battery manufacturing and recycling technologies, providing sustainable value-added solutions for battery producers and EV manufacturers. MineraExar is a mining and exploration company in Argentina, established in 2006. It is a joint venture composed of Ganfeng Lithium (46.66%), Lithium Americas (43.04%), and Jujuy Energía y Minería Sociedad del Estado (JEMSE) (85%), dedicated to the development and production of lithium carbonate at the Cauchari-Olaroz salt lake in Jujuy Province. Ganfeng Lithium's Argentine salt lake project generally adopts the traditional salt lake pond evaporation process, ultimately producing lithium chloride (Mariana project) or lithium carbonate through chemical treatments such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium removal. The company stated that due to significant fluctuations and high uncertainty in the Argentine government's policies, it is not currently considering implementing in-depth integrated construction. Downstream customers have not yet been fully confirmed, and the company may adopt direct sales of industrial-grade lithium carbonate, with customers responsible for terminal purification. The Mariana project is expected to commence production in July 2025, directly producing lithium chloride instead of following the lithium carbonate route. The second-phase project is still in the pilot stage, with full-scale construction not yet initiated. Other technical routes, including direct lithium extraction (DLE), are being evaluated. The project is planned to have an annual production capacity of 20,000 mt of lithium chloride, while the Zijin Salt Lake project is planned to have an annual production capacity of 25,000 mt of lithium carbonate, with production expected to gradually commence next month. On the cost side, the cash cost of producing lithium carbonate is approximately $7,000/mt. The domestic cost of processing industrial-grade lithium carbonate into battery-grade lithium carbonate is approximately 3,000 yuan/mt. After the launch of PV power generation, electricity costs will be reduced by 70%, with the proportion of power costs in total costs decreasing from 30% to 10%. If the price of lithium carbonate remains between $9,000 and $10,000 per mt, the factory's operating rate can be maintained at a high level. Regarding product exports, third-party certification (such as SGS) is required, and the Argentine government dynamically sets minimum export prices based on international market conditions. The price difference between industrial-grade lithium carbonate and battery-grade lithium carbonate is based on SGS certification and has not yet been fully confirmed. Group photo during the field trip After the visit, SMM and the field trip members took a group photo together with Ganfeng Lithium to strengthen their cooperation and friendship, believing that there will be deeper exchanges and cooperation in the future! Through this field trip and survey, SMM and the field trip members gained a deeper understanding of Ganfeng Lithium's development, as well as a more profound knowledge of the market status, development trends, and existing issues in the South American lithium battery industry. They will continue to deepen cooperation with major enterprises to achieve complementary advantages and promote the development of the lithium battery industry.

[E3 Lithium and Pure Lithium Corporation Report Results from Phase 1 of Joint Development Agreement for Lithium Metal Batteries] E3 Lithium, a leader in Canada's lithium industry, announced preliminary results of battery cells manufactured under a joint development agreement with Pure Lithium Corporation, utilizing E3 Lithium's brine and Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, along with Pure Lithium's innovative extraction and battery technologies. As announced on March 13, 2025, several variants of lithium chloride concentrate, reflected at specific points in E3 Lithium's process flowsheet for commercial facility design, were used to manufacture lithium metal anodes at Pure Lithium's facility in Boston. Concentrated lithium chloride from E3 Lithium was electrodeposited as pure lithium metal onto a copper substrate, forming complete, ready-to-use anodes. These anodes were subsequently assembled into batteries by Pure Lithium, and their electrochemical performance in full cells was evaluated. Notable results include: • Lithium Metal Purity: Various E3 brine streams achieved very high purity levels, with ICP-OES analysis showing purity exceeding 99.9%. • Battery Performance (Life Cycle): This test examined the number of charge-discharge cycles the battery could complete while maintaining 80% capacity. All batteries have so far achieved over 500 cycles. • Charge-Discharge Rate: This test examined the time required for charging and discharging. These tests were conducted at a 1C:1D ratio, meaning one hour of charging time and one hour of discharging time. The results of this study indicate that E3's easily produced version of lithium concentrates provides the most cost-effective raw material for Pure Lithium's batteries. It also demonstrates the robustness of Pure Lithium's process, with no performance difference between batteries manufactured using lithium chloride from E3's Leduc brine and those manufactured using Pure Lithium's standard sources. The two companies continue to collaborate on developing and planning an integrated process to provide the highest purity lithium metal anodes at the lowest cost. Source: Company Announcement [Nigeria to Open Two China-Backed Lithium Processing Plants This Year] Nigeria's Minister of Mines and Steel Development announced on Sunday that the country will commission two major lithium processing plants this year, marking a shift from exporting raw materials to domestic value addition. These facilities, primarily funded by Chinese investors, could help transform Nigeria's abundant mineral resources into job opportunities, technology, and growth in domestic manufacturing. Minister Dele Alake stated that a $600 million lithium processing plant located near the Kaduna-Niger border is scheduled to commence operations this quarter, while a $200 million lithium refinery on the outskirts of Abuja is nearing completion. The minister also stated that two more processing plants are expected to be established in Nasarawa State, near the capital Abuja, before Q3 2025. "We are now focused on converting our mineral wealth into domestic economic value—jobs, technology, and manufacturing," Alake said. According to a separate statement from the governor of the state where the plants are located, over 80% of the funding for these four plants was provided by Chinese companies, including Jiuling Lithium and Canmax. The remaining shares are held by a local investor, Crown Mine. The Chinese companies have not yet commented immediately. The initiative to promote domestic processing stems from a study conducted by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency in 2022, which found significant high-grade lithium ore deposits in six Nigerian states, attracting widespread international attention. These developments are part of Nigeria's broader reforms in its underdeveloped mining sector, which currently contributes less than 1% to the country's GDP. Other reform measures include restricting the export of unprocessed minerals, formalizing artisanal mining operations, which account for the majority of current mining activities, and establishing a state-owned miner in which investors can hold up to 75% of the shares. Source: Publicly available information on the internet

Recently, Salt Lake Potash Co., Ltd. (000792) announced that it plans to apply for a project loan of no more than 1.8 billion yuan from a banking consortium composed of five financial institutions, with a loan term of two years. This move aims to accelerate the construction of the 40,000 mt/year integrated basic lithium chemicals project, and meets the conditions for the central government's equipment renewal loan interest subsidy. The company can enjoy a 1.5% interest subsidy annually, thereby reducing financing costs.

►Former ST Pawa Helmsman Reappointed, Aims to Turn Losses Around by 2025 ►1.056 Billion Yuan: Hainan Mining's 20,000 mt Battery-Grade Lithium Hydroxide Project Commences Production ►Annual Processing Capacity of 100,000 mt: Lianyungang, Jiangsu Lithium Battery Vein Industrial Park Project Signs Contracts ►3.2 Billion Yuan, 300,000 mt: Besky Battery Recycling Base Officially Launched in Huaian, Jiangsu ►Approximately 1.3231 Million mt: CATL Issues Major LFP Order ►5 Billion Yuan: CORNEX New Energy Signs Five-Year Procurement Agreement

The CLNB 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Expo, hosted by SMM, will be grandly held at the Suzhou International Expo Center from April 16 to 18, 2025. During the exhibition, there will be 1 main forum and 10 sub-forums, attended by government leaders, academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, domestic and overseas scientists, foreign guests from dozens of countries, and leading entrepreneurs from various industries. Join us in Suzhou to witness the gathering of industry leaders, discuss core technologies, listen to expert insights, interpret market trends, and focus on key issues. This year's expo covers 6 major exhibition areas, with over 1,300 domestic and overseas exhibitors showcasing the entire industry chain of batteries, including power batteries, consumer batteries, energy storage, raw materials, materials, equipment, battery recycling, as well as new energy vehicles, power tools, electric drives, and the low-altitude economy in the power exhibition area, providing you with a one-stop exhibition experience. Click to fill out the registration form and register immediately to discuss the future development of the new energy industry with industry elites. We look forward to your arrival and joining SMM in opening this grand feast of the new energy industry. At this year's New Energy Industry Expo, Wudi Jinhaibay Lithium Technology Co., Ltd. will make a grand appearance, discussing industry cooperation, sharing development opportunities, and jointly painting a bright future for the new energy industry with peers. Extending the Circular Economy Chain, Building the Capital of Lithium Battery Materials. Wudi Jinhaibay Lithium Technology Co., Ltd., located in the Binzhou Lubei Chemical Industry Park, one of the first batch of chemical industry parks in Shandong Province, is a subsidiary of the state-owned Shandong Lubei Enterprise Group. Established in September 2016, the company covers an area of 115 acres, with fixed assets of 300 million yuan and 260 employees, including a R&D team of over 30 senior engineers and postgraduates. The company's main business is the R&D, production, and sales of battery-grade lithium carbonate. With strong technical capabilities, the company holds multiple national invention patents and utility model patents, including the continuous lithium precipitation process technology for battery-grade lithium carbonate. Supported by the powerful technical backing of the Lubei Lithium Battery Materials Research Institute, the company adopted the mature domestic sulfuric acid production process and resin tower purification technology, investing 300 million yuan to build a 20,000 mt/year lithium carbonate new materials project in March 2018. The first phase of the project was completed and put into production in August 2019. Currently, the company produces 10,000 mt of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually. The company's battery-grade lithium carbonate products, low in sodium and calcium and without EDTA additives, are widely used in lithium-ion battery cathode materials, electrolyte materials, and other industries, with a sales network covering the entire country. The by-product lithium slag is fully utilized by Lubei Group's listed company for the production of sulfuric acid and cement, achieving comprehensive resource utilization and clean production, and becoming an important part of the Lubei circular economy system's new energy chain. In 2022, the company achieved sales revenue of 720 million yuan and profits and taxes of over 90 million yuan. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, the company will adhere to the concept of green development, focus on creating new momentum with new materials, form upstream and downstream connections with Lubei Group's existing industries, further extend the Lubei circular economy industry chain, build a high-end new materials industry base in Lubei, and create the capital of lithium battery materials, making positive contributions to regional economic development. Battery-grade lithium carbonate (Li2CO3): Basic information: Battery-grade lithium carbonate is usually a white powdery crystal with a molecular weight of 73.89, a density of 2.11 g/cm³, and a melting point of 732°C, with high purity and good chemical stability. Purity standards: Battery-grade lithium carbonate requires a high lithium carbonate content, generally not less than 99.5%, with strict limits on the content of various impurities. For example, the content of metal impurities such as sodium (Na), potassium (K), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) needs to be controlled at very low levels to ensure its performance and safety in battery applications. Application fields: Lithium-ion battery cathode material production. LCO battery: Lithium cobalt oxide is the earliest commercialized lithium-ion battery cathode material, and battery-grade lithium carbonate is an important raw material for synthesizing lithium cobalt oxide. LCO batteries have high energy density and good charge-discharge performance, widely used in 3C electronic products such as mobile phones and laptops. LFP battery: Rapidly developed in recent years, with advantages such as high safety, long cycle life, and relatively low cost, widely used in electric vehicles, energy storage, and other fields. Battery-grade lithium carbonate is one of the key raw materials for preparing lithium iron phosphate. Ternary material battery: Ternary materials generally refer to lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, combining the advantages of lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, and lithium manganese oxide, with high energy density and good comprehensive performance, also an important application direction in electric vehicles and other fields, and its production is inseparable from battery-grade lithium carbonate. Lithium-ion battery electrolyte additive: As an electrolyte additive, battery-grade lithium carbonate can improve the ionic conductivity of the battery, enhance the charge-discharge performance, and to some extent improve the safety and service life of the battery. Other application fields: Also has certain applications in industries such as glass, ceramics, and medicine. For example, in glass manufacturing, lithium carbonate can be used as a flux to lower the melting temperature of glass and improve its quality; in the medical field, lithium carbonate can be used to treat mental illnesses. Industrial-grade lithium carbonate (Li2CO3): Basic information: Industrial-grade lithium carbonate is usually a white powdery crystal with a molecular weight of 73.89, a density of 2.11 g/cm³, and a melting point of 720°C. Purity standards: The main component content is between 99.2%-99.5%, but with more impurities compared to battery-grade lithium carbonate. Application fields: Glass and ceramic industry: In glass manufacturing, lithium carbonate can be used as a flux to lower the melting temperature and viscosity of glass, improve the processing performance of glass, and enhance its strength, transparency, and corrosion resistance. In ceramic production, lithium carbonate can be used as an additive to improve the sintering performance and microstructure of ceramics, enhancing their strength, hardness, and heat resistance. Aluminum industry: In the aluminum production process, adding industrial-grade lithium carbonate can lower the melting point and viscosity of the electrolyte, improve the conductivity of the electrolyte, thereby reducing the energy consumption and production costs of aluminum. In addition, lithium carbonate can also reduce the volatilization of hydrogen fluoride in the electrolyte, lowering environmental pollution. Refrigerant industry: As an additive in refrigerants, industrial-grade lithium carbonate can improve the refrigeration effect and stability of refrigerants, while reducing their corrosiveness and toxicity. For example, in some new environmentally friendly refrigerant formulations, lithium carbonate is an important component. Cement industry: In cement additives, lithium carbonate can act as a coagulant, shortening the setting time of cement and improving its early strength, suitable for projects with special requirements for cement setting time. Other fields: Can be used to prepare various lithium salts such as lithium chloride and lithium bromide, which are widely used in air conditioners, dehumidifiers, batteries, and other fields. In the medical field, lithium carbonate can be used to treat certain mental illnesses and as an intermediate in drug synthesis. In analytical chemistry, it can be used as an analytical reagent for component analysis and detection. It also has certain applications in the semiconductor, optical communication, and rare earth electrolysis industries. For example, in the preparation of semiconductor materials, lithium carbonate can be used as a dopant to improve the performance of semiconductors. Lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LiOH•H2O): Basic information: A highly corrosive white crystalline powder, slightly soluble in ethanol, easily soluble in water, with a melting point of 471°C and a density of 1.51 g/cm³. Application fields: Battery field: An inevitable choice for producing high-nickel ternary cathode materials, with increasing demand for lithium hydroxide monohydrate due to the rapid development of the new energy vehicle industry. Can be used as an additive in alkaline battery electrolytes to increase storage capacity and extend battery life. Chemical industry: Lithium-based grease prepared with lithium hydroxide has advantages such as long service life, oxidation resistance, and high-temperature stability, widely used in the lubrication of machinery, automobiles, and other equipment. Can be used as catalysts and additives in the petrochemical industry, for example, in the petroleum refining process, lithium hydroxide can be used as a component of catalysts to promote chemical reactions. Can be used to produce new refrigerants such as lithium bromide absorption solutions for refrigeration machines. Metallurgical field: In the metallurgical industry, lithium hydroxide monohydrate can be used for metal purification, alloy preparation, and metal surface treatment. For example, in the production of aluminum-lithium alloys, lithium hydroxide can be used as an additive to improve the performance of the alloy. Other fields: Can be used as an analytical reagent, oxidizer, etc., in chemical experiments and analysis and detection. In ceramic and glass production, it can be used as an additive to improve product performance, such as enhancing the corrosion resistance of glass and the sintering performance of ceramics. Used in the treatment of certain nuclear fuels and the separation of radioactive substances. Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4): Basic information: A white, odorless, bitter-tasting white monoclinic crystal or powder, with a relative density of 2.68, a melting point of 884°C, and a boiling point of 1,404°C. Exposed to air, it easily absorbs moisture to become hydrated sodium sulfate, transforming into hexagonal crystals at 241°C. Easily soluble in water, with an alkaline aqueous solution, soluble in glycerol, but insoluble in ethanol. Application fields: Industrial field: Widely used in the chemical, paper, glass, textile, printing and dyeing, and cement industries. Medical field: In traditional Chinese medicine, sodium sulfate has the effects of purging accumulation, softening hardness, moistening dryness, clearing heat, and reducing swelling, and can be used externally to clear heat and reduce swelling. In modern medicine, it can be used as an analytical reagent, such as a dehydrating agent, digestion catalyst in nitrogen determination, and interference inhibitor in atomic absorption spectroscopy. Other fields: Used as a filler in synthetic detergents, reducing surface tension and increasing the solubility of detergents. In sulfate galvanizing, it can be used as a buffer to stabilize the pH of the plating solution. It is a diluent for food coloring and an agent for caramel coloring production. [CLNB 2025—Hot Registration in Progress] CLNB 2025 (10th) China International New Energy Industry Expo April 16-18, 2025 Suzhou International Expo Center Contact Us

【Chilean Presidential Candidate Targets SQM-Codelco】 Chile's leading presidential candidate is reviewing a landmark agreement signed last year between lithium supplier SQM and state-owned Codelco. Center-right presidential candidate Evelyn Matthei stated on her X account on Tuesday that she has requested her coalition lawmakers to seek "information to review whether the agreement is appropriate for the country and the future development of Chile's industry." Matthei's pledge is the latest twist surrounding an agreement under which SQM will relinquish its majority stake in the valuable Atacama Salt Flat mine to Codelco in exchange for 30 more years of operation. As one of SQM's major shareholders, Tianqi Lithium stated that the partnership lacks transparency and should be put to a shareholder vote. Codelco is expected to complete the approval process in the next quarter, allowing the two companies to begin joint lithium mining operations before the next government takes office in 2026. This partnership is part of President Gabriel Boric's policy, which requires state-owned companies to collaborate with private enterprises in lithium mining areas deemed strategically important. Government spokesman Camila Vallejo accused Matthei of "engaging in distracting discussions, ignoring the progress we have made as a nation, and in this case, questioning the world's leading mining company" during an interview with 24 Horas news network late Tuesday. A Cadem poll released late Sunday showed Matthei with 20% voter support, up from 18% the previous week. This support rate puts her ahead of all other contenders. Chile's first-round presidential election is scheduled for November 16, with a potential second round on December 14. Source: mining.com 【LithiumBank Resources Confirms Lithium Recovery Rates of Up to 95% and Impurity Removal Rates Exceeding 99% in Direct Lithium Extraction Pilot Testing Using SLB's Integrated Lithium Production Solution Technology for Boardwalk and Park Place Brines】 Reported by Mr. Robert Shewchuk: Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2025) - LithiumBank Resources Corp. (TSXV: LBNK) (OTCQX: LBNKF) ("LithiumBank" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of direct lithium extraction ("DLE") pilot testing using SLB's integrated lithium production solution on bulk brine samples collected from the Boardwalk and Park Place lithium brine projects ("Boardwalk" and "Park Place") located in west-central Alberta. The DLE testing, based on ILiAD technology as part of SLB's well-to-product integrated lithium production solution, successfully recovered up to 95% lithium from both projects, with impurity removal rates exceeding 99% for both brines (Table 1). Boardwalk and Park Place (Figure 1) collectively host 5.195 million mt of measured and indicated resources at a grade of 81.6 mg/L lithium (Boardwalk only) and 24.474 million mt of inferred resources at a grade of 80.1 mg/L lithium (Table 3), as recently announced on February 20, 2025. Highlights: Lithium recovery rates of up to 95% from Boardwalk and Park Place brines in pilot testing. Overall combined impurity removal rates exceeding 99%, with boron removal at 98.80%, calcium at 99.97%, magnesium at 99.96%, potassium at 99.98%, sodium at 99.98%, and strontium at 99.97% (Table 2). Approximately 70,000 liters of brine were processed during the Boardwalk and Park Place pilot activities. Pilot results can be used to determine operational parameters for a commercial-scale DLE plant with a capacity of approximately 25,000 m³/day. In other pilots, the DLE technology adsorbent has demonstrated the ability to operate for thousands of cycles over six years when processing alternative brines and can be reconditioned, potentially extending its lifespan beyond a decade. ILiAD adsorption materials are sourced and manufactured in North America. "We are extremely pleased with the results of the Boardwalk and Park Place DLE pilot activities, which produced a very high-purity lithium chloride ('LiCl') product with lithium recovery rates of up to 95%. The results indicate that these projects are highly compatible with SLB's integrated solution," commented Kevin Piepgrass, COO of LithiumBank. "After visiting SLB's lithium production demonstration plant in Clayton Valley, Nevada last year, it became clear that SLB can scale and optimize the DLE process across the entire end-to-end process to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the ILiAD/SLB team to evaluate the best approach to extracting lithium from Boardwalk and Park Place brines. We will continue advanced DLE and post-DLE testing work with more strategic groups." The tested DLE technology is a plug-and-play lithium recovery solution, part of SLB's fully integrated well-to-product lithium extraction process. The commercial-scale module designed for LithiumBank can operate at approximately 4,815 gallons per minute (about 25,000 m³/day) and, based on Boardwalk's grade and reported lithium recovery rates, can produce approximately 3,500 mt/year of lithium carbonate equivalent. This flow rate is one-tenth of the company's PEA study released in February 2024, and internal financial data suggest a high likelihood of success with significantly reduced financial risk. The DLE pilot testing for Park Place and Boardwalk brines was conducted in November and December 2024, respectively, at the ILiAD facility in Central City, California. Each pilot test included approximately 34 m³ of brine at a flow rate of about 360 mL/min (Table 1), with run times of 101.6 hours (22.9 cycles) and 111.5 hours (25 cycles) for Boardwalk and Park Place, respectively. Both pilot activities maintained a pH between 5-6 and a temperature of approximately 60°C. Source: junior mining network 【Arkansas House Approves Lithium Industry Tax Incentives, Sends Bill to Governor】 On Tuesday, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at providing tax incentives for the lithium industry. The House voted 86-5 to send Senate Bill 568, introduced by Senator Steve Crowell, to the governor. Six representatives voted present, and three did not vote. The bill will establish sales and use tax exemptions for qualified businesses on the purchase and sale of qualified facilities. According to the fiscal impact statement from the Department of Finance and Administration, a qualified facility is a for-profit business engaged in the development of lithium, cathodes, anodes, lithium batteries, and power grid energy storage equipment. To qualify for the exemption, eligible businesses must apply to the Department of Finance and Administration and demonstrate that the business has made at least $100 million in qualified investments in the state within ten years of the start of construction of the qualified facility, paid at least $3 million in total compensation to in-state employees directly or indirectly within two years of the start of operations, and received a positive cost-benefit analysis from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. The Department of Finance and Administration stated that the bill will be revenue-neutral. Additionally, the bill will amend the definition of solid waste in the recycling income tax credit to include electronic waste, lithium-ion cells, and battery packs. Taxpayers who qualify for the recycling equipment income tax credit will receive a credit equal to 30% of the value of equipment used to reduce, recycle, or reuse electronic waste, lithium-ion cells, and battery packs. Source: newsnow.com 【Lyten Begins U.S. Production of Battery-Grade Lithium Metal, a Key Step in Expanding U.S. Battery Supply Chain】 Lyten has further solidified its battery supply chain by locally manufacturing its own battery-grade lithium metal alloys and foils, creating a fully U.S.-made anode supply chain. Lyten's lithium-sulfur batteries eliminate the need for foreign critical minerals, making them a locally sourced, locally manufactured, and tariff-free alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Since 2023, Lyten has manufactured its lithium-sulfur batteries in the U.S., including cathodes and anodes, in stark contrast to traditional lithium-ion batteries, where only 2% of cathodes and anodes are made in the U.S. San Jose, California--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Super material applications company and global lithium-sulfur battery leader Lyten today announced that it has produced the first U.S.-made battery-grade lithium metal foil using U.S.-manufactured lithium alloys and U.S.-sourced lithium metal. Lyten has achieved a fully localized supply chain for its sulfur cathode and is localizing the supply chain for its lithium metal anode, creating a resilient and tariff-free battery supply chain. Lyten's ultra-lightweight battery applications include energy storage, electric vehicles, drones, satellites, micromobility devices, and defense. This milestone in domestic production of battery-grade lithium metal comes as U.S. policymakers and defense agencies actively push for more domestic sourcing of critical materials and the establishment of a U.S. battery industry. Currently, the supply chain for batteries and their required critical minerals is primarily sourced from China, posing a significant vulnerability for the U.S. Lyten Co-Founder and CEO Dan Cook stated, "To build a U.S. battery industry, we must address supply chain challenges. We have eliminated the need for nickel, manganese, cobalt, and graphite with our lithium-sulfur batteries, allowing us to focus on local lithium supply and production. Lyten will be the only U.S. battery manufacturer unaffected by tariffs and critical mineral risks." Lyten's lithium-sulfur batteries are made from widely available and geographically distributed materials that can be sourced and manufactured in the U.S. Lyten replaces mined minerals such as nickel, manganese, cobalt, and graphite with sulfur cathodes and lithium metal anodes. Sulfur is an environmentally friendly byproduct of multiple industries, including oil and gas, mining, and chemical manufacturing, and is abundant worldwide. Currently, the vast majority of battery-grade lithium is processed and manufactured in China. Lyten Chief Battery Technology Officer Celina Mikolajczak stated, "Lithium is abundant across the U.S., but the ability to process lithium into battery-grade materials is extremely limited in the U.S. Being able to design and process our own lithium metal alloys and foils is a game-changer, positioning Lyten at the forefront of U.S. battery manufacturing, especially for next-generation lithium-sulfur battery technology." Lyten is addressing two critical steps in the lithium supply chain. First, Lyten has begun producing proprietary lithium alloys with the help of Creative Engineers, Inc. in New Freedom, Pennsylvania. The two companies collaborated to design and build lithium metal alloy ingot manufacturing equipment, and Lyten sources its lithium metal raw material from a facility in the eastern U.S. Second, Lyten uses custom extrusion and rolling equipment at its manufacturing facility in San Jose, California, to convert lithium alloys into proprietary lithium metal foils. Lyten's lithium foil extrusion and rolling capacity is among the largest in North America, and these foils are directly used in its lithium-sulfur battery production line in California. Lyten produces NDAA-compliant lithium-sulfur battery cells in San Jose, California. Lyten recently announced the acquisition of Northvolt's battery manufacturing facility in San Leandro, California, to rapidly scale up production and meet the demand for US-made batteries. In December 2024, Lyten and the US Export-Import Bank announced a $650 million letter of intent to fund the scaled production and delivery of Lyten's lithium-sulfur battery energy storage systems. Additionally, in 2024, Lyten announced that its batteries would be integrated into Chrysler's Halcyon concept EV, planned to be integrated into AEVEX Aerospace's unmanned aerial vehicles, and selected for a demonstration on the International Space Station (ISS), with a launch expected in H2 2025. Source: newsnow.com [Mercury EV Tech Announces Commissioning of 3.2 GWh Lithium-Ion Battery Production Unit in Vadodara] Mercury EV Tech, through its wholly-owned subsidiary PowerMetz Energy, announced the commissioning of a 3.2 GWh lithium-ion battery production facility at its Vadodara campus. The facility is unique for its multi-chemistry flexibility, enabling the company to meet the increasingly diverse and high-utility application demands, ranging from electric mobility to stationary energy storage. The batteries produced will power various emerging application scenarios: EV charging infrastructure and onboard power units, home and residential backup solutions, renewable energy and load-balancing grid-level energy storage, industrial and critical infrastructure backup, and uninterruptible power supply applications far beyond traditional EVs. To align with global automation standards, Mercury EV Tech has ordered a fully robotic, high-throughput production line from China's top equipment suppliers. A technical team from India will head to China on April 15, 2025, to inspect the facility and ensure smooth equipment shipment. The equipment is expected to arrive at the Vadodara campus by month-end and is planned to begin trial production by mid-May 2025. Source: newsnow.com