Summary of Active Magnesium Oxide Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference focuses on the active magnesium oxide industry, particularly its application in nickel and cobalt precipitation processes in hydrometallurgy [1][3][10]. Key Companies Involved - **Punaite**: The only company currently able to produce qualified active magnesium oxide consistently [1][5][32]. - **Greenme**: Has confirmed the use of Punaite's active magnesium oxide as the main precipitant [1][3][4]. - **Liqin and Huayou Cobalt**: Exploring the use of active magnesium oxide but have not officially adopted it due to the need for process and equipment adjustments [1][4][6]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Cost Efficiency**: Active magnesium oxide can reduce costs by approximately 3,000 to 5,000 RMB per ton compared to liquid caustic soda, which costs around 12,000 RMB per ton when accounting for its lower sodium hydroxide content [5][7][8]. - **Improved Recovery Rates**: The use of active magnesium oxide has shown to increase recovery rates by 2-5 percentage points and reduce the moisture content of MHP (Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate) by 2-3 percentage points [1][3][10]. - **Production Capacity in Indonesia**: The hydrometallurgy projects in Indonesia are rapidly advancing, with an expected capacity of at least 500,000 tons by 2030 [20][21]. Industry Barriers - **Raw Material Dependency**: The ability to produce active magnesium oxide is heavily dependent on the type of raw materials available. Punaite's Tibet mine can produce light-burned active magnesium oxide, while other regions, such as Northeast China, cannot [2][32]. - **Process Transition Complexity**: Transitioning to the use of active magnesium oxide requires a production halt for 4-5 months for equipment modifications, which can be costly [31]. Additional Important Points - **Market Dynamics**: The price of liquid caustic soda in Indonesia is significantly higher due to reliance on imports, which has led companies to consider building local production facilities despite regulatory challenges [9]. - **Comparison with Traditional Methods**: Active magnesium oxide is more effective than traditional sodium hydroxide due to its dual hydroxide ions, leading to better precipitation results [5][11]. - **Future Adoption**: Other companies, such as Huawei and Luxshare, may also adopt active magnesium oxide technology in the future, indicating a potential shift in industry practices [30]. Conclusion The active magnesium oxide industry is poised for growth, driven by its cost advantages and improved efficiency in nickel and cobalt precipitation processes. However, challenges related to raw material availability and production transition remain significant barriers to widespread adoption.