Core Viewpoint - NEO Battery Materials Ltd. has successfully closed the second tranche of an oversubscribed private placement, raising a total of $900,000 CAD to support its silicon anode materials development for lithium-ion batteries [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The final tranche involved the issuance of 1,400,000 units at a price of $0.50 CAD per unit, generating gross proceeds of $700,000 CAD [1]. - In total, the company issued 1,800,000 units across both tranches, with each unit comprising one common share and one non-transferable warrant [2]. - Each warrant is exercisable at an exercise price of $0.75 CAD for a period of 24 months from the respective closing date [2]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - Proceeds from the offering will be allocated towards scaling up silicon battery research and development, purchasing key manufacturing equipment, and covering working capital and general corporate overhead [2]. Group 3: Finder's Fees and Regulatory Compliance - The company paid finders a cash commission of $45,500 CAD and issued 91,000 non-transferable warrants exercisable at $0.50 CAD for 24 months [3]. - A portion of the units was offered to purchasers outside Canada under an exemption from the prospectus requirement, with specific resale restrictions applicable to Canadian purchasers [3]. Group 4: Company Overview - NEO Battery Materials is focused on developing silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, aiming to become a leading producer in the electric vehicle and energy storage industries [5]. - The company utilizes a patent-protected, low-cost manufacturing process that enables longer-lasting and ultra-fast charging batteries compared to existing technologies [5].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Commerce has preliminarily determined to impose antidumping tariffs of 93.5% on anode active material (AAM), which includes synthetic and natural graphite imports from China, resulting in an effective tariff rate of 160% when combined with existing tariffs [1][2]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Operations - NOVONIX emphasizes the strategic importance of developing a domestic supply chain for critical minerals, particularly synthetic graphite, in North America, aligning with its business strategy and customer diversification efforts [2]. - The company operates the most advanced synthetic graphite production facility in North America and plans to significantly increase U.S. production of this essential mineral, thereby enhancing American manufacturing and creating high-quality jobs [2]. - NOVONIX's Riverside facility in Chattanooga is set to be the first large-scale production site for high-performance synthetic graphite in North America, with a total production capacity exceeding 50,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) when combined with its second facility at Enterprise South [3]. Group 2: Market Context and Regulatory Environment - The antidumping investigation assesses whether graphite is being sold at less than fair value, while the countervailing duty investigation evaluates if the Chinese government is subsidizing graphite AAM production for the U.S. market [2]. - The final determinations for both the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations are expected to be released around December 5, 2025 [2].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Commerce has preliminarily determined to impose antidumping tariffs of 93.5% on anode active material (AAM), which includes synthetic and natural graphite imports from China, resulting in an effective tariff rate of 160% when combined with existing tariffs [1][2]. Company Summary - NOVONIX Limited is positioned to enhance domestic supply chains for critical minerals, particularly synthetic graphite, in North America, aligning with its business strategy and customer diversification efforts [2]. - The company operates the most advanced synthetic graphite production facility in North America and plans to significantly increase U.S. production of this strategic mineral, thereby creating high-quality jobs [2]. - NOVONIX's Riverside facility in Chattanooga is set to be the first large-scale production site for high-performance synthetic graphite in North America, with a total production capacity exceeding 50,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) across its facilities [3]. Industry Summary - The antidumping investigation assesses whether graphite is sold at less than fair value, while the countervailing duty investigation evaluates if the Chinese government subsidizes graphite AAM production for the U.S. market [2]. - The final determinations for both the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations are expected to be released around December 5, 2025 [2].

Market Dynamics - Battery material makers' stocks climbed following the US Commerce Department's imposition of preliminary anti-dumping duties [1] - The US Commerce Department imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties of 9350% on graphite imports from China [1]

Trade Policy - US to impose a 935% tariff on Chinese battery materials [1]

Core Viewpoint - Euro Manganese Inc. has announced the appointment of Sherry Roberge as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Martina Blahova to the Board of Directors, effective July 15, 2025, which is expected to enhance the company's strategic execution in the battery materials sector [1][3]. Company Appointments - Sherry Roberge, a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 15 years of experience in the resource sector, has been appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Her background includes roles at NorthX Nickel Corp. and Defiance Silver Corp., focusing on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting [2][3]. - Martina Blahova, currently the President and CEO, has also been appointed to the Board of Directors, following her successful acquisition of a Director Identification Number from the Australian Business Registry Services [3]. Company Overview - Euro Manganese is focused on producing high-purity manganese for the electric vehicle industry, with ongoing development of the Chvaletice Manganese Project in the Czech Republic and an early-stage opportunity in Bécancour, Québec [4][5]. - The Chvaletice Project involves reprocessing old tailings from a decommissioned mine, positioning the company as a key supplier of critical raw materials for battery supply chains in the European Union [5].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or specific companies within it [2]. Core Insights - The inventory of lithium held by battery makers and traders has increased by 6% week-over-week (WoW) and 18% month-over-month (MoM), reaching 41,430 tons, indicating a potential accumulation strategy by major battery makers in anticipation of strong production or possible future disruptions [1]. - The average selling price (ASP) for lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and lithium hydroxide (LiOH) showed mixed results, with Li2CO3 priced at Rmb63.7k/ton and LiOH at Rmb57.4k/ton as of July 10, 2025, compared to Rmb62.1k/ton and Rmb57.6k/ton the previous week [1]. - China's Li2CO3 production increased by 4% WoW to 18,813 tons, with contributions from various sources: brine (+2%), lepidolite (+5%), spodumene (+5%), and recycling (-1%) [1]. Summary by Sections Inventory Analysis - Total inventory of Li2CO3 reached 140,793 tons this week, reflecting a 2% increase WoW. The inventory breakdown includes downstream players (40,765 tons, +1% WoW), smelters (58,598 tons, 0% change), and battery makers/traders (41,430 tons, +6% WoW) [1]. Production Insights - The production of Li2CO3 in China was reported at 18,813 tons, marking a 4% increase WoW. The production from brine, lepidolite, and spodumene sources saw increases of 2%, 5%, and 5% respectively, while recycling output decreased by 1% WoW [1].

Core Insights - Century Lithium Corp. is progressing towards becoming a key domestic supplier of battery-grade lithium carbonate, with a recent collaboration with First Phosphate demonstrating the practical application of its lithium carbonate in LFP battery production [1][2]. Company Developments - The partnership with First Phosphate was initiated when they selected Century Lithium's lithium carbonate for their LFP battery formulation, showcasing a successful collaboration over the past few months [3]. - Century Lithium has been producing high-purity lithium carbonate at its demonstration plant in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, using a process that involves leaching clay ore to extract lithium and purifying it through several steps [4]. Industry Context - The collaboration between a Canadian company (First Phosphate) and a U.S. company (Century Lithium) exemplifies the strengthening of the North American battery supply chain, which is being encouraged by policymakers [6]. - LFP batteries are expected to see increased usage in both stationary and mobile energy storage applications, indicating a positive outlook for lithium batteries, particularly in the stationary segment [6][7]. Future Prospects - Century Lithium is interested in continuing its collaboration with First Phosphate and is also receiving interest from other companies in the industry for potential partnerships [8].

Core Points - Electra Battery Materials Corporation held its 2025 annual general and special meeting of shareholders on June 24, 2025, in Toronto [1] - A total of 5,222,899 common shares, representing 29% of the issued and outstanding shares, were voted at the meeting, with shareholders approving all items of business [2] - All five director nominees were elected with significant support, with votes for ranging from 96.34% to 97.43% [3] Company Updates - The 2022 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) was approved, increasing the number of Options from 1,429,961 to 2,500,000, PSUs from 100,000 to 125,000, and DSUs from 175,000 to 400,000, while RSUs remain at 125,000 [4] - The maximum number of common shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP has been revised from 1,829,961 to 3,150,000 [4] - The LTIP is conditionally approved by the TSX Venture Exchange and is subject to final acceptance [5] Industry Position - Electra is positioned as a leader in advancing North America's critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries, focusing on developing the only cobalt sulfate refinery in North America [6] - The company's strategy includes onshoring critical minerals refining, nickel refining, and battery recycling, with growth projects in black mass recycling and cobalt production opportunities in Quebec [6]

Group 1 - POSCO Holdings Inc.'s POSCO Future M unit has completed a precursor plant with an annual capacity of 45,000 tons in Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do Province, enhancing its in-house production capabilities for cathode materials [1][2] - The new plant will enable the production of batteries for 500,000 electric vehicles, contributing to supply chain self-sufficiency and quality control [2] - Korea's dependency on Chinese imports for precursors is being addressed by POSCO Future M, which is enhancing its sourcing capabilities for nickel and lithium from within the POSCO group and other non-Chinese sources [3] Group 2 - POSCO Future M aims to become a global top-tier secondary battery materials company by strengthening supply chain management, developing research capabilities, and expanding its product portfolio [4] - PKX stock has experienced a decline of 28.9% over the past year, slightly worse than the industry's decline of 28.5% [6]