【SMM Analysis】NextEra Energy Resources, a leading company in renewable energy and battery storage, is seeking approval from the California state regulator for a 1.2GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to bypass a city's moratorium on such projects.

In 2024, the price of LMO cathode active materials is expected to be influenced by fluctuations in lithium carbonate prices and the overall market supply and demand situation. Lithium carbonate remains a major component of LMO costs, so the price of LMO largely synchronizes with that of lithium carbonate......

In April 2024, with the continuous rise in ore prices, the cost support for high-purity manganese sulphate kept increasing. Coupled with some companies planning to halt production for maintenance, the market supply decreased accordingly. With limited inventory and existing demand, customers accepted the sentiment to stand firm on quotes from manganese salt plants, leading to a continuous rise in spot prices of high-purity manganese sulphate, followed by a high-level consolidation......

[SMM Data: LiPF6 Import and Export Data for October] In October 2024, China's cumulative export volume of LiPF6 was 1,200 mt, up 27.1% MoM.

【SMM Analysis：In October, China's imports of cobalt hydrometallurgy intermediate products decreased MoM, and the average import price also showed a downward trend.】According to customs data, in October 2024, China's imports of cobalt hydrometallurgy intermediate products were approximately 16,400 mt (metal content, calculated at 35% grade), down 24% MoM, up 47% YoY.

【SMM Analysis：Expectations for the peak season remain; manganese ore imports in October increased MoM.】According to the latest release from the General Administration of Customs, SMM statistics show that China's total manganese ore imports in October 2024 were 2.93 million mt, up 7.34% MoM and up 8.15% YoY. The cumulative imports from January to October were 24.59 million mt, down 5.94% YoY. The main reasons for the MoM increase in manganese ore imports in October are: on one hand, overseas market quotations fell, and market sentiment was high as traders, who had been observing earlier, were bearish on the price outlook. On the other hand, October is still the peak season for regular manganese ore purchases, and alloy plants increased their procurement enthusiasm. Looking ahead, current manganese ore inventories in both northern and southern regions are at a relatively high level, and alloy plants are expected to slightly reduce production schedules, leading to cautious manganese ore procurement. The price outlook for manganese ore is expected to fluctuate downward.