Recently, a preparatory meeting for the establishment of the Joint Laboratory for Xizang Salt Lake Green Comprehensive Development & Utilization and Environmental Protection was held in Chengdu. The meeting was led by Xizang Mineral Development Co., Ltd., with the participation of the Institute of Mineral Resources of Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Wanhua Chemical Group Battery Materials Technology Co., Ltd., and BGT Group Co., Ltd. The meeting discussed and approved the "Construction Plan for the Joint Laboratory for Xizang Salt Lake Green Comprehensive Development & Utilization and Environmental Protection". Research on lithium extraction from salt lakes and the development and utilization of strategic rare elements will be carried out in four research directions, namely, basic research, pilot testing, production-oriented research, and forward-looking research. By mastering the core technologies for salt lake resource development, the laboratory will conduct research and production of high-value-added salt lake products. With scientific and technological leadership, it will promote the integration of salt lake resources in the region, and all parties will take the joint laboratory as a link to jointly build a stronger profit pillar for salt lake development.

The Company believes that the establishment of the joint laboratory by the four parties can give full play to their respective advantages: Xizang Mineral in mineral resources and application scenarios, the Institute of Mineral Resources of Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences in mineral resource research, Wanhua Battery in lithium extraction material R&D and manufacturing, and BGT in lithium extraction technology R&D, pilot testing, and engineering application experience. Focusing on salt lake resource and environment research as well as green and efficient resource development and utilization, they will promote the integration of salt lake resources in the region under scientific and technological leadership. With the joint laboratory as a link, all parties will jointly build a stronger profit pillar for salt lake development.

Wanhua Battery expressed its full support for and active participation in the establishment of the joint laboratory. It believes that the establishment of the joint laboratory is a major event at present. Based on giving full play to the advantages of all parties and adhering to the principles of equality, mutual benefit, common development, and pursuit of first-class standards, the joint laboratory will surely highlight the ecological, green, environmental protection, energy-saving, comprehensive recycling, zero-carbon, and demonstrative characteristics of the Zabuye Salt Lake, as well as its role in driving high-quality economic development in Xizang. It will also play a huge role in promoting the lithium resource strategic development of all cooperating parties under scientific and technological leadership.

BGT stated that for the establishment of the joint laboratory, with the development of salt lake lithium extraction in recent years, the informatization needs of enterprises and institutions have gradually increased. After the establishment of the joint laboratory, it will further increase investment in salt lake lithium extraction technology development in Xizang, accelerate the application of intelligent digital technologies, and provide more complete engineering general contracting and operation and maintenance services for salt lake resources in Xizang.

The Institute of Mineral Resources of Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, stated that as a scientific research institution under central state organs, it has the ability to conduct comprehensive research on the entire industry chain of mineral resource survey and evaluation. It mainly carries out research on resource survey, evaluation, development, and utilization of salt lakes on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, potassium and lithium salts across the country, as well as underground brine and oilfield water in China. The joint laboratory will support the high-quality industrial development of Zabuye Salt Lake through scientific research guidance, effectively ensuring the rational, efficient, and low-consumption development of Zabuye Salt Lake resources, and laying a solid technical foundation for new processes and new development of Zabuye Salt Lake. Through the transformation of scientific research achievements and industrial incubation, it will maximize the value of salt lake resources and become a new profit growth point for all cooperating parties.

At present, the construction plan has been approved by the decision-making bodies of all participating parties. The establishment of the joint laboratory is bound to become a pioneer and demonstration in the field of comprehensive development of lithium, potassium, rubidium, cesium and other resources in Xizang's salt lakes. By developing and mastering the core lithium extraction technology of "one lake, one process", it will integrate salt lake resources in the region through technology and capital. At the same time, it will provide technical research and development, process package transfer, laboratory analysis and other services for other salt lakes in the region, promoting the green and comprehensive development and utilization of salt lake resources in Xizang, and facilitating the high-quality economic development of the Xizang Autonomous Region.