As Vietnam accelerates investments in its bauxite, alumina and aluminium sectors, the country is preparing to host its first international event dedicated exclusively to the industry. The 15 th International Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium Conference & Exhibition ( IBAAS–VFMSTA 2026 ) will take place on October 28–29, 2026 , at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology , bringing together global stakeholders to discuss the future of the aluminium value chain in one of Asia's fastest-growing markets. Jointly organized by the International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Society (IBAAS) and the Vietnam Foundry & Metallurgy Science and Technology Association (VFMSTA) , the conference is expected to become a key platform for technology exchange, business development and international collaboration. The technical programme has already generated considerable interest, with around 50 abstracts submitted by researchers and industry professionals from across the world. The sessions will address topics ranging from bauxite mining and alumina refining to aluminium smelting, downstream manufacturing, recycling, sustainability, digital transformation, critical minerals and next-generation process technologies. The event has also attracted participation from leading international organizations. China Nonferrous Metal Industry's Foreign Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd. (NFC) , Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) and the Shenyang Aluminium & Magnesium Engineering & Research Institute (SAMI) have confirmed their participation, highlighting the conference's growing international profile. On the exhibition front, PLA Process Analysers (Australia) and JGHECEPT Co., Ltd. (China) are among the early exhibitors that will showcase advanced technologies and engineering solutions for the aluminium industry. With Vietnam possessing one of the world's largest bauxite resources and expanding its alumina, aluminium and critical minerals industries, the conference is expected to create significant opportunities for producers, engineering and EPC companies, equipment manufacturers, technology suppliers, researchers, investors and downstream users. Alongside technical sessions, delegates will benefit from an international exhibition, business networking programmes and industrial visits designed to encourage partnerships and investment. Registrations, sponsorship opportunities, exhibition bookings and technical paper submissions are currently open. Companies/Organizations interested in participating can obtain further information by contacting info@ibaas.info or visiting www.ibaas.info .

【Attero Opens World's First UNFCCC-Verified E-Waste Carbon Credit Trading】 Indian battery recycler Attero has launched the world's first UNFCCC-verified e-waste carbon credit (CER) trading program. The project generates verified emission reductions through e-waste recycling and critical mineral recovery, providing companies with high-quality carbon credits while enhancing the value of battery recycling and supporting the circular economy.

On July 30, Chengtun Mining’s share price declined. As of 13:22 on the 30th, Chengtun Mining was down 5.03% at 10.2 yuan per share. On the news front: Chengtun Mining’s 2026 semi-annual report released on July 30 showed that in H1 2026, the company achieved total operating revenue of 19.264 billion yuan, up 39.56% YoY; net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.804 billion yuan, up 71.37% YoY; and net profit after deducting non-recurring items of 1.913 billion yuan, up 64.63% YoY. Regarding its core business, Chengtun Mining stated in its semi-annual report that the company was committed to the development and utilization of energy metal resources, especially metal varieties required for new energy batteries, while also expanding into precious metals such as gold. The company focused primarily on copper, nickel, cobalt, and gold, with its main business types being energy metals, base metals, metal trading, and others. Chengtun Mining’s semi-annual report showed that in H1 2026, the company’s DRC copper-cobalt segment delivered stable output, with copper production reaching 132,200 mt in metal content, of which Brother Mining (BMS) achieved copper production of 74,400 mt in metal content. BMS’s specialized energy management system took shape. The Kalongwe project advanced in a coordinated manner in optimizing the production system and engineering construction; multiple technological transformation initiatives reduced material consumption, and optimized reuse of return water lowered energy consumption and enabled refined cost control. The copper-cobalt smelting projects CCR and CCM maintained stable production and operations. The company also carried out exploration in prospective areas and extension-style resource M&A to strengthen the foundation for sustainable development. In the Indonesia nickel segment, Youshan Nickel maintained stable production and operations amid global nickel market price consolidation, achieving operating revenue of 1.663 billion yuan; by improving management, optimizing processes, and strengthening industry-chain synergies, it successfully withstood market shocks. Phase I capacity of the Guizhou project was gradually released, process flows became increasingly mature, and product quality improved steadily; Phase II of the project carried out trial production. Huajin Mining operated steadily, achieving gold sales of 156.31 kg and operating revenue of 145 million yuan. During the reporting period, operating revenue from production and manufacturing was 18.756 billion yuan, accounting for 97.36% of the company’s total revenue, up 2.92 percentage points YoY, and it continued to maintain high-quality operations. Regarding the status of its core businesses, Chengtun Mining’s semi-annual report showed: 1. Energy Metals Business. During the reporting period, the company’s energy metals business achieved revenue of 14.543 billion yuan, with a gross margin of 27.03%, basically in line with the gross margin in the same period last year. In H1 2026, output of copper products was 133,200 mt in metal content, cobalt products 3,700 mt in metal content, and nickel products 21,200 mt in metal content. ( 1) Copper-Cobalt Segment ① During the reporting period, the company’s DRC copper-cobalt segment delivered stable output, with copper production reaching 132,200 mt in metal content, of which Brother Mining achieved 74,400 mt in metal content. The company addressed power shortage issues through a multi-type energy mix, building a modern energy system that is specialized, intensive, and integrated, driving synchronized growth in operating efficiency and scale effects. ② Dali Sanxin actively advanced mine construction and aimed to achieve trial production in Q4. At present, land and other related procedures had been completed, shaft construction was basically completed, and surface civil works construction was being actively advanced. ③ In April 2026, the company disclosed that it planned to acquire a 50% equity interest in Nkoyi Leopard Mining and Investment Limited to indirectly obtain a 30% interest in a large, specific copper-cobalt mining right. The project completed the equity closing in July 2026, and subsequent cooperation matters regarding the mine were progressing normally. During the reporting period, the company actively sought resource security for sustainable development through exploration in prospective areas and by pursuing extension-style M&A and cooperation for copper ore resources. (2) Indonesia Nickel Segment During the reporting period, the global nickel market fluctuated amid the interplay of Indonesia policy adjustments and rising cost side pressures. Youshan Nickel maintained stable production and operations, achieving operating revenue of 1.663 billion yuan and demonstrating strong operating resilience. (3) Deep Processing and Materials Segment ① During the reporting period, Keli Xin’s operating revenue increased by 25.6% from the same period last year, with rapid growth in operating performance. Meanwhile, the company continued to expand its product lines and enrich product models to meet different battery systems’ requirements for high voltage and high safety, effectively improving client response speed and product compatibility. ② Zhonghe Nickel optimized process technologies, further advanced refined on-site production management, improved recovery rates of valuable metals, and enhanced the production system’s adaptability to multi-channel raw material sources. ③ Phase I capacity of the Guizhou project was gradually released, process flows became increasingly mature, and through various refined control measures, it ensured continuous and stable production operations, with product quality improving steadily. Phase II of the Guizhou project smoothly entered trial production. 2. Base Metals Business. During the reporting period, the base metals business achieved sales revenue of 4.213 billion yuan, with a gross margin of 9.50%, up 5.61 percentage points from the same period last year. (1) During the reporting period, Chengtun Zinc & Germanium operated steadily, with notable results in comprehensive recovery; indium and germanium recovery rates both improved. Technical breakthroughs achieved cost reductions in auxiliary material and a record high in silver recovery indicators; multi-dimensional cost reduction and efficiency enhancement significantly lowered logistics and inventory expenses, and overall production operations remained stable. (2) During the reporting period, the company actively advanced the orderly construction of domestic and overseas mines. Construction of the Baoshan Hengyuan Xinmao mining engineering project progressed steadily; Huajin Mining operated steadily, selling 156.31 kg of gold and achieving revenue of 145 million yuan. 3. Metal Trading Business and Others. During the reporting period, the metal trading business achieved operating revenue of 307 million yuan. At present, the scale of the company’s core businesses continued to grow steadily, the proportion of the trading business gradually declined, and the business structure continued to be optimized, achieving solid results on the path of high-quality development. In addition, Chengtun Mining announced on July 23 that the cumulative deviation in the increase of its stock’s closing price exceeded 20% over three consecutive trading days on July 21, July 22, and July 23, 2026, constituting abnormal fluctuations in stock trading. After verification, the company found no media reports or market rumors that needed clarification or response, and found no other material events that could have a significant impact on the company’s share price. As of the date of this announcement, other than information publicly disclosed by the company in designated media, there was no other material information that should have been disclosed but had not been disclosed, including but not limited to planning major asset restructurings involving publicly listed firms, share issuances, major transactions, business restructurings, share repurchases, equity incentives, bankruptcy reorganizations, major business cooperation, introduction of strategic investors, and other major matters. The company’s current operating conditions were normal, and there had been no material changes in the internal and external operating environment. Chengtun Mining announced on July 9 that the transaction in which its wholly owned great-grand subsidiary Preeminence Holdings Limited (Preeminence) acquired a 50% equity interest in Nkoyi Leopard Mining and Investment Limited (Nkoyi) had made new progress. As of the date of this announcement, Nkoyi had completed the change of its shareholder register, and all registration and filing procedures for changes involving directors and senior management in this transaction had been completed. Preeminence had now obtained a 50% equity interest in Nkoyi, and the company had, in accordance with the Share Purchase Agreement under the transaction, paid the equity acquisition consideration to the target company. In Huafu Securities’ nonferrous metals weekly report released on July 26, its commentary on industrial metals mentioned: Industrial metals: tight inventory coupled with geopolitical tailwinds lifted copper prices strongly. From a macro perspective, the Middle East US-Iran geopolitical conflict continued to recur. Multiple parties mediated to advance ceasefire talks, but differences between the two sides were difficult to bridge quickly, and the market continued to trade the potential risk of disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Once passage through the waterway is restricted, it would not only push up international crude oil prices and raise global smelting and logistics costs, but also affect outbound shipments of Middle Eastern sulfur, directly disrupting the supply of raw materials for ex-China hydrometallurgical copper production, continuously injecting a geopolitical risk premium into copper prices; repeated changes in news flow also amplified intraday fluctuations in LME copper. This week, tensions in the US-Iran Strait of Hormuz situation remained elevated, and shipping risks in the strait continued to affect market sentiment. Individual stocks: Copper—watch JCC, CMOC, Chengtun, Zangge, JCHX, and Beitong; for H-shares, watch NFC and Minmetals, among others. Aluminum—watch Tianshan, Hongchuang, Yunnan Aluminum, Shenhuo, Huatong, Hongqiao, and Zhongfu, among others. Citigroup recently published a report stating that it held a constructive view on the copper market over the coming weeks, maintaining its expectations unchanged for a 0–3 month short-term copper price target of $14,500 per mt and a year-end target of $15,000 per mt. Citigroup noted that over the past month, despite a pullback in speculative long positions and overall weakness in commodities, copper prices remained resilient. While demand growth remained weak, the supply side faced greater pressure. Global mine supply remained under pressure, while year-to-date scrap supply appeared to respond weakly to high prices. Chilean mine supply risks and sulfur supply constraints could, at the margin, lift market sentiment. A CITIC Securities research report said that multiple positive factors drove copper prices to again challenge $14,000, and that core drivers such as declining inventory and supply disruptions were expected to persist; most potential tariff paths remained positive for copper, and under a neutral assumption, copper prices were expected to challenge $15,000 within the year. The copper sector was still at the beginning of a valuation recovery, and the formation of expectations for price hike and improvements in market sentiment would continue to drive valuation recovery.

On July 28 local time, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission updated its Covered List to include foreign-produced advanced robotic devices and connected power inverters. Under the new rules, models that have not yet secured FCC equipment authorization will be barred from the U.S. market, while previously authorized models are not immediately affected. In this situation, what is the impact to the current market players?

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Vietnam’s first primary aluminium smelter, the Dak Nong project, has achieved its first successful power delivery, enabling equipment testing, integrated commissioning and preparations for pilot production. Developed by Tran Hong Quan Metallurgy (THQ) with NFC as EPC contractor, the project has a 450,000 tpy designed capacity and is being developed in three phases: 150,000 tpy initially, 300,000 tpy in early 2027 and full 450,000 tpy capacity targeted in 2027–2028. The electrical systems were successfully energised on the first attempt, marking a key step toward trial operations.

Recently, the 450,000 mt aluminum project in Dak Nong, Vietnam, constructed by NFC, achieved a major milestone — the successful completion of its first power transmission. The achievement of this critical period marks a breakthrough step in the project's construction, laying a solid foundation for subsequent system commissioning and trial production. The project was invested and built by Tran Hong Quan Metallurgy Co., Ltd., with a total investment of up to 18.42 trillion Vietnamese dong, of which the loan amount was 14.7 trillion. The project is located in Nhon Co Industrial Park, covering an area of nearly 130 hectares. Its designed annual capacity reaches 450,000 mt, adopting a three-phase construction model, with each phase having a capacity of 150,000 mt. According to the established plan, the first phase of the project plans to officially commence production in Q2 2026, while the second and third phases plan to start construction in Q2 2027 and Q1 2028, respectively.

On April 14, an SMM team, comprised of Jianhua Ye, Industry Research Director, Chundi Feng, Expert at Industry Research Institute, and Jenny Wu, Copper & Tin Overseas Marketing Manager, paid a visit to NFC Africa Mining PLC. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Jingjun Wang, Chairman of NFC Africa Mining PLC and President of the Chinese Mining Enterprises Association in Zambia (CMEAZ).

SMM, April 17: On April 14, Ye Jianhua, Director and Supervisor of the Industry Research Department of SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), Feng Chundi, Expert of the Industry Research Institute of SMM's Industry Research Department, and Wu Tao, SMM Copper and Tin Overseas Marketing Manager, visited NFC Africa Mining PLC. They were warmly received by Wang Jingjun, President of the Zambia Chinese-funded Mining Enterprises Association and Chairman of NFC Africa Mining PLC. During this visit, both parties engaged in in-depth discussions and candid exchanges on core topics including NFC Africa Mining PLC's copper ore resources and production plans, product specifications and pricing rules, mining processes and equipment configuration, human resource allocation, as well as costs, taxes, and asset depreciation. During the exchange, Wang Jingjun provided a detailed introduction to the basic operations of NFC Africa Mining. The Chambishi copper mine of NFC Africa Mining consists of the main ore body, the west ore body, and the southeast ore body. The company is currently striving to build a first-class technology-driven mining company underpinned by "advanced technology, green processes, high-end equipment, and lean management," with a cumulative total investment of $1.55 billion. The company currently produces approximately 74,000 mt of copper metal content annually and employs 5,900 Zambian staff. Wang Jingjun has led the enterprise in deeply cultivating the mining sector, continuously forging ahead in promoting China-Zambia friendly cooperation, mutual development, and high-quality corporate growth. Meanwhile, as President of the Zambia Chinese-funded Mining Enterprises Association, he also discussed the important role of the association: leveraging the association platform to consolidate the strength of Chinese-funded enterprises, advancing compliance-based operational management and compliance training, and communicating and voicing concerns on relevant policies on behalf of Chinese-funded enterprises to the appropriate authorities. This exchange not only enhanced mutual trust and understanding between both parties but also laid a solid foundation for deepening future cooperation and achieving mutual benefits, helping both sides achieve higher-quality collaborative development in the non-ferrous metals sector. About NFC Africa Mining PLC NFC Africa Mining PLC (hereinafter referred to as "NFC Africa Mining") represents the starting point of China's non-ferrous metals industry's "Going Global" strategy in Africa. Approved by the central government, it was established in Zambia in 1998. China Nonferrous Mining Corporation Limited and Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings PLC hold 85% and 15% of the company's equity respectively, with the Zambian government holding one special share. It currently serves as the president unit of the Zambia Chinese-funded Mining Enterprises Association. The southeast ore body of the Chambishi copper mine is the first kilometer-deep shaft mine built by China in Africa, hailed as a "landmark project of China-Africa cooperation." NFC Africa Mining is the first mining company in Zambia to introduce paste backfill green mining technology and a pioneering mining company in Africa to build a "digital mine" model project. The company was named "Advanced Collective of Central State-Owned Enterprises" twice. The "NFC Africa Mining PLC Outstanding Employee Family Open Day" was recognized as an "Excellent Case of Cross-Cultural Integration in Overseas Image Building of Chinese Enterprises." The NFC Africa Mining PLC Chambishi Copper Mine mining area consists of the main ore body, the west ore body, and the southeast ore body. is scheduled to be held on October 13–14, 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia. Welcome to participate! Conference Contact : Wu Tao: 18270916376 jennywu@smm.cn

On April 20, NFC announced the progress of its wholly-owned subsidiary's acquisition of equity in Raura involving mining rights investment. On April 17, 2026, Peru time, the transaction was completed and delivered. NFC Singapore held 99.9004% equity in Raura, and Raura will be included in the scope of the company's consolidated financial statements. Upon completion of this transaction, the company will further strengthen the management and support of Raura and facilitate a smooth transition of Raura's production and operations.

[Smelters Show High Production Enthusiasm, Domestic TCs Declined MoM in April]: Looking at weekly data, the SMM Zn50 domestic weekly average TC remained flat WoW at 1,350 yuan/mt Zn, while the SMM imported zinc concentrate index fell $4.75/dmt WoW to -$19.25/dmt...