“反内卷”有望推动锂矿行业供需关系改善

Core Viewpoint - The lithium mining industry is experiencing a challenging period due to falling lithium prices, but recent supply constraints and a potential recovery in prices may lead to improved financial performance for mining companies in the near future [2][6][10]. Group 1: Industry Performance - Lithium carbonate prices dropped below 60,000 yuan/ton in the first half of 2025, leading to disappointing financial results for many lithium mining companies, with some still facing losses [2][3]. - Major lithium mining companies like Zhongmin Resources reported a revenue of 3.267 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 34.89%, but a net profit decline of 81.16% [3]. - Rongjie Co. and Yongxing Materials also faced significant profit declines, with net profits down 48.54% and 47.84% respectively, despite some revenue growth [4]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The supply-demand imbalance characterized by strong supply and weak demand has led to a prolonged decline in lithium carbonate prices, with some companies expressing concerns about operating at a loss [6][10]. - Recent production halts, including those by CATL and other companies, have raised expectations for supply constraints, contributing to a rebound in lithium carbonate prices, which recently surpassed 80,000 yuan/ton [7][10]. - The suspension of CATL's Yichun mine, which has an annual capacity of 100,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, is expected to impact domestic supply and support price recovery [7]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The anticipated supply contraction and industry initiatives to curb excessive competition are expected to support lithium prices and improve the financial health of mining companies [8][10]. - Companies like Ganfeng Lithium are focusing on increasing their resource self-sufficiency, with projections indicating a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 50% [11]. - The cost advantages of salt lake lithium resources are expected to be enhanced as prices recover, benefiting companies with low-cost operations [11].