Weekly Ternary Cathode Precursor Price Review And Forecast

AXT and Lumentum signed a binding capacity reservation agreement for Indium Phosphide (InP) wafer substrates through December 31, 2031. AXT will reserve minimum annual product capacity and support additional capacity, while Lumentum will provide two $43.5 million deposits, totaling $87 million, to be applied as shipment credits. Lumentum is liable for annual purchase shortfalls, subject to specified exceptions, while AXT’s failure to deliver minimum capacity constitutes a material breach. SMM views the six-year commitment as a firm demand signal for InP substrates and high-purity indium. Wafer volumes, diameter mix and corresponding indium consumption were not disclosed.

EcoPro BM announced on October 6 that it signed an MOU with Samsung SDI to develop materials for solid-state batteries. The collaboration covers cathode materials, cathode electrolytes and separator electrolytes. Samsung SDI will focus on battery cell development and mass-production technology, while EcoPro BM will develop core materials. The companies will cooperate on development, quality assessment and production readiness, targeting commercialisation of sulfide-based solid-state batteries in 2027.

INNOX Lithium, a subsidiary of INNOX Advanced Materials, announced on October 6 that it signed a long-term lithium hydroxide marketing agreement with global commodities trader Trafigura. According to the company, supplies of high-purity lithium hydroxide could total up to 30,000 tonnes through 2029. Trafigura will supply the material to global EV manufacturers and cathode material producers.