Episode 125: Daniel Jimenez

My guest is Daniel Jimenez ex SQM and currently running his own advisory firm, iLi Markets (ilimarkets.com). Recorded less than two weeks before the Chilean Presidential election runoff - described as the most divisive in the country's history. We discuss potential impacts of the election on the lithium industry depending on whether the winner is from the right or the left. At minute 14, we begin a discussion of the Atacama & the current & future production of both SQM & Albemarle from the world's premier brine asset. We we also review the reasons for SQM lagging the pricing results of most competitors. Spoiler alert – we both expect that situation to change. We also ponder Albemarle’s long & winding road in ramping up production from expansions in Chile. We move on to a discussion of global supply & demand. Daniel’s 2021 & 2022 total demand numbers are higher than mine but not drastically so. Daniel provides his thoughts on the potential for new lithium projects in Chile as well as DLE before moving on to the potential & challenges for the EU & North America to supply a significant percentage of their future lithium demand. We cover the recent rise of Chinese investment in South American lithium projects. Will recycling contribute significantly to lithium supply before 2030? Solid state batteries & the potential impact on what lithium raw material requirements. Rapid fire. Daniel can be found on Twitter @D_Jimenez_Sch