Core Insights - The long-term demand for nickel is widely recognized, but the efficient development of low-grade nickel laterite ores remains a bottleneck for the industry [1] - Companies that can overcome technical challenges and align with Indonesia's transformation from a resource exporter to an industrial hub will gain a competitive edge in the nickel industry [1] - Liqin Resources has seen its stock price increase by over 130% in the past year, significantly outperforming the market, due to its integration of Chinese technology and Indonesian resources [1] Industry Dynamics - The global nickel industry is undergoing a dual transformation characterized by "supply-demand dynamics" and "technological iteration" [2] - Nickel prices fell to a near-term low of 115,000 RMB/ton in April due to U.S. tariffs, but have since stabilized between 120,000 and 130,000 RMB/ton [2] - Major companies like Norilsk Nickel and Glencore announced production cuts, with Norilsk's nickel output down 4% and Glencore's down 7% year-on-year [2] - The stainless steel sector is recovering, with China's crude steel production up 5.17% year-on-year, while the demand for battery-grade nickel remains strong due to the high nickel content trend in batteries [2] Technological Innovation - Liqin Resources has adopted the third-generation HPAL hydrometallurgical process, which is one of the most advanced technologies for processing low-grade nickel laterite ores [3] - This technology has achieved a rapid production ramp-up record within two months and significantly improved nickel-cobalt recovery rates, positioning it among the lowest-cost nickel-cobalt production projects globally [3] - During the industry downturn, Liqin's low-cost advantage allowed it to gain market share as high-cost capacities were forced out [3] Strategic Positioning in Indonesia - Liqin Resources exemplifies the integration of Chinese technology with global resources, aligning with Indonesia's shift from resource exportation to deep processing [4] - Indonesia's nickel-related product exports are projected to reach $33.9 billion in 2024, marking a historic high and validating the country's industrial upgrade strategy [4] - The company operates HPAL and RKEF projects in collaboration with Indonesian partners, ensuring a "mine-to-metal" integration [5] Environmental and Social Responsibility - Liqin Resources emphasizes green development, with the first wet tailings demonstration facility in Indonesia set to enhance resource utilization and address environmental concerns [6] - This initiative aligns with Indonesia's industrial upgrade requirements and supports the "Belt and Road" green development initiative [6] Competitive Advantages - Liqin Resources has built a dual-base supply network in Indonesia and the Philippines, ensuring stable supply and mitigating regional supply fluctuations [7] - The company employs a "wet and dry" technology synergy, producing battery-grade nickel sulfate and nickel iron to cater to both the new energy and traditional industrial markets [7] - The integration of ESG principles into operations enhances long-term customer loyalty and positions the company favorably in a market with increasing ESG scrutiny [8] Conclusion - Liqin Resources' strong performance in the Hong Kong stock market is attributed to its established ecological moat and strategic positioning in the nickel industry [9] - The company's global procurement network, dual technology approach, and long-term customer contracts have transformed it into an ecological platform connecting global nickel resources with end-user demand [9] - The current nickel price fluctuations serve as a test of the company's competitive strength, with its cost advantages and technological innovations poised to capture market share and drive growth [10]

Group 1 - Jinchuan Nickel Cobalt has completed its IPO counseling with CITIC Securities and CICC as advisors, but has not disclosed financial data or the total fundraising amount yet [2] - The company, established in 2013, is the largest producer in China's nickel-cobalt industry, with a post-investment valuation close to 70 billion yuan after a recent capital increase [5] - In 2024, Jinchuan Nickel Cobalt reported revenues of 37.479 billion yuan and a net profit of 5.849 billion yuan, with a significant year-on-year decline in both revenue and profit [5][6] Group 2 - The revenue from nickel products for Jinchuan Group showed a decline from 32.673 billion yuan in 2022 to 6.456 billion yuan in Q1 2025, while cobalt product revenues also decreased significantly [6] - The overall nickel market is facing oversupply and slowing demand growth, leading to fluctuating nickel prices, although there is potential for recovery due to emerging industries [7] - The cobalt market is experiencing severe supply-demand imbalances, with significant price drops, and non-listed companies face greater performance pressures without capital market support [8]