Core Viewpoint - The price of battery-grade lithium carbonate has surged significantly, indicating a potential recovery in the lithium market, with prices nearing 190,000 yuan/ton as of January 26, 2026 [1][9]. Group 1: Lithium Price Trends - As of January 26, 2026, the main contract for lithium carbonate futures on the Shanghai Futures Exchange has increased by over 37% since the beginning of the year [1]. - The price of battery-grade lithium carbonate reached 182,200 yuan/ton on January 26, up 13,200 yuan/ton from 169,000 yuan/ton on January 23, showing an accelerated upward trend [1]. Group 2: Company Performance - A-share lithium mining stocks have performed well, with Zhongmin Resources (002738.SZ) seeing its stock price exceed 100 yuan, reflecting a cumulative increase of over 21% since the start of the year [5]. - Zhongmin Resources reported that its lithium battery raw material development and utilization business generated 1.307 billion yuan in revenue in the first half of 2025, accounting for over 40% of total revenue [6]. - The gross margin for Zhongmin Resources' lithium battery raw material business was only 10.89% in the first half of 2025, significantly lower than the 72.24% gross margin for its rare light metal business [6]. Group 3: Market Outlook - Analysts express cautious optimism regarding the future price trends of lithium carbonate, with expectations of a 30% increase in demand for battery-grade lithium carbonate in 2026 [9]. - Market sentiment remains optimistic, with expectations that if demand growth exceeds 30%, prices could rise to between 150,000 yuan/ton and 200,000 yuan/ton [9]. - Concerns about supply disruptions due to policy impacts on mines and planned maintenance at lithium salt plants may affect market dynamics in the short term [9].

Core Viewpoint - The arrival of a new cycle in non-ferrous metals has made the gold sector the biggest winner, with Zijin Mining being a significant beneficiary [2][4]. Group 1: Zijin Mining's Performance - Zijin Mining's stock price surged over 6%, with its market capitalization exceeding 1 trillion yuan, marking a remarkable performance in 2025 with a stock price increase of 135.77% and a total market value growth of 525.8 billion yuan [5]. - The company's stock has risen for six consecutive years, increasing from 3.15 yuan per share at the beginning of 2020 to over 10 times its original value [5]. - The rise in prices of precious metals, particularly gold, has been a key driver, with gold prices in 2025 experiencing a historical bull market, rising over 60% and reaching record highs [6]. Group 2: Strategic Acquisitions and Resource Management - Zijin Mining's continuous stock price increase is attributed to its long-term strategic layout around gold and copper resources [8]. - The average acquisition cost of mines by Zijin Mining from 2019 to 2024 was approximately $61.3 per ounce, significantly lower than the industry average of $92.9 per ounce, providing a cost advantage [9]. - The company has expanded into lithium resources, acquiring a 25% stake in Zangge Mining for 13.7 billion yuan, significantly increasing its lithium resource reserves to 1.788 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, ranking among the top ten globally [9]. Group 3: Historical Context and Growth Strategy - The success of Zijin Mining is closely linked to its founder, Chen Jinghe, who transformed the previously deemed unviable Zijin Mountain into China's largest gold mine through innovative techniques [11]. - Since its establishment in 2001, Zijin Mining has pursued a national expansion strategy, acquiring various mines across China and internationally, including significant acquisitions during industry downturns [12][13]. - By the end of 2022, Zijin Mining's resource holdings included 73.72 million tons of copper, 3,117 tons of gold, and 1,215 million tons of lithium, positioning it to benefit from the 2025 bull market in precious metals [14]. Group 4: Future Prospects - Zijin Mining is not only focused on gold and copper but is also strategically investing in lithium resources, aiming to become a significant player in the global lithium industry [15]. - The company has made substantial investments in lithium projects, including acquiring stakes in key lithium resources in Argentina and Tibet, with a total lithium carbonate equivalent exceeding 1.215 million tons [17]. - The recent acquisition of a 24.82% stake in Zangge Mining for 13.729 billion yuan further enhances its lithium resource portfolio, indicating that the company's growth trajectory is far from over, with the trillion yuan market cap being just a milestone [18].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not mentioned in the provided content 2. Core View of the Report - The overall fundamentals of lithium carbonate may gradually shift to a stage of slightly reduced supply and slightly increased demand, with continued destocking in the industry. It is recommended to conduct light - position oscillating trading and pay attention to controlling risks in trading rhythm [2] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Futures Market - The closing price of the main contract is 165,680 yuan/ton, a decrease of 15,840 yuan; the net holding of the top 20 is - 154,659 lots, a decrease of 1,878 lots; the main contract's open interest is 416,719 lots, a decrease of 22,009 lots; the spread between near - and far - month contracts is - 1,100 yuan/ton, an increase of 780 yuan; the warehouse receipts of GZFE are 28,646 lots/ton, an increase of 490 lots [2] 3.2 Spot Market - The average price of battery - grade lithium carbonate is 181,500 yuan/ton, an increase of 10,500 yuan; the average price of industrial - grade lithium carbonate is 178,000 yuan/ton, an increase of 10,500 yuan; the basis of the Li₂CO₃ main contract is 15,820 yuan/ton, an increase of 26,340 yuan [2] 3.3 Upstream Situation - The average price of spodumene concentrate (6% CIF China) is 2,010 US dollars/ton, an increase of 75 US dollars; the average price of amblygonite is 17,775 yuan/ton, an increase of 200 yuan; the price of lithium mica (2 - 2.5%) is 7,150 yuan/ton, unchanged [2] 3.4 Industry Situation - The monthly output of lithium carbonate is 56,820 tons, an increase of 2,840 tons; the monthly import volume is 23,988.66 tons, an increase of 1,933.47 tons; the monthly export volume is 911.90 tons, an increase of 152.66 tons; the monthly operating rate of lithium carbonate enterprises is 49%, an increase of 2%; the monthly output of power batteries is 201,700 MWh, an increase of 25,400 MWh; the price of lithium manganate is 47,000 yuan/ton, unchanged; the price of lithium hexafluorophosphate is 138,000 yuan/ton, a decrease of 20,000 yuan; the price of lithium cobaltate is 400,500 yuan/ton, unchanged; the price of ternary material (811 type) in China is 205,000 yuan/ton, an increase of 5,000 yuan; the price of ternary material (622 power - type) in China is 188,500 yuan/ton, an increase of 5,000 yuan [2] 3.5 Downstream and Application Situation - The price of ternary material (523 single - crystal type) in China is 203,500 yuan/ton, an increase of 5,000 yuan; the monthly operating rate of ternary cathode materials is 50%, a decrease of 1%; the price of lithium iron phosphate is 52,400 yuan/ton, unchanged; the monthly operating rate of lithium iron phosphate cathodes is 60%, a decrease of 3%; the current - month output of new energy vehicles (according to CAAM) is 1,718,000 vehicles, a decrease of 162,000 vehicles; the current - month sales volume is 1,710,000 vehicles, a decrease of 113,000 vehicles; the cumulative sales penetration rate of new energy vehicles (according to CAAM) is 47.94%, an increase of 0.45%; the cumulative sales volume and year - on - year increase of new energy vehicles are 16,490,000 vehicles, an increase of 3,624,000 vehicles; the current - month export volume of new energy vehicles is 300,000 vehicles, unchanged; the cumulative export volume and year - on - year increase of new energy vehicles are 2.615 million vehicles, an increase of 1.331 million vehicles; the 20 - day average volatility of the underlying is 92.88%, an increase of 8.20%; the 40 - day average volatility of the underlying is 72.41%, an increase of 5.01% [2] 3.6 Option Situation - The total holding of call options is 102,521 contracts, a decrease of 9,064 contracts; the total holding of put options is 164,446 contracts, an increase of 4,088 contracts; the put - call ratio of the total holding is 160.4%, an increase of 16.693%; the at - the - money implied volatility (IV) is 0.71%, an increase of 0.0328% [2] 3.7 Industry News - The National Market Operation and Consumption Promotion Work Conference emphasized promoting the expansion and upgrading of commodity consumption, implementing the replacement of old consumer goods with new ones, and promoting large - scale consumption such as automobiles and household items. Jiangsu Province will continue to promote large - scale equipment updates and optimize the replacement of old consumer goods with new ones in 2026. Beijing's new energy vehicle ownership exceeds 1.3 million, and new energy and "National V - standard" vehicles account for over 80%. In 2026, Chongqing has opened applications for automobile replacement subsidies with the first - batch funds of 185 million yuan. India will reduce the automobile import tariff from a maximum of 110% to 40% after reaching a trade agreement with the EU [2] 3.8 Market Analysis - The lithium carbonate main contract first rose and then fell, with a - 6.56% decline at the close. The open interest decreased month - on - month, the spot price was at a premium to the futures price, and the basis strengthened compared with the previous day. On the fundamentals, the raw material lithium ore quotes continued to be strong, the smelters had sufficient raw material inventory and a strong wait - and - see attitude. The supply side saw an increase in the willingness of lithium salt plants to ship and produce, with stable domestic supply, but production may decrease as the long holiday approaches. The demand side maintained on - demand procurement, but pre - holiday stocking demand increased in February, and the spot market trading sentiment improved. In the options market, the put - call ratio of the holding was 160.4%, an increase of 16.693% month - on - month, the option market sentiment was bearish, and the implied volatility slightly increased. Technically, in the 60 - minute MACD, the two lines were above the 0 - axis and the green bars expanded [2]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Outperform" [1] Core Views - The gold market is experiencing a "no-defeat time" as the narrative of de-dollarization continues to advance, with geopolitical risks becoming a recurring theme throughout the year [2][11] - Lithium prices are on the rise, driven by increased demand and a supply shortage, indicating a strong upward trend in the lithium mining sector [3][12] Summary by Sections Weekly Research Insights - Gold prices are expected to remain strong due to geopolitical tensions and the potential appointment of a dovish Federal Reserve chair [11] - The lithium sector is seeing a significant increase in prices and demand, with a current average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate at 171,000 CNY/ton [12] Sector Performance - The non-ferrous metals index increased by 5.97%, outperforming the market by 5.14%, ranking 4th among 30 sub-industries [13] - The top-performing segments include gold, lead, and zinc, with respective increases of 16.40%, 15.39%, and 14.48% [13] Metal Prices and Inventory - Lithium prices have surged, with industrial-grade lithium carbonate up by 8.41% to 167,500 CNY/ton and battery-grade up by 8.23% to 171,000 CNY/ton [23][25] - Gold prices increased by 8.4% to 4,980 USD/ounce, while silver prices rose by 14.5% to 101.33 USD/ounce [45]

Group 1 - The core issue for Hualian Holdings is a combination of acquisition approval risks, pressure on its main business, and financial strain [1] - The company's net profit for the first three quarters of 2025 decreased by 4.73%, and revenue fell by 2.45%, indicating operational difficulties [1] - Several subsidiaries are operating at a loss, requiring support from the parent company, which negatively impacts overall performance and financial status [1] Group 2 - The acquisition of 100% of Argentum Lithium S.A. to enter the lithium resource sector faces high uncertainty due to the need for approvals from multiple government departments in both China and Canada [1] - The company lacks management experience in overseas lithium mining, presenting challenges in cross-border operations [1] - The lithium battery concept was added on January 22, 2026, but the overall market sector is complex, and negative factors could lead to stock price declines despite the company's involvement [1] Group 3 - As of January 20, 2026, the margin trading balance decreased by 11.52%, suggesting reduced investor confidence in short-term stock price trends [1] - On January 14, 2026, the block trade discount rate was -6.07%, indicating that shareholders are eager to cash out due to pessimism about the company's short-term outlook [1] - These combined factors have affected market confidence in the company's stock price, contributing to its trading halt [1]

Core Viewpoint - Dahua Jixian maintains a "Buy" rating for Ganfeng Lithium (002460) and raises the target price for H-shares from HKD 78 to HKD 90, while the target price for A-shares is increased from CNY 72 to CNY 80 [1] Financial Projections - Dahua Jixian keeps the net profit forecast for Ganfeng Lithium at CNY 4.07 billion for 2025, based on an expected lithium salt sales volume of 180,000 tons LCE, representing a year-on-year growth of 39% [1] - The estimated net profit for Q4 2025 is CNY 382 million, while the market consensus is CNY 438 million [1] Future Outlook - Due to higher sales projections of 230,000 tons and 270,000 tons LCE for 2026 and 2027 respectively, along with increased average lithium salt prices of CNY 160,000 and CNY 200,000 per ton for 2026 and 2027, Dahua Jixian raises the net profit forecasts for Ganfeng Lithium by 67% and 58% for 2026 and 2027, resulting in projections of CNY 3.21 billion and CNY 5.24 billion respectively [1]

Core Viewpoint - Daiwa Capital Markets maintains a "Buy" rating for Ganfeng Lithium (01772) and raises the target price for H-shares from HKD 78 to HKD 90, while the target price for A-shares is increased from RMB 72 to RMB 80 [1] Financial Projections - The net profit forecast for Ganfeng Lithium in 2025 is maintained at RMB 4.07 billion, based on an expected lithium salt sales volume of 180,000 tons LCE, representing a year-on-year growth of 39% [1] - The estimated net profit for Q4 2025 is projected at RMB 382 million, while the market consensus is RMB 438 million [1] Future Growth Expectations - The sales volume is expected to increase to 230,000 tons LCE in 2026 and 270,000 tons LCE in 2027, along with higher average lithium salt prices of RMB 160,000 and RMB 200,000 per ton for 2026 and 2027, respectively [1] - Consequently, the net profit forecasts for 2026 and 2027 have been raised by 67% and 58%, reaching RMB 3.21 billion and RMB 5.24 billion, respectively [1]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant information provided. 2. Core View of the Report - The lithium carbonate market has experienced a sharp rise and then a fall, with intensified games between policy disturbances and demand realities. The market is currently in a high - level wide - range oscillation stage, and the core contradiction lies in the game between the expected supply contraction caused by policy disturbances on the supply side and the weak demand reality of new - energy vehicles downstream. It is expected that the lithium carbonate price will enter a high - level oscillation and consolidation stage in the next 1 - 2 weeks [2]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs Lithium Salt Market Introduction - **Price Changes**: The battery - grade lithium carbonate spot price increased by 12.33% to 156,250 yuan/ton this week. The futures price of lithium carbonate rose 1.94% to 146,200 yuan/ton. The spot prices of lithium hydroxide also had significant increases, with the price of electric - carbon (coarse particles) rising 14.02% to 150,500 yuan/ton, electric - carbon (fine powder) rising 13.48% to 155,700 yuan/ton, and industrial - carbon rising 14.60% to 145,200 yuan/ton [2][4]. - **Premium Changes**: The premium of different raw materials and enterprises has changed to varying degrees. For example, the premium of spodumene raw materials increased by 100 yuan, and the premium of Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd. increased by 200 yuan [7]. Lithium Salt Fundamentals - **Supply**: The domestic lithium carbonate capacity utilization rate remained at a high level of 87.14% with no week - on - week change. The supply side is mainly affected by news such as overseas mining rights policies and domestic environmental protection actions, and there is an expected long - term supply contraction. The production of lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide in China and their production in different regions and from different raw materials are also involved in the report, but specific data are not detailed here [2]. - **Demand**: Downstream demand is differentiated. The production start - up rate of energy - storage cells has increased, but the new - energy vehicle sales data in early January decreased significantly year - on - year. The production schedule of cathode material factories in January is expected to decline month - on - month, and procurement is mainly for rigid demand [2]. - **Import and Export**: The salable inventory of port lithium ore traders decreased by 4.83% to 13.8 tons week - on - week, indicating a tight supply of imported raw materials. The freight cost of some routes increased slightly, such as the Nigeria route, which increased by 6.67% week - on - week [2][27]. - **Inventory**: The exchange warehouse receipt inventory increased by 8.27% to 27,458 lots, with significant increases in warehouses such as Jiangsu Benniu Port and Shanghai Xiangyu Sichuan Warehouse, indicating that spot goods are flowing into the futures market and inventory pressure has increased [2][40]. - **Cost and Profit**: The production cost of externally purchased lithium concentrate increased by 3.1% to 158,106 yuan/ton, higher than the futures closing price. The production profit decreased by 86.98% to - 1,856 yuan/ton, showing the effect of cost support [2]. Lithium - Battery Fundamentals - **Market and Supply of Cathode Materials**: The report involves the market and supply of cathode materials, including production volume and price, but specific data are not detailed [44][46]. - **Supply of Electrolytes**: The price and production volume of electrolytes are also mentioned, but specific data are not detailed [48]. - **Demand for Cathode Materials**: The consumption of cathode materials is involved, but specific data are not detailed [50]. - **Import and Export of Lithium - Battery Materials and Batteries**: The import and export of lithium - battery materials and batteries are mentioned, but specific data are not detailed [52][54]. - **Cost and Profit of Ternary Materials**: The cost and profit of ternary materials are involved, but specific data are not detailed [56]. - **Lithium - Battery Recycling**: Lithium - battery recycling is mentioned, but specific data are not detailed [58]. - **New - Energy Vehicle Production and Sales**: The production and sales of new - energy vehicles and other important data are involved, but specific data are not detailed [60][62].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report is that Guanfeng Lithium's net profit forecast for 2025 remains at 4.07 billion yuan, based on an expected lithium salt sales volume of 180,000 tons LCE, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 39% [1] - The estimated net profit for Q4 2025 is projected to be 382 million yuan, while the market consensus is 438 million yuan [1] - The report anticipates higher sales volumes for 2026 and 2027, with projections of 230,000 tons and 270,000 tons LCE respectively, along with increased average lithium salt prices of 160,000 yuan and 200,000 yuan per ton for 2026 and 2027 [1] Group 2 - The profit forecasts for Guanfeng Lithium for 2026 and 2027 have been raised by 67% and 58% respectively, now estimated at 3.21 billion yuan and 5.24 billion yuan [1] - The rating for Guanfeng Lithium is maintained at "Buy," with the target price for H-shares increased from 78 HKD to 90 HKD, and for A-shares from 72 yuan to 80 yuan [1]

Group 1 - The company's stock price experienced an abnormal fluctuation, with a cumulative increase of over 20% in closing prices over three consecutive trading days from January 21 to January 23, 2026 [2] - The company conducted an internal review and confirmed that there were no corrections or supplements needed for previously disclosed information [3] - There were no significant changes in the company's production and operational environment, and no undisclosed major information that could impact stock prices was found [5][4] Group 2 - The company is planning to issue A-shares to specific investors, which has been approved by the board and requires further approval from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and the China Securities Regulatory Commission [6] - The company and its controlling shareholders did not engage in any stock trading during the period of abnormal fluctuations [8] - The board confirmed that there are no undisclosed matters that should have been disclosed according to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange's listing rules [9]