Summary of Cobalt Market Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call discusses the cobalt industry, specifically focusing on the new export policies implemented by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) regarding cobalt mining and exportation [1][2][3]. Key Points and Arguments New Export Policies - The DRC has introduced a quota system for cobalt exports, which allows limited exports but is unlikely to alleviate the domestic supply tightness in the short term [1]. - From September to December, there will be an import gap, necessitating the consumption of existing inventory [1]. - The new policy significantly impacts small to medium-sized cobalt smelting companies, particularly those lacking the technology for producing cobalt sulfate or chloride [1][5]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - The DRC's quota policy will lead to continuous consumption of domestic cobalt inventory, making it difficult to balance supply and demand in the short term [1][6]. - The expected cobalt export volume for 2025 is 18,200 tons, which, combined with previous imports, totals approximately 103,000 tons, still insufficient to meet demand [4]. - Monthly consumption in China is between 13,000 to 14,000 tons, indicating a persistent supply gap [4]. Market Price Impact - The quota policy's effect on market prices is limited, with expectations that cobalt prices will stabilize around 300,000 yuan per ton due to rising raw material costs [12]. - The market is anticipated to transition from a fast bull market to a slow bull market, with a bullish trend expected to last for one to two years [8][17]. ESG Compliance and International Supply Chain - The international supply chain is adjusting to higher ESG compliance requirements, including a ban on child labor, which may increase battery costs for large mining companies if they are acquired by foreign firms [10][11]. - The DRC aims to establish a closed-loop cobalt industry chain, but current developments are limited [11]. Future Market Predictions - The cobalt market is expected to face a tight supply situation, with potential shortages projected for 2026 [16][18]. - The domestic visible inventory of cobalt is approximately 80,000 to 90,000 tons, with a monthly consumption rate that could reach up to 170,000 tons when considering exports [16]. Additional Important Insights - The quota distribution process may be susceptible to corruption, as the governing body has significant power over allocation [7]. - Pure smelting companies face challenges in obtaining cobalt mining quotas, as the regulations primarily target mining operations [13][15]. - The development of alternative materials, particularly lithium iron phosphate, is gaining traction, although high stock prices may hinder innovation in battery technology [9]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call regarding the cobalt market, highlighting the implications of new policies, supply-demand dynamics, pricing trends, and future market outlooks.

Group 1 - The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is considering extending its cobalt export ban, which could benefit companies with cobalt mining capacities in Indonesia, as DRC holds a dominant position in global cobalt resource supply [1] - The DRC has allowed the export of cobalt salts that have been smelted and refined locally, benefiting a domestic company engaged in cobalt smelting cooperation and holding cobalt salt export quotas [1] - The Indonesian government has shut down some nickel smelting facilities under the guise of environmental reviews, leading to a clear upward trend in nickel prices; a specific company relying on its hydrometallurgical nickel capacity could significantly increase related business profits [1]

近期钴原料价格继续上行，高价钴中间品的压力下，钴冶炼厂仅按需采购，部分企业转而选用钴盐替 代，钴盐现货资源相对紧张。 中信建投（601066）证券指出，刚果(金)政府自6月22日起延长3个月出口禁令，至今市场钴原料已显著 消化，7月我国进口钴湿法冶炼中间品量1.38万吨，预计后续月份继续下降，冶炼厂原料库存进一步压 降。刚果(金)禁令三个月延长期即将到期，后续或调整政策，继续延长或配额出口，钴供给问题进一步 强化，消费旺季下需求相对较好，供给紧张，价格有望保持强势。 ...

Group 1: Industrial Metals - The expectation of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut has increased, combined with the seasonal demand in September and October, leading to strong upward momentum in industrial metal prices [1][2] - Copper prices are supported by a decrease in electrolytic copper production expected in October, with the SMM import copper concentrate index reporting a weekly increase of $0.63 to -$40.85 per ton [2] - Aluminum production has slightly increased to 847,300 tons, with domestic electrolytic aluminum social inventory at 626,000 tons, indicating a slight accumulation of 6,000 tons [2] Group 2: Energy Metals - The supply of cobalt raw materials continues to decrease, suggesting a potential surge in cobalt prices, while lithium demand is expected to strengthen during the traditional peak season [3] - The market is entering a phase of increased supply and demand for lithium, with expectations of a tight supply situation, leading to a sustained strong price for lithium carbonate [3] - Nickel prices are expected to rise due to limited supply from nickel salt plants and high raw material costs, with ongoing demand from downstream enterprises [3] Group 3: Precious Metals - The weak U.S. employment data and inflation aligning with expectations have bolstered confidence in a Federal Reserve rate cut, leading to an upward shift in gold and silver prices [4] - The legal and economic uncertainties from tariff disputes are expected to increase safe-haven demand, supporting gold prices [4] - Central bank gold purchases and weakening U.S. dollar credit are anticipated to drive gold prices higher, presenting opportunities for investment in the gold sector [4]

Core Viewpoint - Daoshi Technology announced an investment of $30 million in Qiangna Technology to acquire minority shareholder rights, aiming to enhance its capabilities in AI and new materials, particularly in the application of carbon materials in key components like electronic skin [2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Daoshi Technology, established in 2007 and listed in December 2014, focuses on carbon materials, lithium battery materials, and ceramic materials, with key products including graphene conductive agents and carbon nanotube conductive agents [3]. - In the first half of 2025, Daoshi Technology reported revenue of 3.654 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 11.64%, while net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 108.16% to 230 million yuan, with basic earnings per share at 0.32 yuan [3]. Group 2: Investment and Strategic Direction - The investment in Qiangna Technology is part of Daoshi Technology's strategy to leverage Qiangna's expertise in brain-computer interface technology across medical rehabilitation, educational consumption, and human-computer interaction [2]. - Daoshi Technology has been actively developing a collaborative R&D system for "AI + materials" and announced plans to establish a computing center to enhance its research capabilities [3]. Group 3: Qiangna Technology Profile - Qiangna Technology, recognized as one of the "Six Little Dragons of Hangzhou," specializes in non-invasive brain-computer interface technology, with core products including smart bionic hands and legs [2]. - The company has a strong technical barrier and commercialization capability, with over 460 authorized patents and its core products certified by international standards such as FDA and CE [2].

Core Viewpoint - Daoshi Technology reported a decline in revenue but a significant increase in net profit, indicating a shift towards more profitable business segments and strategic investments in new materials and technologies [1][2][3] Financial Performance - The company achieved a revenue of 3.654 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 11.64% [1] - Net profit attributable to shareholders was 230 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 108.16% [1] - Basic earnings per share were 0.3192 yuan [1] Business Strategy - Daoshi Technology is focusing on material innovation and has diversified its business from a single ceramic material focus to a multi-faceted approach including carbon materials, lithium battery materials, and strategic resources [1] - The company has defined its strategic direction as "AI + Materials" [1] Key Business Segments - Carbon materials and lithium battery materials have become the core strategic businesses [1] - In the carbon materials segment, the company is expanding into artificial graphite anode materials and accelerating the industrialization of silicon-carbon anode materials, creating a synergistic product matrix [1][2] - The new generation of anode materials, silicon-carbon anode materials, offers high energy density and fast charging capabilities, compatible with solid-state battery systems [1] Supply Chain and R&D - Daoshi Technology is enhancing its supply chain and R&D system for conductive agents, focusing on single-walled carbon nanotubes and silicon-carbon anodes, as well as solid-state battery key materials [2] - The company is optimizing performance and cost control while accelerating capacity layout and process refinement [2] Lithium Battery Materials - The lithium battery materials segment includes products like ternary precursors and cobalt salts, with production concentrated in Guangdong and Jiangxi [2] - The company benefited from rising cobalt metal prices, leading to improved gross margins for cobalt products [2] Strategic Investments - Daoshi Technology plans to invest $165 million in a copper wet smelting plant in the Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to leverage local copper and cobalt resources for cost competitiveness and capacity efficiency [3] - The company is also expanding the production capacity of single-walled carbon nanotubes and silicon-carbon anodes to meet market demand [3]

Investment Rating - Industry rating: Recommended [3] Core Insights - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has invested billions in MP Materials to accelerate the independence of U.S. rare earth magnets, but global production remains highly concentrated in China in the short term [9][14][45] - Nickel prices have decreased due to a significant drop in demand and production halts in Indonesia, which may impact local mining operations [12][20][23] - Cobalt prices have risen due to supply tightening from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which accounts for approximately 75% of global electric vehicle battery supply [13][31] - Lithium carbonate prices have increased, but future price movements will depend on downstream demand recovery [7][38][44] - Antimony prices have remained stable, with domestic supply still tight, and production expected to decline in the coming months [32][36] Summary by Sections Rare Earth Industry - MP Materials announced a partnership with the DoD to enhance domestic production capabilities, with a new magnet manufacturing facility expected to be operational by 2028 [45][46] - The DoD has committed to a minimum price of $110 per kilogram for NdPr products, ensuring stable cash flow for MP Materials [46][47] Nickel Industry - As of July 11, LME nickel spot price was $14,955 per ton, down 1.09% from July 4, with total LME nickel inventory increasing by 1.83% [20] - Domestic NPI smelting costs remain under pressure, affecting the acceptance of high-priced raw materials [20][23] Cobalt Industry - As of July 11, cobalt prices have shown mixed trends, with electrolytic cobalt at 249,300 yuan per ton, down 0.99%, while cobalt oxide increased by 1.54% [24][31] - The extension of a temporary export ban by the Congolese government is expected to tighten global cobalt supply [31] Lithium Industry - The average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate reached 63,800 yuan per ton, up 2.36% as of July 11 [7][38] - Market sentiment is cautious, with inventory levels remaining high, limiting upward price movement [38][44] Antimony Industry - Domestic antimony ingot prices have stabilized, with supply constraints expected to support future pricing [32][36]

Core Viewpoint - The temporary ban on cobalt exports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been extended for an additional three months, now lasting a total of seven months, in response to an oversupply in the global cobalt market [1][7]. Industry Impact - The extension of the cobalt export ban has led to a rise in the energy metals sector, with companies like Tengyuan Cobalt (301219.SZ) seeing a stock price increase of 15.42%, and other firms such as Hanrui Cobalt (300618.SZ) and Huayou Cobalt (603799.SH) also experiencing significant gains [1]. - Cobalt prices have increased, with the average price of electrolytic cobalt reported at 244,000 yuan/ton, up by 8,500 yuan from the previous working day [1]. Company Responses - Major Chinese cobalt producers, including Luoyang Molybdenum and Huayou Cobalt, have indicated that their operations in the DRC are not significantly impacted by the export ban extension. Luoyang Molybdenum reported a cobalt production of 114,200 tons last year, a 106% increase year-on-year, while Huayou Cobalt noted that its cobalt capacity is primarily based in Indonesia, minimizing the impact of the DRC ban [2][4]. - Analysts suggest that domestic cobalt refining companies may face pressure due to increased uncertainty in cobalt raw material supply, although they currently have sufficient inventory to continue production [2][3]. Market Dynamics - The DRC is the largest cobalt producer globally, accounting for 76% of the world's cobalt production last year [5]. - Prior to the ban, cobalt prices had already dropped nearly 70% from their peak in Q1 2022, indicating a significant oversupply in the market [6]. - The ban's extension is expected to affect 128,000 tons of cobalt exports from the DRC this year, potentially shifting the global cobalt market from oversupply to a shortage by 2025, which could drive prices up [8]. Future Outlook - Industry experts have mixed views on whether the DRC's export ban will effectively alter the global cobalt supply-demand balance. Some predict short-term price increases driven by market sentiment, while others caution that without sufficient demand, the oversupply may persist [8][9]. - The DRC's strategy may include measures to enhance its pricing power in the cobalt market, although the implications of such strategies on the overall market dynamics remain uncertain [9].

Core Viewpoint - The extension of the cobalt export ban in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is expected to significantly impact the cobalt market, leading to supply shortages and potential price increases, with companies like Huayou Cobalt and Hanrui Cobalt seeing substantial stock price gains as a result [1][2]. Supply and Demand Overview - DRC's cobalt production in 2024 is projected at 220,000 tons, accounting for 75.9% of global supply, with a monthly export of 18,000 tons. If the export ban is extended to six months, it could reduce exports by 108,000 tons, which is equivalent to 84% of China's cobalt demand for 2024 [1]. - China's cobalt supply is expected to decrease by 38% to 104,000 tons, while demand will slightly increase by 2.3% to 131,000 tons, resulting in a shift from a surplus of 42,000 tons to a shortage of 27,000 tons [1]. Industry Chain Impact - **Upstream Mining**: Non-DRC production is becoming a scarce asset. Huayou Cobalt's Indonesian capacity of 30,000 tons is expected to generate 5 billion yuan in revenue by 2025, despite being 10% more expensive than DRC production [2]. - **Midstream Smelting**: Companies like Greeenmei and Zhongwei Co. are adapting their raw material sources to reduce costs and mitigate risks associated with DRC's export policies [3]. - **Downstream Demand**: The electric vehicle sector is increasing cobalt procurement by 50% year-on-year, while the 3C battery sector is expected to see an 8% increase in cobalt demand, indicating differing responses to market conditions [4]. Investment Landscape - Focus on non-DRC production and recycling sectors is recommended. Companies like Huayou Cobalt and Liqin Resources are positioned to benefit from reduced export risks, while recycling firms like Greenmei are expected to see a 120% increase in cobalt recovery by 2025 [5][6]. - The performance elasticity of companies is linked to their ability to increase non-DRC production, with a 10% increase in Indonesian capacity potentially raising profit margins by 3-5% [6]. Conclusion - The cobalt market is experiencing a short-term supply contraction due to administrative interventions, with a dual strategy recommended for investors: short-term trading opportunities in non-DRC production and long-term investments in cobalt recycling and low-cobalt battery technologies [7].

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]