Investment Rating - The report provides a "Buy" rating for companies IGO, NST, NEM, CMM, BGL, VAU, WGX, and PNR, while recommending a "Sell" rating for MIN and RRL [4]. Core Insights - The report highlights the potential upside for various companies based on their current pricing and NAV valuations, with IGO showing a 2% downside to its price target and NST having a 14% upside [4]. - The report emphasizes the strong performance of gold and lithium sectors, with specific companies positioned favorably for growth [4][8]. Company Summaries - **IGO**: Rated "Buy" with a market cap of US$2.1 billion, current price A$4.32, and a 12-month price target of A$5.03, indicating a 2% downside [4]. - **NST**: Rated "Buy" with a market cap of US$17.4 billion, current price A$18.56, and a 12-month price target of A$22.53, indicating a 14% upside [4]. - **NEM**: Rated "Buy" with a market cap of US$66.7 billion, current price A$90.58, and a 12-month price target of A$98.83, indicating a 7% upside [4]. - **CMM**: Rated "Buy" with a market cap of US$2.7 billion, current price A$9.44, and a 12-month price target of A$10.09, indicating a 6% upside [4]. - **BGL**: Rated "Buy" with a market cap of US$0.9 billion, current price A$0.93, and a 12-month price target of A$0.97, indicating a 29% upside [4]. - **MIN**: Rated "Sell" with a market cap of US$3.2 billion, current price A$24.44, and a 12-month price target of A$20.30, indicating an 18% downside [4]. - **RRL**: Rated "Sell" with a market cap of US$2.2 billion, current price A$4.53, and a 12-month price target of A$4.24, indicating a 1% downside [4]. Commodity & FX Forecasts - The report includes forecasts for various commodities, with gold expected to reach US$3,503 per ounce in Q4 2025 and lithium carbonate projected at US$8,005 per ton in 2025 [8]. - Nickel prices are forecasted to stabilize around US$7.17 per pound in Q4 2025, while copper is expected to be around US$4.52 per pound [8].

Core Viewpoint - Wealth Minerals Ltd. has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Voith Hydro to jointly develop the Pabellón Lithium Project in collaboration with the Quechua Indigenous Community of Ollagüe [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership and Project Structure - Voith Hydro will own 5% of Wealth's mineral exploration licenses in the Pabellón area, while Kuska Minerals SpA, 95% owned by Wealth and 5% by the Quechua community, will hold 95% of the Pabellón Lithium Project [2]. - A joint venture (JV) will be established where Kuska Minerals SpA will own 95% of the project and Voith Hydro will own the remaining 5% [2]. Group 2: Project Development and Technology - Voith Hydro will leverage its expertise to apply for a Special Lithium Operating Contract (CEOL), which is essential for developing a lithium recovery circuit at the Cerro Pabellón thermal power generation station [3]. - The project aims to utilize Direct Lithium Extraction technology, enhancing the efficiency of lithium recovery [4]. Group 3: Company Background and Market Position - Wealth Minerals is focused on acquiring and developing lithium projects in South America, positioning itself to benefit from the increasing demand for lithium due to structural issues in the industry [7][8]. - The company aims to advance battery metal projects where it has a competitive advantage in project selection and evaluation [8].

Industry Overview - Copper production globally amounts to 26 million metric tons annually, with three-quarters used in electrical wiring, highlighting its critical role in technology and infrastructure [2][3] - The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has increased demand for various materials, including rare earth metals, which are now significant in the U.S.-China trade dynamics [4] Company Insights - Albemarle Corp. (ALB) is identified as a leading lithium miner, currently trading at 0.8 times book value, significantly below its long-term average, making it a potential investment opportunity [7][8] - ALB is expected to maintain 20% EBITDA margins and positive free cash flow, indicating resilience despite current market pressures [8] - Plug Power Inc. (PLUG) has seen a drastic decline in stock price, down 91% from previous highs, but recent developments in AI and hydrogen fuel cell technology may present a turnaround opportunity [14][15][17] - USA Rare Earth Inc. (USAR) is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for rare earth materials, with projected revenues increasing from $39 million next year to $166 million by 2027 [22][25] Market Trends - The lithium market is currently experiencing a glut due to overproduction by Chinese miners, leading to an 80% price drop, which may persist into the next year [6] - The demand for utility-scale batteries is rising as AI data centers require substantial backup power, creating opportunities for companies like Albemarle and Plug Power [9][10] - The U.S. reliance on China for rare earth minerals is significant, with USAR aiming to reduce this dependency through domestic production [22][25]

Core Viewpoint - Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd. has successfully acquired the remaining 40% stake in Mali Lithium B.V. for USD 34.27 million, enhancing its lithium resource supply and operational capabilities [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The company approved the acquisition of Mali Lithium's stake during the 78th meeting of the fifth board of directors on May 6, 2025 [1] - The acquisition was executed through Ganfeng International, a wholly-owned subsidiary, using its own funds [1] - The total payment for the acquisition has been completed, and the share transfer has been finalized, resulting in the company holding 100% of Mali Lithium [1] Group 2: Operational Impact - Mali Lithium's Goulamina spodumene project has commenced production with an annual capacity of 506,000 tons of lithium concentrate [1] - The establishment of a shipping route for lithium ore exports from Mali to China has been successfully initiated, marking a significant step in the company's resource layout in Africa [1] - This acquisition is expected to provide a stable and high-quality lithium resource supply, improving the company's self-sufficiency in lithium resources and enhancing profitability [1]

Summary of Key Points from Conference Call Records Industry Overview - The conference call primarily discusses the lithium mining industry, focusing on developments in Australia and Zimbabwe, as well as challenges and opportunities in other regions such as South America and Africa [1][3][10]. Key Insights and Arguments - **Declining Lithium Grades and Mine Closures**: Australia is experiencing a decline in lithium ore grades and mine closures, aligning with global trends. New projects like Mountain Holland and Castle in Valley are expected to release 160,000 to 200,000 tons of lithium ore, while older mines are optimizing recovery rates [1][4]. - **Challenges in Zimbabwe**: Zimbabwe's lithium production faces significant challenges, including lower ore quality compared to Australia, political risks associated with the BOT model, and issues with electricity and sulfuric acid supply for lithium sulfate production [1][5][6]. - **Investment and Taxation Issues**: The Zimbabwean government imposes a 5% export tax on lithium, which Chinese companies are negotiating to delay until 2027, when a sulfuric acid plant is expected to be operational [1][9][6]. - **High Transportation Costs**: Transportation costs for lithium from Mali are high, making profitability difficult. The Democratic Republic of Congo faces legal disputes that hinder development, while South American salt lakes present rich resources but have unfavorable investment environments [1][10][12]. - **Long-term Prospects in South America**: Companies with strong capabilities and professional teams are expected to benefit from long-term investments in South American salt lakes, despite the high initial capital expenditures and infrastructure challenges [1][18]. Additional Important Content - **Production Costs and Pricing Dynamics**: The average production cost for Australian lithium mines is approximately 62,000 CNY per ton, while Zimbabwe's costs are close to 70,000 CNY per ton. Current market conditions show a negative feedback loop between spot prices and production costs, leading to further price declines [3][21][22]. - **Market Overcapacity**: The lithium market is currently in a state of oversupply, with an average excess of 200,000 tons per year, which may take two to five years to absorb [3][32]. - **Future Price Expectations**: Short-term expectations for lithium carbonate prices are projected to remain between 70,000 and 80,000 CNY, with long-term forecasts suggesting similar levels unless significant changes in demand or supply occur [34]. - **Emerging Technologies**: The development of solid-state batteries may influence lithium demand, but the impact is expected to be limited in the short term due to slower-than-anticipated technological advancements [38][41]. Conclusion The lithium mining industry is facing a complex landscape characterized by declining ore grades, high production costs, and significant geopolitical risks, particularly in Zimbabwe. While there are opportunities for growth in South America, the current market is oversupplied, leading to price pressures. Companies must navigate these challenges while considering the potential impact of emerging technologies on future demand.

Core Viewpoint - The overseas lithium market in Q1 2025 remains resilient under continuous price pressure, with Australian mining expansion slowing and South American salt lakes operating steadily due to cost advantages. The negative feedback from declining lithium prices on upstream supply is beginning to show [1] Group 1: Australian Lithium Mining - In Q1 2025, tracked Australian lithium mines produced approximately 732,000 tons of spodumene concentrate, a decrease of about 9% quarter-on-quarter [2] - Many Australian lithium mines adopted production cuts or slowed expansion to cope with high costs and low prices, leading to a significant decline in overall output [2] - The average FOB cost for sample mines decreased by 10% to $418 per ton, while the average realized price increased by 4.75% to $833 per ton, slightly alleviating profit pressure for producers [2] Group 2: South American Salt Lakes - South American salt lake companies demonstrated stronger operational resilience due to their cost advantages, with SQM achieving its highest Q1 sales of 55,000 tons of LCE [3] - Lithium Argentina's C-O salt lake operations met expectations, with Q1 lithium carbonate production increasing by 60% year-on-year to 7,200 tons [3] - South American salt lakes maintain considerable profitability and cash flow due to their significantly lower cost structure compared to hard rock lithium projects [3] Group 3: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The reduction in production from major overseas lithium mines has not fundamentally reversed the short-term oversupply situation, and inventory digestion will require time [3] - It is anticipated that downstream demand will seasonally recover in Q3 2025, which, along with the ongoing effects of production cuts, may support lithium prices in the second half of the year [3]

Core Insights - Chevron Corporation is entering the lithium business by acquiring 125,000 acres in Texas and Arkansas, marking its first step into commercial lithium production, which is essential for electric vehicle batteries [1][8] - The company plans to utilize Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which is faster and more environmentally friendly compared to traditional mining methods [2][8] - This strategic move reflects Chevron's broader goal to diversify beyond oil and gas, leveraging its expertise in drilling and reservoir management to meet the increasing demand for domestically produced battery materials [3][4] Company Strategy - Chevron's commitment to building a scalable business in energy transition materials highlights its dedication to the electrification age and U.S. energy independence [4] - The acquisition aligns with the U.S. goal of securing critical mineral supply chains amid global uncertainties [3] Competitive Landscape - ExxonMobil has already secured 120,000 acres in the Smackover Formation and aims to produce enough lithium for over one million EVs annually by 2030, with plans for a commercial facility in Arkansas by 2027 [5] - Occidental Petroleum is also pursuing lithium extraction through its TerraLithium subsidiary, focusing on low-carbon production methods [6] Financial Performance - Chevron's shares have increased by more than 5% in the past month [7] - The company's forward 12-month P/E multiple is approximately 18.5X, which is below the S&P 500 average [9] - Chevron has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in two of the last four quarters [10]

Core Viewpoint - Q2 Metals Corp. has commenced drilling at the Cisco Lithium Project in Quebec, aiming to enhance the understanding of the mineralized zone and build towards a mineral resource estimate [2][3][5]. Drilling Program - The 2025 Summer Program focuses on infill drilling along a 1.5 km mineralized strike length, with the first hole (CS-25-036) exceeding expectations by extending the known mineralized zone [3][5][6]. - Hole CS-25-036 was completed to a depth of 582.11 m, intersecting three additional spodumene pegmatite intervals, with the widest being 151.0 m [4][6]. Geological and Sampling Activities - A detailed mapping and sampling campaign covering the 41,253-hectare Cisco Project is ongoing, with 390 rock samples collected and results expected soon [15]. - Initial metallurgical testing is underway on composite samples from previous drill holes, exploring various separation methods to evaluate the mineralized zone's beneficiation [17]. Option Agreements - The company has successfully exercised option agreements for the Broadback and Ouagama claim groups, acquiring 100% interests in these areas [19][20]. - The Cisco claim group option agreement involves a total payment of $2,000,000 and the issuance of 40,000,000 common shares, with the first anniversary payment of $500,000 made [21]. Upcoming Events - Q2 Metals will attend the Fastmarkets 17 Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference in Las Vegas from June 23-26, 2025 [23]. Company Overview - Q2 Metals is focused on the Cisco Lithium Project, which consists of 801 claims and has district-scale potential with an identified mineralized zone [27][28].

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. Core Viewpoints of the Report - In the second quarter, the pattern of oversupply in the lithium carbonate market is expected to continue, with no significant increase in production during the off - season on the demand side. The supply - side production shows no obvious improvement, and both lithium ore and lithium salt inventories face great pressure, with a slow de - stocking process. The current main contradiction in the market is that the pressure of lithium salt production capacity clearance is gradually spreading to the upstream ore end, and the loosening of ore prices will further drive down lithium salt prices. There is a need to be vigilant against the possible spiral decline of ore and lithium salt prices [3]. - There are some positive factors, such as positive macro - policies that may stimulate power demand growth in industries like robotics, low - altitude economy, and AI, and a higher probability of supply - side disturbances as lithium ore and lithium salt prices decline [4]. - There are also negative factors, including high future production expectations for lithium ore, high inventories suppressing ore prices, high inventories of both lithium ore and lithium salt, and the delay of production capacity clearance due to industrial technology upgrades [6]. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Futures Price and Market Conditions - The price range prediction for the lithium carbonate main contract is an oscillation between 59,000 - 62,000 yuan/ton, with a current 20 - day rolling volatility of 18.9% and a historical percentile (3 - year) of 17.2% [2]. - The closing price of the lithium carbonate main contract is 59,120 yuan/ton, up 220 yuan (0.37%) from the previous day; the trading volume is 259,487 lots, down 70,833 lots (- 21.44%); the open interest is 356,954 lots, up 2,607 lots (0.74%) [9]. - For the LC2511 contract, the closing price is 58,800 yuan/ton (unchanged), the trading volume is 28,178 lots, up 12,033 lots (74.53%), and the open interest is 76,082 lots, up 5,069 lots (7.14%) [9]. - Regarding the lithium carbonate monthly spreads: LC07 - 08 is 360 yuan/ton, down 100 yuan (- 21.74%); LC08 - 11 is 560 yuan/ton (unchanged); LC09 - 11 is 320 yuan/ton, up 220 yuan (220%); LC11 - 12 is - 320 yuan/ton, up 80 yuan (20%) [15]. Lithium Ore and Lithium Salt Prices - For lithium ore, the average daily prices of various types have different changes. For example, the average price of lithium mica (Li2O: 2 - 2.5%) is 1,190 yuan/ton, down 20 yuan (- 1.65%); the average price of lithium mica (Li2O: 3 - 4%) is 2,175 yuan/ton, down 40 yuan (- 1.81%) [19]. - For lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, the average daily prices also show declines. The average price of industrial - grade lithium carbonate is 58,350 yuan/ton, down 450 yuan (- 0.77%); the average price of battery - grade lithium carbonate is 59,950 yuan/ton, down 450 yuan (- 0.75%) [22]. Downstream Product Prices - For downstream products, the prices of some products have changed. The average price of power - type lithium iron phosphate is 30,175 yuan/ton, down 175 yuan (- 0.58%); the average price of low - end energy - storage type lithium iron phosphate is 26,520 yuan/ton, down 100 yuan (- 0.38%) [34]. Enterprise Risk Management Strategies - For inventory management, when product inventory is high and there is a risk of inventory impairment, it is recommended to short 70% of the lithium carbonate futures (LC2509) to lock in profits, sell 30% of call options, and buy out - of - the - money put options [2]. - For procurement management, when there are future procurement plans and concerns about raw material price increases, it is recommended to buy lithium carbonate forward contracts according to the procurement plan to lock in costs, sell put options, and buy out - of - the - money call options [2]. Warehouse Receipts - The total number of lithium carbonate warehouse receipts is 26,779, a decrease of 1,014 from the previous day. Some warehouses have changes in warehouse receipt quantities, such as Wugang Wuxi, which decreased by 300 lots, and Shanghai Guochu, which decreased by 90 lots [37].

Core Points - Lithium Argentina AG held its annual general meeting on June 19, 2025, with 32.34% of total shares outstanding represented [1] - All eight director nominees were re-elected to serve until the next annual meeting [2] Voting Results - John Kanellitsas received 51,213,457 votes (97.79%) for, 1,005,932 votes (1.92%) against, and 154,005 abstentions [2] - Sam Pigott received 51,481,661 votes (98.30%) for, 686,057 votes (1.31%) against, and 205,676 abstentions [2] - George Ireland received 50,552,823 votes (96.52%) for, 1,611,328 votes (3.08%) against, and 209,243 abstentions [2] - Diego Lopez Casanello received 51,514,685 votes (98.36%) for, 651,271 votes (1.24%) against, and 207,438 abstentions [2] - Robert Doyle received 50,351,697 votes (96.14%) for, 1,808,938 votes (3.45%) against, and 212,759 abstentions [2] - Franco Mignacco received 51,500,081 votes (98.33%) for, 666,338 votes (1.27%) against, and 206,975 abstentions [2] - Monica Moretto received 51,582,316 votes (98.49%) for, 629,786 votes (1.20%) against, and 161,292 abstentions [2] - Calum Morrison received 48,776,426 votes (93.13%) for, 3,401,765 votes (6.50%) against, and 195,203 abstentions [2] Shareholder Approvals - Shareholders approved the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 [2] - An increase and amendment to the capital band was approved [2] - An increase and amendment to the conditional capital for financing purposes was approved [2] - John Kanellitsas was re-elected as Executive Chair of the Board of Directors [2] - PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was appointed as auditor for the financial year 2025 [2] - PricewaterhouseCoopers AG was elected as Swiss statutory auditor for the financial year 2025 [2] - Non-binding advisory resolutions on executive compensation were approved [2] - An independent voting rights representative was elected for a term extending until the next annual general meeting [2] Company Overview - Lithium Argentina operates the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium brine operation in Argentina in partnership with Ganfeng [4] - The company is advancing additional lithium resources in the region [4] - Lithium Argentina trades on the TSX and NYSE under the ticker LAR [4]