Lithium-ion Rocks!

In this episode, I join Ash Bennington on Real Vision to discuss the dramatic shifts happening in the world of critical minerals, lithium pricing, and global energy policy. We explore lithium's recent price collapse, why I'm still bullish long-term, and how geopolitical forces—including tariffs and supply chain realignments—are reshaping commodities markets. I also highlight key investment opportunities across lithium, copper, uranium, and broader mining ETFs. Stay tuned until the end as I briefly spotlight one overlooked opportunity in the electrification space. CHAPTERS

In this episode, we sit down once again with Bill Willoughby, CEO of Century Lithium (TSXV: LCE.V, OTCQX: CYDVF), to discuss the latest developments at their Nevada-based lithium project, Angel Island. We cover the company's unique chlor-alkali processing method, recent optimization studies, and the impact of the U.S. government's executive order to accelerate domestic mineral production. Bill shares insights on Century's permitting progress, strategic partnerships, and the potential for significant CAPEX reductions. CHAPTERS

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Wylie, CEO of Volt Lithium (TSXV: VLT, OTCQB: VLTLF), to discuss the company's innovative approach to lithium extraction from oilfield brines. Alex shares insights on Volt's low-CAPEX strategy, proprietary technology, and rapid scale-up from pilot projects to commercial operations. With significant opportunities in the Permian Basin, Texas, and expansion plans in North Dakota's Bakken, Volt Lithium aims to become a leading domestic lithium supplier serving the underserved U.S. industrial market. CHAPTERS

In this episode, Eric Desaulniers, CEO of Nouveau Monde Graphite provides insights into the company's significant investments and development journey, including their $150 million expenditure on demonstration plants. He discusses the binding offtake agreements with GM and Panasonic, their updated feasibility study, and potential grant funding opportunities. Eric also covers the increasing traction of LFP Cathode technology, its impact on graphite usage, and anticipates a potential supply deficit in the graphite market within three years. CHAPTERS

In this episode, we speak with Tavi Costa, partner at Crescat Capital, about global macroeconomic shifts, rising gold prices, and the potential rotation from large-cap tech into commodities. Tavi explains why he sees significant opportunities in gold, silver, and emerging markets amid a weakening dollar and ongoing de-globalization. We dive into how policy decisions, geopolitical trends, and market valuations are shaping investment strategies, including what this means for metals like copper, silver, and lithium. CHAPTERS

In this episode, we sit down again with Keith Coghlan, Executive Chairman of European Metals Holdings, to discuss the latest strategic developments surrounding the Cinovec lithium project in the Czech Republic. Recently designated as a strategic project by both the Czech government and the European Commission, Cinovec is gaining significant momentum. Keith shares insights into what these classifications mean, including streamlined permitting, substantial financial backing, and increased investor confidence. We also dive into the critical role of EMH's partner ČEZ, the company's path toward securing funding from the EU's €2 billion critical minerals fund, and how shifting geopolitical dynamics are shaping the future of lithium supply in Europe. CHAPTERS

In this episode, we welcome back YJ Lee from Arcane Capital Advisors. We discuss the current state of the lithium market, reviewing major trends, demand forecasts, and supply expectations. YJ provides an optimistic, bullish outlook on lithium amidst differing market opinions, attributing the expected rise in demand to various sectors including electric vehicles (EVs), battery energy storage (BESS), and newer applications such as electric ships, eVTOLs, and more. The episode delves into the possible impact of geopolitical factors and fiscal policies on lithium production and the renewable energy market. Additionally, insights are shared on investment strategies and stock selection in the lithium sector. CHAPTERS

In this episode, we provide an update on Lithium Universe following our initial interview with Chairman Iggy Tan last November. Significant progress has been made with plans to construct a lithium refinery in Bécancour, Quebec, with the company's stock trading on the Australian Stock Exchange under the ticker LU7. Key developments include the completion of a definitive feasibility study (DFS) and securing strategic partnerships. We delve into the potential benefits of the project, its competitive edge due to low power costs in Quebec, and the current economic and political influences on the supply chain. Rodney and Howard discuss the next steps towards funding, partnerships, and off-take agreements, while Iggy elaborates on the company's strategy and market outlook amidst ever-changing lithium prices. CHAPTERS

In this episode from PDAC 2025, Howard provides corporate updates and market insights from players in the lithium, copper and deep-sea mining industries. CEO Gabriel Rubacha discusses Noa Lithium Brines' progress and funding status for 2025 plans, including a $13.5 million raise and confidence in fully funding their projects. Craig Shesky, CFO of the Metals Company, details their milestones in deep-sea nodules for nickel, manganese, and cobalt, underpinned by supportive US administration policies and strategic partnerships. Mitch Thomas, CEO of of Solis Minerals, outlines their transition back to copper exploration in Peru and their recent $4.5 million fundraising. CHAPTERS

In this episode, featuring Keith Muller, CEO of Atlantic Lithium, we discuss the latest developments and challenges facing the lithium market and Atlantic Lithium's shareholders over the past 18 months. Keith provides insights on the emergence of African spodumene supply and its impact on the lithium industry, along with an update on Atlantic Lithium's involvement in the Ghana elections and its collaborative ventures with Piedmont Lithium. The company is forecasting 360,000 tons per year of spodumene concentrate. The interview also highlights strategic investments, project milestones, and potential financing options, noting that the company is fortified by strategic partnerships and boasts zero debt. CHAPTERS

In this episode, we talk with Iola Hughes from Rho Motion to discuss the rapidly evolving energy storage solutions market, lithium demand, and the impact of electric vehicles (EVs). Iola shares insights into the recent acquisition of Rho Motion by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence and delves into market data, growth projections, and the importance of lithium-ion batteries. We also explore grid storage, policy changes, and the future of the ESS market amid fluctuating lithium prices. CHAPTERS

In this episode at PDAC 2025, we interact with Power Metals' Chairman Johnathan More, CEO Haydn Daxter and Winsome Resources' Managing Director, Chris Evans. The discussion covers Power Metals' recent high-grade cesium discoveries, significant market growth from a 40 million to 200 million market cap, and its impact on the cesium market dominated by China. Johnathan and Haydn also address the strategic initiatives, potential for billion-dollar valuation, and plans for North American cesium industry growth. Additionally, the episode delves into cesium applications, unique mineral properties, and partnerships, including with Canaccord Genuity, aimed at advancing the company's goals. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts with the Ontario government, indigenous partners, the future path to production as well as Winsome's investment thesis in Power Metals. CHAPTERS

In this episode, we sit down with Killian Charles, CEO of Brunswick Exploration (TSXV: BRW | OTCQB: BRWXF), to discuss the company's progress over the last 10 months. Despite a dip in stock prices, Brunswick continues to focus on high-priority exploration projects, particularly the Mirage property in Quebec. Killian elaborates on their innovative exploration techniques, recent drilling programs, and advancements in Greenland. The episode also covers how Brunswick's tight share register and recent equity raise reflect continued support and belief in their assets. CHAPTERS

In this episode, Haydn and Nigel discuss Power Metal's (TSXV: PWM | OTCQB: PWRMF) rare high-grade cesium discoveries, specifically the Case Lake project. They delve into the cost, timelines, and permitting processes compared to other critical minerals like lithium. The conversation includes updates on cesium carbonate market size (2,200 tons per year) and OPEX costs, exploration updates like cesium oxide intercepts greater than 20% in phase three drilling, and test work progress at SGS and Nagrom. The discussion also covers structural mapping exercises, upcoming exploration plans starting in March, and engagement with Canaccord for strategic guidance. They aim to fast-track mining operations and place Power Metals among the top four producers of high-grade cesium, with milestones such as the mineral resource estimate due by the end of Q1 and the PEA by the end of Q2. CHAPTERS

Read the Lithium-Ion Bull Issue 101: https://mcusercontent.com/9a8c41f471f338217d776887e/files/d4951d57-406a-bd17-c0bb-6fd391dec1a1/Issue_101_Optimistic_Thought.pdf CHAPTERS

In this episode, Howard Klein and Rodney Hooper sit down with Gabriel Rubacha, CEO of NOA Lithium Brines, to discuss the company's strategic progress in Argentina's lithium sector. Gabriel shares updates on their flagship Rio Grande project, upcoming milestones, and the bullish outlook on Salar brines and Argentina under the new libertarian economic policies. Learn about NOA Lithium's promising high-grade brines, exploration plans, and the potential for significant shareholder value. CHAPTERS

In this episode, we catch up with Sayona Mining's CEO, Lucas Dow, for an in-depth discussion on the company's latest developments. Topics include the recent merger announcement with Piedmont Lithium, quarterly results, stellar drill outcomes at North American Lithium and Moblon, operational updates, future production targets, and the broader impact on the lithium industry. Get insights on market trends, cost management, future plans, and more. CHAPTERS

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Read the Lithium-Ion Bull Anniversary Issue 100: https://t.co/NzwZXKZdq9 CHAPTERS

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On Site with Winsome Resources: https://youtu.be/bwpjaY98w5E CHAPTERS

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Past Discussions

Y.J. 121 Presentation: https://youtu.be/bEHMr2l4GE4   CHAPTERS

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 02:28 - About Przemek & Spodumene Contract 05:57 - How is China's stimulus affecting metals like lithium? 07:59 - Current liquidity and key players in hydroxide contracts. 12:45 - Who sets margins for lithium contracts? 14:40 - Are banks the main traders on the exchange? 17:14 - How are producers using hydroxide to hedge spodumene? 20:22 - How did the CIF China price help spodumene contracts? 22:16 - How cash settlement affects participation in lithium futures. 25:32 - Will spodumene contracts increase trading volume? 28:47 - Were market players involved in creating the spodumene contract? 31:04 - What does success look like for the spodumene contract? 32:48 - How far ahead can you trade spodumene futures? 34:41 - How does liquidity affect futures for risk management? 36:53 - What's the outlook for lithium hydroxide futures? 42:16 - Howard's Closing Remarks   _________________________________________________ Links

INDEX: 00:00:00 - Introductory comments and panelist profiles 00:05:00 - Better Bid/Greenshoots on RK Equity Scoreboard - Q2 Metals 00:07:00 - Rio Tinto/Arcadium - from Rio shareholder perspective  00:11:15 - Rio/Arcadium - from Arcadium shareholder perspective/who else might (have) bid? 00:21:30 - What long-term lithium price was implied/embedded in Rio's acquisition price? 00:26:33 - Rio's prior purchase of Rincon & China's manipulation of lithium price. 00:29:20 - Does Rio/Arcadium underpin higher valuations in other lithium stocks absent higher lithium prices? 00:41:30 - Will DLE (Direct Lithium Extraction) long-term lower the cost curve? Eramet  00:44:20 - Iliad, SLB, Energy Source Minerals.  00:46:23 - California geothermal & oilfield brines - Will Exxon buy Albemarle? 00:48:30 - Can US conversion compete with China? 00:51:50 - What Spodumene price is implied in certain lithium equities? 00:55:00 - Brazil following Pilbara/Latin Resources – Sigma, Lithium Ionic, Atlas Lithium undervalued relative to WA peers? 00:59:50 - Expected M&A among mid-tiers? Quebec: Sayona/Piedmont, Patriot, Winsome, WA: MinRes & Hancock WA regional hub.  01:06:12 - Time to buy more and who? Albemarle, Pilbara, Sigma, Wildcat, Patriot, Winsome 01:13:45 - Are equities reflecting higher lithium prices soon? WA supply and Africa/China lepidolite updates 01:18:00 - Panel discusses less well covered names - European Metals Holdings, Atlantic Lithium, Talga, Winsome, Global Lithium, Delta Lithium, Wildcat, Liontown, Q2 Metals, Savannah, AMG 01:26:17 US listed & Smackover plays - Lithium Argentina, Lithium Americas, Piedmont, Standard Lithium, Exxon, Koch, Equinor, Tetra, Pantera 01:36:00 - Conventional salar brines in lithium triangle vs. lower ppm DLE brine plays    01:39:12 - Supply threats from Africa - AVZ, Kodal, Goulamina and China's ability to process low grade material  01:48:00 - Lithium price predictions, demand shock potential (autonomous driving, solid state) and other closing thoughts _________________________________________________ Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 01:25 - Climate Week in New York - Critical Minerals and Indonesian Nickel 04:40 - Processing Success - What's Next for TMC's Calcine Production? 07:06 - MOU with PAMCO - What Does This Feasibility Agreement Cover? 07:57 - Nori-D Project Progress - How Is the PFS for Nori Coming Along? 09:49 - Environmental Concerns - Concerns About the Dark Oxygen Paper 12:33 - Mining Code Development - Is the ISA on Track for 2025? 14:41 - Geopolitical Impact - How Is the U.S. Department of Defense Involved? 16:53 - Financial Outlook - What's TMC's Current Funding Status? 18:54 - Howard's Closing Remarks   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 04:50 - About Lucas Dow 06:16 - NAL Resource Expansion 08:00 - Production Targets and Optimization 09:25 - Cost Management Strategies 12:56 - Mining Dilution Improvements 14:54 - Downstream Integration Plans 17:09 - Moblan Resource Potential 24:09 - Offtake Strategy and Partnerships 27:44 - Financial Position and Future Plans 31:12 - Market Conditions and Investor Insights 33:53 - Site Visit 57:07 - On-site Interviews   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 04:30 - Blake Hylands' background and joining Lithium Ionic 07:18 - Operating experience in Minas Gerais 09:14 - Sigma's influence on cost and permitting 10:48 - Progress on Bandeira's construction permit 12:42 - Infrastructure benefits around Lithium Ionic's projects 13:57 - Environmental impact assessment update 15:12 - Details on $20M royalty agreement with Appian 16:57 - Financial standing after securing royalty deal 18:05 - Potential in new Itinga properties 19:57 - Expanding Bandeira's mineable resource over time 22:07 - Preferred funding structure for Lithium Ionic's projects 23:51 - Construction and production timeline for Lithium Ionic 25:20 - Strategic funding process with BMO 26:05 - China vs non-China opportunities for Lithium Ionic 28:55 - Comparing Lithium Ionic's value to Latin Resources 31:17 - Brazil's importance for lithium mining   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 04:41 - Rodney's Arcadium Demand Numbers 08:02 - How would shutting down Mount Marion affect MinRes' stock? 12:13 - Is shutting down Mount Marion good or bad for MinRes? 13:58 - Is SQM planning to spin off international ventures? 15:23 - Does Mount Holland need capital for restructuring? 17:35 - Why has Arcadium's stock lagged behind Sigma and Pilbara? 22:44 - Will Tesla or others bid for Arcadium soon? 27:44 - Do Albemarle's joint ventures make it harder to buy? 30:07 - Could a merger bid for Arcadium happen this week? 31:36 - Can Paul Graves defend Arcadium from an acquisition? 34:10 - Could Albemarle sell assets to fund an acquisition 37:39 - Will the long-term lithium price rise?   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 02:41 - Exploration and drilling update 04:21 - Assay results and timeline 05:46 - Case Lake cesium uniqueness 09:08 - Drill results and geology 11:13 - First Nation partnership update 13:39 - Timeline to production 14:57 - Cesium advisory committee formed 16:42 - Grant funding details 18:33 - Closing remarks   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:12 - Summary Synopsis 02:57 - About Ian/Jindalee 05:00 - How does McDermitt compare to other lithium projects? 07:48 - Funding and Grants 11:46 - What are Jindalee's next big milestones? 13:30 - ESG and Community Engagement 14:29 - Is Jindalee's study on track after recent progress? 15:55 - When will the feasibility study be finished? 16:07 - Jindalee & POSCO 17:22 - How is Jindalee's permit approval process going? 19:18 - Future Plans and Partnerships 21:49 - Jindalee's Outlook in Current Market 25:06 - Jindalee x HiTech Minerals Agreement   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 02:14 - Thoughts on the latest CATL news and lithium supply? 03:36 - Battery Demand and Production 04:43 - CATL's Market Impact 07:52 - How fast could CATL restart production? 11:05 - How much supply can come out of China? 13:15 - Different views on African lithium supply costs. 16:34 - Is lithium stock rally due to short covering? 18:15 - Is it a good time to buy lithium stocks? 26:26 - Why does SQM prefer hard rock lithium projects? 29:20 - Can Quebec become a top lithium producer? 31:00 - Commodity Market Performance and Trends 32:27 - Are commodity stocks massively undervalued right now? 36:23 - China's EV Market and Renewable Energy Push 38:11 - Tesla's Robo Taxi and EV Production Capacity 40:33 - China vs Global EV Sales 41:42 - How did China grow its EV exports so fast? 44:43 - Will hybrids struggle with high maintenance costs? 47:25 - Can European carmakers afford carbon fines? 49:50 - Geopolitical Implications of EV Adoption 50:54 - Is the lithium market nearing its bottom?   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 01:02 - Introduction to Cesium 03:43 - Summary Synopsis 04:43 - About Hayden/Power Metals 05:51 - Discovering cesium at Case Lake 09:52 - Why cesium is a critical mineral 11:08 - Are there any cesium alternatives? 12:01 - Rarity of Power Metals' Deposits 13:44 - Metallurgical Test Work and Future Plans 15:12 - Next steps for drilling at Case Lake 16:15 - Preferred cesium products for buyers 17:46 - Case Lake Relative to Total Market 19:19 - Will the cesium be stored? 20:07 - Case Lake CapEx 21:50 - Permitting Process 23:55 - Funding plans and Winsome's role 25:04 - Assay Timeline 26:16 - Metallurgical Test Work Timeline 26:58 - Exploring lithium at Case Lake  30:54 - Howard's Closing Remarks   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 01:30 - Solar Cells: Ubiquitous and Efficient 02:07 - Global Solar Energy Statistics 03:18 - The Role of Batteries in Solar Energy 04:07 - How did solar energy evolve? 07:18 - Is China leading solar tech innovation? 09:12 - Impact of Tariffs on Solar Growth 12:48 - Can solar and batteries balance the grid? 16:45 - Will supply chain issues slow solar growth? 20:26 - Are old grids blocking solar energy? 23:01 - China's Renewable Energy Goals 26:18 - Could new tech overtake solar and wind? 27:55 - Cost Savings and Scale Efficiencies in Solar 31:27 - Is solar panel recycling falling behind? 32:50 - Will more solar mean more battery mandates? 34:23 - How stable is U.S. clean energy policy 40:06 - Howard's Closing Remarks   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:31 - Lithium Market Analysis 00:03:07 - China's Role in Lithium Supply 00:05:52 - Copper Market Overview 00:11:37 - About Paul/Anglo 00:13:57 - Why is copper still so volatile? 00:20:18 - Challenges in boosting copper supply. 00:22:11 - Are old copper mines worth reopening? 00:25:04 - What price ensures enough copper production by 2030? 00:26:11 - Is there enough money going into copper exploration? 00:28:27 - Environmental and Societal Factors in Mining 00:31:06 - Any Advancements on Carbon Emissions? 00:33:18 - How will China's slowdown affect copper demand? 00:37:06 - Copper Demand and Global Averages 00:38:37 - Will new tech reduce copper demand or not? 00:42:57 - Are speculators messing with copper prices? 00:45:31 - When will miners start building new copper supply? 00:49:28 - True Valuation vs Market Valuation 00:52:52 - Balancing risks in early-stage vs. established copper investments 00:55:09 - Trade mining stocks; don't just hold. 00:55:51 - Are mining companies focusing on growth over dividends? 00:59:43 - Anglo American's Copper Assets 01:01:13 - Howard's Closing Remarks   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 01:06 - SQM Earnings Call 02:34 - Will lithium prices rise soon? 05:30 - How will U.S. elections affect lithium? 09:36 - Can China keep up lithium production? 14:43 - Is it time to invest in renewables? 17:33 - What does Pilbara's move mean? 25:03 - Will production expansion pay off? 28:00 - Can Biden hit the 50% EV goal? 30:12 - Will Tesla reveal a cheaper car? 34:18 - IRA 38:16 - How could Trump change EV policies?   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 00:22 - Summary Synopsis 02:35 - Recent Developments and Drilling Program 04:53 - Resource Estimate and Expansion 05:22 - New SRCA deal boosts Nevada drilling for Surge 08:34 - Surge finds high-grade lithium near surface 09:36 - Surge plans eco-friendly mining methods 10:25 - Economic assessment due by December 11:14 - Market Dynamics and Future Prospects 14:38 - Political Climate and Industry Impact 15:55 - CEO: Surge asset better than Thacker Pass 16:51 - Political uncertainty impacts EV policies 17:46 - Howard's Closing Remarks   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 02:02 - Drilling Campaign Recap 04:19 - Geophysical and Sampling Techniques 08:05 - Current Drilling and Future Plans 09:13 - Understanding Fractionation 12:33 - Current drilling timeline and results 13:40 - Metallurgical Test Work and Grants 14:26 - Distance to Patriot Corvette 15:08 - Infrastructure and Accessibility 16:14 - Quebec's battery supply chain commitment 17:04 - Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Interest 17:31 - Farm-in partnerships on Champion's property 20:26 - Lithium Business strategies 21:10 - Industry Trends and Future Outlook 23:14 - Howard's Closing Remarks   _________________________________________________   Links

INDEX: 00:00 - Introduction 08:29 - Water Circulation System 06:19 - Power Plant 09:37 - Crusher 09:56 - Control Room 10:24 - Processing Plant 10:54 - Warehouse 11:18 - Accommodation 11:49 - Adina 12:40 - Qingtao Zeng 14:11 - Justin Boylson 15:09 - Tim Hoff 16:04 - Stephen Biggins 17:48 - Ken Brinsden 19:52 - Ernie Ortiz 20:29 - Chris Evans   _________________________________________________   Links