[Lithium Battery: CATL Kicks Off Largest Cancellation-Style Buyback in A-Share History]

Xuetian Salt plans to acquire 100% of Hebei Kuntian New Energy from 54 counterparties via share issuance and cash payment, with supporting fund raising. The deal is expected to constitute a major asset restructuring. Hebei Kuntian focuses on R&D, production and sales of lithium battery anode materials. Upon completion, Xuetian Salt will extend from its existing salt chemicals and battery cathode materials businesses into anode materials, forming a dual-drive structure of traditional core business plus new energy materials.

Lexus Korea has begun pre-orders for the 8th-generation All-New ES, marking the first time the ES lineup will include a battery electric vehicle (BEV) model. The new ES will be launched in South Korea on October 13, with both hybrid and BEV versions offered. The BEV lineup will include the front-wheel-drive ES 350e and all-wheel-drive ES 500e. The ES 350e has a certified combined driving range of 478 km on a single charge under South Korean standards, while the ES 500e features Lexus’ DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system.

According to Trilogy Metals on September 11, the U.S. government has completed its previously announced US$35.6 million strategic equity investment, giving it an approximately 10% stake in the company. The proceeds will be used to advance exploration and development of the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP) in Alaska. The portfolio includes the high-grade Arctic polymetallic project and the Bornite copper-cobalt project, both being advanced by Ambler Metals, a joint venture between Trilogy Metals and South32. Bornite hosts copper and cobalt resources and forms part of the U.S. strategy to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains. Trilogy Metals said the investment will provide additional funding support for exploration, engineering studies and permitting activities. As the U.S. continues to promote domestic critical mineral development, government backing for the Bornite copper-cobalt project could accelerate the development of non-DRC cobalt resources in North America and improve supply diversification for key battery metals.