CAITONG SECURITIES·2025-08-17 08:39Core Insights - Chile's copper supply is tight, continuing to recommend opportunities in industrial metals [5][7] - The report maintains a positive investment rating for industrial metals [5] Industrial Metals - Copper: Supply constraints due to the suspension of Codelco's copper mine in Chile (350,000 tons), limited future increments post-resumption, and no hope for the Panama copper mine to resume this year. Tight raw material supply has led to reduced output and declining social inventory. Demand remains stable, with major traders reluctant to sell, creating a bullish market sentiment. The upcoming demand peak from September to November could significantly push copper prices higher if supply remains constrained. Recommended stocks include Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, Jincheng Mining, Western Mining, Minmetals Resources, China Nonferrous Mining, and Zangge Mining [7]. - Aluminum: Slight increase in theoretical operating capacity and rising aluminum ingot inventory. Weekly aluminum rod production decreased, but real estate consumption sentiment in Beijing improved. In the medium to long term, alumina supply is expected to increase, potentially keeping prices low. Electrolytic aluminum inventory is at historical lows, providing price support as the peak season approaches. Recommended stocks include Yunnan Aluminum, Shenhuo, Nanshan Aluminum, Tianshan Aluminum, China Aluminum, China Hongqiao, Suotong Development, Huatong Cable, and Zhongfu Industrial [7]. Energy Metals - Rare Earths: Prices for praseodymium-neodymium oxide rose by 3.62% to 558,000 yuan/ton, and praseodymium-neodymium mixed metal prices increased by 2.65% to 678,000 yuan/ton. Supply remains tight, with some companies halting production due to raw material shortages. The upcoming peak season is expected to drive prices higher. Recommended stocks include China Rare Earth, Northern Rare Earth, Baotou Steel, Shenghe Resources, and Guangsheng Nonferrous [7]. - Lithium Carbonate: Domestic industrial-grade lithium carbonate price increased by 0.12% to 81,200 yuan/ton. The suspension of the Jiangxi mine since August 10 and other mines facing license reviews have led to low inventory levels, shifting the industry from surplus to tight balance. Recommended stocks include Zhongjin Lingnan, Tianqi Lithium, Ganfeng Lithium, Shengxin Lithium Energy, Rongjie, and Salt Lake Resources [7]. Precious Metals - Inflation recovery and interest rate cut expectations are under scrutiny, with market focus on the aftermath of US-Russia-Ukraine talks. CPI data was weak, but core CPI exceeded expectations, leading to a reduction in rate cut expectations for September. The lack of a ceasefire agreement after the US-Russia summit has heightened market caution. Long-term, risks from debt and slowing economic growth may pressure the dollar and US Treasuries, highlighting gold's value as a hedge. Recommended stocks with production growth and performance release include Shandong Gold, Zhaojin Mining, Zhongjin Gold, Shanjin International, Western Gold, Chifeng Gold, Tongguan Gold, and Wanguo Gold Group [7].