JFE Steel commenced operations of its new electric furnace at the Chiba District of East Japan Works. The 15-billion-yen facility is designed to significantly increase scrap metal utilization in stainless steel production, replacing blast furnace molten iron. The upgrade expands JFE’s scrap melting capacity sixfold to 300,000 tons per year, which is expected to slash annual greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 450,000 tons. This project represents a pivotal step in JFE Steel's roadmap toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 through innovative, low-carbon manufacturing processes.

【SMM Steel】JFE Steel will restructure its domestic sheet business under its "JFE Vision 2035" strategy. It plans to shut down the Keihin pickling line in FY2026 and the No.4 CGL by end of H1 FY2028. Production will consolidate at Chiba, Kurashiki, and Fukuyama. The move aims to cut fixed costs and boost annual profit by ~¥10bn. Keihin will become an eastern Japan hub for plates/pipes. JFE will manage employee transfers carefully.

The global industry and supply chains are undergoing restructuring, with technological transformations deepening continuously. In 2025, all lithium battery new energy enterprises have recognized a severe issue: surviving in this "Squid Game" is becoming increasingly difficult. As Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, has said, the old order is crumbling. In the upstream and downstream sectors of the lithium battery industry, including lithium resources, materials, and batteries, many enterprises, though not yet incurring losses, are facing internal and external challenges, with going global and breaking through as key words describing the current survival status of enterprises. Frequent major moves within the industry reflect the typical characteristics of the transition between the old and new cycles of the new energy industry. Enterprises are trying to shed the burdens of the previous expansion cycle and penetrate the new cycle. The new energy industry in 2025 is destined to be a life-or-death struggle marked by polarization. China's lithium battery industry shines amidst the global supply chain reshaping. However, it's not all bad news. Chinese enterprises have consistently demonstrated innovation and competitive spirit. China's efforts in industrial upgrading and manufacturing transformation have compelled the world to reevaluate the true status of the former "world's factory." In the lithium battery industry chain, spanning from mineral mining to battery manufacturing, China dominates almost every link: over 85% of global battery anodes, more than 75% of cathodes, and 75% of battery cells are produced in China. Additionally, China is a major producer of various key raw materials for lithium batteries, with more than half of the world's lithium, cobalt, graphite, etc., being processed in China. Batteries are currently the hard currency of the global industry. From new energy vehicles to energy storage systems, from robotics to aerospace, few emerging industries can operate without batteries as their power core. Represented by CATL and BYD, Chinese enterprises have forged an unbreakable "Chinese domain" in the global battery industry. Great transformations often originate from the darkest moments. Under the new circumstances, China's lithium battery new energy enterprises must re-strategize as soon as possible to adapt to changes and reshape the new order. From May 15-17, 2025, an industry event, CIBF, will provide a final prediction for the 2025 new energy elimination round. At the CIBF2025 Advanced Battery Frontier Technology Symposium, themed "Green Energy Driving the Future," multiple academicians, industry benchmarks, and leading figures will engage in close-range dialogues with battery industry elites to jointly envision the future of energy. At the CIBF2025 exhibition, achievements in solid-state battery technology, sodium-ion battery applications, ultra-fast charging, energy storage technology, intelligent battery management, and recycling will be showcased, vividly demonstrating the technological wave propelling China's battery industry towards low-carbonization, efficiency, and intelligence. Currently, leading industry players such as CATL, BYD, CALB, Gotion High-tech, Sunwoda, EVE, Farasis Energy, SVOLT Energy Technology, REPT Battero, Great Power Energy, and BAK Battery have confirmed their participation. Bidirectional Breakthroughs in Technological Depth and Scenario Insights Looking back through the mists of history, it becomes evident that regardless of how geopolitical narratives evolve, new technologies always bring about benefits. When examining the innovative points of domestic battery enterprises, CATL's Shenxing battery, Zeekr's Golden Brick battery, SVOLT's short blade battery, and Sunwoda's Xinxingchi battery each excel in areas such as fast charging and safety. In the first quarter of this year, China's power battery industry witnessed another round of technological breakthroughs. On March 17th, BYD officially unveiled the "Megawatt Flash Charging" technology for its new-generation blade battery. During the same period, BAK Battery officially launched its new all-tab 1865 D series products, featuring comprehensive performance upgrades. EVE introduced new all-tab cylindrical batteries and "automotive-grade" large-format 46-series cylindrical battery cells. Battery technology is demonstrating a trend of bidirectional breakthroughs in both technological depth and scenario insights. The focus of enterprise competition has shifted from "single-technology leadership" to the multiplicative effect of "technological breadth + scenario understanding." In the future, the enterprise that can leverage the same technological core/foundation to incubate the most commercial scenarios will secure a dominant position in the next industrial cycle. CIBF has always been the preferred platform for top new energy enterprises to launch new products, witnessing technological breakthroughs and scientific advancements in the lithium battery and new energy sector. When Chinese innovative technologies take center stage at CIBF2025, they may not only drive orders but also influence the global industrial rule-making process. As the dust settles, the world may usher in a new, more diverse and balanced order. CIBF will continue to empower and explore more possibilities for China's lithium battery and new energy sector. Riding the winds and breaking through the waves, China's lithium battery and new energy industry is embarking on an exciting journey.

【Idemitsu Kosan to Build New Lithium Sulphide Plant in Japan】 On March 3, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) announced plans to invest approximately 21.3 billion yen to establish a world-class large-scale lithium sulphide (Li₂S) production facility at its Chiba plant. This material is a key intermediate for manufacturing all-solid state lithium-ion batteries. The company plans to increase its capacity to a scale equivalent to 3 GWh of ESS batteries annually and establish a vertically integrated industry chain from raw materials to intermediates and final products. This move aims to meet the demand for the commercialization of all-solid state batteries by automakers and battery producers in 2027-2028, accelerating the adoption of solid electrolyte technology. According to the plan, the large-scale lithium sulphide facility is expected to be completed in June 2027. The project has been certified under Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "Battery Supply Chain Enhancement Project," with approximately 7.1 billion yen of the total investment coming from the maximum government subsidy. Source: Chemical Engineering 【American Salars Lithium Expands Argentina Lithium Project by 1,635%】 On March 3, Canadian exploration company American Salars Lithium announced that it had reached a tentative agreement with an independent third party to acquire up to 100% equity in the Salar De Pocitos Project in Salta Province, Argentina. This acquisition will enable the company to increase its lithium ore assets in the "Lithium Triangle" region by 1,635%, making it the second-largest resource holder in the Salar De Pocitos. Under the agreement, American Salars Lithium will initially acquire a 75% stake and can increase to full ownership by paying a total of $2 million (approximately 2.89 million Canadian dollars) in cash and issuing 20 million shares. The transaction includes royalties, acquisition premium terms, and a 10% intermediary commission. The acquisition covers 10 mining rights spanning approximately 13,080 hectares, contiguous with the company's flagship project—the 800-hectare Pocitos 1 lithium salt lake project, which was fully acquired from Recharge Resources in June 2024. The company's CEO, Nick Horsley, stated: "This acquisition marks a strategic breakthrough for our team and will fundamentally reshape the company's development trajectory. Through discussions with top global lithium mining companies, we have precisely identified the core elements of resource acquisition and capacity building. The newly acquired mining area provides ample scope for our engineering and technical teams." The Pocitos 1 project currently holds 760,000 mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) resources compliant with NI 43-101 standards. For the newly acquired assets, the company will initiate data integration to update resource assessments, followed by scoping and feasibility studies to achieve commercial production. The project boasts significant locational advantages, being adjacent to Provincial Route 17 and equipped with natural gas pipelines and rail connections to the Port of Antofagasta, Chile, via the Pocitos Industrial Park. In terms of strategic adjustments, the company announced the termination of its option for the Candela Phase II project at the Incahuasi Salt Lake in Bolivia, a move seen as a major decision to focus resources on the Argentine lithium belt. Source: Mining Technology 【Trojan Battery Co. Launches New Range-Extending Lithium Battery Pack】 Recently, global ESS giant Trojan Battery Co. officially launched a groundbreaking product—the 48V 171Ah integrated range-extending lithium battery pack (Trojan Lithium OnePack XR). This product redefines energy standards for low-speed EVs with "multi-layer safety architecture + ultra-long driving range," offering comprehensive power solutions for recreational vehicles such as 6-8 seat golf carts. Key Technological Innovations Driving Range Revolution: Single-charge range of 75 miles (approximately 120 km), a 300% improvement over traditional lead-acid batteries. Low-Voltage Safety: 48V low-voltage platform avoids safety risks associated with systems above 60V, certified by UL safety standards. Smart Control Ecosystem: Paired with the Trojan SmartBattery app for real-time battery status monitoring via mobile devices. Worry-Free Warranty: Industry-first 8-year extended warranty, eliminating the need for regular maintenance of traditional batteries. Plug-and-Play: Equipped with vehicle-specific brackets, power display modules, and multi-specification chargers in an all-in-one package. The company's Chief Commercial Officer, Laurie Oswald, emphasized: "A century of technological expertise underpins the product's robust performance. The launch of OnePack XR precisely addresses the surging demand in emerging markets for mobility vehicles in retirement communities and scenic areas, helping to solidify our global leadership in the specialty EV market." Source: Golfdom 【Korean Battery Makers Race to Develop Lithium Metal Anodes – EcoPro, POSCO, LG Energy Solution Innovate Lighter, Faster-Charging Batteries】 Recently, to enhance energy density, Korean battery and materials companies have intensified efforts to develop lithium metal anodes. While past innovations primarily focused on increasing nickel content in cathodes, this approach has reached its limits, driving the need for advancements in anode materials. Compared to traditional graphite-based anodes, lithium metal anodes offer higher energy density, enabling lighter batteries and faster charging. According to industry news on March 5, EcoPro will unveil its lithium metal anode development plans at the 2025 International Battery Expo held at COEX in Seoul, running through March 7. This marks the company's first official announcement regarding lithium metal anodes. EcoPro stated that its subsidiary, EcoPro Innovation, is collaborating with Canada's Hydro-Québec to develop lithium metal technology and plans to establish a lithium sulphide production line for solid-state batteries by 2026. POSCO Future M has also entered the lithium metal anode market through the N.EX.T Hub research institute under POSCO Holdings. As the only domestic company producing both natural and synthetic graphite anodes, it is committed to expanding its product portfolio, including lithium metal anodes, to enhance competitiveness. Source: Batteries News 【Rio Tinto Completes $6.7 Billion Acquisition of Arcadium Lithium】 On March 6, diversified mining giant Rio Tinto successfully completed its $6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium Lithium. The transaction received formal approval from the Royal Court of Jersey on Wednesday, marking the official integration of Arcadium Lithium into Rio Tinto's portfolio. The newly acquired entity will operate under the name Rio Tinto Lithium. This acquisition further strengthens Rio Tinto's leadership in the energy transition materials market and expands its asset portfolio to include one of the world's premier lithium resource bases. Leveraging Arcadium Lithium's high-quality assets and the Rincon lithium mine project, Rio Tinto Lithium aims to increase its annual lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) production capacity to over 200,000 mt by 2028. Looking ahead, the company expects to benefit from technological synergies and geographic diversification, which are anticipated to significantly boost EBITDA and operating cash flow in the coming years. Source: Mining Weekly 【Sapura Industrial Partners With Chinese Lithium Battery Company to Establish Battery Plant in Malaysia】 On March 6, Malaysian company Sapura Industrial Bhd announced a collaboration plan with Chinese lithium battery manufacturer Zhejiang Zhongze Precision Technology Co., Ltd. to jointly establish a factory in Malaysia focused on producing industrial and commercial battery components. According to a filing submitted by Sapura Industrial to the stock exchange on Thursday, its wholly-owned subsidiary, SIB Ventures Sdn Bhd, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Zhejiang Zhongze, marking the formal initiation of their partnership. Sapura Industrial emphasized that the MOU provides a framework for in-depth negotiations on potential collaboration and includes plans for a joint feasibility study on constructing the manufacturing facility. The company further stated: "The realization of this collaboration is contingent upon both parties reaching a consensus on the business plan, after which negotiations will proceed to finalize an agreement detailing further terms, rights, and obligations of each party." Overall, Sapura Industrial and Zhejiang Zhongze are expected to finalize the agreement within the next six months. Source: The Edge