News

[Cost Rise Fails to Provide Support, Weak Demand Leads to Decline in Both Volume and Price of LiPF6 in January] In January 2026, the LiPF6 market exhibited a simultaneous decline in both production and prices, primarily driven by a combination of factors including weakening end-use demand, subdued downstream purchase willingness, and a loose supply-demand pattern.

The International Energy Agency reported that last year's oil inventory increase reached the highest level since 2020. It has revised down the global oil demand forecast for 2026 from 105 million barrels per day to 104.9 million barrels per day.

[KZ Releases Q4 Report] On February 10, Korea Zinc released its Q4 2025 report. The report shows that the company's zinc ingot sales volume reached 590,700 mt in 2025, with an annual production plan completion rate of 94%, down 8% YoY. The target for 2026 is set at 600,000 mt.

Great Power Energy (300438.SZ) announced that the company plans to invest in the construction of a 587Ah battery and 120Ah battery production project in Yicheng District, Zhumadian City, with a total investment of 1.2 billion yuan.

Chrysler (China) Auto Sales Co., Ltd. recently filed a recall plan with the State Administration for Market Regulation. Recall No. E2026M0015V: Effective immediately, the company is recalling certain imported Wrangler vehicles produced between January 22, 2018, and June 30, 2021, totaling 22,003 units.

【SMM News Flash】CopperTech Metals announced a strategic partnership with Axiom Group, VBKOM, and Fleet Space Technologies on Wednesday to apply next-generation geoscientific technologies in the exploration of the Konkola copper mine.KCM (Konkola Copper Mines Plc), a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources established in 2025 under CopperTech, is responsible for the operation of the Konkola mine.The Konkola mine is considered one of the world's highest-grade copper ore assets, with proven ore grades ranging from 2.9% to 3.3% and total copper reserves/resources of approximately 16 million mt.

【SMM News Flash】French mining giant Eramet said on Wednesday that the initial production quota approved for its joint venture PT Weda Bay Nickel with China's Tsingshan Group and Indonesia's Antam in 2026 is 12 million wmt, a significant reduction from the 32 million wmt in 2025. The company added that the joint venture will apply to raise the quota. Indonesia is currently the world's largest nickel producer.

【SMM News Flash】He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, stated that economic and trade teams from China and the United States have maintained close communication at various levels through the economic and trade consultation mechanism, promptly exchanging views on implementing the consensus reached at the Busan meeting between the two heads of state and the outcomes of the Kuala Lumpur economic and trade consultations, as well as addressing concerns in each other's economic and trade fields. China is willing to work with the United States DAS solar, in accordance with the consensus reached during the meetings and previous phone calls between the two heads of state.

[SMM Express] According to reports, Jintuo Shares' first overseas production site—Jintuo Taian (Mexico) Automotive Components Co., Ltd., located in San Luis Potosí, Mexico—has successfully initiated the trial production phase for its first die-casting equipment, achieving the successful production of the first component.

[SMM Express] According to reports, Toyota announced that its first mass-produced EV, scheduled for launch in 2026, will adopt front and rear dual integrated casting technology. Toyota initiated the integrated casting project in September 2022, installing large-scale casting machines at its Japanese plants for prototyping EV parts. The company aims to achieve a global sales target of 1.5 million EVs by 2026. As a core strategy, integrated casting technology is expected to halve production steps and reduce manufacturing equipment costs. The next-generation Lexus LF-ZC, also planned for launch in 2026, will also utilize this technology.

[SMM Express] According to reports, following BMW's first adoption of the TURBU-DURCK die-casting process for mass-producing aluminum alloy wheels on the M5 model in 2025, Mercedes-Benz also introduced the TURBUDRUCK die-casting technology for mass-producing aluminum alloy wheels on its new S-Class model launched on January 29, 2026. Relying on an AI-supported software solution for autonomous regulation and using 100% recycled materials, the technology can produce popular and high-end wheel hubs under 24 inches. Through an economical dual-plate mold solution and die-casting machines with a clamping force ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 metric tons, the production of aluminum and magnesium alloy wheel hubs can be achieved.