又有新项目步入“收获期” 盐湖提锂产能加速释放

Core Viewpoint - The domestic lithium extraction industry from salt lakes is expected to enter a new phase of capacity growth with the official production of new projects by leading companies like Salt Lake Co. [1] Group 1: Company Developments - Salt Lake Co. announced on September 28 that its 40,000 tons/year integrated lithium salt project has been completed and is now in the trial production phase, producing qualified battery-grade lithium carbonate [2][3] - The new project is expected to increase Salt Lake Co.'s total lithium salt production capacity to 80,000 tons/year, making it the leader in the domestic salt lake lithium extraction industry [1][3] - The project utilizes advanced technology, including a combination of "fixed bed adsorption + membrane refining + MVR evaporation," which has been optimized to improve lithium recovery rates and product purity [3] Group 2: Industry Trends - The demand for lithium is rising due to the growth of new energy electric vehicles and energy storage industries, highlighting the value of low-cost lithium extraction from salt lakes [1] - Despite a slowdown in demand growth and lower lithium carbonate prices, companies are still investing in capacity expansion, indicating confidence in the long-term potential of the industry [4][5] - The overall lithium extraction capacity in China is expected to accelerate, with significant contributions from projects by companies like Salt Lake Co., Zijin Mining, and Cangge Mining [6] Group 3: Cost and Profitability - Salt Lake Co. has a clear cost advantage in lithium extraction, with gross margins reaching 49.96% based on current lithium carbonate prices ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 yuan per ton [3] - The project cost was optimized from 7.099 billion yuan to 6.083 billion yuan, achieving a cost reduction of approximately 1 billion yuan, which reflects a 14.58% investment optimization rate [3] Group 4: Future Directions - The development of a diversified product structure, including lithium hydroxide, lithium chloride, and lithium phosphate, is suggested as a strategic direction for the salt lake lithium extraction industry [7]