[9.1 Lithium Battery Update] Codelco and SQM Near Final Agreement on Joint Lithium Mine Development

[MIIT: China's NEV Production and Sales Rank First Globally for 10 Consecutive Years]The State Council held a themed press conference on "Completing the 14th Five-Year Plan with High Quality", introducing the vigorous advancement of new-type industrialization and the consolidation and strengthening of the real economy's foundation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. According to reports, from 2020 to 2024, the added value of China's equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing industries increased by an average of 7.9% and 8.7% annually, respectively, with their shares in large-scale industries rising to 34.6% and 16.3%. In 2024, NEV production exceeded 13 million units, with production and sales ranking first globally for 10 consecutive years; the international market share of the shipbuilding industry continued to lead globally. (Cailian Press)

[Codelco and SQM Near Final Agreement on Joint Lithium Mine Exploitation]Codelco and SQM, the world's second-largest lithium producer, are expected to finalize a landmark cooperation agreement to jointly exploit lithium mines in the Atacama Salt Flat. Supporters believe this joint project will diversify Codelco's revenue sources. Currently, the company is facing financial pressure due to declining copper production and a surge in debt caused by cost overruns in expansion projects. (Cailian Press)

[Henan: Encourage Financial Institutions to Provide Financial Support for Charging Infrastructure Construction Through Multiple Channels]The General Office of the Henan Provincial People's Government recently issued the "Interim Measures for the Construction and Operation Management of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Henan Province". The measures mention the need to improve a diversified investment and financing mechanism. Encourage innovative business models, combine with old community renovation and urban renewal, and guide multiple entities to jointly carry out the construction and operation of charging infrastructure. Encourage financial institutions to provide financial support for charging infrastructure construction through multiple channels. Coordinate the use of various subsidy funds, support localities in establishing operation subsidy policies linked to service quality based on actual conditions, and fully leverage the guiding role of fiscal funds. (Cailian Press)

[TONZE: LiPF6 Basically Operating at Full Capacity, Current Prices Still at Low Levels]TONZE stated on the interactive platform that the company does not have semiconductor products. As of June 30, 2025, the company's LiPF6 capacity was 37,000 mt/year, basically operating at full capacity. Currently, LiPF6 prices are still at low levels. With the rapid development of the NEV and ESS industries, future demand may support LiPF6 prices, but specific prices are difficult to predict due to factors such as the supply-demand relationship and fluctuations in raw material prices.

[SEMCORP: Sulfide Solid-State Electrolytes Shipped in Small Batches]SEMCORP stated on the interactive platform that the company has completed the construction of a 10-mt sulfide solid-state electrolyte production line, which is capable of supplying products and has already shipped in small batches. The company has also set up a hundred-mt-level lithium sulfide production line, which is currently in the capacity ramp-up phase. At present, lithium sulfide is primarily used for in-house supply, while samples are being sent to downstream customers and small batch shipments are being made. The company will closely monitor industry technological developments and trends, steadily advancing the expansion of its all-solid-state battery materials.

[Huitong Co., Ltd.: Some Production Lines of Lithium Battery Wet Separator Project Have Commenced Operation and Started Supplying]Huitong Co., Ltd. stated on the interactive platform that the company is continuously promoting the construction progress of the lithium battery wet separator project, accelerating the production process of wet separator products with stable quality and excellent performance. Currently, some production lines have been put into operation and started supplying. (Cailian Press)