Zhonghuan Semiconductor to invest 9 billion yuan to build silicon project in Inner Mongolia

SMM News, September 8: According to market rumours obtained by SMM, a major smelter in Henan recently completed a successful public tender sale for several tons of refined cadmium. Market rumours suggest the final transaction price of refined cadmium was around RMB 27,600 per ton. Market participants commented that cadmium prices are showing signs of weakness currently, with subdued buying interest from end‑users. Even so, the successful completion of this tender indicates to a certain degree that market demand is not as sluggish as expected.

Antofagasta reported a notable year-on-year decline in molybdenum production across its key copper-molybdenum operations in H1FY26. Molybdenum output at Los Pelambres fell 17% to 4,700 tonnes from 5,700 tonnes a year earlier, while output at Centinela declined 18% to 1,400 tonnes from 1,700 tonnes. The company attributed the declines primarily to lower ore grades.

[SMM Flash] Premier African Minerals has identified an estimated US$19.1 million funding requirement through December 31, 2027, as it seeks additional capital for its Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Zimbabwe and other corporate obligations. The company has called a general meeting for September 23, where shareholders will vote on resolutions providing additional share-issuance authority. Premier said its available funds are limited and warned that failure to secure further financing could materially affect the Zulu project and the wider group.​ The proposed authorities include the potential issuance of up to 58.63 billion new shares to provide funding flexibility, alongside separate provisions covering creditor settlements and conversion rights. The announcement highlights continued financing pressure surrounding Zulu as Premier works to optimise operations and progress the project towards sustainable production. For the tantalum market, securing sufficient capital will be important to Zulu’s ability to develop its prospective tantalum-bearing output, although the US$19.1 million represents an estimated funding requirement rather than financing already secured.