Core Insights - The Indian automotive industry is experiencing a transformative phase driven by the demand for energy-efficient internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) alongside the need for sustainable transportation solutions [1] - The Indian advanced xEV battery market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.7% from 2026 to 2030 [2] Market Dynamics - The government's push for electric mobility and increasing consumer awareness are expected to drive growth in the Indian traction battery market [3] - Passenger vehicle production surged by 25.5% year-on-year in 2025, but the industry faces rising costs due to a "clean environment" premium [3] - Prices of essential minerals have escalated, with platinum increasing by 110%, cobalt oxide by 209%, refined cobalt by 146%, and lithium carbonate by 10% year-on-year [3][4] Industry Challenges - Stakeholders need to secure a stable and low-cost supply of essential minerals and components, with collaborative efforts between the government and industry crucial for developing local supply chains [5] - The Indian Automotive Component industry is at a crossroads, balancing short-term cost pressures with long-term structural transformation, as rising commodity and semiconductor costs are eroding margins, particularly for EV producers [5] Future Outlook - Despite uncertain macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical dynamics, auto component makers and OEMs that effectively control material costs and enhance supply chain resilience may achieve stronger competitive positioning in the market by 2026 and beyond [6]

Core Viewpoint - Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. is advancing its Re-2Ox metallurgical process to recover critical and precious metals from complex concentrates, addressing a global processing bottleneck due to the closure of deleterious metal-tolerant smelters [1][5][8]. Technical Programme Structure - Phase 1 of the testing program will establish operating parameters through systematic bench testing of the Re-2Ox flowsheet, focusing on alkaline pressure leach testing of concentrate samples [3][4]. - Phase 2 will validate continuous operation at pre-pilot scale by processing a single autoclave batch through downstream circuits, addressing reagent recycling for remote deployments [4]. Market Context - The closure of major smelters has created a processing bottleneck for complex concentrates, which Nord's Re-2Ox technology aims to alleviate by converting penalty-bearing feeds into saleable products [5][8]. Commercial Implications - The bench-scale data will support the company's progression toward Technology Readiness Level 7, positioning the Re-2Ox process for commercial licensing after a pilot demonstration [6][8]. - The ability to process deleterious metal concentrates represents a significant commercial opportunity as global ore grades decline and impurity levels rise [8]. Next Steps - Phase 1 data will enable the production of equipment lists and supplier quotations, refining the capital-cost estimate for a planned one-tonne-per-day Re-2Ox pilot line [8][9]. - The company intends to finance Phase 1 using existing resources and a previously announced C$200,000 MICA grant [8]. Company Overview - Nord Precious Metals operates the only permitted high-grade milling facility in Ontario's Cobalt Camp, focusing on high-grade silver and strategic metals recovery [11]. - The company's flagship Castle property has delineated 7.56 million ounces of silver in inferred resources, with an average grade of 8,582 g/t Ag [11]. - Nord's integrated processing strategy leverages the recovery of multiple metals, including cobalt and nickel, to capitalize on the growing demand for battery materials [12][13].