EBSCN·2026-01-18 14:46Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the non-ferrous metals sector [5]. Core Insights - The report highlights the renewed focus on strategic metal reserves by countries like Australia, the EU, and the US, indicating a significant increase in the importance of "critical mineral resources" since 2025 [2][3]. - The strategic metal storage initiatives are expected to create investment opportunities, particularly in metals with concentrated supply chains and those essential for AI and energy transition [2][3]. Summary by Sections Strategic Metal Storage Initiatives - Australia announced a AUD 1.2 billion strategic reserve plan for critical minerals, prioritizing antimony, gallium, and rare earths [1]. - The EU plans to raise EUR 3 billion for a supply chain strategy, establishing a platform for critical materials [1]. - The US plans to procure USD 500 million of cobalt, USD 245 million of antimony, USD 100 million of tantalum, and USD 45 million of scandium [1]. Investment Opportunities - The report identifies investment opportunities in metals with high supply concentration and security risks, such as cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo, copper and lithium from South America, and nickel from Indonesia [2]. - It emphasizes the demand for copper, aluminum, and tin driven by AI and energy transition, while noting supply constraints for these metals [3]. - Military-related metals like tungsten, antimony, and rare earths are highlighted as having tight supply, with significant applications in defense [3]. Company Recommendations - The report recommends several companies based on their strategic positioning in the metals market: - Copper: Zijin Mining, Western Mining, and Luoyang Molybdenum [4]. - Aluminum: Yunnan Aluminum and China Aluminum [4]. - Cobalt and Nickel: Huayou Cobalt and others [4]. - Tungsten: China Tungsten High-Tech [4]. - Tin: Xiyang Tin and others [4]. - Antimony: Huaxi Nonferrous [4]. - Rare Earths: Northern Rare Earth and others [4].