Core Viewpoint - High-purity quartz resources are critical for the development of strategic emerging industries such as photovoltaics, semiconductors, and optics, and their stable supply is essential for national industrial security [2] Group 1: Challenges in Exploration and Evaluation - The exploration and evaluation of high-purity quartz face significant challenges due to strict requirements on stability, scale, impurity content (ppm level), and other geological characteristics [2] - There is a lack of comprehensive research data along the entire chain from "typical deposits - ore - finished sand," which hampers field identification, exploration methods, and industrial indicators [2] - The current methods for rapid field identification are inadequate, relying on qualitative indicators like color and transparency, leading to the inclusion of many unqualified samples in subsequent evaluations [5][6] Group 2: Inadequate Exploration Methodologies - Conventional geological exploration methods are insufficient for the precise exploration needs of high-purity quartz deposits, which often occur in ancient metamorphic rocks and have complex formations [7] - Existing single exploration methods cannot accurately identify the boundaries, continuity, quality, and morphological characteristics of the deposits, necessitating the development of targeted methodological combinations [7] Group 3: Lack of Specialized Industrial Standards - Current industrial indicators for quartz resources focus on traditional silica raw materials, which do not meet the unique requirements of high-purity quartz, leading to difficulties in resource estimation and mining [9][10] - High-purity quartz has a significantly higher resource value, with raw ore prices generally exceeding 2000 RMB per ton, compared to traditional materials priced in the tens to hundreds of RMB per ton [10] Group 4: Technical and Economic Evaluation Difficulties - The final processability of high-purity quartz cannot be determined through conventional mineral processing tests, making mineralogical research and high-quality processing trials critical [11][12] - The complexity and lack of reference for processing trials hinder precise evaluations during exploration, affecting the feasibility assessments of resource development [12] Group 5: Absence of Geological Exploration Standards - Despite being recognized as an independent mineral resource, high-purity quartz lacks a comprehensive exploration standard system [13][14] - The existing guidelines focus primarily on ore quality assessment and do not address core exploration content, leading to a lack of standards for exploration and resource evaluation [14]

Group 1: Event Overview - The 2025 Fifth Jiangsu International Quartz Industry Conference and 2025 International Silicon-Based Materials Exhibition will be held on October 19-20, 2025, at Nanjing Airport International Expo Center [15][17] - The theme of the conference is "Innovation Breakthrough Leading the Future," focusing on showcasing upstream and downstream equipment and technology enterprises in the quartz industry [15][17] Group 2: Research Institute Profile - Nanjing Hongchuang Mineral Resources Research Institute is located in the Nanjing University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Demonstration Base and is dedicated to providing high-precision detection and resource optimization solutions for the global mining industry [4] - The institute has established a complete detection and evaluation system for high-purity quartz, leveraging a research-grade laboratory valued at tens of millions to analyze key indicators such as impurity elements and purity [5] Group 3: Services and Capabilities - The research institute offers full-process services covering mineral source exploration, quality evaluation, and ore dressing process optimization, helping clients improve resource utilization efficiency and product added value [6] - The institute emphasizes a commitment to excellence, aiming to significantly enhance resource value for clients [7] Group 4: Exhibition Scope - The exhibition will cover various aspects of the quartz and silicon-based materials industry, including raw quartz, quartz sand, quartz glass materials, and advanced production equipment [18][19][20] - Specific categories include quartz raw ore, quartz sand powder, quartz glass products, and advanced detection instruments [18][19][20] Group 5: Industry Significance - Silicon-based materials are essential for strategic emerging industries such as electronic information, new energy, and semiconductors, with demand expected to continue growing as these downstream industries develop [17]

Core Viewpoint - High-purity quartz is a critical material for various high-tech industries, including semiconductors, photovoltaics, and advanced optical applications, and its supply is essential for national security and economic stability [1][40]. Group 1: Overview of High-Purity Quartz - High-purity quartz refers to quartz with extremely high SiO₂ purity and very low impurity content, widely used in semiconductor, photovoltaic, optical, and advanced lighting industries [4][5]. - The higher the purity of quartz, the better its properties such as high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, low thermal expansion, high insulation, and light transmission [5][7]. - Different industries have varying quality requirements for quartz, leading to a lack of universal quality evaluation standards [5][7]. Group 2: Global Distribution of High-Purity Quartz Resources - China is the largest consumer and importer of high-purity quartz globally, but there is a significant gap in processing technology compared to international standards [3][9]. - Major high-purity quartz deposits are found in the USA, Norway, Australia, Russia, Mauritania, and Canada, with the largest resource in the Spruce Pine mine in the USA, exceeding 10 million tons [9][11][15][22][26][31][33]. - The purity of quartz from these deposits often exceeds 99.9%, making them suitable for high-tech applications [11][15][20][22][31]. Group 3: Applications of High-Purity Quartz - High-purity quartz is essential for manufacturing transistors, memory chips, integrated circuits, optical fibers, and various components in the electronics and telecommunications sectors [41][45]. - In the renewable energy sector, it is used to produce polysilicon for solar cells and components for nuclear fusion laser ignition devices [42][43]. - The material is also critical in advanced manufacturing, including aerospace applications and military technology [46]. Group 4: Strategic Importance and Future Development - High-purity quartz is recognized as a strategic mineral resource, with countries like Japan and the EU categorizing it as critical [40]. - There is a pressing need for China to enhance its evaluation of high-purity quartz resources, protect quality deposits, and develop advanced purification technologies to ensure a stable supply [40][46].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the various applications and requirements of quartz sand in different industries, highlighting the significance of SiO2 content and the impact of raw material availability on supply and demand dynamics. Group 1: Quartz Sand Composition and Requirements - Different industries have varying requirements for the composition, granularity, and sphericity of quartz sand, with SiO2 content above 99.99% primarily used in high-purity quartz glass and silicon micro-powder, necessitating strict impurity limits [1] - Quartz sand with SiO2 content between 99.9% and 99.99% is used in high-end silicon micro-powder and photovoltaic glass, with supply currently in a "tight balance" state [1] - Quartz sand with SiO2 content below 99.9% is utilized in bulk applications such as flat glass and ceramics, where supply is currently abundant [1] Group 2: Types of Quartz Raw Materials - Various types of quartz raw materials include vein quartz, quartz sandstone, quartzite, natural quartz sand, and others, each with distinct characteristics and applications [5][6][7] - Vein quartz typically has a high SiO2 content exceeding 98% and is used for high-value products like high-end glass and silicon micro-powder [5] - Quartz sandstone, formed from weathered source rocks, generally has a SiO2 content above 90% and is widely used in glass and ceramics [6] - Natural quartz sand has a SiO2 content greater than 90% and is primarily used in metallurgy and ceramics [7] Group 3: Applications of Quartz in Various Industries - The glass industry is the largest consumer of quartz resources, with significant applications in construction, automotive, and medical fields, consuming approximately 3,406 million tons of quartz sand in 2021 [10][11] - The casting sand sector is the second-largest consumer, with an annual consumption of about 3,300 million tons, primarily sourced from quartz sandstone and natural quartz sand [13] - Industrial silicon, produced from quartz and carbon reductants, is crucial for downstream industries like photovoltaics and semiconductors, with a production of 261 million tons in 2021 [14] - Silicon micro-powder, derived from quartz, is widely used in electronics and construction, with a total production of 600,000 tons in 2021 [15] Group 4: High-Purity Quartz Applications - High-purity quartz is essential for high-tech products in industries such as semiconductors and photovoltaics, with applications including quartz crucibles and optical instruments [20][21] - In the photovoltaic sector, high-purity quartz is used to produce quartz crucibles for multi-crystalline silicon, which are critical for high-temperature processes [21][23] - The fiber optic industry relies on quartz glass as a fundamental material for fiber optic preform production, which is vital for communication networks [24]

Core Viewpoint - The development of mineral resources should not be a one-sided extraction from nature, but rather a respectful utilization that ensures harmonious coexistence between humans and nature [3]. Group 1: Mining Challenges and Experiences - The process of finding mineral resources is challenging, requiring endurance against harsh weather conditions, including significant temperature fluctuations and strong winds [1]. - Innovative methods have been developed to cope with adverse weather, such as using backpacks as counterweights and forming human chains to navigate through strong winds [1]. Group 2: Importance of Mineral Resources - Mineral resources are crucial for the development of strategic emerging industries, serving as essential raw materials for new material research [2]. - The successful discovery of significant mineral deposits, such as the largest single salt mine in China, contributes to local economic development and provides financial benefits to communities [3]. Group 3: Environmental Considerations - The mining industry must integrate environmental considerations into its operations, ensuring that mining activities do not harm the landscape [3]. - Measures such as leak prevention during construction and post-extraction land restoration are implemented to minimize environmental impact [3]. Group 4: Commitment to Sustainable Development - The industry emphasizes the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, advocating for a model where both natural resources and ecological health are preserved [3]. - Continuous efforts are made to enhance geological exploration and contribute positively to the environment and local communities [4].

Group 1: Quartz Sand Characteristics and Applications - Different industries have varying requirements for the composition, granularity, and sphericity of quartz sand, with high-purity quartz sand (SiO2 content > 99.99%) primarily used in high-purity quartz glass and silicon micro-powder, which have strict impurity content requirements [1] - Quartz sand with SiO2 content between 99.9% and 99.99% is mainly used in high-end silicon micro-powder, sodium silicate, photovoltaic glass, and high-grade glass, with supply currently in a "tight balance" state [1] - Quartz sand with SiO2 content below 99.9% is utilized in bulk applications such as flat glass, casting, metallurgy, refractory materials, ceramics, fracturing sand, water treatment, and construction materials, where supply is currently abundant [1] Group 2: Types of Silica Raw Materials - Various types of silica raw materials include vein quartz, quartz sandstone, quartzite, natural quartz sand, powdered quartz, crystal, and granite pegmatite, each with distinct characteristics and applications [5][6][7] - Vein quartz typically has a high SiO2 grade (> 98%) and is used for high-end glass and high-purity quartz products, while quartz sandstone is widely used in glass, ceramics, metallurgy, and refractory materials due to its high-grade and large-scale availability [6][7] - Natural quartz sand has a SiO2 grade > 90% and is primarily used in metallurgy, ceramics, and casting, while powdered quartz is used in wear-resistant materials and ceramics due to its high purity [7] Group 3: Quartz Applications in Various Industries - The glass industry is the largest consumer of quartz resources, with significant applications in construction, automotive, renewable energy, and medical fields, consuming approximately 3,406 million tons of quartz sand in 2021 [10][11] - The casting sand sector is the second-largest consumer of quartz resources, with an annual consumption of about 3,300 million tons, primarily sourced from quartz sandstone and natural quartz sand [13] - Industrial silicon, produced from quartz and carbon reductants, is crucial for the silicon-based new materials industry, with an estimated production of 2.61 million tons in 2021 [14] Group 4: High-Purity Quartz Applications - High-purity quartz is essential for high-tech products in strategic emerging industries, including semiconductors, photovoltaics, and aerospace, due to its excellent physical and chemical properties [20] - In the semiconductor field, high-purity quartz is used for quartz crucibles and other materials in the silicon wafer manufacturing process, with specific purity requirements for different applications [20][21] - The photovoltaic industry relies on high-purity quartz for producing quartz crucibles and ultra-white low-iron glass, which are critical for solar energy applications [21][22]

Core Viewpoint - The news highlights the significant progress and strategic importance of mineral resource exploration and development in Xinjiang, emphasizing its role as a national energy resource security base [2][10]. Group 1: Government Initiatives and Support - The Ministry of Natural Resources has initiated geological assistance work in Xinjiang, aiming to accelerate the region's development as a national energy resource security base [2][10]. - A new round of mineral exploration strategies has been launched, with increased financial support for geological surveys, raising funding from 150 million yuan in 2023 to 500 million yuan in 2024 and 917 million yuan in 2025 [3][4]. - The government is focusing on enhancing geological work in Xinjiang, with a commitment to improve resource management and technological innovation in the mining sector [4][11]. Group 2: Mineral Resource Potential - Xinjiang is rich in mineral resources, having discovered 154 types of minerals, which is over 88% of the total in China, including strategic minerals like high-purity quartz, lithium, and zirconium [3][4]. - The region has seen a surge in mining rights transfers, with 171 projects attracting significant attention in 2023, and mining rights transfer revenue reaching 520 million yuan in the first quarter of this year [2][3]. - Major resource bases have been established, including large-scale lithium and iron mines, contributing to the region's mineral production capabilities [6][7]. Group 3: Collaborative Efforts and Achievements - Various provinces are collaborating with Xinjiang to enhance geological exploration, with over 90 million yuan invested in geological survey projects since 2024 [5][8]. - The establishment of strategic partnerships, such as the cooperation between Henan and Hami, aims to integrate advanced geological technologies and improve local resource management [8][12]. - Successful projects, like the Karcheer Fluorspar Mine, have significantly boosted local economies, increasing the region's fluorspar reserves ranking from 24th to 4th nationally [7][8]. Group 4: Future Directions and Goals - The focus is on enhancing the exploration and development of strategic minerals, with a goal to improve the discovery rate of key resources, which currently averages below 20% [6][12]. - The geological assistance work is seen as a long-term commitment to empower Xinjiang's resource exploration and development, aligning with national economic strategies [9][10]. - The aim is to create a comprehensive geological database and improve collaboration between military and civilian geological efforts to optimize resource management [11][12].

Group 1 - The significance of high-purity quartz lies in its applications across various industries such as semiconductors, high-temperature lamps, telecommunications, optics, solar silicon, and microelectronics, with a quality standard set at SiO2 ≥ 99.9 wt.% [1][3] - The rapid development of markets in semiconductors, optical communications, and photovoltaics has led to a relative scarcity of high-purity quartz resources, prompting evaluations of quartz raw materials for economic value and efficient resource utilization [3][4] - Hydrothermal quartz, characterized by large crystal grain sizes and high SiO2 content, is identified as an ideal raw material for high-purity quartz processing, potentially replacing natural crystals [3][4] Group 2 - The four quartz samples from Laos, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Pakistan exhibit varying degrees of transparency and are all coarse-grained with an oily luster, lacking visible accompanying minerals [2][3] - The presence and type of inclusions in quartz crystals significantly affect the quality of high-purity quartz sand, with fine mineral inclusions making processing more challenging [4][5] - The samples from Laos and Zimbabwe show minimal inclusions, while those from South Africa and Pakistan have more developed inclusions, although some grains remain clean [5][6] Group 3 - Purification experiments on the four quartz samples involved multiple processes, resulting in quartz sands with SiO2 content reaching approximately 99.99 wt.%, with specific impurity levels detailed in a table [6][7] - The purified quartz sands primarily contain impurities such as Li, Al, Ca, and Ti, with the highest SiO2 content recorded at 99.992 wt.% for the Laos sample and the lowest at 99.989 wt.% for the Zimbabwe sample [7][8] Group 4 - Microscopic observations of the purified quartz sands reveal fewer inclusions, indicating a higher purity level, although some samples still retain certain inclusions that may contribute to impurity elements [8][10] - The main components of the fluid inclusions in the quartz samples are CO2 and H2O, which are easier to remove during processing, leading to a cleaner final product [11]

Core Viewpoint - Shenzhen Dawi Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Guiyang Dawi Mining Co., Ltd., has received approval for the mineral resource reserve report of the Changshili Mine in Hunan Province, marking a significant advancement in the lithium battery new energy industry project in Hunan Chenzhou [1][5]. Group 1: Mining Rights and Resource Reserves - Guiyang Dawi Mining obtained exploration rights for the "Guilin County Dachongli Mine Kaolin" in November 2023, with a mining area of 3.58 square kilometers and a license valid until February 5, 2029 [1][2]. - As of the end of October 2024, the mineral resource reserves include 20,953.3 million tons of feldspar ore, 32,370 tons of Li2O (lithium oxide) with an average grade of 0.154%, 6,550 tons of WO3 (tungsten trioxide) with an average grade of 0.031%, and 1,410 tons of Sn (tin) with an average grade of 0.018% [3][5]. Group 2: Mining Process and Product Output - The company will utilize a combined mining process of "magnetic separation + flotation" primarily, with "gravity separation" as a supplement, to recover lithium ore while considering the comprehensive recovery of tailings [4]. - The mining process is expected to produce seven categories of products, including high-purity quartz and high-quality feldspar, which are essential for the ceramics and glass industries, as well as lithium concentrate for battery-grade lithium carbonate [4][5]. Group 3: Impact on Company and Future Prospects - The approval of resource reserves is expected to provide stable lithium ore resources for the company's new energy industry, enhancing overall industry value and aligning with the company's development plan [5]. - The acquisition of exploration rights cost the company 37.6 million yuan, and the mining of these resources is anticipated to positively impact future growth and performance, without significantly affecting the current financial status [5].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the construction materials industry is "Positive" (maintained) [4] Core Viewpoints - The report emphasizes the importance of domestic circulation as a more controllable option for China, suggesting that the focus should be on domestic demand and infrastructure investment as a response to the uncertainties brought by the "reciprocal tariffs" initiated by the U.S. [5][6] - The high-purity quartz sector is highlighted as a leading area, with domestic companies expected to benefit from the potential increase in import costs due to tariffs, making long-term domestic substitution promising [5][6] Summary by Sections 1. Sector Tracking - The construction materials index decreased by 2.4% while the overall market indices saw declines of 3.1% to 6.7% [9] - Notable stock performances included a 29.0% increase for Zhongqi New Materials and a 19.9% decrease for Jingxue Energy Saving [9] 2. Data Tracking 2.1 Cement - The average price of 42.5 cement is 396.3 yuan/ton, a decrease of 0.8 yuan/ton week-on-week, but an increase of 39.2 yuan/ton year-on-year [15] - The national cement inventory ratio is 60.2%, up 3.3 percentage points week-on-week [15] 2.2 Float Glass - The average price of 5mm float glass is 1413.0 yuan/ton, with a slight increase of 6.3 yuan/ton week-on-week [33] 2.3 Photovoltaic Glass - The average price for 2.0mm coated photovoltaic glass is 14.3 yuan/square meter, remaining stable week-on-week [38] 2.4 Glass Fiber - The average price for non-alkali glass fiber yarn is 4745.0 yuan/ton, unchanged week-on-week [45] 2.5 Carbon Fiber - The average price for large tow carbon fiber is 72.5 yuan/kg, stable week-on-week [49] 3. Industry Dynamics - The report discusses the ongoing tariff disputes initiated by the U.S. and their implications for the construction materials sector, highlighting the potential for increased domestic production and substitution [14] - The discovery of high-purity quartz mines in China is noted as a significant development that could reduce reliance on imports [14]