Against the backdrop of accelerating global energy transition and digital economy development, silver—a strategic metal possessing both industrial and financial attributes—is witnessing profound transformation across its industry chain. On one hand, emerging sectors such as PV, NEV, and 5G communications are driving continuously climbing demand for silver, propelling the industry toward higher value-added and greener upgrades; on the other hand, resource constraints, technological barriers, and market fluctuations impose higher requirements on industry chain resilience, urgently necessitating innovation-driven coordinated development across the entire chain. Dual Drivers of Policy and Market Under China's "dual carbon" goals and the global ESG investment wave, the silver industry faces pressing demands for green production, circular utilization, and low-carbon technologies. The NDRC's "14th Five-Year Plan for Circular Economy Development" explicitly calls for strengthening the circular utilization of precious metal resources, while international silver price fluctuations and geopolitical risks are compelling enterprises to enhance supply chain autonomy and controllability. Against this backdrop, the Silver Industry Chain Innovation Conference has emerged, aiming to build a collaborative platform integrating government, industry, academia, research, and end-use applications, to address industry pain points, and to lead the industry toward high-end, intelligent, and internationalized advancement. Innovation Demands and Industry Pain Points Technological Breakthroughs: Silver purification processes, nano-silver material applications, and scrap recycling technologies urgently require breakthroughs to meet the demand for high-purity, low-cost silver in emerging fields such as PV silver paste and flexible electronics. Industry Chain Coordination: Information barriers exist across mining, smelting and processing, and end-use applications segments, requiring digital tools to achieve optimized resource allocation and risk sharing. Green Transformation: Traditional smelting processes are energy-intensive and highly polluting, necessitating the promotion of clean production technologies and circular economy models in response to global carbon neutrality commitments. Market Expansion: Silver's application potential in frontier fields such as hydrogen energy and quantum computing has yet to be fully explored, requiring strengthened cross-industry cooperation and standards development. Conference Objectives and Value Themed "Silver Chain Innovation · Intelligent Creation for the Future," this conference brings together global silver industry chain leaders, research institutions, financial institutions, and policymakers for in-depth dialogue around three core topics: technological R&D, supply chain optimization, and market expansion. Through releasing industry white papers, establishing innovation alliances, and signing major projects, the conference is expected to drive the silver industry's transformation from "resource dependence" to "technology leadership," providing critical material support for the global energy revolution and digital economy. Shanxi Jinwu Energy Co., Ltd. will attend this grand event, joining industry peers to explore industry development trends and work together to propel the silver industry to new heights. Click to register immediately, and join us in witnessing and participating in this extraordinary and far-reaching industry event, creating a brilliant new chapter together! Shanxi Jinwu Energy Co., Ltd. is a production-oriented enterprise integrating R&D, production, sales, and services, with an annual production capacity of 200kt of high-end foundry briquette coal (briquette coke) and 200kt of carbon products (carburizers). Located in Huayu Town, Jishan County, Shanxi Province, the company was established in October 2005, with a registered capital of 68 million yuan, covering an area of over 300 mu, and employing more than 500 people. Over the years, the company has adhered to the principle and business philosophy of "products reflect character, quality is life, aligning with the world, and creating international brands," and has successively obtained 6 national invention patents and 31 utility model patents, passed ISO triple system certification, and is a Shanxi Province high-tech new-type enterprise, a "single champion in high-end foundry briquette coal" enterprise, and a national-level specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative "Little Giant" enterprise. Foundry briquette coal (briquette coke) is a national " 12th Five-Year Plan" and "13th Five-Year Plan " encouraged project. This technology is a domestic first and world-leading, and fully aligns with the "Six New " strategy currently proposed by the state, serving as a typical representative of carbon-based new materials. After more than a decade of dedicated R&D, the company broke through technical bottlenecks and successfully developed the environmentally friendly Ash-8 and Ash-10-series products, which are "Jinwu Brand" high-end foundry briquette coal (briquette coke) produced with anthracite as the main raw material . This product features high fixed carbon, high strength, high calorific value, excellent hot metal carburizing effect, and high coke reactivity strength. The products have long been leading both international and Chinese markets. Internationally, the products are exported to Germany, Japan, South Korea, and other countries, and the company is a long-term supplier to world-renowned enterprises such as Toyota and Hyundai. Domestic sales cover 18 provinces and cities, and the company is a strategic partner of well-known enterprises such as Meide Group, LONGi Group, Binglun Group, and Sanhuan Group. "Jinwu Brand" foundry briquette coal (briquette coke) has become an essential raw material for high-end equipment manufacturing and was awarded the honorary title of "Quality Foundry Material" by the China Foundry Association. "Jinwu Brand " carburizer is produced using high-quality anthracite and petroleum coke as the main raw materials. Carburizers can be used in steel mills and foundries to adjust the carbon and oxygen content of molten steel, modifying its rigidity and toughness, thereby improving the nucleation capacity of molten steel and the intrinsic quality of steel billets. It is an indispensable auxiliary additive for producing high-quality steel and castings. The products have long been leading both international and Chinese markets. Internationally, products are exported to Japan, South Korea, and various Southeast Asian countries; domestically, the sales network covers more than 20 provinces and cities, with partner steel enterprises including Zhejiang Tsingshan Steel, Jiangsu Binxin Steel, Xuzhou Steel, Jinnan Steel, and other well-known steel enterprises. Contact Information 15582980888 15333598563 Long press to scan the code and register now 2026 SMM (7th) Silver Industry Chain Innovation Conference

Nickel Ore " Indonesia Officially Issues Presidential Decree Requiring Designated State-Owned Enterprises to Monopolize Strategic Resource Exports Starting This June " 1. Price Dynamics and HMA Revisions The Indonesian nickel ore price remained stable this week. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has officially released the Nickel Mineral Benchmark Price (HMA) for the second half of May 2026. Nickel HMA: $18,849.3/dmt (up $1047.15 or 5.88% from $17,802.14 in early May). Cobalt HMA: $55,854/dmt. Iron Ore HMA: $1.58/dmt. Chrome Ore HMA: $6.37/dmt. Current port-delivered prices for 1.6% grade pyrometallurgical ore (saprolite) stand at $77.8-80.8/wmt. In contrast, 1.2% grade hydrometallurgical ore (limonite) is priced at approximately $28-33/wm.. 2. Supply-Demand Fundamentals and Weather Impacts For pyrometallurgical ore, unseasonal, abnormally heavy rainfall in the Central and South Sulawesi regions (Morowali and surrounding mining areas) has severely disrupted land transportation and barge transshipment. A series of micro-earthquakes (reaching up to magnitude M$1.9$) that occurred near Morowali between May 17 and 18 further exacerbated this impact. The combination of highly saturated soil moisture and minor crustal tremors has significantly increased the risk of landslides and slope instability, forcing mines to slow down their extraction and heavy-truck transportation pace for safety reasons. Therefore, even though the approval rate of regulatory quotas (RKAB) has reached approximately 90%, the spot supply of high-grade ore remains tight. To cope with exorbitant costs and tight supply, smelters are actively adopting cost-reduction strategies. These include blending low-grade ores into raw materials to lower the overall grade, promoting a unified premium pricing model of "HPM + USD $7–$10/wmt," and implementing standardized benchmarks for the chemical specifications of pyrometallurgical ore (Cobalt 0.05%, Iron 20%, Chrome 1%) to eliminate additional premiums for individual ore components. Meanwhile, the hydrometallurgical nickel ore market continues to suffer a severe disconnect from official pricing. The price of low-grade hydrometallurgical ore is under severe pressure and has completely failed to follow the upward trend of the new HPM. This price depression is primarily driven by the dual contraction of smelter operating rates and immediate raw material demand, with the core trigger being a potential production cut in Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) caused by a sulfuric acid supply shortage in May. Against a backdrop of relatively stable inventory levels, MHP refineries are leveraging this low-capacity operating environment to aggressively suppress procurement bids, causing hydrometallurgical ore prices to continue hovering at low levels. 3. SMM Internal Estimates The new pricing formula has led to increased price divergence and amplified volatility, particularly influenced by higher associated cobalt content in certain ores. SMM calculations show that the new HPM for 1.2% grade limonite is approximately $49.95, significantly higher than current market assessments. The new HPM for 1.6% grade saprolite is $70.83; the inclusion of higher cobalt content in the new formula has markedly amplified price fluctuations. While actual market transaction prices currently remain above this benchmark, the gap is steadily narrowing. 4. Regulatory Quotas (RKAB) and Market Outlook According to the ESDM, RKAB approvals for 2026 have reached approximately 90%. SMM statistics indicate that the total approved quota for Indonesian nickel ore stands at roughly 240 million wmt. The macroeconomic and policy focus of the market has recently shifted, primarily concentrating on the following two major export and contract regulatory policies: DSI's Full Takeover of the Export Mechanism: The Indonesian government has confirmed that starting January 1, 2027, DSI will fully take over the export business of coal, palm oil, and ferroalloys. This policy will facilitate a smooth transition of the export mechanism in two phases. Since ferroalloys (including ferronickel, NPI, etc.) fall within the scope of this takeover, the market is closely evaluating the impact of this transition period on the export logistics and compliance costs of Chinese-funded smelters. Crackdown on Under-Invoiced Long-Term Contracts: The Indonesian government emphasized that it will honor existing, valid long-term export contracts to maintain commercial credit. However, at the same time, the government will strictly investigate and punish long-term contracts suspected of "under-invoicing" (low-price customs declarations). It is reported that relevant Indonesian departments will soon hold consultations with major industry associations to ensure a smooth policy transition while plugging loopholes that lead to tax revenue losses from underpricing. Nickel Pig Iron " Supply-Demand Price Gap Widens; Short-Term Prices to Fluctuate within a Range " The average price of SMM 10-12% NPI average price fell by RMB 5.7 per nickel unit week-on-week to RMB 1140.3 per nickel unit (ex-works, tax included), while the Indonesia NPI FOB index dipped by USD 1.37 USD per nickel unit to an average of USD 146.52 per nickel unit. Downstream purchasing sentiment dropped even more visibly, intensifying the divide in market mindsets between buyers and sellers. On the supply side, existing NPI production cutbacks, coupled with recent disruptions from Indonesian export policy updates, have gradually tightened spot availability. Consequently, upstream producers are holding back cargo to defend their asking prices, generally keeping their offers firm. Sellers only slightly softened their quotes under the weight of weak futures markets, and their willingness to offload cargo at lower price levels remains low. This expectation of tighter market supply provides a solid floor for prices. On the demand side, pressure remains acute. The stainless steel market lacks upward momentum, forcing steel mills to adopt a highly cautious procurement stance centered strictly around hand-to-mouth restocking. Furthermore, as the price-to-performance advantage of stainless steel scrap expands, downstream buyers are pushing hard for discounts. Target buying prices remain heavily clustered between RMB 1,120 and 1,130/mtu, leaving a massive spread against upstream asking prices that makes reconciling the two sides very difficult. Market Outlook: While expectations of tightening supply will support spot prices, the weak futures market and competitive pricing from alternative raw materials will continue to cap upside gains. Accordingly, high-nickel pig iron prices are expected to exhibit a high-level, range-bound volatile trend next week.

[SMM Analysis: Supply-Demand Price Spread Hard to Converge, Prices to Fluctuate in the Short Term] The SMM 10-12% high-grade NPI average price fell 5.7 yuan/nickel unit WoW to 1,140.3 yuan/nickel unit (ex-factory, tax included), while the Indonesian NPI FOB index average price fell 1.23 $/nickel unit WoW to 146.52 $/nickel unit. Downstream purchasing sentiment saw a more pronounced decline, with the divergence in mindset between upstream and downstream intensifying.

[China Iron Ore Brief] Iron ore concentrates prices in China pulled back notably this week. By region, prices in Tangshan, Qian'an, and Qianxi in Hebei dropped 10-15 yuan/mt; prices in Chaoyang, Beipiao, and Jianping in western Liaoning fell 5-10 yuan/mt; east China edged up 3-5 yuan/mt. Iron ore futures have been in the doldrums recently, suppressing local prices, and iron ore concentrates prices were generally in the doldrums this week. Looking ahead to next week, steel mill profits are expected to be under pressure, and steel mills are expected to have a strong desire to bargain down prices for iron ore concentrates.

This week, ferrous metals continued to pull back, with coking coal and coke seeing the most notable correction. In the first half of the week, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued a notice on the implementation measures for capacity replacement in the steel industry, proposing that the capacity replacement ratio for ironmaking and steelmaking should be no less than 1.5:1. The further tightening of capacity replacement requirements had a longer-term impact. Meanwhile, macro markets outside China experienced significant fluctuations, and market expectations for ex-China "interest rate hikes" strengthened. In the second half of the week, data on the five major steel products were released, showing production increased somewhat while inventory continued to decline. Spot market side, traders began to show some flexibility on prices, the spot-futures price spread for hot-rolled coil continued to narrow, some spot-futures arbitrage traders mainly cut losses with shipments, and end-users continued to restock on an as-needed basis...

[SMM Analysis] Raw Material Prices See Slight Correction, Stainless Steel Mill Profits Expand This week, both stainless steel production costs and prices pulled back slightly, and steel mill profits expanded accordingly. Using 304 cold-rolled as the calculation benchmark, the current raw material-based profit margin was 2.19%, while the low-level inventory raw material-based profit margin reached 3.67%. Overall industry profitability was moderate, and steel mills therefore maintained high production schedules. On the nickel-based raw material cost side, high-grade NPI prices first declined then rose this week, showing an overall slight pullback. During the week, news emerged that Indonesia planned to unify ferroalloy exports under state-owned enterprise operations. Although stainless steel scrap still held a notable cost-effectiveness advantage and steel mills had a strong desire to bargain down prices, supply uncertainty fueled a strong market sentiment to hold prices firm and hold back from selling, and prices ultimately stopped falling and stabilized. As of this Friday, mainstream high-grade NPI with a grade of 10-12% fell 4.5 yuan per nickel unit, closing at 1,140.5 yuan/nickel unit. Stainless steel scrap market, prices pulled back this week. The decline was driven by the combined impact of multiple bearish factors, including weak spot cargo performance in finished products, steel mills pushing for lower raw material prices, and downward adjustments in molten steel quotes. However, the decline was limited for the following reasons: the tight tax invoice situation was expected to ease, trading pain points were being gradually resolved, and steel mill purchase expectations rose accordingly. In addition, steel scrap held a greater cost-effectiveness advantage over NPI, and coupled with steel mills still being profitable and rigid demand remaining robust, prices were effectively supported. The overall pattern showed "weakening spot cargo, cost support, and recovering expectations," and short-term prices were expected to fluctuate in tandem with finished products, with limited downside room. As of this Friday, mainstream 30 in the Shanghai area...

[SMM Chrome Daily Review: Steel Tender Bids at Flat Prices, Market Running Stable for Now ] May 22, 2026: The ferrochrome and chrome ore market experienced slight fluctuations...

[SMM Stainless Steel Scrap Market Weekly Review] Bearish Factors Converge to Weaken Stainless Steel Scrap, Cost Advantages Hold Price Floor This week, prices of 304 stainless steel scrap off-cuts in east China pulled back, with a quotation range of 10,400-10,500 yuan/mt. Off-cuts of the same specification in Foshan weakened, with a price range of 10,150-10,450 yuan/mt. From a raw material production cost analysis, the cost of producing stainless steel entirely from stainless steel scrap was approximately 14,580.48 yuan/mt, while the cost of production entirely using high-grade NPI reached 15,125.2 yuan/mt. Stainless steel scrap prices fell and pulled back this week. The stainless steel finished product spot market was overall in the doldrums, with spot prices continuously under pressure. Meanwhile, steel mills continued to push for lower prices on the alternative raw material high-grade NPI, creating an overall bearish atmosphere on the raw material side. Combined with major steel mills lowering their molten steel quotations during the week, multiple bearish factors converged to drive stainless steel scrap prices further down. The supporting factors cushioning the decline in stainless steel scrap were clearly visible: positive news emerged in the market this week that issues related to reverse invoicing and tight tax invoices might be eased, with industry transaction pain points expected to be alleviated. Steel mills' purchase demand for stainless steel scrap is expected to increase going forward. At the same time, stainless steel scrap continued to maintain favorable cost advantages over high-grade NPI. Coupled with the fact that steel mills still had profit margins on the production side, production and procurement enthusiasm was sustained, and overall rigid demand remained robust, continuously providing floor support for stainless steel scrap prices. Overall, the stainless steel scrap market this week exhibited a pattern of "weakening spot prices, cost-supported floor, and expectations of recovery...

[SMM Coking Coal and Coke Daily Brief] Supply side, coke enterprises maintained stable coke production, with relatively smooth shipments and their own coke inventory remaining at low levels. Demand side, steel mill operating rates stayed high, and daily average hot metal output is still expected to increase going forward. Rigid demand for coke showed an increasing trend. However, recent continuous declines in ferrous futures, narrowing steel profitability, and the steel market already being in the consumption off-season suppressed coke demand. Meanwhile, most steel mills' coke inventory was at reasonable levels, leading to low willingness to accept coke price hikes. In summary, the standoff between steel and coke enterprises will continue, and the coke market may remain temporarily stable next week.

[SMM Stainless Steel Daily Review] SS Futures Fluctuated Downward, Stainless Steel Spot Prices Held Steady SMM, May 22: SS futures were in the doldrums. The new US Fed chairman officially took office today, and combined with the continued release of hawkish remarks from the US Fed recently, non-ferrous metal futures weakened overall today. SS also pulled back slightly following the trend. As of the close, the most-traded SS contract was quoted at 14,745 yuan/mt. On the spot market side, although SS futures were weak, the overall decline was limited. Spot prices mostly remained stable, with end-users mainly making just-in-time procurement, and intraday transactions were steady. The most-traded SS futures contract pulled back. At 10:15 AM, SS2605 was quoted at 14,800 yuan/mt, down 30 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot premiums for 304/2B in the Wuxi area were in the range of 370-770 yuan/mt. In the spot market, the average price of cold-rolled 201/2B coils in Wuxi held steady; for cold-rolled trimmed-edge 304/2B coils, Wuxi held steady, and the average price in Foshan held steady; cold-rolled 316L/2B coils in Wuxi held steady; hot-rolled 316L/NO.1 coils were quoted steady in Wuxi; cold-rolled 430/2B coils in both Wuxi and Foshan held steady. This week, the stainless steel market saw both futures and spot prices fluctuate steadily. Futures movements were mainly driven by industry news expectations, with limited overall fluctuations. Market sentiment was divided—traders held a weak sentiment, but end-user just-in-time procurement remained resilient. Combined with active shipments from traders, market supply continued to be depleted, presenting an overall pattern of news providing a floor, rigid demand offering support, and fundamentals under pressure. On the futures side, this week SS...