[SMM Flash] Supply tightness caused by the Hormuz situation continued to escalate, driving sulfur prices higher.

Korean battery materials company EcoPro has officially commenced mass production of high-nickel cathode materials at its plant in Debrecen, Hungary, and has completed its first shipment, marking a significant step in the operationalization of its localized European strategy. The facility primarily produces high-nickel NCA cathode materials for electric vehicles, with initial deliveries already made to European automotive OEMs. Covering an area of approximately 440,000 square meters, the project integrates cathode material production, lithium hydroxide processing, and industrial gas supply. It has an annual production capacity of around 54,000 tonnes of cathode materials, sufficient to support approximately 600,000 electric vehicles. The company stated that it will use this launch as a starting point to gradually ramp up production and plans to supply more global automakers within the year, while also advancing the development of NCM product lines to meet diverse customer needs in Europe. Looking ahead, EcoPro is considering the construction of a second plant based on order visibility, which could more than double the site’s total capacity.

Core Lithium announced that it has entered into a binding sale and purchase agreement with Glencore International AG for the sale of 25,000 tonnes of lithium DSO fines from the existing stockpile at the Finniss Lithium Operation. The sale has a base price of approximately US$270/t CIF, with shipment expected to take place in June 2026 via Darwin Port.This marks the second sale from the Finniss lithium fines stockpile, following Core's initial 20kt fines sale to Glencore announced in April 2026. The company stated that the transaction is part of its ongoing strategy to monetize stockpiled material and generate cash flow, alongside mining and development activities at Finniss. Total revenue from lithium sales in 2026 is expected to reach approximately A$28.5 million.On the restart progress, the Finniss project received full approval for restart in March 2026. Mining is currently underway at the Grants open pit, while development at BP33 is advancing in parallel. Bulk earthworks for non-process infrastructure (NPI) continue to progress, with the power station pad complete. Underground decline development remains on track to commence in July 2026. Core is actively exploring pathways for the sale of the remaining ~30kt fines stockpile.