Kings(SH:603505) 光大证券研究·2025-08-02 00:03Core Viewpoint - The company is committed to a "resource + technology" dual-driven strategy, focusing on the scarce resource industry, particularly in the fluorite sector [4]. Group 1: Resource and Technology Development - The company holds approximately 27 million tons of fluorite ore reserves, corresponding to about 13 million tons of mineral content, all from a single type of fluorite mine [4]. - The company has a mining license for 1.12 million tons per year and operates 8 mines and 7 processing plants [4]. - In early 2021, the company invested in a fluorite resource comprehensive utilization project in Baotou, marking its entry into the associated fluorite resource sector [4]. - In 2024, the company plans to expand into fluorite mining and selection operations in Mongolia, advancing infrastructure and supporting projects [4]. - The company added 47 new patents in 2024, with a total of over 250 patents granted or pending, and has five national high-tech enterprises [4]. - Ongoing research includes lithium mines, rare metal mines, and fluorochemical gases, alongside the promotion of intelligent and green mining construction in its subsidiaries [4]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Pricing - The fluorite market is characterized by tight supply and demand, with prices having recently declined from high levels [5]. - Fluorite is essential for the fluorochemical industry, with hydrogen fluoride being its primary downstream application, mainly in refrigerants [5]. - The refrigerant industry remains robust, and the full iteration of refrigerants is expected to increase fluorite consumption [5]. - Emerging industries such as new energy and new materials are anticipated to drive significant growth in demand for fluorite, particularly in lithium battery materials, PVDF, semiconductors, and photovoltaic panels [5]. - As of July 29, 2025, the average market price for fluorite in China was 3,200 yuan per ton, a decrease of 12.6% from the beginning of the year and a 9.8% decline from the average price in 2024, which had increased by 10.2% year-on-year [5]. Group 3: Industry Concentration and Competitive Landscape - The fluorite industry has seen increased concentration due to supply-side reforms and mine rectification, benefiting leading enterprises [6]. - The current CR4 (concentration ratio of the top four firms) in China's fluorite industry is 23.1% [6]. - The central government's strong stance on "anti-involution" is expected to lead to the gradual exit of small enterprises from the fluorite industry, improving the competitive landscape [6]. - The sustained demand from the fluorochemical industry is likely to keep fluorite prices oscillating at high levels [6].