"Tin" Leads the Future: Industrial Transformation and Value Reshaping in a New Cycle **Conference Background** Currently, the global tin industry stands at a historic turning point, where traditional cyclical logic has been fundamentally disrupted and strategic value has become fully prominent. The tin market in 2026 presents an unprecedented complex pattern and profound transformation: **I. Deep Restructuring of the Supply-Demand Pattern with Unprecedented Elevation of Strategic Attributes** The global static reserve-to-production ratio of tin resources is only 14 years, with scarcity becoming increasingly prominent. The supply side faces "triple pressures": repeated setbacks in Myanmar's production resumptions, continued tightening of Indonesian policies, and elevated geopolitical risks in the DRC — resource constraints have become the new normal. Meanwhile, the demand structure has undergone a fundamental shift, and tin has become a strategic resource connecting traditional manufacturing with the digital future. **II. Price System Breaking Historical Records with the Industrial Ecosystem Facing Reshaping** In early 2026, SHFE tin prices broke through 470,000 yuan/mt, hitting a record high. This price breakthrough is not only a reflection of supply-demand imbalance but also a hallmark of value reassessment for the tin industry. Traditional trade models, risk management systems, and supply chain collaboration approaches all urgently require innovative breakthroughs. **III. Technology-Driven and Green Transformation Fostering a New Symbiotic Ecosystem** Digital and intelligent technologies are deeply empowering the tin industry chain. The global green transformation requires the tin industry to upgrade toward low-carbonisation and circular economy models, making recycled tin recovery and green smelting processes an inevitable path. All segments of the industry chain must shift from competition to collaboration, building an open, resilient, and innovative symbiotic system. Against this backdrop, the 2026 SMM (16th) Tin Industry Chain Conference , to be held on August 19-21 in Changsha, Hunan , will bring together global industry elites for in-depth discussions. Dongguan Tenghui Tin Co., Ltd. will attend this grand event, joining industry peers to explore industry development trends and work together to propel the tin industry to new heights. Click the to register now. Join us in witnessing and participating in this extraordinary and far-reaching industry event, and together create a brilliant new chapter! Founded in 2009, Tenghui Tin is located in Dongguan, Guangdong Province. Since its establishment, the company has been dedicated to refined production and deep processing in the solder tin industry. With high-quality products, outstanding reputation, and excellent services, it has earned widespread industry recognition and has grown into a reliable and trusted producer in the industry. Tenghui Tin boasts a professional management team and production team, and has established long-term, stable cooperative relationships with suppliers across the country. The company adheres to reasonable pricing, trustworthiness, and contract compliance, winning the trust of a broad client base. We possess the most comprehensive production equipment and process flows in the industry, with daily refined tin output reaching 30 mt. We are equipped with advanced detection equipment such as desktop Spectro direct-reading spectrometers and handheld spectral guns, enabling us to provide clients with professional detection services. In terms of corporate culture, Tenghui Tin Industry upholds the mission of "cooperating with sincerity, operating with integrity, pursuing excellence in business, dedicating to environmental protection, and becoming China's most professional non-ferrous metal resource recycling enterprise." We pursue excellence, value every detail, and are committed to providing clients with satisfactory value-added services and high-grade products. Every employee of the company understands that clients are the source of our livelihood, and their attention and patronage are the greatest reward for us. We advocate integrity, innovation, quality, and service, always centering on clients. Through continuously improving our technical capabilities and service quality, we strive to provide clients with the best solutions. Tenghui Tin Industry is not merely a producer, but also a socially responsible enterprise. We are dedicated to environmental protection and hope to make positive contributions to society and the environment through our efforts. Whenever you need, just one supply call and we will come to serve you in the shortest time possible. We welcome all organizations, companies, enterprises, and individuals to come and discuss cooperation and inquire about prices. We look forward to joining hands with you to create a bright future together. Main business: Production and sales of national standard white board refined tin, foil tin, 305 tin materials, standard-compliant tin-copper, 0307 tin materials, 63/37 tin materials, national standard silver board, and other products. Contact Information Liao Huaiqing 13714200395 Liao Guoxiong 13828701483 Long press to scan the code and register now 2026 SMM (16th) Tin Industry Chain Conference
May 31, 2026 10:01Against the backdrop of the global energy transition and the accelerating development of the digital economy, silver—a strategic metal with both industrial and financial attributes—is undergoing profound transformation across its industry chain. On one hand, demand for silver from emerging sectors such as PV, NEVs, and 5G communications continues to climb, driving the industry toward higher value-added and greener development. On the other hand, resource constraints, technological barriers, and market fluctuations impose higher demands on industry chain resilience, urgently requiring 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 needs for green production, recycling, and low-carbon technologies. The NDRC's "14th Five-Year Plan for Circular Economy Development" explicitly calls for strengthening the recycling 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 development. Innovation Needs and Industry Pain Points Technological Breakthroughs: Silver purification processes, nano-silver material applications, and scrap recycling technologies urgently need 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 application 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 collaboration 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 on three core topics: technological R&D, supply chain optimization, and market expansion. Through the release of an industry white paper, the establishment of an innovation alliance, and the signing of major projects, the conference aims 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. Quanda New Materials (Ningbo) Co., Ltd. / Ningbo Haoshun Precious Metals Co., Ltd. will attend this grand event to discuss industry development trends with industry peers and jointly propel the silver industry to new heights. Click to register now. Join us in witnessing and participating in this extraordinary and far-reaching industry event, and together create a brilliant new chapter! Quanda New Materials (Ningbo) Co., Ltd. was founded in December 2023 by Mr. Chen Yongda, who has over twenty years of experience in the silver industry, building upon his existing silver distribution business to align with the major trend of silver consumption upgrading in the new era. With a registered capital of 15 million yuan, the company is located in the scenic Xiangshan Chemical Economic and Technological Development Zone in Ningbo. It is a fully automated factory enterprise specializing in the production of silver nitrate using silver as the primary raw material, with a designed capacity of 5,000 mt/year, and is a key supported enterprise of the Xiangshan Chemical Economic and Technological Development Zone in Ningbo. The company boasts strong technical capabilities and an experienced professional team, with advanced production processes and equipment. Relying on five management systems, it maintains strict quality detection procedures and has established an internal R&D center staffed with dozens of mid-to-senior-level professional and technical personnel. The company's product quality is consistently among the leading levels in the domestic peer industry, with products widely applied in military enterprises, the electronics industry, the PV industry, aerospace, and other fields. We are committed to providing clients with more value-added services through quality products, efficient services, and reasonable prices. Contact Information Ms. Shi 13566055239 Address: No. 52 Wentao Road, (Baiyanshan) Park, Xiangshan County, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province Ningbo Haoshun Precious Metals Co., Ltd. is an innovative modern commercial distribution enterprise primarily engaged in the supply of precious metal silver raw materials in China and customized silver crafts services. It is a standing council member of the China General Chamber of Commerce and a vice president unit of the Gold and Silver Branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA). Since its establishment and operation, the company has consistently adhered to the business philosophy of "being down-to-earth, operating with integrity, and achieving mutual benefit." It upholds the business cooperation principle of "creating value together, sharing results together, and winning the future together." After years of development and growth, the company has established long-term and stable cooperative relationships with multiple well-known silver mine enterprises in China. Its supply and sales channels have become stable, and it has selected a group of strategic partners with strength, credibility, quality, and service orientation. It has cultivated a dedicated, responsible, pragmatic, and efficient business team, providing a strong guarantee for the company's steady and high-quality development. Its industry reputation, market influence, and corporate soft power are all gradually strengthening. Its spot silver trading volume has been at the industry-leading level for consecutive years. A modern commercial distribution enterprise with a maturing management mechanism is emerging. Looking ahead, Ningbo Haoshun Precious Metals Co., Ltd. is expected to align with the major trend of silver consumption upgrading in the new era, proactively innovate and adapt, employ flexible and elastic trading models, adopt a strict risk control system, and leverage timely and efficient services. The company will strive to anticipate clients' needs and fulfill their requirements, endeavoring to provide clients with diversified and more value-added services. As the ancients said, " When one calls with the wind at his back, his voice is no louder, yet it is heard more clearly. Ningbo Haoshun Precious Metals Co., Ltd. will stay true to its original mission of serving the National Silver Enterprise Annual Conference. On the road ahead, it will willingly serve as a practitioner of honest and trustworthy trading in the silver industry market, a driver of integrated coexistence and win-win cooperation among enterprises, and a contributor to the steady, prosperous, and sustainable development of the industry. Contact Information Mr. Yao 13817213537 Tel: 0574-88053076 Fax: 0574-88053796 Address: Room 151, Building 22, No. 818 Qiming Road, Yinzhou District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province Press and hold to scan the QR code to register now 2026 SMM (7th) Silver Industry Chain Innovation Conference
May 31, 2026 09:25Preliminary data indicated that global copper mine production in Q1 2026 was basically flat, with copper concentrates production declining by 1.1%, offset by a 3.3% increase in solvent extraction-electrodeposition (SX-EW) production.Although global mine production benefited from additional output from capacity ramp-up at projects in several countries, significant declines in copper concentrates production in Chile, the DRC, and Indonesia offset global growth.In Indonesia, copper concentrates production at the Grasberg mine fell by 42%, as the severe mud inflow event that occurred in September last year continued to impact production at the mine.
May 24, 2026 00:15Jinchengxin (603979) announced on May 22 that the company's equity interest in the Alacran copper-gold-silver mine has increased to 97.5%. Accordingly, the company plans to increase its project construction investment by $178.67 million in proportion to the equity change, bringing the cumulative investment to approximately $409.89 million. Apart from the changes in the company's equity proportion and corresponding investment amount, the investment estimate, construction plan, and other aspects of the Alacran copper-gold-silver mine project remain unchanged.
May 24, 2026 00:13Southern Copper plans to invest $318.6 million to upgrade its Cuajone copper mine in southern Peru to reduce costs and maintain production at this key operating mine.
May 24, 2026 00:12The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) released preliminary data on global copper supply and demand for March 2026 in its monthly bulletin published in May 2026. Preliminary data indicated that global copper mine production in Q1 2026 was basically flat, with copper concentrates production declining by 1.1%, offset by a 3.3% increase in solvent extraction-electrodeposition (SX-EW) production. Although global mine production benefited from additional output driven by capacity ramp-up of projects in several countries, significant declines in copper concentrates production in Chile, the DRC, and Indonesia offset global growth. In Indonesia, copper concentrates production at the Grasberg mine fell by 42%, as the severe mud inflow incident that occurred in September last year continued to affect the mine's production. Chile's mine production declined by 5.8%, with increased production at the Collahuasi and Quebrada Blanca mines offset by production cuts at the Spence, El Teniente, Escondida, and Los Pelambres mines. The DRC's mine production is estimated to have grown by only 0.5%: SX-EW production increased by approximately 10%, but was partially offset by a 36% decline in copper concentrates production due to reduced output at the Kamoa mine (affected by the 2025 earthquake event). In Peru, copper mine production grew by 3.3%, primarily driven by increased production at the Antamina, Las Bambas, and Antapaccay mines, which more than offset production declines at Southern Peru Copper, Quellaveco, and Marcobre. Mongolia's copper concentrates production is estimated to have grown by approximately 36%, benefiting from the capacity ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi underground project. Preliminary data indicated that global copper cathode production grew by approximately 4.5% in Q1 2026, with primary copper (electrolysis and ore electrodeposition) production increasing by 3.8% and secondary copper (from scrap) production increasing by 7.6%. China and the DRC, which currently account for approximately 60% of global production, saw their combined production increase by an estimated 9% (China 8.8%, DRC 10%). Excluding these two countries, global copper cathode production declined by approximately 1.4%. Chile's copper cathode production fell by 11.7%, with copper cathode (from concentrates) production declining by 24% due to smelter operational constraints and maintenance, and electrodeposition copper production declining by 5.7%. Production in Asia (excluding China) is estimated to have declined by 4%, mainly due to production decreases in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. India's production is estimated to have grown by 25%, benefiting from improved capacity utilization rates and the capacity ramp-up of the Adani smelter. Global secondary refined copper production (from scrap) increased by 7.6%, mainly driven by growth in China. Preliminary data indicated that global apparent refined copper usage grew by 0.8% in Q1 2026. Although global usage excluding China was estimated to have grown by 1.7%, China's apparent demand (excluding bonded warehouse/unreported inventory changes) was estimated to be basically flat, affected by a 40% decline in China's net imports of copper cathode. China currently accounts for approximately 58% of total global refined copper usage. The preliminary global refined copper supply-demand balance indicated an oversupply of 396,000 mt in Q1 2026. In compiling the global market balance, ICSG used China's apparent demand calculation method, which does not account for changes in unreported inventories. However, to facilitate global market analysis, an adjustment item has been added to the attached tables — "Global refined copper balance adjusted for Chinese bonded warehouse inventory changes" — which adjusts the global refined copper balance based on the average bonded warehouse inventory change estimates from two Chinese copper market consultancies. In Q1 2026, the global refined copper balance based on China's apparent usage (excluding bonded warehouse/unreported inventory changes) showed a preliminary oversupply of approximately 396,000 mt, compared with an oversupply of approximately 135,000 mt in the same period of 2025. The global refined copper balance adjusted for estimated changes in Chinese bonded warehouse inventories showed a market oversupply of approximately 386,000 mt. Copper Prices and Inventories: Based on the average estimates from two independent consultancies, Chinese bonded warehouse inventories were estimated to have decreased by approximately 10,000 mt from the end of 2025 levels during the first three months of 2026. As of the end of April 2026, copper inventories at major metal exchanges (LME, COMEX, SHFE) totaled 1,148,760 mt, the highest level since January 2003. Inventories increased by 404,648 mt, or 55%, from the end of December 2025, with LME up 253,350 mt, Shanghai Futures Exchange up 46,683 mt, and COMEX up 104,615 mt. The LME spot copper average price in April was $12,891.38 per mt, up 3% from the March average price of $12,498.98 per mt. The 2026 copper price high and low were $14,097 per mt (May 13) and $11,826 per mt (March 19), respectively, with a year-to-date average price of $12,947.22 per mt, up 30% from the 2025 average price. Global Refined Copper Supply and Demand Trends Notes: 1/ Refers to apparent usage 2/ Refined copper balance = production - usage 3/ Seasonally adjusted balance data 4/ Global refined copper balance adjusted for estimated changes in Chinese bonded warehouse inventories (Wenhua Composite)
May 23, 2026 10:41Nickel 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.
May 22, 2026 20:42SMM May 22 update: The "Regulations for the Implementation of the Mineral Resources Law of the People's Republic of China" was recently promulgated and will take effect from June 15, 2026. The tight supply situation on the raw material side remained unchanged. Pr-Nd oxide saw a notable increase on May 21, boosted by major manufacturers' procurement, but underwent a slight correction on May 22 under the influence of inquiries pushing for lower prices. Nevertheless, the recovery in market confidence provided some support for Pr-Nd prices. Demand side, the NEV, wind power, and humanoid robot industries continued to develop favorably, and the market expected promising growth in high performance NdFeB demand. Additionally, after the previous period of adjustment, some market funds flowed back into the rare earth permanent magnet sector, driving a notable rise in the rare earth permanent magnet concept on May 22. As of the close on May 22, the rare earth permanent magnet concept rose 3.14%. In terms of individual stocks: Xiangtan Electric Manufacturing hit the daily limit, while Advanced Technology & Materials, Hanghua Co., Huaxin Technology, Innuovo Technology, and Orient Zirconic Industry led the gains. News [Li Qiang Signs State Council Decree Promulgating the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Mineral Resources Law of the People's Republic of China"] Premier Li Qiang recently signed a State Council decree promulgating the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Mineral Resources Law of the People's Republic of China" (hereinafter referred to as the "Regulations"), which will take effect from June 15, 2026. The Regulations aim to ensure the effective implementation of the revised Mineral Resources Law, promote the rational development and utilization of mineral resources, strengthen the protection of mineral resources and the ecological environment, drive high-quality development of the mining industry, and safeguard mineral resource security. The Regulations consist of 8 chapters and 79 articles, mainly covering the following contents. First, further improving the mining rights system, with specific provisions on the establishment, transfer by tender, renewal, and assignment of mining rights. Second, refining systems related to mineral resource exploration and extraction, including establishing and improving technical standards and normative systems for basic geological surveys, clarifying procedures for applying for exploration permits and mining permits, strengthening land use guarantees for mining, promoting comprehensive utilization of mineral resources, and clarifying the legal effect of mineral resource reserve reports. Third, refining systems related to ecological restoration in mining areas, clarifying that mining right holders are responsible for ecological restoration in mining areas, detailing the contents that ecological restoration plans for mining areas should specify, and stipulating the completion deadlines and acceptance procedures for ecological restoration in mining areas. Fourth, further improving mineral resource reserve and emergency response systems, clarifying the principles to be followed in building a strategic mineral resource reserve system, further refining systems related to strategic mineral resource product reserves, capacity reserves, and production site reserves, and improving emergency response measures for mineral resources. Fifth, further improving the supervision and management system, refining the evaluation system for mineral resource development and utilization levels, implementing registration and tiered and classified supervision for entities engaged in mineral resource exploration, and clarifying dispute resolution mechanisms between mining right holders. Legal responsibilities were improved, specifying that violations involving strategic mineral resources shall be subject to heavier penalties within the statutory range. (Xinhua News Agency) Pr-Nd oxide price pulled back slightly on May 22; dysprosium oxide and terbium oxide prices remained stable Spot market: On May 22, the average price of Pr-Nd oxide edged down 0.57% from the previous trading day. Dysprosium oxide and terbium oxide prices remained flat compared to the previous trading day. Currently, rare earth market prices showed a slight correction. Focusing on the Pr-Nd market, mid-week, magnetic material enterprises conducted a round of concentrated procurement, but as the weekend approached, their inquiry activities decreased significantly, with most inquiries pushing for lower prices. Affected by this, the metal market inquiries came under pressure, and some metal enterprises slightly lowered their quotes. The oxide market was also affected; impacted by metal enterprises' price-pushing inquiries, some traders lowered their quotes. However, market confidence recovered somewhat in the short term, and suppliers had low willingness to sell at lower prices, so the overall decline in Pr-Nd products remained limited. Turning to the medium-heavy rare earth market, although market inquiry activities decreased, suppliers showed little willingness to sell at lower prices. Prices of products such as dysprosium and terbium therefore showed no significant fluctuations, maintaining overall stable operation. Overall, as downstream inquiry activities decreased near the weekend with price-pushing inquiries, Pr-Nd product prices saw a slight correction, while medium-heavy rare earth market prices remained relatively firm with stable overall operation. In the short term, as market trading activity picks up, Pr-Nd product prices are expected to move sideways. Institutional Views Guojin Securities research report noted: Rare earth: From the beginning of the year to date, the price center has been continuously rising, which we believe is likely highly correlated with supply-side policy documents issued from 2024 to 2025, as industry supply-side reform continues to advance. Full-year exports in 2025 were -1% YoY, while exports from early 2026 to date increased significantly, indicating that ex-China restocking demand remains substantial. The rare earth sector will continue to see dual appreciation in valuation and earnings, and 2026 is also a critical year for resolving horizontal competition among key targets. Resource side, we recommend attention to China Rare Earth (medium-heavy rare earth leader, biggest beneficiary of supply reform), China Rare Metals and Rare Earth (undervalued, high-growth South China rare earth leader), China Northern Rare Earth (light rare earth leader, significant cost advantages), Bao Gang United Steel (beneficiary of dual supply reform in rare earth and steel); magnetic material segment beneficiary: JL MAG Rare-Earth (magnetic material leader, robotics contributing growth potential). Other related targets include Zhenghai Magnetic Material and Ningbo Yunsheng. According to a Huaxi Securities research report: per the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), rare earths are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, but mineable reserves are less than most other mineral products. In 2025, global rare earth reserves were estimated at 85 million mt (in rare earth oxide equivalent, same below), of which China's reserves were 44 million mt, accounting for 51.76%. Production side, global rare earth production in 2025 was 380,000 mt, of which China's production was 270,000 mt, accounting for 71.05%. Midstream, 90% of smelting and processing demand in 2025 was handled by China. Downstream, according to Frost & Sullivan's forecast, global rare earth permanent magnet production in 2025 was 310,200 mt, of which sintered NdFeB production was 296,700 mt (95.65%); China's rare earth permanent magnet production was 284,200 mt (91.62% of global production), of which sintered NdFeB production was 271,800 mt (95.64%). Overall, global rare earth resources are highly concentrated, and China ranks first globally in both rare earth production and reserves. On November 7, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs jointly announced that from that date until November 10, 2026, six export control measures involving superhard materials, rare earth-related items, lithium batteries, and artificial graphite anode materials would be temporarily suspended, indicating some easing in China-US relations. The US government is actively rebuilding its domestic rare earth industry chain, with US magnet manufacturer eVAC recently shipping its first batch of NdFeB permanent magnets from its Sumter, South Carolina plant. However, in the short term, global rare earth permanent magnet production remains highly concentrated in China. Considering that ex-China capacity release still requires time and given the scale of China's new capacity, China remains the only country in the world with production capabilities across the entire rare earth industry chain for all product categories. The overall scale of the Western rare earth industry chain is far below that of China, with incomplete industry chains and obvious shortcomings. Looking ahead, although downstream new orders remain weak with most enterprises primarily digesting existing orders, some small and medium-sized enterprises' raw material inventory is approaching low levels, highlighting rigid restocking demand. According to a CITIC Securities research report, in 2025 and Q1 2026, earnings growth in the metals sector generally accelerated, with tungsten, lithium, lead-zinc, and rare earth magnetic materials leading the gains, while aluminum, copper, nickel-cobalt-tin-antimony, and gold performed relatively weakly since the beginning of the year. Current metals sector valuations remain at reasonable levels, with aluminum, copper, nickel-cobalt-tin-antimony, and gold valuations at relatively low levels, and valuation rebounds are still expected. Industry dividends pulled back slightly, but forecast dividend yields for some individual stocks still exceed 5%. Looking ahead to 2026, with liquidity shocks easing, supply disruptions occurring frequently, and certain downstream sectors sustaining relatively high prosperity, it is recommended to continue focusing on allocation opportunities in lithium, copper, rare earth, strategic metals, aluminum, and gold sectors. Recommended Reading:
May 22, 2026 19:36Jinchengxin announced on the evening of May 22 that the company held the 22nd meeting of the 5th Board of Directors on May 8, 2025 and the 2nd Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of 2025 on May 26, 2025, at which the "Proposal on the Planned Investment and Construction of the Alacran Copper-Gold-Silver Mine Project" was reviewed and approved. The company agreed to invest approximately $231 million in the construction of the Alacran copper-gold-silver mine project based on the expected shareholding ratio (55%). Currently, the company's equity interest in the Alacran copper-gold-silver mine has increased to 97.5%, and accordingly the company plans to increase project construction investment by $178.67 million in line with the change in equity ratio, bringing the cumulative investment to approximately $409.89 million. Apart from the aforementioned changes in the company's contribution ratio and corresponding investment amount, the investment estimate, construction plan, and other aspects of the Alacran copper-gold-silver mine project remain unchanged, still based on the feasibility study (FS) of the Alacran copper-gold-silver deposit completed in December 2023 (adopting the NI 43-101 standard). Regarding (1) Project Overview, Jinchengxin announced: Investment project: Alacran copper-gold-silver mine open-pit mining and beneficiation project. Based on the feasibility study (FS) of the Alacran copper-gold-silver deposit completed in December 2023 (adopting the NI 43-101 standard), the main content of the project design is as follows: Design scale: This project is a mining and beneficiation project. The mine adopts open-pit mining, with total ore within the designed pit limit of 97.9 million mt. The mine produces surface oxide ore and previously mined and stockpiled tailings (old tailings), as well as mixed ore and primary ore. For different ore properties, a grinding-flotation plant and a gravity separation plant are designed. The grinding-flotation plant mainly processes primary ore and mixed ore, while the gravity separation plant processes surface oxide ore and old tailings. The grinding-flotation plant has a designed processing capacity of 17,600 mt/day, with final products being copper concentrates and gold-silver concentrates; the gravity separation plant has a designed processing capacity of 2,400 mt/day, with final products being gold-silver concentrates. The project is expected to cumulatively recover 797 million pounds of copper, 550,000 ounces of gold, and 5.35 million ounces of silver. Investment estimate: The project investment estimate is $420.4 million, to be used for open-pit mine infrastructure stripping, mining industrial site, raw ore primary crushing station, coarse ore stockpile, grinding-flotation plant and gravity separation plant, concentrates thickening and filtration system, tailings thickening and conveying system, tailings storage facility, mine roads, water supply system, main step-down substation, external power supply lines, external roads, office and living camp, sewage treatment facilities, etc. Company investment amount: The company plans to invest approximately $409.89 million based on a 97.5% shareholding ratio, an increase of $178.67 million over the previously approved amount. Construction plan and service life: The project construction period is 2 years, and the mine life after completion is expected to be 14.2 years. Economic benefit forecast: The project's after-tax net present value (NPV) is $360 million (discount rate 8%), internal rate of return (IRR) is 23.8%, and the investment payback period is expected to be 3 years. The economic benefit calculation is based on copper prices of $3.99/pound, gold prices of $1,715/ounce, and silver prices of $22.19/ounce. For details on the feasibility study (FS) of the Alacran copper-gold-silver deposit, please refer to the "Jinchengxin Progress Announcement on the San Matias Copper-Gold-Silver Project" released by the company on December 19, 2023. Regarding the impact of this investment on the publicly listed firm, Jinchengxin stated: (1) After the project is put into production, it is expected to have a certain impact on the company's future business development and operating performance, which is conducive to the company's further expansion into the mine resource development field, improving the company's industrial layout, and promoting the company's sustained, stable, and healthy development. (2) This investment in the subsequent construction of the Alacran copper-gold-silver mine project based on the shareholding ratio is in line with the company's long-term development plan, is conducive to promoting the company's sustained, stable, and healthy development, and does not harm the interests of the company and shareholders, especially minority shareholders. Jinchengxin announced on the evening of May 17 that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the company's Alacran copper-gold-silver mine in Colombia recently received formal approval from Colombia's National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA). The company will subsequently fully implement environmental permit requirements to ensure harmonious coexistence between project operations and local communities. Based on the feasibility study completed in December 2023, the Alacran copper-gold-silver mine project is an open-pit mining and beneficiation project with an investment estimate of $420 million, total ore within the designed pit limit of 97.9 million mt, and expected cumulative recovery of 797 million pounds of copper, 550,000 ounces of gold, and 5.35 million ounces of silver. The company previously reviewed and approved an investment of approximately $231 million based on an expected 55% shareholding to construct the project. Currently, the company's equity interest in the Alacran copper-gold-silver mine has increased to 97.5%, and the company will follow the corresponding review procedures for project construction investment in accordance with the company's articles of association and make timely disclosures. Jinchengxin's Q1 2026 report disclosed on April 28 showed: The company achieved total operating revenue of 3.414 billion yuan, up 21.45% YoY; net profit attributable to the parent company was 601 million yuan, up 42.55% YoY. Regarding the reasons for the increase in Q1 operating revenue and net profit, Jinchengxin announced: This was mainly due to increased sales of mineral resource products (copper cathode, copper concentrates, iron ore) and rising copper ore product prices during the period. Jinchengxin's 2025 annual report showed: The company achieved revenue of 13.894 billion yuan in 2025, up 39.74% YoY; net profit attributable to the parent company was 2.339 billion yuan, up 47.66% YoY. Jinchengxin stated in its 2025 annual report: Operating revenue increased 39.74% YoY and net profit attributable to shareholders of the publicly listed firm increased 47.66% YoY during the period, mainly due to increased production and efficiency at captive mine projects in the mine resource development business during the reporting period. In addition, Jinchengxin stated on the interactive platform on April 28 that the company's copper ore product inventory increased at year-end 2025 and at the end of Q1 2026, mainly because the local rainy season (November–April) affected road conditions and transportation on peripheral roads of the Dikulushi copper mine in the DRC, and the produced mineral products had not yet been sold externally. China Post Securities' commentary on Jinchengxin's performance report showed: The resource segment saw volume-driven growth, while the mining services business was slightly dragged down. By business segment, the mine resource business achieved revenue/gross profit of 6.986/3.121 billion yuan in 2025, up 117.67%/130.20% YoY, while the mining services business achieved combined revenue/gross profit of 6.613/1.515 billion yuan, up 1.06%/down 13.47% YoY. The mining business saw both volume and price increases, while the decline in mining services was mainly due to the Lubambe copper mine being converted to an internal unit after acquisition, resulting in reduced recognized revenue and gross profit, and some projects being affected by declining work volumes/production ramp-up. Volume: Copper metal sales in 2025 were 92,700 mt, up 88.16% YoY; phosphate ore sales were 357,400 mt, down 1.00% YoY. The growth in copper metal production and sales was mainly due to the Lonshi copper mine reaching full production, the Dikulushi and Lonshi copper mines exceeding production plans, and the Lubambe copper mine being consolidated for the full year. In 2026Q1, copper metal production/sales were 22,400/18,100 mt, mainly affected by declining grade and the rainy season. Price: Copper prices were up 7.62% YoY in 2025 and up 36.72% YoY in 2026Q1. Production is expected to grow steadily in 2026, with significant long-term expansion potential. In 2026, the company's captive resource projects plan to produce 100,300 mt of copper metal (equivalent) and sell 99,700 mt of copper metal (equivalent), and produce and sell 300,000 mt of phosphate ore; the Yisitanxinshan magnetite project plans to produce and sell 1.25 million mt of iron ore concentrates. In the longer term, the northern mining area of the Liangchahe phosphate mine is expected to be put into use by the end of 2028, with annual capacity expanding from 300,000 mt to 800,000 mt; after the eastern zone of the Lonshi copper mine is put into production, annual production can expand from 40,000 mt to 100,000 mt; the Lubambe copper mine is undergoing technological transformation, and after completion is expected to produce 35,000 mt of copper annually; the company holds a 97.5% equity stake in the San Matias copper-gold-silver mine, which is in the EIA approval stage. Risk warnings: Price fluctuation risks; project progress falling short of expectations; downstream demand falling short of expectations; model assumptions not matching reality; policy risks exceeding expectations, etc.
May 22, 2026 19:36Indonesia has done this before. A commodity export ban, a rush of downstream investment, processing capacity built faster than the upstream can honestly support, and a market that eventually corrects in the most painful way possible. The nickel sector wrote that playbook. The bauxite sector is now following it, page by page, with one additional complication that makes the stakes materially higher.
May 22, 2026 19:02