[SMM Analysis] Sulphate prices continue to decline, ternary cathode precursor prices fall under pressur

According to Electra Battery Materials on September 16, the company released preliminary engineering results for its North American nickel refining and battery recycling project. Phase I is planned to establish approximately 20,000 tonnes per year of contained nickel capacity in battery-grade nickel sulfate, with preliminary process simulations indicating recovery rates of more than 97% for both nickel and cobalt. The recovered cobalt hydroxide could potentially serve as feedstock for Electra’s cobalt refinery in Ontario. Preliminary capital expenditure for Phase I is estimated at approximately US$530 million to US$675 million. Phase II is expected to add battery black mass processing capacity, providing an additional approximately 20,000 tonnes per year of contained nickel capacity while also recovering cobalt, lithium and graphite as by-products. Electra said its current priority remains completing and commissioning its Ontario cobalt refinery. As its nickel refining, battery recycling and existing cobalt refining projects become increasingly integrated, the company’s North American nickel and cobalt supply chain strategy is expected to be further strengthened.

Yishi Tong announced in the evening that the company plans to issue shares to no more than 35 specific investors to raise total proceeds of no more than RMB 400 million (inclusive). After deducting relevant issuance expenses, the net proceeds are intended to be invested in a project with an annual output of 8,000 mt of boehmite for ultra-thin coatings on lithium battery separators; a project with an annual output of 20,000 mt of high-purity quartz sand (Phase II); and to supplement working capital. The company stated: Upon completion and commencement of production of this project, the company will strengthen its product supply capability in the ultra-thin high-end lithium battery coating segment and the high-end high-purity quartz sand segment, build a full-category, high-end product system, further strengthen its core competitiveness in niche segments, optimize its overall product structure and profitability structure, enrich its new materials product matrix, effectively enhance its overall operating strength and profitability, and lay a solid industrial foundation for the company's long-term stable development and sustained improvement in efficiency.

According to news released by Hunan Zhongke Shinzoom Co., Ltd., on September 10, the main structure of the integrated office building (carbonisation workshop office building) for Phase I of Zhongke Shinzoom's Oman lithium-ion battery anode material integrated base project was topped out. This building, standing in the Sohar Free Zone, will lay a solid foundation for subsequent completion, delivery, and operational commissioning.