In this episode, Rodney and I share insights from our recent attendance at the Fastmarkets Lithium Conference in Las Vegas. We interviewed several key industry players to provide you with a detailed update on current trends, strategic developments, and the overall market sentiment in the lithium and battery metals sector. We spoke with Iggy Tan from Lithium Universe, who discussed their competitive advantage in lithium carbonate refining due to Quebec’s access to low-cost hydropower and strategi...
Jul 02, 2025•58 min•Ep. 257
Welcome to the Surge Battery Metals Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) webinar! Hosted by Greg Reimer (President and CEO, Surge Battery Metals), this informative session was moderated by Howard Klein and Rodney Hooper from RK Equity. We discussed Surge Battery Metals' PEA, highlighting the economic potential of the Nevada North lithium project. Key Highlights: - An after-tax NPV of $9.2 billion. - Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 22.8%. - Quick payback period of 4.7 years. - High lithium grad...
Jun 27, 2025•44 min•Ep. 256
Join Howard as he moderates an insightful panel discussion exploring "Investing in the Future: Funding the Energy Transition & Balancing Supply and Demand." With over 23 years in the mining and metals sector and a keen focus on electric metals, Howard brings together industry experts to share their perspectives on critical minerals, market dynamics, and strategic investment opportunities. Panelists include: - Jay Chmelauskas, CEO of Camino Corp, who discusses the strategic pivot from gold an...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 255
In this episode, I attend the Benchmark Giga USA 2025 event in Washington, DC, interviewing key lithium industry experts: Iola Hughes (Benchmark Minerals), Ken Brinsden (Patriot Battery Metals: $PMET), Ian Rodger (Jindalee Lithium: $JLL), and Bill Willoughby (Century Lithium: $LCE). We discuss the cautious yet optimistic sentiment among industry insiders, highlighting robust demand drivers such as stationary energy storage, hybrid vehicles, and technological advancements in battery systems. Desp...
Jun 25, 2025•27 min•Ep. 254
In this episode, Howard Klein, founder of RK Equity and a seasoned analyst specializing in lithium and battery metals, shares insights into the evolving landscape of critical metals investing. Interviewed by Tim Gerdeman and Dmitry Silversteyn of Water Tower Research, Howard discusses the impact of recent declines in lithium, cobalt, and nickel prices, and how these shifts affect funding and valuations of junior resource developers. Howard addresses the challenges companies face in raising capit...
Jun 24, 2025•26 min•Ep. 253
In this episode, we welcome back Matt Fernley, respected industry analyst and author of the Battery Materials Review (available: https://www.batterymaterialsreview.com/ ), to explore the state of the lithium market amidst an ongoing bear cycle. Matt shares insightful perspectives on lithium pricing trends, highlighting that while short-term oversupply may keep prices subdued, we might be closer to the bottom than many expect. Together, we discuss the impact of rising inventories, the necessity o...
Jun 21, 2025•55 min•Ep. 252
In this episode, we sit down once again with Craig Shesky, CFO of The Metals Company ($TMC), for an informative discussion on the company's recent strategic developments: The Metals Company has experienced significant changes and milestones over the past year, highlighted by recent strategic equity investments and important partnerships. Craig provides detailed insights into the $85 million strategic investment by Korea Zinc at $4.34 per share, highlighting the confidence and validation this bri...
Jun 20, 2025•19 min•Ep. 251
In this episode, we sit down with Ken Hoffman, a seasoned expert in the lithium and battery materials space, formerly at McKinsey & Company. Ken brings deep insight into the current state and future trajectory of the lithium market, drawing from his recent engagements across the Middle East, Chile, and China. We cover a wide range of timely and critical topics for investors, including: - The divergence in sentiment between global markets and why the Middle East is emerging as a strategic hub...
Jun 05, 2025•58 min•Ep. 250
In this episode, we're back for the sixth time with Craig Shesky, CFO of The Metals Company (NASDAQ: TMC), diving deep into recent groundbreaking developments. With significant momentum following President Trump's executive order on critical minerals, TMC has submitted the world's first commercial seabed mineral recovery application under the U.S. Seabed Mining Code. Craig sheds light on the status and timeline of these critical applications, strategic investment updates, and recent congressiona...
May 21, 2025•44 min•Ep. 249
In this episode, we welcome back William Adams and Przemek Koralewski from Fastmarkets to discuss recent developments in lithium markets, pricing dynamics, and emerging futures contracts on major exchanges. The conversation covers current supply-demand imbalances, factors influencing lithium price fluctuations, and potential inflection points investors may anticipate in the coming months and years. Key topics include: - Recent declines in lithium pricing and implications for producers and invest...
May 16, 2025•33 min•Ep. 248
In this episode, we welcome back Ana Cabral, CEO of Sigma Lithium (NASDAQ/TSXV: SGML), to discuss the latest developments and outlook for the company. Ana provides a detailed overview of Sigma's Grota do Cirilo project in Brazil, highlighting its resource size, cost advantages, and ongoing expansion plans. We dive into Sigma Lithium’s recent operational results, including production growth, cost reductions, and strong EBITDA margins despite current lithium market conditions. Ana shares insights ...
May 12, 2025•50 min•Ep. 247
In this episode, we sit down with Gabriel Marcelo Rubacha, CEO of Noa Lithium Brines (TSXV: NOAL), for an in-depth update on their three Argentine brine projects—Rio Grande, Arizaro, and Salinas Grandes. We cover: 📈 Noa Lithium’s recent 58% YTD stock gain, tight share structure, and Clean Elements’ C$13.5M strategic investment 🌎 Why Argentina’s salar brines are the world’s lowest-cost lithium source and Rio Tinto’s US$10B bet on the region 🗺️ Project deep dive: high-grade 4.7 Mt @525 mg/L res...
May 09, 2025•31 min•Ep. 246
In this episode, I catch up again with Andrea Hotter, Special Correspondent at Fastmarkets, to dive into the shifting landscape of critical minerals and commodities. Andrea recently attended the Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) summit in Washington, D.C., and shares valuable insights on how policy narratives have dramatically shifted—from ESG and climate change to national and energy security. We discuss major developments, including the impact of reciprocal tariffs, government funding fo...
May 05, 2025•52 min•Ep. 245
In this Rock Stock Recap episode, Rodney and I share our latest insights following Trump's Liberation Day and the unfolding impacts of recent U.S. tariff policies, drawing striking parallels to past global shocks such as the onset of COVID-19 and historical events like the Cuban Missile Crisis. We delve deep into Stephen Miran's pivotal analysis on restructuring the global trade system, highlighting crucial policy discussions around phased tariffs, the intentional managed decline of the U.S. dol...
May 02, 2025•50 min•Ep. 244
In this episode, I sit down again with Keith Coughlan, Managing Director of European Metals Holdings ($EMH), to discuss the latest major milestone for the Cinovec lithium project in the Czech Republic. EMH has secured final approval for a significant $36 million grant from the EU’s Just Transition Fund, highlighting strong support from both the Czech government and the European Commission. Keith shares insights into how EMH plans to use the funds to accelerate the project, including meeting impo...
Apr 29, 2025•21 min•Ep. 243
In this episode, we continue our 'Getting to Know You' series with Jindalee Lithium (ASX: JLL). The discussion revolves around Jindalee's advancement of the McDermitt Lithium Project in Oregon and its strategic significance, especially considering the recent $3 billion investment in the adjacent Lithium America's Thacker Pass Project. The episode covers the impact of recent US government measures, including an executive order to boost American mineral production and the FAST-41 initiative, which...
Apr 28, 2025•20 min•Ep. 242
In this episode, we break significant news in the critical minerals and energy transition space, featuring Caspar Rawles, COO of Benchmark Minerals Intelligence (BMI). Rawles announces a landmark partnership between Benchmark and the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) to launch a suite of futures contracts for lithium, cobalt, and spodumene—marking ICE’s first move into the mining sector. The contracts, which will be cash-settled and based on Benchmark’s globally respected price assessments, repres...
Apr 24, 2025•19 min•Ep. 241
In this episode, Howard and Rodney speak with Craig Shesky, CFO of The Metals Company (NASDAQ: TMC), discussing recent developments and strategic direction in deep-sea mining. The conversation highlights TMC’s business model focused on collecting polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, manganese, and copper from the seabed in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, between Hawaii and Mexico. Craig outlines TMC’s recent decision to pursue permitting through existing U.S. legislation—the Deep Seabed ...
Apr 22, 2025•35 min•Ep. 240
In this episode, Howard sits down with Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes, former Director of the Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains Program at the U.S. Department of Energy, to discuss the evolving landscape of critical minerals and energy policy in the United States. They explore the key differences between the Biden and Trump administrations' approaches to EV batteries and critical minerals, the future of lithium and other essential battery materials, and whether America can remain competitive in a ra...
Apr 21, 2025•43 min•Ep. 239
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 brief...
Apr 16, 2025•52 min•Ep. 238
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 signifi...
Apr 15, 2025•27 min•Ep. 237
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 ...
Apr 10, 2025•29 min•Ep. 236
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...
Apr 08, 2025•34 min•Ep. 235
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, si...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 234
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...
Mar 30, 2025•30 min•Ep. 233
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 possi...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 232
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 competitiv...
Mar 20, 2025•33 min•Ep. 231
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 policie...
Mar 12, 2025•21 min•Ep. 230
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 spod...
Mar 11, 2025•47 min•Ep. 229
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 📖 (00...
Mar 11, 2025•58 min•Ep. 228
