Minmetals New Energy(SH:688779) Hua Xia Shi Bao·2025-07-18 00:15Core Viewpoint - Recently, Wenkang New Energy (688779.SH) won a first-instance lawsuit, with the court ruling to terminate the lithium carbonate procurement framework agreement and ordering the defendants to return a prepayment of 122 million yuan and pay part of the penalty, totaling 181 million yuan involved in the case [1] Group 1: Legal Proceedings and Financial Implications - The court ruled that the defendants, including individuals Nan Jinxie, Nan Dongdong, and Nan Tian, are responsible for repaying the debts [1][5] - Wenkang New Energy's subsidiary Longyuan Lithium Technology and Jinch Energy had signed an agreement with Zhizun Lithium Industry to supply no less than 24,000 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate in 2024, with a prepayment of 500 million yuan already made [2] - The lawsuit was initiated due to Zhizun Group's breach of contract, which began in the second half of 2024, leading to Wenkang New Energy's financial losses of 508 million yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase in losses of 307.8% [3][4] Group 2: Creditworthiness and Market Conditions - The credit situation of Zhizun Lithium Industry has deteriorated significantly, with multiple instances of contract disputes, asset freezes, and being listed as a dishonest executor [7] - The decline in lithium prices and production issues have contributed to Zhizun Lithium's credit collapse, with the price dropping to around 70,000 yuan per ton by the end of 2024 [7] - Wenkang New Energy has secured a preferential right to recover funds from the equity disposal of two companies under Jiangxi Zhongke Lithium Industry, indicating a more favorable position compared to other creditors [7]