Core Viewpoint - Euro Manganese Inc. has confirmed that its management is unaware of any material changes in operations that would explain the recent increase in market activity, as requested by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization [1]. Company Overview - Euro Manganese Inc. is a battery materials company focused on developing the Chvaletice Manganese Project in the Czech Republic, which is recognized as Europe's only near-term source of high-purity manganese, essential for electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, and defense applications [3]. - The Chvaletice Manganese Project aims to reprocess historic mine tailings to produce high-purity electrolytic manganese metal (HPEMM) and high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM), establishing a low-carbon supply chain within the European Union [4]. Production and Market Position - The company has successfully produced on-spec products at its Demonstration Plant, with ongoing optimization efforts to enhance the efficiency of its commercial plant, positioning Euro Manganese to become Europe's first domestic producer of high-purity manganese [5]. - The company is addressing the rising demand for sustainable battery materials while contributing to Europe's clean-energy and supply-chain independence goals [5].

Summary of Conference Call on China Battery Materials Industry Overview - The focus of the conference call is on the lithium battery materials industry in China, particularly the demand and supply dynamics of lithium as of January 2026. Key Points Demand and Supply Dynamics - Strong on-the-ground demand for lithium has been observed, with weekly apparent consumption increasing for three consecutive weeks, indicating a robust value chain activity ahead of the Chinese New Year (CNY) seasonality [1] - Some smelters are beginning maintenance offline, leading to a 2% week-over-week (WoW) decrease in weekly production [1] - Anticipation of a front-loading export window before the export tax rebate cut on April 1st, which may pull forward some demand from the traditional peak season (March and April) into the first quarter of 2026 [1] Price Trends - Lithium prices are expected to remain at a high level in the near term, with the lower band of prices likely to be lifted due to favorable supply and demand dynamics [1] - The average selling prices (ASP) for lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and lithium hydroxide (LiOH) have shown an upward trajectory, with Li2CO3 priced at Rmb164.5k/ton and LiOH at Rmb156.5k/ton as of January 22, 2026, compared to Rmb159k/ton and Rmb150.5k/ton on January 15, 2026 [2] Production and Inventory Insights - China's Li2CO3 production decreased by 2% WoW to 22,217 tons, with specific outputs from brine, lepidolite, spodumene, and recycling also showing declines of 1%, 2%, 1%, and 4% respectively [2] - Total inventory of Li2CO3 stood at 108,896 tons, reflecting a 1% decrease WoW. Notably, inventory levels for downstream players (mainly cathode makers) increased by 5%, while smelters saw a 1% increase, and battery makers and traders experienced a 5% decrease in inventory [2] Additional Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring the lithium market closely due to the potential impacts of seasonal demand and regulatory changes on pricing and supply dynamics [1][2] - The data presented is sourced from SMM and Citi Research, indicating a reliance on reputable industry databases for accurate market analysis [1][2] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call regarding the lithium battery materials industry, highlighting demand trends, pricing movements, and production statistics.

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the announcement by Huasheng Lithium Battery regarding its plan to issue H-shares and list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aimed at enhancing its international presence and financing capabilities. Group 1: Company Overview - Huasheng Lithium Battery has been a key supplier in the electrolyte additive sector since 2003, serving major companies like Mitsubishi Chemical, BYD, and Tianqi Materials, with a market presence in Asia, Europe, and America [1]. - The company operates four production bases, including Zhangjiagang Phase I, II, III, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Taixing Huasheng, with an annual production capacity of 14,000 tons for VC and FEC products following the completion of its third-phase project [1]. Group 2: Product Development - In addition to its traditional business, Huasheng Lithium Battery is proactively investing in new battery materials, including solid-state batteries, and has completed laboratory trials for various materials suitable for solid and semi-solid batteries [1]. - The company has established a pilot production line for lithium sulfide with an annual capacity of 2 tons, primarily to support technical validation for downstream electrolyte and battery enterprises, although it has not yet achieved commercialization or sales revenue [1].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the launch of a solid-state battery cathode material production line by Yili Technology, marking a significant investment in the development of advanced battery materials in China [2][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - Yili Technology, a subsidiary of Tianhua New Energy, has initiated the construction of a solid-state battery cathode material production line with a total planned investment of 1.12 billion yuan [3]. - The facility will cover an area of 19,000 square meters and aims to produce 5,200 tons of high-nickel ternary cathode materials annually, with completion and production expected by the end of 2026 [3]. - A pilot production line with a capacity of 200 tons per year has already been established and is currently in trial operation [3]. Group 2: Strategic Partnerships - During the launch event, Yili Technology signed strategic cooperation agreements with several companies, including Weilan New Energy, Guxin New Energy, Heyuan Lithium Innovation, and Jingjiu New Energy, to collaborate on solid-state battery cathode materials [4]. Group 3: Company Background - Yili Technology was established in April 2022 and focuses on the research and development of solid-state battery cathode materials, leveraging technology from the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Tianmuhu Energy Storage Technology Research Institute [5]. - The company has developed several mass-production level products, including medium-nickel high-voltage ternary cathodes and high-nickel high-voltage ternary cathodes, catering to various battery systems from liquid to solid-state [5].

Core Insights - Cabot Corporation (CBT) has signed a multi-year supply agreement with PowerCo SE, a leading European OEM in the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, marking a strategic expansion into the battery materials market [2] - The agreement involves supplying advanced conductive carbons and dispersions for EV battery electrodes, enhancing battery conductivity, energy density, charging speed, and lifespan [3] - This partnership positions Cabot as a key supplier in Europe's EV battery market, reflecting the strength of its technology and production scalability to meet global demand [4] Company Developments - Cabot's conductive formulations are part of a broader portfolio aimed at optimizing battery performance across various applications, including electric vehicles and energy storage systems [5] - The agreement is expected to significantly contribute to Cabot's long-term growth in battery materials and reinforce its role in the global EV value chain, highlighting the company's commitment to clean energy [5] - CBT's shares have declined by 20.1% over the past year, slightly underperforming the industry average decline of 19.9% [6] Market Position - Cabot is positioned as a leading supplier of conductive materials to the EV battery market, supporting the growth of battery materials and addressing the evolving demands of the electric vehicle sector [4][9] - The partnership with PowerCo SE underscores Cabot's innovative solutions and its strategic importance in the transition towards clean energy [5]

Core Insights - POSCO Holdings Inc.'s POSCO Future M is focusing on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials through a joint venture with CNGR and its Korean subsidiary, FINO, to construct an LFP cathode material plant [1][8] - The construction of the LFP cathode material plant at Pohang's Yeongil Bay General Industrial Complex is set to begin in 2026, with mass production expected to start in 2027 and an initial capacity of up to 50,000 tons annually [2][8] - The company aims to establish a comprehensive LFP cathode material business while enhancing collaboration with CNGR and FINO in production, technology, and marketing [3][8] Production Plans - POSCO Future M plans to convert parts of its existing high-nickel production lines at the Pohang plant to LFP production, allowing for earlier market entry with supplies expected in the second half of 2026 [4][8] Market Context - LFP batteries, while offering lower output than ternary batteries, are gaining popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and longer lifespan, particularly in energy storage systems (ESS) and entry-level electric vehicles [3]

Core Viewpoint - The value of L&F's 2023 supply deal with Tesla has significantly decreased from an initial projection of $2.9 billion to $7,386 [1] Company Summary - L&F is a South Korean battery material manufacturer that has experienced a substantial reduction in the projected value of its supply agreement with Tesla [1]

财政部部长蓝佛安表示，明年财政将大力提振消费。深入实施提振消费专项行动，继续安排资金支持消 费品以旧换新，调整优化补贴范围和标准。 中国人民银行发布《中国金融稳定报告（2025）》。报告提出，着力健全有利于"长钱长投"的制度政策 环境，显著提高各类中长期资金实际投资A股的规模和比例，努力实现中长期资金保值增值、资本市场 平稳健康运行与实体经济高质量发展的良性循环。 中国ETF正式迈入6万亿时刻。 上交所推出2026年系列降费让利措施，免收沪市上市公司上市费，减免交易单元使用费，免收可转债以 外的债券交易经手费等。 宏观•要闻 2026年全国两会召开时间来了 十四届全国人大常委会第十九次会议12月27日上午表决通过了关于召开十四届全国人大四次会议的决 定。根据决定，十四届全国人大四次会议于2026年3月5日在北京召开。政协第十四届全国委员会日前召 开第四十五次主席会议，审议通过了关于召开政协第十四届全国委员会第四次会议的决定（草案），建 议全国政协十四届四次会议于2026年3月4日在北京召开。 财政部：2026年继续实施更加积极的财政政策 扩大财政支出盘子 全国财政工作会议12月27日至28日在北京召开。会议指 ...

TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) (“Electra” or the “Company”) has established an At the Market Offering (the “ATM”), pursuant to the previously announced At The Market Offering Agreement entered into with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“Wainwright”) dated June 26, 2025. Under the ATM, the Company may offer and sell, at its discretion and from time to time, through Wainwright, common shares in the capital of the Company (the “Common Sha ...

Summary of Conference Call Notes Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the **China Materials** industry, particularly in relation to **lithium**, **copper**, and **aluminum** sectors, as well as companies like **CATL**, **Zijin Mining**, and **Chalco** [1][2][3]. Key Insights 1. **Investor Sentiment on Lithium**: - There is significant interest in lithium due to a recent price rally driven by strong expectations in **Energy Storage Systems (ESS)**. Most investors are bullish on lithium [2][3]. - A cautious near-term outlook is suggested due to a slowdown in **Electric Vehicle (EV)** sales since November, which may impact battery production in Q1 2026E. A more constructive view is expected post-Chinese New Year (CNY) when demand is anticipated to increase [2][4]. 2. **Copper and Aluminum Market**: - Investors show little push-back on copper and aluminum stocks, with a preference for aluminum over copper at current price levels. **Zijin Mining** received the most follow-up inquiries from investors [2][4]. - The aluminum market is expected to remain tight in 2026E, which is supportive for prices and margins. The potential risks associated with aluminum supply are believed to be underappreciated by the market [4]. 3. **Company-Specific Insights**: - **CATL** is highlighted as the most well-owned name among US investors, with discussions around its risk/reward profile being favorable. It is considered to have the lowest risk among ESS-related investments [2][4]. - Other companies mentioned include **China Hongqiao**, **Ganfeng Lithium**, **Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology**, **Hunan Yuneng New Energy Battery Material**, and **Yunnan Energy New Material**, which are seen as having potential upside in a rising price environment [4][7]. 4. **Market Dynamics**: - The call noted a shift in investor behavior, with many now open to adding selective Chinese equities to their portfolios. This marks a change from previous meetings where the focus was more on sector read-throughs and channel checks [3][4]. Additional Considerations - The report emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of **China's anti-involution policies** on the materials sector, although specific details were not elaborated [1][2]. - The overall sentiment indicates a positive outlook for the battery price up-cycle into 2026E, with expectations of stronger ESS demand driving market dynamics [4]. Companies Mentioned - **CATL** (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd) - **Zijin Mining Group Co Ltd** - **Aluminum Corporation of China** - **China Hongqiao** - **Ganfeng Lithium** - **Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology** - **Hunan Yuneng New Energy Battery Material** - **Yunnan Energy New Material** [7].