Industry Overview - China is the largest producer and consumer of cobalt oxide globally, with a production of 9,500 tons in the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 40.69% [1][10] - The global demand for cobalt oxide is driven by the expected sales of over 18 million electric vehicles in 2025, with significant demand for high-purity cobalt oxide in the power battery sector, particularly for lithium cobalt oxide cathode materials [1][10] - The energy storage market is accelerating due to carbon neutrality goals, further increasing the demand for cobalt oxide [1][10] - Emerging consumer electronics, such as foldable smartphones and AR/VR devices, have increased the cobalt content per device by 40% compared to traditional models, creating additional demand [1][10] - Government policies, including the State Council's action plan for large-scale equipment updates and local support for new energy materials, provide long-term benefits for cobalt oxide applications in power batteries [1][10] Industry Chain - The upstream of the cobalt oxide industry chain includes cobalt mines, recycled materials, ammonium carbonate solution, and sulfuric acid, along with various production equipment [6] - The midstream involves the production and manufacturing of cobalt oxide, while the downstream applications include battery materials, pigments, ceramics, magnetic materials, catalysts, and consumer electronics [6] Market Dynamics - The global cobalt reserves are estimated at 11 million tons, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) holding 6 million tons, accounting for 55% of the total [8] - In 2024, global cobalt production is projected to reach approximately 291,300 tons, a year-on-year increase of 22.39%, with the DRC contributing 75.86% of the total production [8] - The DRC's export ban on cobalt has been extended, potentially leading to a supply shortage and increased cobalt prices, although Chinese companies are expected to maintain normal operations in the short term [8][12] Key Companies - Huayou Cobalt is a leading player in the industry, achieving a 40% self-sufficiency rate in raw materials through its control of six cobalt mines in the DRC [14] - Jinchuan Group holds a significant position in the cobalt oxide market due to its rich mineral resources and stable production capacity [14] - Greeenme has established a closed-loop business model for resource recovery, achieving over 99% cobalt recovery rates [14] Price Trends - Cobalt oxide prices in China have remained low due to declining cobalt prices and increasing production, but a rebound in cobalt prices following the DRC's export ban has led to a doubling of cobalt oxide prices [12] - As of June 2025, the price of cobalt oxide in China was 190,000 yuan per ton, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 51.39% [12] Industry Development Trends 1. Resource security and global layout are crucial for building a diversified supply system, with Chinese companies enhancing supply stability through overseas investments [19] 2. Technological breakthroughs are necessary to capture high-end markets, with innovations in cobalt oxide production processes and product purity requirements [20] 3. The industry is moving towards a low-carbon economy, emphasizing environmentally friendly production processes and recycling systems, particularly in response to stricter regulations [21]

Investment Rating - Industry rating: Recommended [3] Core Insights - The lithium carbonate price increased by 0.91% to 72,000 CNY/ton as of August 8, 2025, indicating a supply-demand imbalance in the industry that may be difficult to resolve [6][42] - Nickel prices rose, with LME nickel closing at 212,232 USD/ton, up 1.51% from August 1, 2025, while domestic nickel prices also increased by 1.05% to 121,000 CNY/ton [21][24] - Cobalt prices showed mixed trends, with electrolytic cobalt down 1.48% to 266,000 CNY/ton, while cobalt oxide rose by 2.54% to 203.50 CNY/kg [25][30] - Antimony prices decreased, with antimony ingot averaging 185,000 CNY/ton, down 1.33% from July 31, 2025, amid tight supply conditions [31][35] - The nickel industry faces potential supply disruptions due to the suspension of production lines by Chinese mining giant Tsingshan in Indonesia, which may impact local nickel mining and support nickel prices [12][24] Summary by Sections Nickel and Cobalt Industry Updates - Nickel prices increased, with LME nickel at 212,232 USD/ton and domestic nickel at 121,000 CNY/ton, while supply remains stable despite weather conditions [21][24] - Cobalt prices fluctuated, with electrolytic cobalt down and cobalt oxide up, influenced by raw material shortages from the Democratic Republic of Congo [25][30] Antimony Industry Update - Antimony prices fell, with domestic antimony ingot at 185,000 CNY/ton, as supply remains tight and production is limited due to many manufacturers being offline [31][35] Lithium Industry Update - Lithium carbonate prices rose to 72,000 CNY/ton, with high inventory levels and slow de-stocking, indicating ongoing supply challenges [6][42] Rare Earth Industry Update - The rare earth market remains stable, with domestic production indicators not showing significant growth, and the U.S. government is working to rebuild its rare earth supply chain [15][42] Tin Industry Update - Tin prices increased, with LME tin at 33,900 USD/ton, as supply from Myanmar remains constrained due to production issues [9][15] Tungsten Industry Update - Tungsten prices rose slightly, with white tungsten at 193,500 CNY/ton, as supply remains tight due to reduced mining quotas [10][11] Investment Recommendations - Recommended companies include Tianhua New Energy, Yahua Group, and Ganfeng Lithium, which are expected to benefit from the current market dynamics in lithium supply [42]