【SMM】On April 2, SMM A00 aluminum (Foshan) was quoted at 20,520 yuan/mt, down 20 yuan/mt, with a discount of 30 yuan/mt against the current month, widening by 10 yuan/mt. On April 2, SMM A00 aluminum (Foshan) was quoted at 20,520 yuan/mt, down 20 yuan/mt, with a discount of 30 yuan/mt against the current month, widening by 10 yuan/mt. (Unit: yuan/mt) In terms of aluminum billet inventory, according to SMM statistics, domestic aluminum billet inventory in two regions showed Guangdong aluminum billet inventory at 154,500 mt, Wuxi aluminum billet inventory at 41,000 mt, totaling 195,500 mt, a decrease of 4,700 mt MoM. Affected by the macro environment, SHFE aluminum maintained low-level consolidation, attempting to recover the 20,500 level, but prices still experienced a pullback during the session. Suppliers held firm on their offers, while downstream buyers pressed for lower prices, resulting in slightly weaker market transactions compared to the previous day. Today, the Foshan aluminum billet market was quoted at 240/290 yuan/mt, down 10 yuan/mt; the Wuxi market processing fee was quoted at 350/380 yuan/mt, up 10 yuan/mt; the Nanchang region processing fee was quoted at 280/330 yuan/mt, unchanged. (Unit: yuan/mt)

Lithium-ion batteries have transformed the energy storage sector. They’ve become essential for today’s electronics and electric vehicles (EVs). Their widespread use stems from their impressive energy density, extended lifespan, and fairly light weight. These batteries power smartphones, laptops, and EVs effectively. They deliver reliable and efficient performance. Demand for lithium-ion batteries has soared recently. Industries are moving toward renewable energy options and efforts to cut carbon emissions.

Cobalt has turned into a major mineral for the world's economy. It plays a big role in making batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Africa holds an important spot in the global cobalt scene. It supplies a huge chunk of this valuable resource.

Hydrogen energy is gaining attention as a vital part of the worldwide shift to eco-friendly energy systems. As the most plentiful element in existence, hydrogen holds vast promise as a pure and renewable power option. When used in fuel cells, it combines with oxygen to create electricity. The only result is water. This makes it a zero-emission energy carrier, perfect for tackling climate change and cutting down on pollution.

Guangdong Zinc: Spot Trades Continued, Premiums and Discounts Rose Today. The mainstream transaction price of Guangdong 0# zinc was 23,280-23,510 yuan/mt. The mainstream brands quoted a premium of 40-60 yuan/mt against the 2505 contract, with a spot discount of 30 yuan/mt against Shanghai spot cargo. The Shanghai-Guangdong price spread remained...

SMM Lead Midday Review: Ex-Factory Quotation Discount for Refined Lead Narrows, Downstream Maintains Just-in-Time Procurement SMM, April 2: Today, the SMM 1# lead average price dropped by 50 yuan/mt to 17,100 yuan/mt compared to yesterday. Spot order quotations for secondary refined lead were limited, with most companies focusing on long-term contract shipments.

Tianjin Zinc: Limited Spot Cargo Circulation, Premiums Rise. In the Tianjin market, the mainstream transaction price for #0 zinc ingot ranged from 23,240 to 23,570 yuan/mt, Zijin traded between 23,380 and 23,630 yuan/mt, #1 zinc ingot was traded around 23,120 to 23,340 yuan/mt, Huludao quoted at 26,780 yuan/mt. The premium for #0 zinc ingot against the 2505 contract was around 0-120 yuan/mt, Zijin's premium against the 2505 contract was around 140-180 yuan/mt, and the Tianjin market was at a discount of around 10 yuan/mt compared to the Shanghai market.

Rare earth elements (REEs) consist of 17 metallic elements with similar chemical traits. This group includes the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium. These elements aren’t truly "rare" regarding their presence in the Earth’s crust. However, they are typically scattered rather than gathered in deposits that are easy to mine profitably. This spread-out nature complicates their extraction and purification. Despite their name suggesting scarcity, rare earths are vital to modern tech. Their unique physical and chemical features drive their importance.