Every $10 increase in crude oil prices is expected to raise the per-ton extraction cost of large iron ore mines by an average of $0.3, while the cost for small mines is expected to rise by about $2.85. High-cost small mines, especially iron concentrate producers, will be very vulnerable when facing cost shocks, and mines with different product types will face varying degrees of impact.

SMM, April 22: According to SMM, zinc slag payables have remained at elevated levels. What are the reasons behind this? How will they trend going forward?

SMM April 22: Metals market: As of the midday close, domestic market base metals mostly rose. SHFE copper was up 0.12%. SHFE aluminum was up 0.26%. SHFE lead was down 0.59%, and SHFE zinc was up 0.23%. SHFE tin was down 0.58%, and SHFE nickel was up 0.79%. In addition, the most-traded foundry aluminum futures were up 0.17%, and the most-traded alumina contract was up 0.14%. The most-traded lithium carbonate contract was up 0.21%. The most-traded silicon metal contract was up 0.4%. The most-traded polysilicon futures were up 5.24%. Ferrous metals mostly rose. Iron ore was up 0.64%, rebar and hot-rolled coil were both up less than 0.5%, and stainless steel was down 0.1%. Coking coal and coke: the most-traded coking coal contract was up 1.31%, and the most-traded coke contract was up 1.12%. Overseas market base metals, as of 11:48, LME metals were nearly all up. LME copper was up 0.79%. LME aluminum was up 0.59%, LME lead was down 0.26%, and LME zinc was up 0.1%. LME tin was up 1.44%. LME nickel was up 1.02%. Precious metals, as of 11:48, COMEX gold was up 1.2%, and COMEX silver was up 2.04%. Domestic market precious metals: the most-traded SHFE gold contract was down 0.54%, and the most-traded SHFE silver contract was down 1.91%. In addition, as of the midday close, the most-traded platinum futures were down 0.17%, and the most-traded palladium futures were up 0.35%. As of the midday close, the most-traded Europe containerized freight index contract was up 3.92%, at 2,205.7 points. As of 11:48 on April 22, midday futures quotes for selected contracts: Spot cargo and fundamentals Zinc: In the Tianjin market, #0 zinc ingot was mainly traded at 23,980-24,120 yuan/mt, Zijin brand at 24,060-24,140 yuan/mt, and #1 zinc ingot at around 23,980-24,060 yuan/mt. Zijin was quoted at a discount of 30-40 yuan/mt against the 2605 contract. Huzinc was quoted at 25,170 yuan/mt. #0 zinc ingot was quoted at a discount of 50-120 yuan/mt against the 2605 contract. Tianjin was quoted at a discount of around 50 yuan/mt against Shanghai. Macro front China: [Ministry of Emergency Management: China's total work safety accidents dropped significantly in Q1] April 22 - According to the Ministry of Emergency Management, China's total work safety accidents dropped significantly in Q1, with the safety situation in most regions and industry sectors improving notably. Shen Zhanli, Director of the Press and Publicity Department of the Ministry of Emergency Management, said that a total of 3,258 work safety accidents of various types occurred nationwide in Q1, down 26.7% YoY. No extraordinarily serious accidents occurred, but major accidents and significant near-miss incidents were frequent in some regions and industry sectors. Illegal production activities in sectors such as mining, chemicals, fire safety, and fireworks showed signs of resurgence. The pressure to prevent and curb major and extraordinarily serious accidents further increased, and the work safety situation remained challenging. Natural disaster side, China's Q1 was dominated by low-temperature freezing rain and snow, snowstorms, wind and hail, and earthquakes, with droughts, floods, forest fires, and geological disasters also occurring to varying degrees. (Xinhua News Agency) (Jin10 Data) [China Motorcycle Chamber of Commerce: Motorcycle Exports Reached 4.6268 Million Units in Q1] Based on customs data analysis, from January to March 2026, China's motorcycle exports totaled 4.6268 million units, up 13.49% compared to the same period last year, with an export value of $3.014 billion, up 16.93% compared to the same period last year. Latin America was the largest export destination, with exports of 1.4812 million units, down 8.47% YoY, and an export value of $963 million, down 0.99% YoY. Africa saw the largest growth, with exports of 1.753 million units, up 44.95% YoY, and an export value of $949 million, up 48.01% YoY. (Jin10 Data APP) [PV Patent Pool Expert Advisory Committee Inauguration Ceremony and PV Patent Pool Co-building Seminar Held in Beijing] On April 21, the PV Patent Pool Expert Advisory Committee Inauguration Ceremony and PV Patent Pool Co-building Seminar was held in Beijing. The establishment of the Expert Advisory Committee aimed to provide regulatory supervision and guidance over the construction and operation of China's PV patent pool, promoting its lawful, compliant, and healthy development. After prior solicitation, selection, and review, the first batch of 14 experts were selected, covering fields including intellectual property management, PV technology R&D, legal litigation, and antitrust research. At the event, representatives from enterprises including TrinaSolar Co., Ltd., JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd., and Jinko Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. jointly launched the PV patent pool in the TOPCon battery technology field. (National Industrial Information Security Development Research Center) [PBOC Net Injected 5.5 Billion Yuan via Reverse Repo Operations] The PBOC conducted 6 billion yuan of 7-day reverse repo operations today. As 500 million yuan of 7-day reverse repos matured today, a net injection of 5.5 billion yuan was achieved. (Jin10 Data APP) US dollar side: As of 11:48, the US dollar index was up 0.01% at 98.4. Fed Chairman nominee Kevin Warsh rebutted Democrats' concerns that he would become the President's "puppet," repeatedly emphasizing that he would be an independent decision-maker if his nomination was confirmed by the Senate. Warsh stated at the Senate Banking Committee hearing on Tuesday that a series of reforms should be made to how the US Fed makes decisions, including establishing a new inflation response framework and improving communication with the public. But he provided few details and dodged questions about the near-term path of short-term interest rates. (Wallstreetcn) According to CME "FedWatch": the probability of the US Fed raising interest rates by 25 basis points in April was 0%, and the probability of keeping rates unchanged was 100%. The probability of a cumulative 25-basis-point interest rate cut by the US Fed through June was 1.7%, and the probability of keeping rates unchanged was 98.3%. (Jin10 Data) A CITIC Securities research report stated that Warsh's testimony demonstrated the highly difficult balancing act he faces. On one hand, he needs to "please" Trump to a certain extent, thus acknowledging Trump's right to voice opinions on interest rates; on the other hand, he needs to earn the trust of the market and the US Fed internally, thus emphasizing the mission of price stability and the independence of the US Fed. Although Warsh's performance was unsatisfactory when facing questions from Democratic senators, this has a relatively small impact on whether Warsh can succeed Powell. Whether Warsh can successfully pass the Senate Banking Committee vote depends on whether he can secure the support of Republican Senator Tillis. We believe Trump will most likely TACO and withdraw the investigation into Powell to help Warsh pass the Senate vote. Warsh emphasized during the Q&A session that he would not become Trump's "puppet," and the market leaned toward hawkish trading. Warsh's ideas on reforming the US Fed deserve more market attention, especially his proposal that the US Fed needs a new inflation framework and his criticism of the US Fed's current approach to forward guidance. Warsh emphasized that the US Fed should shrink its balance sheet, with interest rates as the primary policy tool. However, we still believe Warsh's plan to shrink the balance sheet requires lengthy preparation, and the pace of implementation will be gradual. A CICC research report stated that Fed Chairman nominee Kevin Warsh attended the Senate Banking Committee hearing, revealing his core policy stance of a dual-track approach of "balance sheet reduction and interest rate cuts": at the balance sheet level, he explicitly opposed normalizing quantitative easing (QE), advocating for a gradual and orderly reduction of the US Fed's balance sheet size, exiting quasi-fiscal functions, and returning it to its monetary policy mandate; at the interest rate level, although he made no explicit commitment, his statements already showed an inclination toward cutting interest rates. In our view, Warsh's policy stance is not only an adjustment to the monetary transmission mechanism but also an extension of the "America First" strategy into the monetary domain amid the wave of deglobalization — shifting from a "global central bank" that endlessly supplies liquidity to the world, toward a new approach that firmly controls the monetary spigot, focuses on domestic productivity, and emphasizes monetary sovereignty. We believe this shift means the narrative of persistently excessive US dollar liquidity will face correction, and assets that purely rely on liquidity-driven gains and benefit from "US dollar over-issuance" may come under pressure. (Jin10 Data) Other currencies: Japan's March imports and exports continued to grow, but the trade outlook for the coming months remains clouded by the Middle East war. Yasuhisa Irie, an economist at Mizuho Securities, said that in the short term, Japan's total import value is likely to remain roughly flat, as supply constraints suppressed imports and high energy prices eroded consumer confidence, thereby limiting demand. Takeshi Minami, an economist at Norinchukin Research Institute, expected the consequences of energy shortages to become more apparent starting in April. Minami said: "Although the Japanese government has begun to release crude oil reserves and claims to have secured alternative procurement routes that do not rely on the Strait of Hormuz, a prolonged blockade could lead to significant economic contraction in emerging markets with smaller oil reserves." He added that this situation is expected to harm the Japanese economy in multiple ways, including a slowdown in economic activity and intensified inflationary pressures. (Jin10 Data) Data: The preliminary eurozone consumer confidence index for April, the UK March CPI monthly rate, and the UK March retail price index monthly rate will be released today. In addition, US Fed Governor Waller will deliver a speech at the Brookings Institution. Crude oil: As of 11:48, oil prices in both markets edged down, with WTI falling 0.22% and Brent falling 0.07%. Oil prices moved sideways as the market weighed the prospects of US-Iran peace negotiations. Data released by the American Petroleum Institute (API) showed that US crude oil inventory declined. For the week ending April 17, API crude oil inventory was -4.47 million barrels (expectations: -1.8 million barrels, previous: 6.101 million barrels). For the same week, API gasoline inventory was -5.165 million barrels (expectations: -1.333 million barrels, previous: 626,000 barrels). (Jin10 Data) Mitsubishi UFJ analyst Lloyd Chan said in a research note that the US-Iran conflict appeared to have shifted into a prolonged stalemate rather than a swift resolution. The senior currency analyst said the US appeared to be using a blockade of Iranian ports to pressure Tehran into a peace deal, or risk further military escalation. Chan said: "For markets, this environment means continued disruption to energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz." The analyst added that pressure points were more evident in oil-sensitive currencies, including the Philippine peso and the Thai baht. (Jin10 Data) A research report from CITIC Securities noted that the recurring tensions in the Strait of Hormuz indicated that the impact of this round of events on the oil shipping market was still unfolding according to a three-phase logic. After a brief reopening on April 17, Iran reimposed the blockade on April 18, indicating that the situation had not yet stabilized. Regardless of how the U.S.-Iran standoff develops going forward, the market is still in the process of the Hormuz blockade shock gradually transmitting to oil shipping fundamentals. Oil shipping freight rates evolved in three stages: rates rose during the conflict period, vessel redeployment lengthened shipping distances and pushed up the freight rate center, and after the reopening, a rush to secure oil may drive freight rates higher for over two months. Currently, the third stage — the inevitable global scramble for crude oil following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — will inevitably transmit to the oil tanker shipping market. (Jin10 Data) Spot Market Overview: ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ►

SMM April 21: As the anti-involution policy continued to advance, the second round of coke price hikes was officially implemented. This, combined with persistently tight spot supply and demand, capacity constraints caused by Daqin Railway maintenance, the highlighted coal substitution advantage driven by high oil prices, and incremental demand from continued increases in hot metal production, created multiple positive factors that drove the coal mining sector to a two-day winning streak. Specifically, on the supply side, the Daqin Railway spring concentrated maintenance restricted north-to-south coal transportation capacity, inventories continued to decline, and the implementation of coke price hikes further transmitted cost support, pushing coal prices steadily upward. On the demand side, a stronger-than-usual off-season pattern emerged, with hot metal production continuing to edge up, coupled with significant YoY and MoM increases in daily consumption at coastal power plants. Restocking demand from the construction materials and other industries was released ahead of the Labour Day holiday, and with power plant inventories at low levels, seasonal restocking demand was activated early. In addition, tensions in the Middle East pushed up international oil prices, highlighting the economic advantage of coal-fired power, while the defensive attributes of the coal sector attracted some capital inflows, jointly driving the sector higher. As of the close on April 21, the sector gained 2.27%, with individual stocks performing actively. Gansu Energy Chemical, Huayang New Material Technology, Yankuang Energy, Shaanxi Coal Industry, and Lu'an Clean Energy led the gains. Futures market: As of the daytime close on April 21, ferrous metals mostly rose, with coking coal up 1.53% and coke up 2.42%. Spot market Hot metal production is expected to continue edging up this week On April 15, the blast furnace operating rate of the 242 steel mills tracked by SMM rose WoW. The sample steel mills' daily average hot metal production increased WoW. Last week, according to the latest SMM survey, no new blast furnace maintenance was reported, and a total of 2 blast furnaces resumed production, mainly concentrated in Shanxi. Currently, blast furnace profits were under pressure, and most steel mills produced normally as planned. The pace of maintenance and production resumptions remained generally stable, with hot metal production staying relatively steady. Looking ahead to this week, hot metal production is expected to continue edging up. Spot market: On April 21, the Linfen low-sulphur coking coal price was quoted at 1,530 yuan/mt. The Tangshan low-sulphur coking coal price was quoted at 1,550 yuan/mt. The nationwide average price of first-grade metallurgical coke (dry quenching) was 1,845 yuan/mt. The nationwide average price of quasi-first-grade metallurgical coke (dry quenching) was 1,705 yuan/mt. The nationwide average price of first-grade metallurgical coke (wet quenching) was 1,490 yuan/mt. The nationwide average price of quasi-first-grade metallurgical coke (wet quenching) was 1,400 yuan/mt. Coking coal market: Production at some mines that had previously cut production recovered somewhat, but major mines were still affected by safety inspections, and the incremental supply of coking coal remained limited. Moreover, futures rallied, market sentiment warmed notably, stimulating some coal grades to stabilize and rebound. In the short term, coking coal prices may hold up well. Coke market: In terms of supply, coke enterprises' per-mt profitability has recovered, production enthusiasm was moderate, shipments were relatively smooth, and in-plant coke inventory remained at low levels. Demand side, steel mills maintained strong production enthusiasm, hot metal production edged up, providing solid just-in-time procurement support for coke. Additionally, with the Labour Day holiday approaching, some steel mills released pre-holiday restocking demand. Overall, the coke supply-demand structure remained tight, and the coke market may hold up well in the short term. Institutional Views A Datong Securities research report showed: on coking coal, driven by downstream restocking and coke price hike expectations, port coking coal prices rose, while mine-mouth coal prices showed some divergence. At ports, Shanxi-origin coking coal warehouse-pickup prices at Jingtang Port rose WoW, while mine-mouth prices generally showed a stable-to-declining trend. Internationally, Australian Peak Downs hard coking coal CFR China prices were flat WoW. In the short term, with continued growth in hot metal production, sentiment boost from coke price hikes being implemented, and downstream restocking demand release, the coking coal market may see slight upward momentum. A Shanxi Securities research report noted: currently, Daqin Line maintenance-related destocking and high landed costs of imported coal supported coal prices. Power plant daily consumption was at seasonal lows, while chemicals, steel mills, and other industries drove coal demand. Attention should be paid to the sustainability of just-in-time procurement from non-power industries and the summer electricity consumption peak after May. Investment recommendation: high uncertainty from US-Iran conflicts corresponds to high volatility, but oil prices are unlikely to decline significantly in the short term. Recovery signals have been confirmed, coal PPI is about to turn positive, coal prices are expected to rise, and coal stocks are poised for a Davis Double Play. A Guohai Securities research report suggested that, from a broader perspective, the supply-side constraint logic for the coal mining industry remains unchanged, while demand may experience periodic fluctuations, with prices also showing certain oscillations and dynamic rebalancing. From the long-term industry development trend, the aforementioned driving factors still exist, and coal prices still have upward momentum over the long term. The process may be tortuous, but the direction should be clear. Leading coal enterprises have high asset quality, abundant cash flows on their books, exhibiting "five highs" — high profitability, high cash flow, high barriers, high dividends, and high margin of safety. Since 2025, multiple central and state-owned coal enterprises have initiated share buyback and asset injection plans for their publicly listed firms, also releasing positive signals, demonstrating confidence in coal enterprise development, and enhancing corporate growth potential and stability. A Guangda Futures research report analyzed: Coking coal: supply side, most mines at production areas operated largely normally. There were reports that Mongolian coal throughput decreased due to factors such as fuel shortages. Recently, downstream buyers moderately restocked raw material coal, and overall inventory continued destocking. Demand side, steel mills maintained high hot metal production, with a preference for coke procurement. The second round of coke price increases was implemented, and coking enterprises restocked some coal grades with higher cost-effectiveness. Coking coal futures are expected to hold up well in the short term. Coke: Supply side, coking enterprises in some regions were constrained in operations due to government ultra-low emission retrofit requirements. Coking enterprises saw good shipments, and coke inventory mostly remained at low levels. Demand side, steel mills had a relatively strong willingness to produce, and mainstream steel mills accepted the second round of coke price increases. Transportation restrictions emerged in some regions, and steel mills experienced continuous destocking, with high procurement enthusiasm. Coke futures are expected to fluctuate upward in the short term. Southwest Futures stated: In the short term, changes in the Middle East situation may still have sentiment impact on futures prices, but the impact on the actual supply-demand pattern of coking coal and coke is relatively small. Coking coal side, production at some mines in major producing areas was affected, but the impact on production was limited. Demand side, the online auction atmosphere improved recently, and quotes for some coal grades were raised. Coke side, some coking enterprises currently cut production, but the change in supply was relatively small; demand side, national daily hot metal production may continue to rebound, and demand expansion provides support for coke prices; the second round of spot coke price increases is being implemented. From a technical perspective, coking coal and coke futures may continue to move sideways in the medium term. Strategy-wise, investors may watch for buying opportunities at low levels and pay attention to position management. Recommended reading:

According to recent SMM on-site surveys, sulphur and sulphuric acid supply in Zambia and the DRC has not experienced significant shortages, and has not yet had a substantive impact on copper and cobalt smelting production in the two regions. Zambia's domestic sulphuric acid supply is self-sufficient, with supply pressure concentrated in the DRC. Currently, raw materials in the DRC can be procured normally, but prices fluctuate at high levels, with the delivery-to-factory price of sulphuric acid ranging from $1,000 to $1,400/mt, reaching a peak of $1,400/mt. Sulphur DAP quotes range from $1,500 to $1,800/mt, and DDP quotes range from $2,300 to $2,500/mt. Dar es Salaam port holds sulphur inventory, mostly held by traders holding back from selling while waiting for higher prices.

On the evening of April 20, Chengtun Mining's Q1 report showed that the company achieved total operating revenue of 9.354 billion yuan, up 65.08% YoY; net profit attributable to the parent company was 1.02 billion yuan, up 250.40% YoY. Regarding the main reasons for the increase in Q1 revenue and net profit, Chengtun Mining stated that the company's main copper products saw higher production and sales volumes YoY, copper prices rose YoY, and profits improved; the company enhanced quality and efficiency in production and operations, controllable costs declined YoY, and performance grew during the period. In addition, Chengtun Mining also announced on April 20 that as of the disclosure date, the cumulative total outstanding external guarantees of the publicly listed firm and its controlling subsidiaries amounted to 10.854 billion yuan, accounting for 65.86% of the most recently audited net assets of the publicly listed firm. Of this, the cumulative total guarantees provided to associates was 172.04 million yuan; the cumulative total guarantees provided to controlling subsidiaries was 10.682 billion yuan, accounting for 64.82% of the most recently audited net assets of the publicly listed firm. None of the company's external guarantees were overdue. Chengtun Mining announced on April 8 that its wholly-owned subsidiary Preeminence Holdings Limited plans to acquire 50% equity of Nkoyi Leopard Mining and Investment Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Novel Mining and Services Limited, a company registered in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE, for $300 million, thereby indirectly obtaining a 30% interest in specific copper-cobalt mining rights located in the DRC. Upon completion of this transaction, Nkoyi will become an associate of the company and will not be consolidated into the financial statements. Under the agreement, Preeminence plans to acquire 50% equity of Nkoyi for $300 million. Nkoyi's wholly-owned subsidiary has entered into a joint venture agreement for specific copper-cobalt mining rights, holding a 60% interest in such mining rights. Therefore, after this transaction, the company will hold a 30% interest in such mining rights. Nkoyi was established in October 2024 and has not yet commenced production or operations; its core asset is the aforementioned 60% interest in the copper-cobalt mine project. The counterparty, Novel Mining, was established in March 2026 and registered in Abu Dhabi, with its core project being the copper-cobalt mining rights. On April 2, Chengtun Mining responded to investor questions on an interactive platform, stating that the company continuously monitors relevant risks in its overseas operating locations, and that its operating projects in the DRC are currently running stably. On April 2, Chengtun Mining responded to investor questions on an interactive platform, stating that to effectively manage price fluctuations of non-ferrous metals and exchange rate risks, the company has adopted multiple risk management measures, including hedging and locking in selling prices of some mine product inventory and copper, gold and other products through bears futures contracts. When market prices of metal products rise, losses are reflected on the futures side. In 2025, market prices of copper, gold and other metals rose significantly, resulting in large unrealized losses on the futures side, which are offset by corresponding gains on the spot cargo side. The futures team will diligently carry out hedging operations in a prudent manner centered on the company's core business within the framework of the company's management systems. Chengtun Mining's previously released 2025 annual report showed that in 2025, the global non-ferrous metals industry entered a new development stage of supply-demand restructuring and value reassessment. Energy metals such as copper, cobalt and nickel were boosted by rigid demand from new energy, AI computing power, global power grid upgrades and other sectors, coupled with rigid supply-side constraints, driving the price center continuously upward. Precious metals such as gold saw a value opportunity amid global geopolitical conflicts and rising safe-haven demand. The new energy battery industry achieved high-quality advancement amid structural opportunities. Facing new industry development opportunities, the company adhered to its resource-oriented and internationalization strategy, deepened its entire industry chain layout of "controlling upstream resources and expanding downstream materials," strengthened operational measures of "controlling costs, focusing on details, and enhancing quality and efficiency," continuously consolidated core capabilities in global resource exploration, construction and operations, and enhanced the industry chain extension value of smelting, processing and materials manufacturing, continuously strengthening operational quality and resilience against cyclical fluctuations amid industry value restructuring. In 2025, the company achieved new breakthroughs in global resource deployment and industry chain operational capabilities. Overseas core projects achieved remarkable results in quality and efficiency improvement. After the completion of the Phase II expansion of the BMS copper smelting project, capacity increased significantly, reaching 120,000 mt in metal content by year-end, with annual production of 106,300 mt in metal content, and the profitability resilience of the copper-cobalt business continued to strengthen. The Kalongwe integrated mining and smelting project in the DRC advanced full-process technological transformation and engineering construction, achieving comprehensive upgrades in product quality control, production energy consumption reduction, comprehensive utilization of resources, and refined cost management. Indonesia's Youshan Nickel maintained stable operations amid industry fluctuations. The domestic segment made progress on multiple fronts: the Guizhou project further released industry chain extension value, Huajin Mining achieved steady growth in gold production, and the Dali Sanxin copper mine construction progressed in an orderly manner. In 2025, the company achieved operating revenue of 30.003 billion yuan, up 16.60% YoY; net profit attributable to shareholders of the publicly listed firm was 1.961 billion yuan, down 2.19% YoY. Chengtun Mining stated in its 2025 annual report that the company is 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 focuses on copper, nickel, cobalt and gold. Its main business segments include energy metals, base metals, metal trading and others. Regarding its main business operations, Chengtun Mining provided the following overview: 1. Energy metals business: During the reporting period, the company's energy metals business achieved revenue of 20.384 billion yuan, with a gross margin of 25.69%, down 2.71 percentage points from the previous year. In 2025, copper products production was 207,400 mt in metal content, up 17.48% from the previous year; copper products revenue reached 14.071 billion yuan, up 34.20% YoY, with a gross margin of 28.88%, down 6.35 percentage points YoY; cobalt products production was 9,200 mt in metal content, down 30.58% from the previous year, with revenue of 1.011 billion yuan, down 30.64% from the previous year, and a gross margin of 53.76%, up 10.21 percentage points from the previous year; nickel products production was 49,400 mt in metal content, up 50.42% from the previous year, with revenue of 4.286 billion yuan, up 13.16% from the previous year, and a gross margin of 0.32%, down 3.25 percentage points from the previous year. (1) Copper-cobalt segment: ① The company actively advanced production, construction, quality improvement and efficiency enhancement of its copper-cobalt segment in the DRC. By the end of the reporting period, the company's total copper capacity in the DRC reached 230,000 mt in metal content per year. The company's copper-cobalt smelting projects CCR and CCM maintained stable production and operations while continuously optimizing process flows, keeping product qualification rates at high levels. BMS successfully completed its Phase II expansion, officially entering the ranks of enterprises with annual copper production capacity of over 120,000 mt in metal content. The Kalongwe copper-cobalt project coordinated full-process technological transformation and engineering construction in 2025, successfully completing the implementation of core technological transformation projects, achieving comprehensive upgrades in product quality control, production energy consumption reduction, comprehensive utilization of resources, and refined cost management, with significant cost reduction and efficiency improvement results. ② Dali Sanxin actively processed mine construction-related permits and has obtained the project approval report, among others. Land use and safety and environmental assessment procedures are progressing steadily. ③ During the reporting period, the company actively sought sustainable resource security through exploration in high-potential areas and pursuing acquisitive copper ore resource M&A and cooperation opportunities. (2) Indonesia nickel segment: During the reporting period, the Youshan Nickel project achieved stable production and operations. In 2025, nickel prices fluctuated downward overall under an oversupply pattern, with a rebound at year-end due to Indonesian policy disruptions. Through comprehensive measures including improving management, optimizing production processes, and rationally arranging production and operations, as well as forming industry chain synergies with related domestic industries, the industry chain's risk resistance was enhanced. The company will continue to seek further development opportunities in the nickel segment on both the mine resource side and the smelting side. (3) Deep processing and materials segment: ① In 2025, amid the severe raw material shortage caused by the DRC's "cobalt export ban," Kelixin achieved value maximization through precise control of production and shipments pace and efficient allocation of limited raw material resources. ② Zhonghe Nickel optimized process technology, further advanced refined management of production sites, achieved results in process control of high-magnesium slag-type materials, and improved the system's adaptability to raw materials from multiple channels. ③ As of the end of December 2025, the Guizhou Phase I project completed its capacity ramp-up and achieved full-capacity operation, while the Guizhou Phase II project construction was actively progressing. The company conducted systematic process benchmarking, further optimized system process flows, strengthened refined management and control requirements for various tasks, and ensured continuous and stable operation of production systems. 2. Base metals business: (1) During the reporting period, Chengtun Zinc & Germanium's zinc smelting operated at full capacity and comprehensively recovered valuable metals including germanium, silver, copper, indium and gold. Germanium product production increased 37.18% YoY, and the industrialisation of indium metal comprehensive recovery achieved phased success. A breakthrough was achieved in smelting furnace control technology, with slag processing volume and valuable metal recovery rates steadily improving, and economic benefits significantly enhanced. (2) During the reporting period, the company actively advanced the processing of domestic mine permits to ensure orderly construction. Baoshan Hengyuan Xinmao obtained the provincial NDRC's approval for the mining engineering project in September 2025. Huajin Mining operated according to plan in 2025, selling 320.75 kg of gold and achieving revenue of 244 million yuan. 3. Metal trading business and others: During the reporting period, metal trading achieved operating revenue of 999 million yuan, down 24.46% YoY, accounting for only 3.33% of total revenue. Currently, the company's main business scale is growing steadily. While the scale and proportion of industrial production and manufacturing have increased, the trading business scale has been gradually reduced, achieving good results on the path of high-quality, sustained and stable development. Regarding the company's business plan, Chengtun Mining stated: In 2026, the company's production and operation targets are: copper products production of 230,000 mt in metal content; cobalt products production of 15,000 mt in metal content; nickel products production of 60,000 mt in metal content; zinc products production of 300,000 mt; and gold products production of 380 kg. In other areas, domestic mines include continuing to advance the full-scale construction and commissioning of the Dali Sanxin copper mine, proceeding with the Baoshan Hengyuan Xinmao mining project construction as planned, increasing Huajin Mining production, and achieving full commissioning of the Guizhou Phase II project. Given the complex and volatile market environment, this business plan serves only as a guiding indicator, is subject to uncertainties, and does not constitute a commitment to achieving the stated production targets. To safeguard the interests of all shareholders, the company reserves the right to revise this business plan in a timely manner based on changes in market conditions, industry policy adjustments, and actual production and operational needs. Investors are advised to pay close attention to industry-specific risks, rationally recognize the uncertainties of forecast information, and make prudent investment decisions. Citi raised its 0-3 month copper price forecast to $13,000 per mt. ANZ believes that demand resilience driven by the energy transition and data center growth will keep the market at a 4%-5% supply gap, thereby supporting copper prices. A Huafu Securities research report dated March 8 showed: Copper — short-term, expectations for US Fed interest rate cuts persist, and the tight fundamental landscape continues to support copper prices; medium and long-term, as deeper US Fed interest rate cuts boost investment and consumption while opening up room for China's monetary policy, coupled with potential inflationary rebound from the Trump administration's possible fiscal easing, the copper price center is expected to shift upward, and strong new energy demand will widen the supply-demand gap, maintaining a bullish outlook on copper prices. Aluminum — short-term, aluminum prices are mainly driven by macro sentiment and capital flows. Currently, the extent of aluminum price gains will depend on the duration of the strait blockade; if the shipping disruption is brief, the impact on prices should be limited, but a prolonged blockade could push aluminum prices to new highs. Individual stocks: Copper — focus on Zijin, CMOC, JCC, Chengtun Mining, Zangge, Jchx and Beibu-Gulf Copper, and H-shares focus on China Nonferrous Mining and Minmetals, etc. Aluminum — focus on Hongqiao Holdings, Tianshan, Yunnan Aluminum, Shenhuo, Huatong and Zhongfu, etc.

On April 20 (Monday), two industry sources said that Zambia's two largest copper smelters and sulphuric acid producers plan to carry out extended maintenance shutdowns later this year, which will further squeeze the country's copper production and the supply of sulphuric acid used to process copper and cobalt. The Iran war has disrupted global supplies of this critical acid and other leaching chemicals, forcing mines in neighboring Congo, the world's largest cobalt producer and second-largest copper producer, to reduce usage or consider production cuts. Zambia's mining ministry said that, as Africa's second-largest producer of critical metals needed for clean energy technologies, the country's copper smelters generate approximately 2 million mt of sulphuric acid annually, mainly as a by-product for use by local mines, with the surplus exported to the DRC. First Quantum Minerals' country head in Zambia said that Zambia's own sulphuric acid inventory had been severely depleted, leaving virtually no export capacity. Meanwhile, miners in neighboring DRC were also struggling to cope with tightening chemical supplies. *Mopani's long-overdue maintenance* A chemicals trader said that although copper smelters typically shut down for about 30 days each year for routine maintenance, Mopani and Chambishi copper mines will face longer shutdowns this year. A mining executive said Mopani copper mine had not undergone maintenance for some time and plans to shut down for three days in June, followed by an extended shutdown of approximately 40-45 days, August-mid-September. The chemicals trader said Chambishi copper mine plans to shut down for approximately two months throughout August, but did not elaborate on the reasons for the planned extended shutdown. Zambia tightened controls on sulphuric acid exports this month, requiring traders to obtain permits. The country said the move was aimed at protecting domestic industries. First Quantum's Zambia country director Anthony Mukutuma said the measures were reasonable but exports were unlikely in the short term. *Global copper supply expected to decline* Global copper supply will tighten this year as years of underinvestment have constrained mine production growth. Zambia produced 890,346 mt of the red metal last year, falling short of the 1 million mt target. Meanwhile, according to shipping data, Congo's copper exports declined in Q1 this year. The mining executive said Mopani copper mine was operating well below its 225,000 mt finished copper capacity due to a shortage of copper concentrates caused by years of underinvestment. The executive said the main owner, UAE-based International Resources Holding, was simultaneously developing and mining the mine, which forced intermittent production stoppages and further constrained output. (Wenhua Consolidated)

[Zinc Ingot Imports Surged Beyond Expectations in March — How Will April Trade Flows Unfold?] According to the latest customs data, refined zinc imports in March 2026 totaled 14,400 mt, up 9,900 mt or 220.14% MoM and down 47.53% YoY. Cumulative refined zinc imports from January to March reached 43,000 mt, down 57.32% YoY. Refined zinc exports in March were 4,700 mt, resulting in net exports of 32,500 mt of refined zinc from January to March.

[Iran Conflict Triggered Aluminum Supply Deficit, Japanese Automakers Under Pressure] Affected by the conflict in Iran, critical shipping lanes were disrupted, forcing Japanese enterprises to cut production and urgently seek alternative supply channels. Japan was highly dependent on aluminum material imports from the Middle East, with approximately 70% of the country's automakers' aluminum semis imports coming from the Middle East region, among which automakers and parts producers such as Toyota and Denso were hit the hardest. Since the outbreak of the Iran conflict in late February, Japan's aluminum alloy prices had risen by approximately 13%.

[SMM Brass Billet News Flash] This week (4.10-4.16), the operating rate of the brass billet industry was recorded at 53.68%, down 1.03 percentage points WoW. Copper prices fluctuated at highs, market trading was subdued, and new orders weakened; recycled brass raw materials remained tight, raw material inventories fell to 4.31 days, and finished product inventories rose to 5.42 days. The operating rate is expected to continue declining by 0.32 percentage points WoW to 53.36% next week (4.17-4.23).