SiMn Alloy Plants Show Weak Willingness to Cut Production, Spot Prices Remain Stable [SMM Weekly Review]

[SMM Flash] The Democratic Republic of Congo produced approximately 868.94 tonnes of coltan in H1 2026, according to statistics from the country's Cellule Technique de Coordination et de Planification Minière (CTCPM) reported by La Guardia. Artisanal operations accounted for 803.73 tonnes, or approximately 92.5% of total output, while industrial production contributed 65.21 tonnes. Reported artisanal output increased sharply to 648.08 tonnes in Q2 from 155.65 tonnes in Q1. Haut-Lomami emerged as the leading reported artisanal coltan-producing province, contributing 490.67 tonnes during the period and overtaking Tanganyika. Industrial production remained highly concentrated, with MMR reportedly accounting for approximately 63 tonnes of the 65.21-tonne total. The figures highlight the continued dominance of artisanal mining in DRC coltan supply and the growing importance of Haut-Lomami to regional trade flows, traceability and aggregation. SMM has not independently verified the underlying 2026 CTCPM statistical publication.

【SMM Titanium Flash】 According to ADS Advance, the British aerospace company Skyrora has completed six hot-firing tests of its 3.5kN low-orbit engine, and X-ray inspections before and after the tests confirmed no damage. Some components of the engine were manufactured using a self-developed hybrid DED 3D printer, which achieved a weight reduction of approximately 44% by depositing a titanium coating instead of a nickel-based alloy. This move verifies the structural reliability of titanium-coated components in real thermal cycles and demonstrates that additive manufacturing is driving the reconstruction of the form and dosage structure of titanium materials for aerospace applications. Commercial aerospace is expected to become one of the fastest-growing scenarios for titanium demand.

【SMM Magnesium Flash】Recently, the world's first mass-produced semi-solid magnesium alloy CCB instrument panel crossbeam was rolled off the production line in Wansheng Economic Development Zone, Chongqing, developed and manufactured by Chongqing Boao Magnesium Aluminum Metal Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Compared to traditional steel structures, this product reduces weight by 50%, and compared to aluminum alloys, it reduces weight by 30% to 40%. The integrated molding structure is denser, significantly enhancing strength and resistance to deformation, filling the global gap in the mass production of semi-solid magnesium alloy CCB. With the breakthrough in mass production of this technology, the application of magnesium alloy in core safety structural components of automobile cockpits is expected to accelerate further, driving the lightweight development of automobiles to a higher level.