Japan's Imported Auto Sales Fall 12% in January, EV Sales Up 68%

PLS announced that it has entered into a 2-year spodumene concentrate offtake agreement with Canmax Technologies, covering annual supply of 150kt, with an option to extend the agreement for an extra 12 months. The agreement sets a floor price of USD1,000/t on an SC6 basis, with no upside price cap, providing downside protection while retaining full exposure to price increases. Meanwhile, Canmax will provide a USD100 million unsecured, interest-free prepayment, which will be offset against future spodumene deliveries. Supply is scheduled to commence in 2026, subject to receipt of the prepayment, with material sourced from PLS’ Pilgangoora operation. The agreement is expected to enhance PLS’ near-term liquidity while maintaining production and sales flexibility through optional volumes.

The industrialization of solid-state battery anodes follows a clear technological progression, closely linked to the maturity of the electrolyte system: first, compatibility and improvement—silicon-based/composite anodes; second, upgrading and breakthroughs—pre-lithiation/composite lithium metal anodes; and third, the ultimate goal—pure lithium metal anode capacity deployment.

Easpring Technology (300073.SZ) announced that the company and ProLogium Technology signed the "Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement" on February 6. The two parties intend to strengthen cooperation in the fields of solid-state batteries and the new energy industry, fully leverage their respective technical advantages, and establish a comprehensive strategic partnership in areas such as equity investment, cooperation on battery materials, mass production, and supply.