Core Viewpoint - Salt Lake Co. has officially entered the commissioning phase of its 40,000 tons/year integrated lithium salt project, successfully producing qualified battery-grade lithium carbonate products, marking a significant step in its strategy to expand lithium production as part of the "14th Five-Year Plan" for ecological salt lake industry development [2] Group 1 - The 40,000 tons/year integrated lithium salt project is a key initiative to enhance the company's production capacity and market competitiveness in the lithium salt sector [2] - As of the announcement date, the project is nearly completed, with key devices such as the lithium adsorption device successfully producing qualified liquid, and the nanofiltration reverse osmosis system completing membrane installation and water linkage [2] - The successful commissioning of this project will further increase the company's production scale in the lithium salt field, enhancing its market competitiveness, profitability, and risk resistance [2] Group 2 - The smooth progress of this project provides core support for the high-quality development of the company's ecological salt lake industry and injects strong momentum for sustainable development [2]

Core Viewpoint - Salt Lake Co., Ltd. has shown a mixed performance in stock price and financial results, with a notable increase in net profit despite a decline in revenue [1][2]. Financial Performance - As of June 30, 2025, Salt Lake Co. achieved operating revenue of 6.781 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 6.30% [2]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders reached 2.515 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 13.69% [2]. - Cumulative cash dividends since the company's A-share listing amount to 5.306 billion yuan, with no dividends distributed in the past three years [3]. Stock Market Activity - On September 29, 2023, the stock price increased by 2.09%, reaching 20.00 yuan per share, with a trading volume of 450 million yuan [1]. - The stock has risen by 21.51% year-to-date, with a 2.15% increase over the last five trading days [1]. - The company has a total market capitalization of 105.831 billion yuan [1]. Shareholder Information - As of June 30, 2025, the number of shareholders decreased to 201,000, a reduction of 6.24% [2]. - The average number of circulating shares per shareholder increased to 26,327 shares, up by 6.66% [2]. - Hong Kong Central Clearing Limited is the eighth largest circulating shareholder, holding 126 million shares, an increase of 27.617 million shares from the previous period [3]. Business Overview - Salt Lake Co. specializes in the development, production, and sales of potassium fertilizers and lithium salts, with potassium products accounting for 79.16% of revenue and lithium products 18.32% [1]. - The company is classified under the basic chemicals industry, specifically in the agricultural chemical products sector, focusing on potassium fertilizers [1].

Macro Economic Group - In the first eight months of the year, the total profit of industrial enterprises above designated size reached 46,930 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 0.9%, marking the first positive growth since April this year, with a recovery of 2.6 percentage points compared to January-July [3] - In August, the profit of industrial enterprises increased by 20.4% year-on-year, a significant rebound of 21.9 percentage points compared to July [3] - The profit margin of industrial enterprises was 5.24% in the first eight months, up from 5.15% in July, while the manufacturing sector's profit margin was 4.53%, up from 4.46% in July [3] Industry Overview - The industries with the highest year-on-year growth rates from January to August include transportation equipment manufacturing, non-ferrous metals, and electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing, while the lowest growth rates were seen in coal mining, steel, furniture manufacturing, and textile and apparel industries [4] - Notable improvements in year-on-year growth in August were observed in the liquor, beverage, and refined tea manufacturing, steel, non-ferrous metals, chemical fiber, and transportation equipment manufacturing sectors [4] - The cement industry is expected to reduce inefficient clinker production capacity by about 10% this year, with the overall capacity utilization rate currently at around 50% [7] Advanced Manufacturing Group - The Ministry of Transport and other departments have issued the "Implementation Opinions on 'Artificial Intelligence + Transportation'", aiming to establish a smart integrated transportation network by 2030 [11] - The demand for energy storage has exceeded expectations this year, driven by the expansion of new energy and the introduction of capacity price policies, leading to improved internal rate of return (IRR) for energy storage [12] - The lithium extraction capacity from salt lakes in China is expected to significantly increase, with major companies accelerating project layouts, which may lead to a decrease in lithium carbonate prices [13]

Core Viewpoint - The successful launch of the "4+2" ten-thousand-ton lithium salt project by China Salt Lake marks a significant achievement in enhancing China's lithium resource supply stability and technological capabilities, contributing to the green low-carbon circular economy in Qinghai Province [3][4]. Group 1 - The "4+2" ten-thousand-ton lithium salt project was successfully launched in Golmud City, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province on September 28 [3]. - The project utilizes globally leading technology, which will enhance China's lithium resource supply stability and technical equipment levels [4]. - The project is part of China Minmetals' strategy to support the integration of the entire metal mining industry chain, positioning China Salt Lake as a key player in the new energy industry chain [4]. Group 2 - China Salt Lake Industrial Group, established in February, consists of three companies: Qinghai Salt Lake Industry Co., Qinghai Huixin Asset Management Co., and Minmetals Salt Lake Co., with a registered capital of 10 billion RMB [4]. - The group has a production capacity of 5.8 ten-thousand tons of lithium salt and 5.3 million tons of potassium fertilizer annually, making it the largest potassium salt and salt lake lithium salt production base in China [5]. - Future plans include maximizing the comprehensive utilization value of salt lake resources by transforming resources into materials, materials into products, and products into production lines [5].

Core Viewpoint - The announcement highlights the commencement of trial production for a 40,000 tons/year integrated lithium salt project by Qinghai Salt Lake Industry Co., Ltd, which aims to enhance the company's lithium salt production capacity and market competitiveness [1]. Summary by Relevant Sections Project Development - The 40,000 tons/year integrated lithium salt project has been substantially completed, with key components such as the lithium adsorption device successfully producing qualified liquid [1]. - The nanofiltration and reverse osmosis systems have completed membrane installation and water linkage, while core equipment for lithium precipitation and auxiliary projects has undergone individual trial runs [1]. Production Capacity and Market Impact - The trial production phase has officially begun, yielding qualified battery-grade lithium carbonate products [1]. - This project is expected to significantly boost the company's lithium salt production capacity, enhancing its market competitiveness, profitability, and risk resilience [1]. Strategic Importance - The project aligns with the company's "14th Five-Year" ecological salt lake industry development plan, specifically the strategy to expand lithium production [1]. - It is positioned as a core support for the high-quality development of the ecological salt lake industry and contributes to sustainable development in the salt lake sector [1].

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. Core Views of the Report - The gold market has strong performance, with prices hitting new highs, and the silver increase is greater than that of gold. The market focuses on the US government shutdown risk and Trump's tariff risk. The short - term gold price is expected to run at a high level with increased volatility [3][14]. - The treasury bond futures are in the stage of shock bottom - building. After adjustment, the bond market valuation is gradually reasonable. The bond market will gradually desensitize to negative factors and return to fundamental trading [16]. - The demand for动力煤is weak, and the price is expected to remain near the long - term agreement price. Attention should be paid to coal supply policies [4][19]. - The iron ore price is expected to continue the box - type shock, and the trend market needs to wait. Attention should be paid to the demand for finished products after the National Day and the changes in coal supply policies [22]. - The palm oil production in Malaysia is expected to decline in September, and the inventory - building pressure will slow down significantly. It is recommended to wait and see before the National Day [23][24]. - The downward space of Zhengzhou sugar is limited, and there may be a weak rebound in the fourth quarter [29]. - The external cotton market is under seasonal supply pressure, and the domestic new cotton harvest will face challenges in downstream demand. The market pressure in the fourth quarter is large [33]. - The coking coal and coke market shows different trends between spot and futures before the festival. The spot price rises due to pre - festival stockpiling, while the futures are worried about post - festival demand and show a shock trend [34]. - The supply and demand of豆粕is weak, and the future price is mainly driven by policies. Attention should be paid to the USDA quarterly inventory report, South American weather and Sino - US relations [38]. - The steel price has limited upward space and needs to pay attention to the callback risk. It is recommended to take a light - position shock approach before the festival [40][41]. - The starch price difference may be undervalued, and there may be a safety margin for widening at low prices [43]. - The medium - term view of玉米is bearish, and the 11 - contract may decline more than the 01 - contract after the National Day [44]. - The red date futures price has risen sharply, and it is recommended to operate short - term. Attention should be paid to the development of jujube fruits in the production area and downstream consumption [47]. - The lithium carbonate price may decline in the long - term under the pressure of inventory - building at the end of the year, but the decline space is limited in the peak season before the actual resumption of production [50]. - The lead price is expected to remain in shock in the short - term, and it is recommended to lay out long positions at low prices and pay attention to positive arbitrage opportunities [52]. - The zinc price decline space is limited, and it is recommended to wait and see on the single - side and pay attention to positive arbitrage opportunities [54]. - The PX price will be in shock adjustment in the short - term [56]. - The PTA price is in a shock trend, and it is recommended to adopt a band strategy [59]. - The downward space of the caustic soda futures price is limited [62]. - The paper pulp market is expected to be in a weak shock [64]. - The PVC fundamentals are weak, but the downward space is limited. Attention should be paid to domestic policy benefits [65]. - The fundamentals of苯乙烯are weak in the fourth quarter, and attention should be paid to whether the sentiment can be boosted [67]. - The soda ash price is recommended to be shorted at high prices, and attention should be paid to supply disturbances [68]. - It is recommended to pay attention to the arbitrage opportunity of going long on glass 2601 and shorting on soda ash 2601 [70]. - The container freight index fluctuates greatly before the festival, and it is recommended to wait and see in the short - term [72][73]. Summary by Directory 1. Financial News and Comments 1.1 Macro Strategy (Gold) - Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin is cautious about the prospect of interest rate cuts. Fed Governor Michelle Bowman believes that decisive action is needed to cut interest rates. The US 8 - month core PCE price index increased by 0.2% month - on - month [12][13][14]. - The gold price fluctuated and closed higher on Friday, hitting a new high. The precious metals and non - ferrous metals were strong, and silver rose more than gold. The market focuses on the US government shutdown risk and Trump's tariff risk. It is recommended to reduce positions before the holiday [14][15]. 1.2 Macro Strategy (Treasury Bond Futures) - The central bank carried out 165.8 billion yuan of 7 - day reverse repurchase operations and 600 billion yuan of 14 - day reverse repurchase operations, with a net investment of 411.5 billion yuan on the same day [16]. - Some institutions may choose to hold cash for the holiday due to concerns about the new regulations on public bond funds. However, the impact is limited. The treasury bond futures are in the stage of shock bottom - building, and it is recommended to take a shock approach in the short - term [16][17]. 2. Commodity News and Comments 2.1 Black Metal (动力煤) - Some coal mines stopped or reduced production at the end of the month, and the supply decreased slightly. The downstream only maintained rigid demand procurement, and the port coal price stagnated and declined this week [18]. - The demand is weak, and the price is expected to remain near the long - term agreement price. Attention should be paid to coal supply policies [19]. 2.2 Black Metal (Iron Ore) - The construction of the Simandou project has made breakthroughs, and the equipment production and shipment are advancing simultaneously [20]. - The iron ore price is in a shock market, and it is expected to continue the box - type shock. Attention should be paid to the demand for finished products after the National Day and the changes in coal supply policies [22]. 2.3 Agricultural Products (Soybean Oil/Rapeseed Oil/Palm Oil) - From September 1 to 25, the palm oil production in Malaysia decreased by 4.14% month - on - month [23]. - The palm oil production in Malaysia is expected to decline in September, and the inventory - building pressure will slow down significantly. It is recommended to wait and see before the National Day [23][24]. 2.4 Agricultural Products (Sugar) - As of the week of September 24, the amount of sugar waiting to be shipped at Brazilian ports was 3.1039 million tons, a decrease of 5.44% from the previous week [25]. - In the 25/26 sugar - making season, 3 sugar mills in Xinjiang have started operation. The sugar production in Xinjiang is expected to be about 700,000 tons [26]. - The market expects that the sugar production in the central and southern regions of Brazil will increase by 15% year - on - year in the first half of September. The downward space of Zhengzhou sugar is limited, and there may be a weak rebound in the fourth quarter [28][29]. 2.5 Agricultural Products (Cotton) - The CCI in India may purchase cotton without limit due to the low cotton price. The new cotton in India has been on the market, and the cotton price in the northern region has dropped by about 5 - 6% in the past two weeks [30]. - The export signing volume of US cotton decreased in the week of September 12 - 18, and the shipment volume increased. The external cotton market is under seasonal supply pressure, and the domestic new cotton harvest will face challenges in downstream demand. The market pressure in the fourth quarter is large [32][33]. 2.6 Black Metal (Coking Coal/Coke) - The price of coking coal in the Linfen Anze market remained stable. Before the festival, the coking coal market showed different trends between spot and futures. The spot price rose due to pre - festival stockpiling, while the futures were worried about post - festival demand and showed a shock trend [34]. 2.7 Agricultural Products (豆粕) - It is estimated that the soybean crushing volume in China will be 9.42 million tons in October, and the arrival volume of imported soybeans is expected to be 9.49 million tons, 8.5 million tons, and 8 million tons from October to December respectively [35][36]. - The supply and demand of豆粕is weak, and the future price is mainly driven by policies. Attention should be paid to the USDA quarterly inventory report, South American weather and Sino - US relations [38]. 2.8 Black Metal (Rebar/Hot - Rolled Coil) - The daily average pig iron output of 247 steel mills increased to 2.42 million tons. The inventory of five major varieties decreased slightly this week, and the demand for building materials increased seasonally, but the demand elasticity is not optimistic. The steel price has limited upward space and needs to pay attention to the callback risk. It is recommended to take a light - position shock approach before the festival [39][40][41]. 2.9 Agricultural Products (Corn Starch) - The theoretical profits of corn starch enterprises in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Hebei, and Shandong on September 22 were - 55 yuan/ton, - 179 yuan/ton, 7 yuan/ton, and - 82 yuan/ton respectively [42]. - The starch price difference may be undervalued, and there may be a safety margin for widening at low prices [43]. 2.10 Agricultural Products (Corn) - As of September 25, the average inventory of feed enterprises was 26.01 days, a decrease of 0.57% from the previous week [44]. - The medium - term view of玉米is bearish, and the 11 - contract may decline more than the 01 - contract after the National Day [44]. 2.11 Agricultural Products (Red Dates) - The price of red dates in the Guangzhou Ruyifang market fluctuated slightly. The futures price of red dates rose sharply, and it is recommended to operate short - term. Attention should be paid to the development of jujube fruits in the production area and downstream consumption [45][47]. 2.12 Non - Ferrous Metals (Lithium Carbonate) - Longpan Times stopped production on September 25 and is expected to resume production in November. Salt Lake Co., Ltd.'s 40,000 - ton/year basic lithium salt integration project started trial production, and Tianqi Lithium's 30,000 - ton battery - grade lithium hydroxide project was officially put into operation [48][49][50]. - The lithium carbonate price may decline in the long - term under the pressure of inventory - building at the end of the year, but the decline space is limited in the peak season before the actual resumption of production [50]. 2.13 Non - Ferrous Metals (Lead) - On September 26, the LME 0 - 3 lead was at a discount of $41.63/ton. The lead price is expected to remain in shock in the short - term, and it is recommended to lay out long positions at low prices and pay attention to positive arbitrage opportunities [51][52]. 2.14 Non - Ferrous Metals (Zinc) - On September 26, the LME 0 - 3 zinc was at a premium of $39.84/ton. The zinc price decline space is limited, and it is recommended to wait and see on the single - side and pay attention to positive arbitrage opportunities [53][54]. 2.15 Energy Chemical Industry (PX) - A refinery in the northeast plans to shut down its reforming unit for about 10 days starting from September 27. The PX price will be in shock adjustment in the short - term [55][56]. 2.16 Energy Chemical Industry (PTA) - The negotiation in the PTA spot market weakened, and the basis loosened. The PTA price is in a shock trend, and it is recommended to adopt a band strategy [57][59]. 2.17 Energy Chemical Industry (Caustic Soda) - On September 26, the price of liquid caustic soda in Shandong decreased locally. The downward space of the caustic soda futures price is limited [60][62]. 2.18 Energy Chemical Industry (Paper Pulp) - The price of imported wood pulp in the spot market was mainly stable. The paper pulp market is expected to be in a weak shock [63][64]. 2.19 Energy Chemical Industry (PVC) - The price of PVC powder in the domestic market was weakly sorted. The PVC fundamentals are weak, but the downward space is limited. Attention should be paid to domestic policy benefits [65]. 2.20 Energy Chemical Industry (Styrene) - The weekly consumption of styrene's main downstream products decreased by 4.46% from the previous week. The fundamentals of苯乙烯are weak in the fourth quarter, and attention should be paid to whether the sentiment can be boosted [66][67]. 2.21 Energy Chemical Industry (Soda Ash) - On September 26, the price of soda ash in the South China market remained stable. The soda ash price is recommended to be shorted at high prices, and attention should be paid to supply disturbances [67][68]. 2.22 Energy Chemical Industry (Float Glass) - On September 26, the price of float glass in the Shahe market increased. It is recommended to pay attention to the arbitrage opportunity of going long on glass 2601 and shorting on soda ash 2601 [69][70]. 2.23 Shipping Index (Container Freight) - The EU's shipping fuel regulations have "killed" the demand for methanol - powered ships. Before the festival, the container freight index fluctuated greatly, and it is recommended to wait and see in the short - term [71][72][73].

Group 1 - Salt Lake Co. announced that its 40,000 tons/year lithium salt integration project has entered the trial production phase, producing qualified battery-grade lithium carbonate [1] - The project marks a breakthrough in the industrialization of lithium extraction technology from salt lakes in China, enhancing the company's production capacity and market competitiveness [1] - Long-term prospects indicate that Salt Lake Co. could become a contender for pricing power in the global lithium salt market due to its resource monopoly and cost advantages, although water resource limitations need to be considered [1] Group 2 - Boqian New Materials signed a strategic cooperation agreement to sell 5,420 to 6,495 tons of nickel powder products to Company X, with estimated sales revenue between 4.3 billion to 5 billion yuan from August 2025 to December 2029 [2] - This agreement is expected to positively impact the company's operating performance in the current and future periods, establishing a long-term stable relationship with a key customer [2] - The deal highlights the high-end nickel powder technology barrier and significantly enhances performance certainty, although attention should be paid to capacity digestion and customer concentration risks [2] Group 3 - Zhiguang Electric is planning to acquire all or part of the minority equity of its subsidiary Zhiguang Energy through a combination of share issuance and cash payment, with the stock expected to be suspended for up to 10 trading days [3] - The transaction is not expected to constitute a major asset restructuring or related party transaction, and the actual controller of the company will remain unchanged, indicating a cautious approach [3] - The acquisition aims to enhance control over the core energy storage business and optimize governance structure, with potential profit enhancement and strengthened competitiveness in the energy storage sector post-integration [3]

Core Viewpoint - The announcement highlights the commencement of trial production for a 40,000 tons/year integrated lithium salt project by Qinghai Salt Lake Industry Co., Ltd, which is part of the company's strategic plan to expand lithium production during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [1]. Group 1: Project Development - The 40,000 tons/year integrated lithium salt project has been substantially completed, with key components such as the lithium extraction device successfully producing qualified liquid [1]. - The nanofiltration and reverse osmosis systems have completed membrane installation and water linkage, while the lithium sedimentation and auxiliary engineering have finished core equipment single-machine testing [1]. - The project has officially entered the trial production phase, yielding qualified battery-grade lithium carbonate products [1]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The trial production of the integrated lithium salt project is expected to enhance the company's lithium salt production capacity, thereby improving market competitiveness, profitability, and risk resistance [1]. - This initiative is positioned as a core support for the high-quality development of the ecological salt lake industry and is anticipated to inject strong momentum into the sustainable development of salt lakes [1].

Core Viewpoint - Salt Lake Co. has successfully completed a new lithium salt production project, increasing its annual capacity to 80,000 tons, amidst a competitive domestic lithium salt market, while maintaining a gross profit margin of nearly 50% [1][3]. Group 1: Project Details - The newly constructed lithium salt project has a capacity of 40,000 tons per year, with the total production capacity of the company now reaching 80,000 tons per year [1][2]. - The project was initially announced in May 2022 with a total investment of 7.08 billion yuan and a construction period of 24 months, indicating a planned completion by 2024 [2][3]. - The project utilizes old brine from potassium fertilizer production as raw material, and the technology has improved lithium recovery rates by 25.63%, achieving a total recovery rate of 82.4% [3]. Group 2: Cost and Profitability - The estimated cost of lithium salt production for the new project is expected to be below 40,000 yuan per ton, with estimates around 30,000 yuan per ton [3]. - Prior to the new project, the company's existing lithium salt production cost was approximately 36,500 yuan per ton, based on last year's financial data [3]. - Despite fluctuations in lithium carbonate prices between 60,000 to 80,000 yuan per ton in the first half of 2025, the company has maintained a gross profit margin close to 50% [3]. Group 3: Future Expansion Plans - The company aims to reach a lithium salt production capacity of 200,000 tons per year by 2030, indicating a significant expansion strategy [4]. - Currently, the lithium resources in Qinghai, including major salt lakes, are primarily developed, and the company may consider mergers and acquisitions to increase production capacity [5].

Investment Rating - Industry investment rating: Overweight [1] Core Views - The chemical sector's overall performance ranked 17th this week, with a decline of 0.95%, underperforming the Shanghai Composite Index by 1.16 percentage points and the ChiNext Index by 2.91 percentage points [4][22] - The chemical industry is expected to continue its trend of differentiated growth in 2025, with recommendations to focus on synthetic biology, pesticides, chromatography media, sweeteners, vitamins, light hydrocarbon chemicals, COC polymers, and MDI [4] Summary by Sections Industry Performance - The chemical sector's performance this week was -0.95%, ranking it 17th among all sectors, while the top three performing sectors were power equipment, non-ferrous metals, and electronics [22][23] - The top three individual stocks in the chemical sector this week were Bluefeng Biochemical (61.16%), Shangwei New Materials (44.81%), and Huarsoft Technology (31.83%) [28] Key Industry Dynamics - A new plan for stable growth in the petrochemical industry was released by seven departments, aiming for an average annual growth of over 5% in value added from 2025 to 2026 [34] - The plan emphasizes the importance of technological innovation, digital empowerment, and environmental sustainability in the petrochemical sector [34] Investment Opportunities - Synthetic biology is highlighted as a key area for growth, with companies like Kasei Biotech and Huaheng Biological being recommended for investment [4][8] - The third-generation refrigerants are expected to enter a high prosperity cycle due to upcoming quota policies and stable demand growth from the air conditioning and cold chain markets [5] - The electronic specialty gases market presents significant domestic substitution opportunities, driven by rapid upgrades in the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries [6][8] - Light hydrocarbon chemicals are identified as a global trend, with a shift towards lighter raw materials expected to enhance the value of leading companies in this sector [8] - The COC polymer industry is accelerating its domestic industrialization process, with companies like AkzoNobel being recommended for attention [9] - Potash fertilizer prices are anticipated to rebound as supply tightens and demand increases due to rising agricultural planting intentions [10] - The MDI market is expected to improve due to oligopolistic supply dynamics and stable demand from polyurethane applications [12]