Spot lithium carbonate prices to have a slight downward space due to potential demand reduction

【Third-Gen Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Launch in India, Audio Model Teased for Market Entry】Meta announced that the third-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are now on sale in India, starting at INR 44,300, available through its official website, Ray-Ban India's official site, and local consumer electronics and eyewear retailers. The model offers up to 9 hours of battery life per charge — one hour more than its predecessor — along with a 12-megapixel camera supporting 3K ultra-HD video recording and a six-microphone array capable of eliminating over 90% of background noise, with 27 frame and lens combinations available. Meta also teased the upcoming India launch of the camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio, which weighs 43g and offers up to 12 hours of battery life per charge with an additional 48 hours via the charging case; pricing and launch date for India were not disclosed.

【DRC to Launch Annual Audits on Subcontracting and Local Content Compliance at Major Mining Companies】The DRC's Sous-traitance Privée regulatory authority stated that annual audits of subcontracting practices and local content compliance at large mining companies will commence from 2027. The country's new local content law takes effect on January 1, 2027, with sector-specific mining rules currently being drafted to include a mandatory three-year compliance program and penalty provisions. In 2025, 167 large enterprises declared subcontracting contracts totaling USD 3.7 billion, with 83% flowing to locally controlled companies, of which the mining sector alone accounted for USD 2.9 billion. The authority has already required certain copper-cobalt miners operating in the DRC to terminate non-compliant subcontracting arrangements, submit rectification plans, and expand procurement from local suppliers, with several Chinese and international major miners among those under scrutiny.

【US Battery Recycler Obtains Commerce Department Export License to Sell Recycled Black Mass】American Battery Technology Company announced it has received a Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) license from the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, authorizing the sale of up to USD 100 million of recycled black mass containing lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite.