Core Viewpoint - Dongfang Zirconium plans to invest significantly in new energy battery-related projects, focusing on the production of high-purity zirconium compounds to enhance its competitive edge and profitability [1][2]. Investment Project - The company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Qinyang Dong Zirconium New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., intends to invest 737 million yuan to establish a project with an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons of battery-grade zirconium oxychloride and 12,000 tons of high-purity zirconium-hafnium separation oxides [2][3]. - The project will be constructed in two phases: the first phase will produce 35,000 tons/year of high-purity zirconium oxychloride, and the second phase will produce 25,000 tons/year of high-purity zirconium oxychloride and 12,000 tons/year of oxides, including 2,000 tons/year of nuclear-grade zirconium [2]. Market Position and Strategy - Dongfang Zirconium aims to accelerate its layout in emerging application fields supported by national policies, enhancing its core competitiveness and profitability through this new project [2][3]. - The company has been actively developing downstream applications for zirconium products, with its zirconium oxide powder already being used as an additive in ternary cathode materials and gaining preliminary recognition from solid-state battery material manufacturers [3]. Research and Development - The company has invested in R&D, with expenditures of 56.53 million yuan, 63.24 million yuan, 74.28 million yuan, and 49.99 million yuan from 2021 to 2024, and 46.79 million yuan in the first three quarters of 2025 [4][5]. - Dongfang Zirconium holds 20 invention patents and 76 utility model patents, having developed a series of new products and processes, including high-purity ultra-fine zirconium dioxide and high-performance composite zirconium [5]. Financial Performance - In the first three quarters of 2025, the company reported a net profit of 38.68 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 193.66%, marking a turnaround from previous losses [1][6]. - The company’s revenue for the same period was 927 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 24.86% [6].

Core Viewpoint - Dongfang Zircon Industry plans to invest approximately 737 million yuan in a project to produce 60,000 tons of battery-grade zirconium oxychloride and 12,000 tons of high-purity zirconium-hafnium separation oxide annually, indicating a strategic shift towards emerging applications in solid-state batteries and nuclear power [2][3][4]. Investment Details - The investment will be executed through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Qinyang Dongzhuo New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., and will be carried out in two phases, with the first phase focusing on 35,000 tons/year of high-purity zirconium oxychloride and the second phase adding 25,000 tons/year and 12,000 tons/year of oxide [3][4]. - The total investment for the two projects, including a related asset acquisition of 66.57 million yuan, amounts to nearly 800 million yuan [2][4]. Strategic Shift - The company is transitioning from traditional zircon products to high-end emerging fields such as new energy, photovoltaics, and nuclear power due to declining demand in traditional sectors [3][4]. - Cumulatively, Dongfang Zircon's planned investments in emerging applications this year will reach approximately 1.1 billion yuan, demonstrating a strong commitment to this strategic direction [6]. Financial Considerations - The funding for the 737 million yuan project is expected to come from self-owned or self-raised funds, which poses a significant financial burden given the company's current cash position of only 290 million yuan as of the end of Q3 [6][9]. - The company has faced increased financial pressure, with accounts receivable skyrocketing by 47 times to 119 million yuan, primarily due to an increase in commercial bills received [6][9]. Market and Technical Challenges - There are concerns regarding the production progress of solid-state battery materials, as the company has not yet supplied products to solid-state battery manufacturers, despite market speculation that the investment signals imminent mass production [6][9]. - The solid-state battery electrolyte market is characterized by competition among three main technical routes: polymer, oxide, and sulfide, with Dongfang Zircon focusing on the oxide route, which presents risks related to technological iteration and market competition [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - Guangdong Dongfang Zirconium Industry Co., Ltd. has approved significant investment projects aimed at expanding its production capacity in the zirconium industry, specifically focusing on the production of battery-grade zirconium oxychloride and high-purity zirconium-hafnium separation oxides [15][19]. Group 1: Investment Projects - The company has approved the investment in a project to construct an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons of battery-grade zirconium oxychloride and 12,000 tons of high-purity zirconium-hafnium separation oxides [2][15]. - The project will be executed in two phases: the first phase will establish a production line for 35,000 tons/year of high-purity zirconium oxychloride, while the second phase will add another 25,000 tons/year and 12,000 tons/year of oxides [15][17]. - The total investment budget for the project is estimated at 737 million yuan, with funding sourced from the company's own or self-raised funds [17][19]. Group 2: Asset Purchase and Related Transactions - The company has also approved a related transaction involving the purchase of assets from Longbai Group's subsidiary for 66.5743 million yuan, which includes land and buildings necessary for the new production project [19][20]. - This transaction is classified as a related party transaction, as the seller is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company's controlling shareholder [20][21]. - The asset purchase is expected to enhance the company's operational efficiency and align with its strategic development goals, ensuring no adverse impact on the company's financial health [40][42]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The investment and asset acquisition are aligned with the company's long-term development strategy, focusing on high-tech and high-value-added business expansion in emerging applications of zirconium products [16][40]. - The projects are expected to strengthen the company's core competitiveness and profitability, contributing to sustainable development and scale efficiency [16][40]. - The company emphasizes that these initiatives will not harm the interests of shareholders, particularly minority shareholders, and are in compliance with national industrial policies [16][40].

Core Viewpoint - The company, Dongfang Zirconium (002167.SZ), has announced plans for a significant investment in a new project focused on producing battery-grade zirconium oxychloride and high-purity zirconium-hafnium separation oxides [1] Group 1: Project Details - The company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Qinyang Dongzhuo New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., will invest in the construction of a project with an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons of battery-grade zirconium oxychloride and 12,000 tons of high-purity zirconium-hafnium separation oxides [1] - The total investment budget for the project is set at 737 million yuan [1] - The project will be located in the Qinxin North Park of the Qinyang Economic and Technological Development Zone in Jiaozuo City, with construction planned to commence in January 2026 [1]

Core Viewpoint - Dongfang Zirconium (002167.SZ) has announced the investment in a new project for the production of 60,000 tons of battery-grade zirconium oxychloride and 12,000 tons of high-purity zirconium-hafnium separation oxides, with a total investment budget of 737 million yuan [1] Group 1 - The project will be constructed by the wholly-owned subsidiary Qinyang Dongzircon New Materials Technology Co., Ltd [1] - The project is located in the Qinxin North Park of the Qinyang Economic and Technological Development Zone in Jiaozuo City [1] - Construction is planned to commence in January 2026 [1]

Core Viewpoint - The company has approved its wholly-owned subsidiary to invest in a project for the production of 60,000 tons of battery-grade zirconium oxychloride and 12,000 tons of high-purity zirconium and hafnium separation oxides, with a total investment budget of 737 million yuan [1] Group 1: Project Details - The project is planned to commence construction in January 2026 and will be executed in two phases [1] - Phase one will focus on the construction of 35,000 tons per year of high-purity zirconium oxychloride, while phase two will add 25,000 tons per year of high-purity zirconium oxychloride and 12,000 tons per year of oxides [1] - The funding for the project will come from the company's own resources or self-raised funds [1] Group 2: Strategic Implications - This investment aligns with the company's strategic goals and is expected to enhance its competitiveness and profitability [1] - The project is still subject to administrative approvals, which introduces an element of uncertainty [1]