Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [1] Core Views - The company's performance forecast for the first half of 2025 indicates a significant decline in net profit due to falling lithium prices and expected losses in copper smelting, although there is potential for reduced losses in the upcoming quarters [7] - The report anticipates a recovery in net profit starting in 2026, driven by the ramp-up of copper and germanium production and stable growth in cesium and rubidium business [7] - The overall revenue is projected to increase significantly in the coming years, with a forecasted total revenue of 10.38 billion yuan by 2027, reflecting a growth rate of 47.40% [1][8] Financial Summary - Total revenue for 2023 is expected to be 6.013 billion yuan, with a year-on-year decrease of 25.22%. The forecast for 2024 is 5.364 billion yuan, a further decline of 10.80%, followed by a recovery to 6.521 billion yuan in 2025 [1][8] - The net profit attributable to the parent company is projected to drop to 400.28 million yuan in 2025, a decrease of 47.12% compared to the previous year, before rebounding to 1.933 billion yuan by 2027 [1][8] - The earnings per share (EPS) is expected to decline to 0.55 yuan in 2025, with a recovery to 2.68 yuan by 2027 [1][8] - The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is projected to be 60.08 in 2025, decreasing to 12.44 by 2027, indicating an improvement in valuation as earnings recover [1][8]

[Core Performance Forecast Data](index=1&type=section&id=%E4%B8%80%E3%80%81%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%9F%E4%B8%9A%E7%BB%A9%E9%A2%84%E8%AE%A1%E6%83%85%E5%86%B5) The company projects a significant year-over-year decline in 2025 H1 net profit, with attributable net profit decreasing by 80.97-86.26% and non-recurring net profit by 96.63-98.88% 2025 Semi-Annual Performance Forecast | Item | Current Period (Jan 1 - Jun 30, 2025) | Prior Period | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net Profit Attributable to Shareholders** | Profit: CNY 65 million – CNY 90 million | Profit: CNY 472.9916 million | | YoY Change | **Decrease 86.26% - 80.97%** | - | | **Net Profit Excluding Non-Recurring Items** | Profit: CNY 5 million – CNY 15 million | Profit: CNY 444.9154 million | | YoY Change | **Decrease 98.88% - 96.63%** | - | | **Basic Earnings Per Share** | Profit: CNY 0.0901/share – CNY 0.1247/share | Profit: CNY 0.6556/share | [Performance Attribution Analysis by Business Segment](index=1&type=section&id=%E4%B8%89%E3%80%81%E4%B8%9A%E7%BB%A9%E5%8F%98%E5%8A%A8%E5%8E%9F%E5%9B%A0%E8%AF%B4%E6%98%8E) Overall performance declined due to lithium salt and copper smelting, partially offset by strong growth in rare light metals (cesium, rubidium) business [Rare Light Metals (Cesium, Rubidium) Business: Stable Growth Pillar](index=1&type=section&id=%E4%B8%89%E3%80%81%E4%B8%9A%E7%BB%A9%E5%8F%98%E5%8A%A8%E5%8E%9F%E5%9B%A0%E8%AF%B4%E6%98%8E-1) The core rare light metals (cesium, rubidium) business maintained strong growth and profitability, with revenue and gross profit increasing over 40% year-over-year Rare Light Metals Business H1 2025 Performance | Metric | Amount (CNY) | YoY Growth | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Operating Revenue | Approx. 710 million | Approx. 50.88% | | Gross Profit | Approx. 490 million | Approx. 43.78% | - This business segment demonstrates core competitiveness, maintaining strong growth and profitability, serving as a crucial support for the company's performance[6](index=6&type=chunk) [Lithium Salt Business: Volume Up, Price Down, Profitability Under Pressure](index=1&type=section&id=%E4%B8%89%E3%80%81%E4%B8%9A%E7%BB%A9%E5%8F%98%E5%8A%A8%E5%8E%9F%E5%9B%A0%E8%AF%B4%E6%98%8E-2) Lithium salt business profitability was pressured by significant market price declines, despite a 5.95% increase in sales volume - In H1 2025, proprietary lithium salt product sales volume reached approximately **17,800 tons**, a year-over-year increase of approximately **5.95%**[6](index=6&type=chunk) - Due to market fluctuations in the lithium battery new energy sector, lithium salt product market prices experienced a significant year-over-year decline, substantially impacting this segment's sales revenue and gross margin[6](index=6&type=chunk)[7](index=7&type=chunk) [Copper Smelting Business: Temporary Losses and Strategic Adjustments](index=2&type=section&id=%E4%B8%89%E3%80%81%E4%B8%9A%E7%BB%A9%E5%8F%98%E5%8A%A8%E5%8E%9F%E5%9B%A0%E8%AF%B4%E6%98%8E-3) Copper smelting in Namibia incurred CNY 200 million net losses due to declining processing fees, prompting plans to cease operations and develop germanium business - The copper smelting business at the Tsumeb smelter in Namibia resulted in a net profit loss of approximately **CNY 200 million** during the reporting period[7](index=7&type=chunk) - The loss is primarily attributed to tight global copper concentrate supply, leading to a significant decline in industry processing fees (TC/RC)[7](index=7&type=chunk) - Mitigation measures include cost reduction initiatives, prompt shutdown of copper smelting production lines, and developing germanium business capacity to create new profit growth[7](index=7&type=chunk) [Other Notes and Risk Warnings](index=1&type=section&id=%E4%BA%8C%E3%80%81%E4%B8%8E%E4%BC%9A%E8%AE%A1%E5%B8%88%E4%BA%8B%E5%8A%A1%E6%89%80%E6%B2%9F%E9%80%9A%E6%83%85%E5%86%B5%E5%8F%8A%E5%9B%9B%E3%80%81%E5%85%B6%E4%BB%96%E7%9B%B8%E5%85%B3%E8%AF%B4%E6%98%8E) This unaudited performance forecast, based on preliminary internal estimates, will be finalized in the 2025 semi-annual report, cautioning investors about inherent investment risks - The financial data related to this performance forecast has not been audited by an accounting firm[5](index=5&type=chunk) - This performance forecast data represents preliminary estimates by the company's financial management department; final figures will be subject to the 2025 semi-annual report, and investors are advised to exercise caution regarding investment risks[8](index=8&type=chunk)

Investment Rating - Industry rating: Recommended [3] Core Insights - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has invested billions in MP Materials to accelerate the independence of U.S. rare earth magnets, but global production remains highly concentrated in China in the short term [9][14][45] - Nickel prices have decreased due to a significant drop in demand and production halts in Indonesia, which may impact local mining operations [12][20][23] - Cobalt prices have risen due to supply tightening from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which accounts for approximately 75% of global electric vehicle battery supply [13][31] - Lithium carbonate prices have increased, but future price movements will depend on downstream demand recovery [7][38][44] - Antimony prices have remained stable, with domestic supply still tight, and production expected to decline in the coming months [32][36] Summary by Sections Rare Earth Industry - MP Materials announced a partnership with the DoD to enhance domestic production capabilities, with a new magnet manufacturing facility expected to be operational by 2028 [45][46] - The DoD has committed to a minimum price of $110 per kilogram for NdPr products, ensuring stable cash flow for MP Materials [46][47] Nickel Industry - As of July 11, LME nickel spot price was $14,955 per ton, down 1.09% from July 4, with total LME nickel inventory increasing by 1.83% [20] - Domestic NPI smelting costs remain under pressure, affecting the acceptance of high-priced raw materials [20][23] Cobalt Industry - As of July 11, cobalt prices have shown mixed trends, with electrolytic cobalt at 249,300 yuan per ton, down 0.99%, while cobalt oxide increased by 1.54% [24][31] - The extension of a temporary export ban by the Congolese government is expected to tighten global cobalt supply [31] Lithium Industry - The average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate reached 63,800 yuan per ton, up 2.36% as of July 11 [7][38] - Market sentiment is cautious, with inventory levels remaining high, limiting upward price movement [38][44] Antimony Industry - Domestic antimony ingot prices have stabilized, with supply constraints expected to support future pricing [32][36]

Group 1 - The report highlights a steady increase in domestic electrification rates and a strong recovery in European sales, with global sales expected to grow by 21% in 2025 and maintain over 15% growth in 2026 [2][3] - In 2025, domestic electric vehicle sales are projected to reach 5.61 million units, a year-on-year increase of 44%, with an annual growth forecast of 25% [2][5] - The report anticipates a robust demand for lithium batteries, with a revised growth estimate of over 30% in 2025 and nearly 20% in 2026, driven by strong energy storage policies and market dynamics [2][3] Group 2 - The report indicates that the profitability of the industry has begun to recover slightly, with leading companies starting to expand production in an orderly manner, while smaller firms continue to exit the market [2][3] - The report notes a significant disparity in profitability across different segments of the supply chain, with leading battery manufacturers maintaining high profit levels compared to second-tier manufacturers [2][3] - The solid-state battery technology is highlighted as a key area of focus, with advancements expected in sulfide-based materials and core equipment, indicating a rapid acceleration in industrialization [2][3] Group 3 - Investment recommendations emphasize focusing on leading lithium battery companies and those accelerating the industrialization of solid-state technologies, with specific companies identified for potential investment [2][3] - The report suggests that the lithium carbonate price has reached a bottom, making it favorable to invest in companies with quality resources [2][3] - The report identifies several companies in the solid-state battery sector that are expected to benefit from technological advancements and market demand [2][3]

Group 1: Liquidity and Scale of Rare Metal ETFs - The rare metal ETF had an intraday turnover of 3.5%, with a transaction volume of 30.73 million yuan [3] - Over the past week, the average daily transaction volume of the rare metal ETF reached 37.71 million yuan, ranking first among comparable funds [3] - In the past year, the rare metal ETF's scale increased by 16.82 million yuan, also ranking first among comparable funds [3] - The latest margin buying amount for the rare metal ETF reached 2.08 million yuan, with a margin balance of 21.28 million yuan [3] Group 2: Performance and Returns - As of July 10, the net value of the rare metal ETF increased by 30.36% over the past year [3] - The highest monthly return since inception was 24.02%, with the longest consecutive monthly gains being 3 months and the longest gain percentage being 14.06% [3] - The average return during the rising months was 7.76% [3] Group 3: Industry Insights and Recommendations - The lithium sector is currently in a bottom oscillation phase, with solid-state battery industrialization accelerating and energy storage demand expected to surge [3] - The new energy storage installations are projected to grow by 140% year-on-year in 2024, which may serve as a core catalyst [3] - Companies with strong cost control in lithium extraction from salt lakes and those with overseas resource layouts are recommended for attention [3] Group 4: Rare Earth Market Dynamics - The implementation of the Rare Earth Management Regulations is expected to enhance compliance capacity concentration, with a growth rate of 5.9% in 2024 [4] - The supply-demand gap for praseodymium and neodymium oxide is anticipated to widen starting in 2025, with a focus on light rare earth leading enterprises [4] - The strategic position of rare earths is significant due to U.S. tariff policies, which may positively impact company performance [4] Group 5: Key Stocks in Rare Metal Sector - The top ten weighted stocks in the CSI Rare Metal Theme Index include Salt Lake Co., Northern Rare Earth, Luoyang Molybdenum, and others, accounting for 54.07% of the total weight [4] - Notable stock performances include Northern Rare Earth with a 9.85% increase and Salt Lake Co. with a 0.86% increase [6] Group 6: Investment Opportunities - Investors can also participate in the rare metal sector through the Rare Metal ETF linked fund (014111) [7]

Group 1 - The price of battery-grade lithium carbonate in China has rebounded to 62,600 CNY/ton as of July 9, marking a 1.51% increase from the beginning of the month, but a 35.6% decrease year-on-year [1] - Industrial-grade lithium carbonate price reached 60,966 CNY/ton, up 2.52% month-on-month, and down 35% compared to the same period last year [1] - The lithium battery sector is expected to see a recovery in profitability and revenue growth, driven by high demand in the supply chain and new technologies like solid-state batteries emerging in the second half of 2024 [1] Group 2 - The industry maintains an optimistic long-term growth outlook for demand, with companies utilizing cash reserves in anticipation of market improvement [2] - The entry of low-cost salt lake and integrated Chinese enterprises has strengthened the supply side's ability to withstand price fluctuations, potentially delaying the industry's turning point [2] - Companies with low-cost resources and diversified non-lithium operations are positioned to navigate the industry downturn effectively, with recommendations for specific stocks such as Zhongkuang Resources and others [2]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the lithium sector, indicating a positive outlook for investment opportunities in this industry [6]. Core Insights - The lithium price has shown continuous growth, rising from 59,000 CNY/ton to 64,000 CNY/ton, marking an increase of 8.1% since June 23 [10]. - Supply-side signals indicate a reduction in output from Australian mines, suggesting that the industry is in the later stages of capacity clearance [2]. - Demand remains robust, with significant growth in the lithium battery production and electric vehicle sales, supporting a favorable price transmission for lithium [3]. Supply Summary - Australian lithium mines are signaling reduced output, with production expected to remain flat at 740,000 tons in Q1 2025, down 17% from the previous quarter [2]. - The current pricing has reached a sensitive cost level for Australian producers, leading to operational adjustments and cost-cutting measures [2]. - The low lithium prices have resulted in a squeeze on capital expenditures, potentially leading to a slowdown in supply growth in the future [2]. Demand Summary - The lithium battery industry is experiencing high growth, with domestic battery production reaching 801 GWh in the first half of 2025, a 52% year-on-year increase [26]. - Electric vehicle sales in China reached 5.42 million units in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 32% increase compared to the previous year [26]. - The competitive landscape in the electric vehicle sector is prompting manufacturers to initiate a "de-involution" process to stabilize pricing and improve profitability across the supply chain [27]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests that companies with low-cost resource supply and diversified non-lithium operations will have a competitive advantage in the current market [4]. - Recommended stocks include Zhongkuang Resources, Yongxing Materials, Salt Lake Co., Tianqi Lithium, and Ganfeng Lithium, which are expected to navigate the industry downturn effectively [4].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the non-ferrous metals industry is "Positive" (maintained) [4][106]. Core Views - The report highlights that copper prices are experiencing fluctuations due to the interplay of the 232 investigation and interest rate cut expectations, with recent price changes showing a mixed trend [5]. - The report emphasizes the importance of low inventory levels in supporting copper prices, while also noting the potential impact of the 232 copper import investigation and upcoming interest rate decisions by the Federal Reserve [5]. - The report suggests monitoring companies such as Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, Jincheng Mining, and Western Mining for investment opportunities [5]. Summary by Sections 1. Industry Overview - The report provides insights into macroeconomic indicators, including U.S. employment data, which may influence market conditions [9]. - The non-ferrous metals sector's performance is analyzed, with the sector underperforming compared to the Shanghai Composite Index [11]. 2. Industrial Metals 2.1 Copper - Recent price movements show LME copper up by 0.25%, while SHFE copper is down by 0.24% [25]. - Inventory levels for copper have increased, indicating a potential shift in market dynamics [25]. 2.2 Aluminum - LME aluminum prices increased by 0.41%, with inventory levels also rising [35]. - The report notes a decrease in aluminum smelting profits, attributed to rising costs [35]. 2.3 Lead and Zinc - Lead prices have seen a slight increase, while zinc prices have decreased [48]. - Inventory levels for both metals are discussed, highlighting market supply conditions [48]. 2.4 Tin and Nickel - Tin prices have decreased slightly, while nickel prices have shown an upward trend [62]. - The report discusses profitability metrics for nickel producers in both domestic and international markets [62]. 3. Energy Metals 3.1 Lithium - Lithium prices have shown a slight rebound, with specific price changes noted for lithium carbonate and lithium spodumene [74]. - The report indicates that supply-side adjustments are anticipated, which may affect future pricing [74]. 3.2 Cobalt - Cobalt prices have increased domestically due to export bans from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which may create supply constraints [86]. - The report highlights the profitability of domestic cobalt refining operations [86].

Summary of Key Points from Conference Call Records Industry Overview - The conference call primarily discusses the lithium mining industry, focusing on developments in Australia and Zimbabwe, as well as challenges and opportunities in other regions such as South America and Africa [1][3][10]. Key Insights and Arguments - **Declining Lithium Grades and Mine Closures**: Australia is experiencing a decline in lithium ore grades and mine closures, aligning with global trends. New projects like Mountain Holland and Castle in Valley are expected to release 160,000 to 200,000 tons of lithium ore, while older mines are optimizing recovery rates [1][4]. - **Challenges in Zimbabwe**: Zimbabwe's lithium production faces significant challenges, including lower ore quality compared to Australia, political risks associated with the BOT model, and issues with electricity and sulfuric acid supply for lithium sulfate production [1][5][6]. - **Investment and Taxation Issues**: The Zimbabwean government imposes a 5% export tax on lithium, which Chinese companies are negotiating to delay until 2027, when a sulfuric acid plant is expected to be operational [1][9][6]. - **High Transportation Costs**: Transportation costs for lithium from Mali are high, making profitability difficult. The Democratic Republic of Congo faces legal disputes that hinder development, while South American salt lakes present rich resources but have unfavorable investment environments [1][10][12]. - **Long-term Prospects in South America**: Companies with strong capabilities and professional teams are expected to benefit from long-term investments in South American salt lakes, despite the high initial capital expenditures and infrastructure challenges [1][18]. Additional Important Content - **Production Costs and Pricing Dynamics**: The average production cost for Australian lithium mines is approximately 62,000 CNY per ton, while Zimbabwe's costs are close to 70,000 CNY per ton. Current market conditions show a negative feedback loop between spot prices and production costs, leading to further price declines [3][21][22]. - **Market Overcapacity**: The lithium market is currently in a state of oversupply, with an average excess of 200,000 tons per year, which may take two to five years to absorb [3][32]. - **Future Price Expectations**: Short-term expectations for lithium carbonate prices are projected to remain between 70,000 and 80,000 CNY, with long-term forecasts suggesting similar levels unless significant changes in demand or supply occur [34]. - **Emerging Technologies**: The development of solid-state batteries may influence lithium demand, but the impact is expected to be limited in the short term due to slower-than-anticipated technological advancements [38][41]. Conclusion The lithium mining industry is facing a complex landscape characterized by declining ore grades, high production costs, and significant geopolitical risks, particularly in Zimbabwe. While there are opportunities for growth in South America, the current market is oversupplied, leading to price pressures. Companies must navigate these challenges while considering the potential impact of emerging technologies on future demand.

中矿资源集团股份有限公司 关于投资建设年产3万吨高纯锂盐技改项目的公告 中矿资源集团股份有限公司 证券代码：002738 证券简称：中矿资源 公告编号：2025-032 号 本公司及董事会全体成员保证信息披露的内容真实、准确、完整，没有虚 假记载、误导性陈述或重大遗漏。 一、投资项目概述 为进一步降低锂盐业务生产成本，加速推进智能制造转型升级，深化绿色低碳 发展模式，中矿资源集团股份有限公司（以下简称"公司"或"本公司"）下属全 资公司中矿资源（江西）锂业有限公司（以下简称"中矿锂业"）拟对年产2.5万吨 锂盐生产线进行综合技术升级改造，投资建设年产3万吨高纯锂盐技改项目（以下 简称"项目"或"本项目"）。项目总投资额为12,074.42万元，资金来源为中矿锂 业自有资金或自筹资金，停产检修及技改时间约为6个月。 本次投资不构成关联交易，亦不构成《上市公司重大资产重组管理办法》规定 的重大资产重组。本次投资金额在公司经理层审批权限范围内，无需提交公司董事 会及股东会审议。 二、投资项目介绍 1、项目基本情况 （1）项目名称：年产3万吨高纯锂盐技改项目。 （2）建设地点：江西省新余市高新技术产业开发区化工园区。 ...