Recently, a significant breakthrough has been achieved in hydrogen energy technology: The new-type supported catalyst introduced by the Yong Hydrogen team has reduced the iridium usage in PEM electrolyzers from 1.0 mg/cm² to 0.3 mg/cm², resulting in a 70% cost reduction. This technology was jointly developed by the University of Oxford and the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute, utilizing inexpensive carriers to replace the core, thereby increasing the iridium utilization rate to over 90%. This advancement may address the global scarcity of iridium resources, significantly reduce the cost of PEM hydrogen production, and accelerate its commercialization process.

[SMM Analysis: Iridium Usage in PEM Electrolyzers Drops by 70%, Yong Hydrogen Team's New-Type Catalyst Ushers in a New Era of Cost Reduction in Hydrogen Production] Recently, a significant breakthrough has been achieved in hydrogen energy technology: The new-type supported catalyst introduced by the Yong Hydrogen team has reduced the iridium usage in PEM electrolyzers from 1.0 mg/cm² to 0.3 mg/cm², resulting in a 70% cost reduction. This technology was jointly developed by the University of Oxford and the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute, utilizing inexpensive carriers to replace the core, thereby increasing the iridium utilization rate to over 90%. This advancement may address the global scarcity of iridium resources, significantly reduce the cost of PEM hydrogen production, and accelerate its commercialization process.

【SMM Daily Review: Market Remains Stable After Holiday, Ferrochrome Output Expected to Increase】On May 6, 2025, the ex-factory price of high-carbon ferrochrome in Inner Mongolia was 8,100-8,200 yuan/mt (50% metal content), unchanged from the previous trading day...

Due to the recent continuous rise in chrome ore and sulphuric acid prices, leading to increasing production costs, in order to coordinate the production development of both parties and maintain a good business relationship, our company, adhering to the principle of mutual benefit, hereby adjusts the selling prices of the following products effective immediately: the price of metallic chrome will be increased by 5,000 yuan/mt on the original basis.

According to the SMM survey, Indonesia's ESDM (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources) issued two decrees numbered 80.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2025 and 72.K/MB.01/MM.B/2025. Decree No. 80.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2025 announced a new calculation method for HMA prices of metallic minerals, while Decree No. 72.K/MB.01/MM.B/2025 clarified the HPM price calculation for eight nickel-related products, including nickel ore, NPI, and mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP).

Energy is shifting to clean sources of solar, wind, and electric vehicles much faster than ever. Governments and companies are doubling down on their sustainability ambitions, as the demand for these key raw materials-the thought leaders in the pack are copper, aluminum, and nickel-is taking off. These are the metals on which a new energy economy will be built-from the production of solar panels and wind turbines to the assembly of EV batteries. So, how do businesses in manufacturing, construction, and energy make purchase decisions to account for such changes in the market and pricing?

【Dowell Technology: Estimated Net Profit of 88 to 132 Million Yuan for the First Half of 2024, Capacity Release of Copper and Cobalt Products】Dowell Technology's earnings forecast for the first half of 2024 shows that the net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company is estimated to range from 88 million yuan to 132 million yuan. During the reporting period, the company's main copper and cobalt product capacity has been released, leading to an increase in production and the emergence of comprehensive scale benefits: cathode copper production reached 19,674 tons, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 61%; cobalt intermediate production reached 793 tons of metal content, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 510%. During the reporting period, the market price of metal copper continued to improve.

CMOC Group's 2023 annual report released on the evening of March 22 shows that the company achieved operating income of 186.3 billion yuan in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 8%; net profit attributable to the parent company was 8.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 36%, both hitting record highs.

The current price of metal is the focus of market attention, especially copper price and aluminum price. Metal price fluctuations are often influenced by a variety of reasons, but it does provide opportunities for followers of base metal prices. If people can find new competitive advantages in this opportunity and adopt flexible strategies to respond, sustainable development should be just around the corner.

On February 23, the traded price of quasi-first grade metallurgical coke (coke dry quenching) in Lvliang city, Shanxi province was 2,890 yuan/mt (ex-factory).