[SMM Analysis] Canada Sulphur and Sulphuric Acid Import and Export Data for July

According to LG Energy Solution on September 7, the company and Seoul National University have made progress in lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) battery technology by addressing gas generation and capacity degradation in large-format cells. By optimizing the charge-discharge voltage window and material activation conditions, the team validated the technology in 40Ah-class cells, which retained 92.2% of their initial energy after 883 cycles. LMR cathodes use a high-manganese chemistry that can significantly reduce nickel use and cut or even eliminate cobalt, offering potential cost and resource-security benefits. LG Energy Solution said the results improve the feasibility of applying LMR materials in large EV cells and support further commercialization. As high-manganese, low-nickel and cobalt-free cathode technologies advance, they could gradually reduce cobalt demand from conventional high-nickel ternary cathodes.

According to overseas industry media on September 7, citing official DRC data, state-owned artisanal cobalt buyer Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC) exported 3,531 tonnes of contained cobalt, equivalent to about 9,948 tonnes of cobalt hydroxide, in the first half of 2026, ranking it as the country’s fifth-largest cobalt hydroxide exporter. Total contained cobalt exports from 21 DRC mining operators reached about 41,140 tonnes during the period. EGC also processed around 2,820 tonnes of traceable artisanal cobalt in H1, indicating that formalized artisanal mining is developing into a more stable commercial supply source. The company, owned by Gécamines, is responsible for formalizing the purchase and marketing of artisanal cobalt. As the DRC continues implementing export quotas and strengthening artisanal mining regulation, EGC’s role in the country’s cobalt supply chain is expanding. Authorities are also promoting designated artisanal mining zones, cooperative oversight, insurance and third-party certification to improve traceability, safety and international acceptance of artisanal cobalt.

The CPCA released data showing that in August, passenger NEV exports reached 518,000 units, up 154.7% YoY and down 5.0% MoM. NEVs accounted for 58.4% of passenger vehicle exports, up 18 percentage points compared to the same period last year. Among these, pure electric vehicles accounted for 63.4% of NEV exports (66.0% in the same period last year). In August, the top performers in NEV exports were BYD (184,446 units), Geely (69,910 units), Chery (68,431 units), Tesla China (36,119 units), Changan Automobile (28,323 units), SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle (24,991 units), Leap Motor (18,255 units), and SAIC-GM-Wuling (17,376 units).