Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the energy metals sector, particularly lithium, cobalt, and nickel, highlighting the upcoming supply shortages and price increases expected in the coming years [1][2][3][5][6]. Core Insights and Arguments Lithium Market - A clear shortage of lithium carbonate raw materials is anticipated by 2027, driven by battery tax rebate policies, with total lithium demand expected to reach 205,000 tons in 2026 [1][2]. - Despite a potential short-term surplus of 100,000 tons in 2026, demand may be released earlier due to policy impacts, leading to a shortage by 2027 [2]. - The expected lithium supply in 2026 is around 215,000 tons, with growth slowing down, primarily from African mines, domestic salt lakes, and mica mines [7]. - The price of lithium is projected to rise significantly, potentially exceeding 200,000 yuan/ton, driven by strong demand from the energy storage sector [10]. Cobalt Market - The cobalt market is heavily influenced by the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) export quota policy, which will see exports drop from 210,000 tons in 2024 to 97,000 tons by 2027, leading to a clear shortage [3][11]. - Cobalt prices are expected to peak around 600,000 yuan in March 2026, with an average price of 500,000 yuan throughout the year [3][13]. - Domestic cobalt inventories have been depleting since mid-2025, with expectations of reaching very low levels by March 2026 [13]. Nickel Market - The nickel market is expected to face significant impacts from resource nationalism and government price support actions, particularly in Indonesia, where mining quotas are likely to tighten [5][14]. - Indonesia's nickel mining quota is projected to be around 250-260 million tons, leading to a supply shortage and supporting price increases [5]. Additional Important Insights - The overall price trend for energy metals is expected to turn positive in 2026, with lithium, cobalt, and nickel prices all projected to rise [6]. - The mining production cycle is lengthy, and even with high prices stimulating new capacity, it will take time for new production to come online [8]. - The demand for lithium is significantly driven by the energy storage sector, which is expected to grow by 60% in 2026 due to supportive policies [9]. - Companies like Zhongmin Resources are well-positioned in the lithium sector, with expected production capacity reaching 80,000 tons by 2026 and a market valuation potentially reaching 100 billion yuan [15][17]. - Recommended investment targets include Zhongmin Resources for lithium, and Liqin Resources and Huayou Cobalt for nickel and cobalt, due to their advantageous positions in the market [17][18].