Major Tunnel Collapse at DRC's Rubaya Mine Threatens 15% of Global Tantalum Supply

This week, the industry chain as a whole remained in the doldrums. In the traditional consumption off-season, end-use demand recovery was limited, and market transactions were generally sluggish. Electrolytic products continued to grind lower, affected by loosening overseas quotes and weakening domestic salts and intermediate product prices, leading to rising bearish sentiment. The divergence between miners holding intermediate product prices firm and downstream pushing for lower prices widened, hindering actual transactions. The sulphate, chloride, tetroxide, and powder markets all faced insufficient demand and inventory pressure, with some low-priced supply increasing, keeping short-term prices under pressure. Ternary cathode precursor prices were temporarily stable; top-tier player production load recovered somewhat, and export orders performed well. Ternary cathode material prices rebounded slightly, with EV market orders in August stable and growing, but the consumer market improvement remained insignificant. LCO supply and demand remained mediocre, with prices still likely to decline. On the policy front, multiple regions continued to optimize auto consumption subsidies, the catalogue of vehicle models eligible for vehicle and vessel tax exemptions expanded, and end-use consumption stimulus policies continued to advance.

SMM News, August 11: According to information obtained by SMM, Shandong Humon Smelting Co., Ltd. launches a public tender sale for approximately 34 tonnes of antimony trioxide (non-conforming products) starting today. As per official notice, goods shall be collected by the buyer, and all transportation costs shall be borne by the buyer. Payment must be made prior to goods collection, with delivery at Shandong Humon Smelting Co., Ltd. To ensure timely submission, the inquiry form, copy of the bidder’s business license and invoicing information (affixed with official seal) shall be emailed to 95186930@qq.com by 11:30 a.m., August 11, 2026. Please promptly contact Humon’s staff to confirm receipt.