Core Viewpoint - Sichuan's Shehong City is leveraging a quality-driven strategy to enhance the lithium battery industry, aiming to establish itself as a benchmark for high-quality development in the sector [1][8]. Group 1: Quality Infrastructure Development - The establishment of the National Lithium Battery Materials and Products Quality Inspection Center in Shehong positions it as the only national-level quality inspection center covering the entire lithium battery industry chain in Southwest China [2]. - The center operates under a collaborative model involving three parties and aims to provide comprehensive testing services, including material analysis and safety assessments, with the first phase set to launch in June 2024 [2][3]. - Since its trial operation in March 2024, the center has provided over 500 batches of testing services, benefiting both local and external companies, and has introduced a cost-sharing mechanism to lower R&D expenses for small and medium-sized enterprises [2][3]. Group 2: Standardization and Research - Tianqi Lithium has taken the lead in proposing industry standards for battery-grade lithium carbonate and has been involved in drafting international standards, addressing the lack of unified terminology in the global lithium battery industry [4]. - The company has conducted extensive research and consultations to develop the "Lithium Terminology" international standard, which will facilitate global trade and technical exchanges in the lithium sector [4][5]. - Shehong enterprises have participated in the formulation of 17 national standards and 41 industry standards, supported by local regulatory bodies to transition from passive to active standard-setting [5]. Group 3: Brand and Green Development - Shehong has implemented a support system for brand cultivation and green development, providing incentives for award-winning companies and fostering a "1+N" brand matrix in the lithium industry [7]. - The region promotes the "Shehong Lithium" brand through participation in domestic and international exhibitions and hosting the International Lithium Battery Industry Conference to enhance its global recognition [7]. - A comprehensive recycling system has been established, achieving an annual processing capacity of 20,000 tons of waste batteries with a lithium recovery rate exceeding 85%, aligning with international standards for sustainable development [7][8]. Group 4: Economic Impact and Future Plans - The lithium battery industry in Shehong has become a core growth driver for the local economy, with 39 related enterprises and a total output value of 44.82 billion yuan, accounting for 75.6% of the city's industrial output [8]. - The city aims to deepen its quality-driven strategy and enhance its lithium battery industry by advancing the second phase of the National Lithium Battery Quality Inspection Center and establishing a comprehensive quality improvement system [8].

Core Insights - The article highlights the completion of the first phase of the Jin Kai Recycling project, which is set to enter trial production soon. This project is a significant investment in lithium resource recycling and processing, with a total investment of 5 billion yuan [2]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Jin Kai Recycling project is developed by Hunan Jin Kai Recycling Technology Co., Ltd., a national high-tech enterprise and a "little giant" enterprise recognized for specialization and innovation. The project covers over 300 acres and aims to achieve a battery recycling purity rate of over 95%, leading the industry [2]. - The first phase of the project is expected to produce 15,000 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually, generating an annual output value of 2 billion yuan once operational [2]. Group 2: Company Background - Hunan Jin Kai Recycling Technology Co., Ltd. was established in May 2016 and specializes in the disposal and recycling of used lithium batteries, power batteries, lithium-containing waste, and nickel-cobalt waste. The company also engages in the research, manufacturing, and sales of lithium-related products [2]. - The company has set up two production bases in Leiyang and Changsha. The Leiyang base plans to invest 3 billion yuan and will produce various lithium compounds, including 25,700 tons of lithium carbonate and 127,990 tons of iron phosphate annually [3].