According to market reports, Alaska Energy Metals Corporation (AEMC) is rapidly advancing its flagship Nikolai Nickel Project, capitalizing on a recent 18% rally in global nickel prices that underscores a tightening market. To accelerate the project's development, the company recently closed a $1 million private placement and secured a critical listing on the U.S. Permitting Council's FAST-41 Transparency Dashboard, a federal initiative designed to streamline and expedite mine permitting. Furthermore, AEMC is bolstering its downstream potential through memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with RecycLiCo Battery Materials for hydrometallurgical processing and with EV manufacturer Lucid Group.

The progress of the recall incident this week is as follows:

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

At the CLNB 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Chain Expo - Lithium Battery Recycling Forum hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), Lin Ziya, SMM's lithium battery recycling industry analyst, discussed the theme of "Breakthrough in 2025: Analysis of Profitability in China's Lithium Battery Recycling, and Opportunities and Challenges Under Policy Reforms."

【SMM Analysis】A Review of This Week's Scrap Spot Price Trends, March 24-28, 2025. Supply side: This week, lithium chemicals, nickel salts, and cobalt salts experienced fluctuating operations. However, on the supply side, the psychological selling prices of grinding mills and traders remained unchanged. This week, the coefficients of ternary and LCO black mass were basically stable. Taking LCO and ternary pole piece black mass as examples: the current coefficient is around 77-79%, with an average coefficient of 78%. The current coefficient of ternary pole piece black mass is 75-78, with an average of 76.5%. On the downstream demand side, most are not optimistic about the continued rise of cobalt salts, and the proportion of pure cobalt scrap in the market is less than 10%, with LFP being the main component. Enterprises purchasing pure cobalt scrap are relatively fewer compared to ternary, and when given the option to choose ternary black mass, most enterprises adopt a wait-and-see attitude towards the rising coefficient of pure cobalt scrap. On the supply side, scrap LCO batteries account for a relatively small proportion in the overall scrap market, with scarce supply, and a small amount of goods are mostly concentrated in the hands of traders. Under the continuous rise of cobalt salts, most enterprises choose to hold back from selling or sell a small amount at high prices. Cost side: This week, the prices of cobalt salts and nickel salts fluctuated, but the previous rise has to some extent repaired the cost and profitability of the grinding end of ternary and pure cobalt scrap. Currently, the profitability of wet-process scrap LCO batteries and ternary scrap is hovering around the cost line. However, due to insufficient market supply and the inability of most enterprises to achieve immediate buying and selling of scrap and salt products, some small and medium-sized wet-process enterprises still report being in a state of inversion.

[SMM Analysis] A Review of This Week's Scrap Spot Price Trends, 2025.3.10-2025.3.13 Hydrometallurgical Recycling This Week: Supply side: This week, with the continuous rise in nickel salt and cobalt salt prices, the prices of ternary and LCO black mass also continued to increase, prompting crushing plants and traders to further raise their psychological price levels. Additionally, as salt prices kept climbing, the coefficients for ternary and LCO black mass also rose slightly. Taking LCO pole piece black mass as an example, the current coefficient stands at approximately 77-79%, with an average coefficient of 78%. On the supply side, scrap LCO battery accounts for a relatively small share of the overall scrap market, with scarce supply. Most of the limited stock is concentrated in the hands of traders, and with the continuous surge in cobalt salt prices, companies tend to hold back from selling or release small quantities at high prices. Demand side: Most downstream players are not optimistic about the continued rise in cobalt salt prices. Additionally, there are relatively fewer enterprises focusing on pure cobalt scrap compared to ternary. Given the option to choose ternary black mass, most companies adopt a wait-and-see attitude toward the rising coefficients of pure cobalt scrap. However, there are still small quantities of scrap being sold at high prices in the market, leading to a slight increase in scrap prices. Cost side: The recent rise in cobalt salt and nickel salt prices has, to some extent, repaired the costs and profitability of the crushing end for ternary and pure cobalt scrap, pushing the costs of some uncrushed materials above the breakeven point. However, the price of iron-lithium scrap remains under losses due to the continued decline in lithium carbonate prices.

The electrolyte for lithium batteries serves as the carrier for ion transport within the battery. It facilitates ion conduction between the positive and negative electrodes of the lithium battery, ensuring the advantages of high voltage and high specific energy in lithium-ion batteries. It is generally formulated under specific conditions and in certain proportions using high-purity organic solvents, solutes, and necessary additives as raw materials.

[LCO Prices Slightly Declined, Demand Expected to Recover] Recently, the LCO industry has shown diverse development trends. Price side, according to SMM analysis, LCO prices slightly declined this week, with the latest prices for 4.2V, 4.4V, and 4.5V LCO at 134,000 yuan/mt, 137,000 yuan/mt, and 149,000 yuan/mt, respectively.

Due to the overall weak demand in the power market, battery cell producers have reduced their willingness to replenish inventories, focusing instead on consuming existing stock. This has resulted in insufficient demand to support upstream lithium raw material prices, leading to continued price declines. In October, the average price of power battery cells in China continued to decrease, but the decline narrowed compared to August and September. EV battery cells dropped approximately 2% MoM; LCO battery cells for consumer electronics fell by 1.3%; ESS battery cells experienced the largest decline, down 3.3% MoM.

LCO, with its high voltage platform, high compaction density, and excellent C-rate performance, is widely used in smartphones, laptops, tablets, drones, e-cigarettes, and wearable devices such as TWS earphones, smartwatches, and fitness bands. Despite its relatively high price, mid-to-high-end electronic products are less sensitive to battery prices. Currently, in terms of the overall performance of lithium batteries, no new-type cathode material has been able to replace the advantageous position of LCO.