[SMM Magnesium Survey: Japan Achieves Breakthrough in Magnesium Battery Technology, Romania Launches Low-Carbon Magnesium Project] Tohoku University in Japan developed a magnesium-tin alloy anode, boosting the cycle life of solid-state magnesium batteries by over 400 times and overturning the traditional concept of interfacial reaction suppression. Romania's Verde Magnesium launched an EU strategic flagship project, adopting a low-carbon aluminothermic smelting process, and plans to build a 30,000 mt/year smelter by 2030, filling the 25-year gap in primary magnesium production in Europe and creating a near-zero-carbon magnesium supply chain.

[SMM Magnesium Express] A Tohoku University research team found that guiding, rather than suppressing, interfacial reactions in solid-state magnesium batteries can significantly enhance performance. By adding tin to form a stable Mg₂Sn phase, the optimized Mg-Sn alloy anode demonstrated stable operation for over 1,300 hours, achieving more than 400 times longer cycling life than pure magnesium. This opens a new direction for magnesium battery materials design.

To further strengthen its market coverage and customer service capabilities in Latin America, Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) is pleased to announce the appointment of external consultant Mr. Marcio Goto, a senior mining engineer and mining economics expert, as Regional Manager for Latin America.

[Elevra and Mangrove Lithium Sign Non-Binding MOU for Spodumene Concentrates Offtake] North American lithium producer Elevra Lithium Limited ("Elevra") is pleased to announce the signing of a non-binding memorandum of understanding to supply spodumene concentrates produced by NAL to Mangrove Lithium ("Mangrove"). Elevra and Mangrove may enter into a binding definitive agreement in the future, subject to Mangrove reaching a final investment decision on the construction of its lithium conversion facility by June 2027 and the parties agreeing on the final terms of the agreement. Under the terms of the non-binding MOU, Elevra and Mangrove intend to negotiate a definitive agreement whereby Elevra would supply Mangrove with up to 144,000 mt of spodumene concentrates annually at market-related prices, with floor and ceiling prices, ensuring NAL generates positive cash flow at any stage of the pricing cycle. The proposed supply has an initial term of five years, commencing in 2028, and is expected to ramp up to the full annual volume of 144,000 mt by 2030, representing approximately 46% of projected sales. Mangrove plans to process the spodumene concentrates into battery-grade lithium hydroxide in Eastern Canada to support the establishment of a resilient domestic battery supply chain in Canada. Mangrove's designed annual capacity is 20,000 mt of battery-grade lithium, equivalent to the demand for 500,000 EVs. Source: https://news.smm.cn/ [Albemarle Announces Idling of Kemerton Lithium Hydroxide Processing Plant on February 11 Local Time] Albemarle decided to immediately idle and place into a state of care and maintenance the operational Train 1 production line at its Kemerton plant in Western Australia. This represents a further contraction following the idling of Train 2 in 2024 and the halting of the Train 3 and 4 expansion projects. Although lithium prices have recovered recently, the levels are not enough to support the cost pressures associated with hard-rock lithium conversion operations in the West. This move aims to improve financial flexibility and preserve future options. It is expected to have an accretive effect on adjusted EBITDA starting from Q2 2026, without affecting the sales target for the year, as customer demand will be met through other channels. Albemarle emphasized that its upstream lithium mine interests and exploration rights in Australia, such as Greenbushes and Wodgina, remain unaffected and are still a strategic core. Source: https://www.albemarle.com [Ultra-Thin, Compact Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery "EnerCera" Supports Tohoku University's Tsunami Balloon Project Demonstration Experiment] NGK Insulators, Ltd. (hereinafter "NGK") announced that it supported the demonstration experiment for Tohoku University's tsunami balloon project by manufacturing and supplying its ultra-thin, compact lithium-ion rechargeable battery, EnerCera®. The project aims to establish a new disaster prevention system that automatically deploys balloon-type evacuation markers during tsunamis, visually indicating the locations of tsunami evacuation facilities, such as evacuation towers and evacuation buildings, from the air. EnerCera powers the light sources installed in the balloons, making the evacuation sites clearly visible at night or under poor visibility conditions. In the demonstration experiment, EnerCera was used as the power source for the balloon-type evacuation marker lighting unit, which activated immediately after a tsunami. The experiment verified whether sufficient brightness was achieved when the balloons were deployed and whether the system met practical usage requirements. EnerCera combines a thin and lightweight design with high output and excellent environmental resistance, enabling stable operation in outdoor environments. By enabling wireless lighting control, the system is expected to enhance the visibility of tsunami evacuation facilities at night and help prevent evacuation delays. The Tsunami Balloon Project is an initiative led by a technical team from Tohoku University, aiming to develop a system that automatically releases balloons into the air upon receiving disaster information, such as tsunami warnings and emergency earthquake alerts, issued via the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System "Michibiki". In the demonstration experiment, a series of operational tests were conducted: upon receiving a tsunami warning (test signal), gas was rapidly injected into the balloon, inflating it to a diameter of approximately 2 meters and raising it to a height of about 40 meters within approximately 2 to 3 minutes. The balloon is marked with a person pictogram, allowing people to identify the evacuation facility simply by looking up at the sky. To improve nighttime visibility, EnerCera was integrated as the light source. Source: https://www.mynewsdesk.com/ ["Sacrifice Zone" or a Clean Energy Future? EU Court Considers Portuguese Lithium Mine Project] The risks in this case escalated further after EU officials refused in November to revoke the "strategic" status of the Barroso mine. A long-standing controversy over lithium mining in northern Portugal has reached the European Union's highest court. Environmental and community organizations have filed a lawsuit with the European Court of Justice against the European Commission's decision to grant the Barroso lithium project "strategic" status. The residents' association "United Defense Association of the Barroso Valley" and the environmental law organization ClientEarth raised objections on Thursday, February 5, arguing that the Commission failed to reassess the project after new evidence emerged regarding environmental, social, and safety risks. The core dispute in this case revolves around the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act of 2024. Projects designated as "strategic" gain fast-track access to permitting processes, financing channels, and the supply of raw materials for green products such as EVs and batteries. Source: https://www.euronews.com/ [How Argentina's Lithium and Uranium Boom Could Undermine Its Energy Sovereignty] Argentina possesses abundant critical natural resources, the demand for which is increasingly growing as the global energy transition continues to accelerate. However, although Argentina's potential geopolitical advantages have opened new avenues for economic growth, as world superpowers fiercely compete for the country's lithium and uranium resources, this may also entail significant trade-offs in energy sovereignty. The Argentine economy has finally seen a rebound after decades of painful recession. This shift is largely attributed to the radical austerity policies implemented by the right-wing President Javier Milei, elected in 2023. While Milei's aggressive financial reforms have had some positive effects on the economy, his approach has been highly controversial both domestically and internationally. Part of Milei's strategy involves forming a close alliance with the Trump administration. As part of this shift, he has shown a new willingness to cooperate with the US and other international partners in new nuclear energy plans. Milei declared his country an "unconditional ally of the US," with Argentina becoming the first partner country to sign the Trump administration's "Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technologies" initiative. Source: https://oilprice.com/

[SMM Survey: Magnesium Technology Continues to Advance, Magnesium Era Begins in ESS and Materials Fields] Recent multidimensional progress has been made in the global magnesium technology sector: Tohoku University in Japan has developed a new-type rechargeable magnesium battery prototype capable of stable operation at room temperature, overcoming magnesium ion migration challenges through an amorphous oxide cathode design, with stable cycling performance and practical power supply capability, offering potential to replace lithium batteries; Australian enterprise Latrobe Magnesium has successfully raised tens of millions of Australian dollars to advance the construction of the world's first demonstration plant for commercial magnesium extraction from fly ash, converting brown coal scrap into magnesium metal and cementitious materials, achieving a circular economy and expected to commence operation in 2026; simultaneously, BOLE Company has challenged the inherent perception of magnesium alloys as "highly flammable" through empirical testing, demonstrating their controllable combustion characteristics, and will showcase lightweight magnesium alloy forming technology at international exhibitions, promoting innovation in material applications. These breakthroughs collectively highlight magnesium's significant potential in ESS, environmental protection, and lightweight fields.

[SMM Magnesium Express] Japan's Tohoku University develops rechargeable Mg battery prototype with novel amorphous oxide cathode, enabling stable Mg-ion migration at room temperature. The battery maintains performance over 200 cycles & powers LED, offering a sustainable alternative to lithium.

【SMM Nickel Market Flash】Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan have employed machine learning to identify critical factors that enhance the performance of nickel-based catalysts in converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into methane. The study successfully pinpointed specific properties and conditions that boost catalyst efficiency. These findings provide a data-driven approach to optimizing catalyst design, which could accelerate advancements in carbon recycling and sustainable energy technologies.

I. Policy Review: Hydrogen Policy Dynamics (1) Domestic Policies Hainan province: issued the Three-Year Action Plan for Accelerating the Construction of a Modern Industrial System with Hainan Characteristics and Advantages (2025-2027). The document proposes expanding the marine new energy industry by planning and promoting integrated demonstration projects for offshore wind power-to-hydrogen/methanol production and refueling. It aims to develop specialized marine engineering equipment, enhance deep-sea oil and gas equipment testing capabilities, and localize the production of drilling instruments, subsea Christmas trees, and high-value-added oilfield service products. The plan also seeks to boost marine technological innovation, establishing Hainan as a hub for "Smart Ocean" deep-sea technology R&D, testing, and pilot production platforms. It supports Haikou in fostering green manufacturing clusters focused on NEVs, environmental protection, and plastic ban sectors. By leveraging offshore wind resources along the island's western coast, the province targets exceeding 12.5 billion yuan in output for the Changjiang clean energy industrial cluster and achieving over 87% clean energy capacity share by 2027. Anhui province: released the Notice on Implementing Toll-Free Passage for New Energy Vessels on the Jianghuai Canal. Effective from August 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, the policy grants toll exemptions for new energy vessels navigating the Jianghuai Canal (including Jianghuai Connection Section, Caizi Lake Line, Zhaoxi River Line, and Heyu Line). Eligible vessels must meet the following energy type and substitution rate requirements per national standards: Single-fuel vessels: LNG, methanol, hydrogen, or ammonia-powered; pure battery-powered (excluding lead-acid batteries). Dual-fuel vessels: LNG-diesel with ≥60% fuel substitution rate; methanol-diesel with ≥50% substitution rate. Qualified vessels enjoy free passage regardless of load conditions. Policy Analysis: 1. Hainan – Building a Green Hydrogen Entire Industry Chain Centered on Offshore Wind Power-to-Hydrogen: Hainan's Three-Year Action Plan explicitly proposes an "integrated demonstration project for offshore wind power-to-hydrogen/methanol production and refueling," directly aligning with Danzhou's ongoing Offshore Wind Power-to-Hydrogen Comprehensive Utilization Key Technology R&D and Engineering Demonstration Project . This project involves constructing a 34m×33m offshore hydrogen production platform powered by existing wind turbines, focusing on breakthroughs in floating platform hydrogen production, storage/transportation, and hydrogen-to-ammonia/methanol conversion. It is expected to achieve localized large-scale green hydrogen production by 2026, with manufacturing localization of hydrogen equipment in Hainan. This strategy not only aligns with China's 14th Five-Year Plan for hydrogen energy emphasizing "renewable energy-based hydrogen production" but also establishes a technical model for large-scale offshore hydrogen generation through seawater electrolysis and battery-grade lithium hydroxide integration approaches. 2 . Anhui Province – Promoting Large-Scale Application of Hydrogen Energy in Terminal Scenarios Through Maritime Use: The free lock passage policy for new energy vessels on the Jianghuai Canal directly reduces operational costs for hydrogen and ammonia-fueled ships. Taking the world's first pure ammonia-fueled vessel, "Ammonia Radiance," as an example, its 200kW high-speed gas internal combustion generator has achieved stable combustion and near-zero emissions. The policy window (2025-2027) aligns well with ship R&D cycles. By 2027, Anhui is expected to establish a standardized product line for ammonia-fueled vessels, setting an example for decarbonizing Yangtze River shipping. (II) Foreign Policies European Commission: Released a document titled "Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Accounting Methods for Low-Carbon Fuels," which for the first time specifies calculation formulas and certification standards for emission intensity of low-carbon fuels (excluding recycled carbon fuels), including low-carbon hydrogen. EU: Guided by the European Green Deal and the European Climate Law, it introduced a series of carbon reduction policies. Among them, the EU Fuel Regulation (FEU), to be formally implemented in 2025, will accelerate the adoption of renewable fuels in shipping. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set for implementation in 2026, will impose carbon taxes on specific imported goods. Germany: Adopted the National Hydrogen Strategy, aiming for 5GW green hydrogen capacity by 2030. France: Updated its National Hydrogen Strategy, establishing a €4 billion support mechanism to ensure the competitiveness of the low-carbon hydrogen market over the next 15 years. Adjustments include increasing national electrolyzer capacity to 4.5GW by 2030 and 8GW by 2035, strengthening technological autonomy across the entire hydrogen industry chain, developing low-carbon hydrogen transport networks, and securing basic conditions for hydrogen industry development. US: President Trump signed the "Big and Beautiful" Act, which extended the construction deadline for hydrogen projects eligible for tax credits by two years to 2028. Hydrogen projects originally required to commence construction by January 1, 2026, to qualify for up to $3/kg tax credits, now have until January 1, 2028. Policy Analysis: 1. Standard Fragmentation and Cost Challenges: The EU's "carbon extraterritoriality" sparked controversy: its accounting method excludes "recycled carbon fuels" (e.g., biomass-based hydrogen), accused of technological discrimination. CBAM's indirect emission tracking (e.g., grid carbon intensity for electrolytic hydrogen) downgraded Morocco's PV-based hydrogen projects due to its grid's 15% coal power share. More challenging is that the fluctuation of EU carbon prices (which surged to 110 euros/mt in 2023) directly impacts the cost of imported hydrogen, forcing countries like Algeria to demand long-term agreements with "carbon price linkage" clauses. This new-type trade term is reshaping global energy contracts. 2. Competition and Layout: The stimulus policy package for carbon reduction in China and the EU is essentially an industrial reshuffle using standards as weapons. Germany's pipelines, France's electrolyzers, and the US's subsidies collectively form the "Three Kingdoms" of the hydrogen era. For China, it is necessary to not only accelerate the adaptation to the EU's carbon footprint accounting but also be vigilant against the evolution of "standard barriers" into "technological lock-ins." When the EU mandates the use of second-generation hydrogen-resistant coatings for hydrogen projects by 2027, the speed of technological iteration by local enterprises will determine their position in this global low-carbon competition. II. Corporate Dynamics: A Surge in Project Signings and Technological Cooperation​​ (1) Project Intelligence​​ Jiangsu Lvneng EV Technology Co., Ltd.: The bid winner for the hydrogen bicycle procurement project (second batch) of Huwang (Qingdao) Energy Technology Co., Ltd. has been announced as Jiangsu Lvneng EV Technology Co., Ltd. Gaozhou Shun'an Intelligent Parking Management Co., Ltd.: The hydrogen fuel cell dump truck project in Gaozhou was announced, but the tender failed due to insufficient qualified bidders. Karamay Municipal Government Logistics Service Center: The contract for the procurement project of new energy vehicles for the government fleet rental was announced, including 10 hydrogen new energy commercial vehicles. LONGi Hydrogen: LONGi Hydrogen won the bid for the hydrogen station equipment procurement and replacement project announced by CNBM Photovoltaic Materials Co., Ltd. China Nuclear Fuel Element Co., Ltd. (Jianzhong): A procurement announcement for hydrogen storage tanks was issued. Shanxi Zhengwang Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd.: A secondary tender announcement for the general contracting of Zhengwang hydrogen refueling station construction was issued. Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Union Co., Ltd.: A tender announcement for the design of a ground energy supply station for hydrogen-powered hybrid locomotives was issued, aiming to design the ground energy supply station for hydrogen-powered hybrid locomotives. (2) Corporate Dynamics Shudao and Toyota: Toyota will jointly invest $139 million with Shudao Investment Group to establish a hydrogen fuel cell production site in Chengdu, China. The factory will focus on producing fuel cell systems and parts for heavy commercial vehicles, aiming to strengthen China's hydrogen energy ecosystem and support the country's carbon neutrality goals. Yuchai Group: On July 30, Yuchai Group announced that a water sprinkler equipped with Yuchai's YCK05H hydrogen-fueled engine officially commenced operations in Cangzhou, Hebei. This marks the first hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicle in China to be put into actual operational scenarios, indicating that China's hydrogen internal combustion engine industry has transitioned from technological R&D to product application. Rockcheck New Energy Group: The 400kW hydrogen fuel cell stack heavy-duty truck, led by Rockcheck New Energy Group in R&D, has successfully completed vehicle integration and entered the practical testing phase, elevating the single-stack power of hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks to a new industry height. Shuozhou Wenjing Energy Technology Co., Ltd.: The 165kW hydrogen fuel cell engine produced by the company has been successfully rolled off the production line. This is the first large-power, long-life hydrogen fuel cell system in Shanxi, and its successful roll-off marks the local hydrogen energy industry's official transition from the R&D stage to the industrial application stage. Yuntao Hydrogen Energy Technology: The first "4 dispensers, 8 injectors" hydrogen refueling station in South China, capable of a maximum daily refueling capacity of 4000kg, has been completed, accompanied by the delivery of 100 hydrogen-powered vehicles on-site. Hydrogen Power Technology: Hydrogen Power Technology Hubei has successively reached in-depth cooperation agreements with Wuhan Metro, Yichang Shuanghui, Wuhan Holiland, and others to jointly create a premium hydrogen energy transportation route covering Wuhan to Yichang. Wales and West Utilities : It plans to construct a dedicated hydrogen pipeline, HyLine Gogledd, in North Wales to support the region's clean energy goals for commerce and industry. New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan: It has carefully selected a consortium composed of multiple Japanese companies and organizations to participate in a feasibility study program focusing on new ammonia storage and transportation solutions. It is reported that the consortium, consisting of ClassNK, IHI Corporation, JFE Steel Corporation, Tohoku University, and the Tokyo Institute of Technology, will advance the engineering of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) probability assessment tools for ammonia fuel storage tanks and transportation equipment. III. Technological Advancements: Breakthroughs in Efficiency and Cost (I) Production, Storage, and Transportation CNPC Baoshishun (Qinhuangdao) Steel Pipe Co., Ltd.: : It has successfully trial-produced "longitudinal submerged arc welded pipes" (D610x12.7/14.3mm, material/X60MH) in various specifications for pure hydrogen transportation. SPIC Central Research Institute: The hydrogen storage and transportation team of the Advanced Low Carbon Institute has developed a large-diameter (DN150), high-pressure (10MPa) non-metallic flexible hydrogen pipeline, which has successfully achieved safe and stable operation for 30 days on the test platform. COOEC Special Equipment Branch: : The design results of the "cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage tank" for deep-sea floating platforms, independently developed by the company, have obtained the Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate from China Classification Society (CCS), indicating that the safety and reliability of the results fully comply with the CCS's regulatory requirements. ​​ Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences: Breakthrough in membrane technology for alkaline electrolyzers: Development of an ultra-thin (20μm) composite separator, enhancing electrolysis system efficiency to 85% (LHV) with a lifespan exceeding 60,000 hours. (II) Fuel Cell Innovation Liaoning General Aviation Research Institute: The RX4M, China's first four-seat electric-hybrid aircraft, independently developed by the team led by Academician Yang Fengtian from the Liaoning General Aviation Research Institute of Shenyang Aerospace University, successfully completed its maiden flight at the Caihu Airport in Faku, Shenyang, contributing a "Chinese solution" to the global development of electric aircraft. Dongfang Hydrogen Energy: Secured a patent for a system that improves the humidity of air entering the fuel cell stack in the field of fuel cell technology. Georgia Power: Announced the successful completion of the second hydrogen-natural gas blended fuel experiment for the M501GAC natural gas turbine, developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Power, under partial and full load conditions. The US Hydrogen Association (DoE) spearheaded the formation of the "Hydrogen Refueling Station Compatibility Alliance": Unifying the 70MPa hydrogen refueling nozzle interface standard, eliminating barriers in hydrogen refueling protocols for automakers such as Toyota, Hyundai, and Nikola, and promoting interoperability of hydrogen refueling networks.