The Global Lithium Podcast

My guests are the co-founders of ILiA: Anand Sheth and Roland Chavasse. Topics:The membership mixNot just a producer organizationCommunicating the industry messageWhat is success for ILiA?ChallengesCommodity or specialty chemical?Communicating with regulatorsChemicals or mining?Lithium triviaChina: flexibility, growth and chaos

My guests are: David Park and Dr. Andy Robinson, the CEO and President/COO, respectively. Topics:The LG offtake agreementHow deals get doneThe market tailwindStandard's path to FIDThe DLE journeyAdvantages of Smackover brineTightening specificationsBi-carbonationThe buildSafetyCultureThe Smackover's LT potentialThe midstream

Dr Yuan Gao is one of the most respected voices in the lithium-ion battery supply chain. A battery scientist with a number of cathode patents that has worked for a lithium producer, been the CEO of a major cathode maker, and is now on the board of directors of Lithium Americas and Pure Lithium, Dr Gao has a unique perspective on the history and future of the battery industry.Topics:The holy grailThe future of BESSWhat's next in cathodeDemand growth The evolution of lithium intensityRepurposing US gigafactoriesCATLSodium-ionRobin Zeng's teamSolid state batteriesInnovation in lithium metalMaking a difference Lessons from Lithium AmericasUS-China relationsLithium-ion surprisesRapid fire

In this solo episode, I discuss the state of the lithium market: the good, the bad and the ugly.Despite the market’s overreaction to misinformation from China about the impact of a mine reopening on the supply and demand balance and the threat of sodium ion, lithium’s long-term fundamentals have never looked better.Demand continues to go from strength to strength. Meanwhile, production shortfalls, project delays and efforts by African countries to retain more of the value created from their resources continue to put pressure on supply.Topics:ALB's bullish market commentarySQM displaces ALB as the #1 producerCATL: #1 in GWH & misinformationThe pulled US lithium tenderThe midstream/downstream future in OzUS critical metals "hype machine"Tesla's long ramp up in TexasBuy the book

Venkee Sharma is the Executive Chairman of Aquatech, a global leader in water and critical metals technology.Topics:Aquatech’s “superpower”Seizing opportunities in lithiumThe TeamAquatech’s view of the marketDLEThe op-ex challengeBelievers in brineThe future of battery gradeFans of the SmackoverDifferent customers – different problemsSelling solutions not technologyA family cultureThe White Silver ProjectPearlRapid fire

David Park is the CEO of Standard Lithium. Topics:Leaving retirement for a lithium juniorCapital challengesPartnersCritical success factorsGetting to FIDOfftake agreementsDLE The TeamBipartisan projectsThe benefits of ArkansasThe Smackover vs. hard rockPrice"6 hours of angst"Shout outsRapid fire

Chris Berry interviewed me about my new book "Lithium Confidential" at the the Fastmarkets Global Lithium event in Las Vegas. The interview was in front of a live audience. The book is available via both as a paperback and e-book via Amazon but can also be ordered from you local bookstore no matter where you live.

Jon Evans is the CEO of Lithium Americas and a long-time industry veteran.Topics:How the industry has changed since 2008Why price stays higher for longer this cycleThe battery marketAfter the first Thacker Pass tonUS lithium demandNot Jon's first rodeoPartnersA lesson from Ted LassoWhat keeps Jon motivatedSulfuric acid LAC's position on the cost curveAmerica's midstream issueAfricaWhat success at Thacker Pass looks like

This is a solo episode where I talk about market commentary, hype from the US Government, where China is really dominant, the big banks return to lithium, price, and Lithium Confidential.

My guests are two voices from the brine world. Murray Brooker and Clint Van Marrewijk. Topics:Why do brine projects take so long?WA's hard rock advantagesWill brine development be faster in this cycleThe impact of big balance sheetsWhat makes a great brine project?Brine recovery ratesThe "promise" of DLENo DLE, no Smackover"Brine without borders"Modular brine productionThe brine talent poolRapid fire

Chris Reed is the Managing Director of NeometalsTopics:Status of the lithium marketWhat China got rightPivoting from urban mining to brineLFPConversion in the WestAfrica DLEThe project in UtahSPAC of the century?Oh CanadaLithium history lessonsDemand in 2030CATL's lithium strategy?Supply in 2035Geopolitics

Tu Le is the founder of Sino Auto Insights, an innovation & management consulting firm.Topics:The Global EV pictureThe final frontier for China EVsThe US "China EV" strategyGM and FordThe status of FSD (full self-driving)The changing perception of Tesla in ChinaWhat's next for BYD and Tesla?When will CATL be producing batteries in the US?The "best of the rest" China EV companiesRapid fireThe growing angst in China over lithium supply

Tom Benson (aka the "Doctor of Volcanoes") is the Vice President of Exploration at Lithium Argentina. Topics:Being creative in explorationThe major upgrade to the Cauchari - Olaroz resourceBigger than the Atacama?Tom's history at Thacker PassLithium Africa - Tom's latest focus The Africa lithium "recipe"Use of new technology & AI in exploration"Permitting Purgatory"Making Africa a lithium successComments on the Smackover & Salton SeaIt's "nice to be nice"Rapid fire

This is a short solo episode.Topics: What lithium investors are askingThe converter in TexasA tale of two earnings callsMy visit to Thacker Pass

YJ Lee is a Director and Fund Manager at Arcane Capital in Singapore. Find him on X @usuallyYJLeeTopics:The BackstoryYJ's path to lithiumThe learning processHis bullish forecasts EVs, E-trucks & BESSPicking winnersGanfeng & Tianqi turn bullishCATL's diminishing lithium market influenceIs another price spike coming?Thacker PassDLE & the SmackoverErametVulcanNemaskaCanadian potential?Rapid fire

Rene is a VP at Lithium Americas and one of the best technical minds in the industry. Topics:How the industry has changed in 20 yearsThe return of LFPFlowsheetsChina's overnight success after two decadesThe challenge for AmericaThe next cycleIs the low hanging fruit gone?What derailed high nickel cathodeTesla's Texas converter hypeBESSDLEThacker Pass update

This is a solo episode. In the past I wrote a time limited "stream of consciousness" New Year's post on LinkedIn. This year I decided to do a podcast with the same rules.

Daniel Jimenez is the founder of iLi Markets and formerly worked for SQM. On X: @D_Jimenez_SchTopics:The rapid growth of BESSCATLChina's weakening grip on lithium Hidden costs in AfricaThe tightening marketWhere is the money made in LIBChile's lithium futureArgentinaRio Tinto's next movesWhen does DLE matter?Alternatives to CO3 & LiOHThe coming price spikeConversion capacity outside ChinaRapid fire

This episode is a panel discussion that took place at the Arkansas Lithium Innovation Summit in October on the missing midstream. The panelists were:David Park, CEO of Standard LithiumDan Blondal, CEO of Nano OneHugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of CommerceBhageerath Vadhi, Geologist - Ford Motor CompanyTopics:What is the midstream?Why does it matter?The cathode bottleneckChina's current dominant positionMarginsNano One's LFP advantageWashington's perspective and roleEmphasizing energy storage over EVsGeopoliticsWhat does success look like?

There are three guests and a cameo appearance in this episode.Sam Pigott and Carlos Galli from Lithium Argentina are joined by Jason (Xiaofeng) Luo from Ganfeng. The cameo appearance is from Kelly O'Brien the head of investor relations at Lithium Argentina.Topics:History of the LAR - Ganfeng partnershipConsolidating assets - PPGThe "marriage" & synergyGanfeng's view of ArgentinaRIGIThe success of CauchariThe teamGanfeng's recent market growth commentsThe incentive priceComponents of demandWhen does Argentina become #1 in brine?Funding PPGGanfeng's Marianas projectWater issuesDLE Rapid fire

This solo episode was recorded November 19th 2025 in Los Angeles while I was attending Benchmark Week.Topics:Ganfeng on supply / demand / priceCanaccord's take on the marketBESS Exxon's comments on lithiumThe midstreamDLERio's lithium future US Congress on China's predatory pricingLiontown's spod auctionIGO's Kwinana woes

The state of Arkansas is poised to be the next great lithium brine province. This week at the Arkansas Lithium Innovation Summit I interviewed Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders along with Allie Kennedy Thurmond and Jason Muller from Equinor, Ashu Sharma from Aquatech and Jesse Edmondson of Standard Lithium.Topics:Why Arkansas?Angela's storyGoing downstreamNo DLE, no SmackoverUS policy gapsStockpile optionsBuilding value chainsThe Smackover Lithium cultureForce multipliersAquatech's businessProcess optimization Li-Pro & PearlWhat's next for the Summit?

Emilie Bodoin is the founder and CEO of Pure Lithium. The mission of Pure Lithium is commercializing a rechargeable lithium metal battery. Topics:Improving how lithium metal is madeSimplifying the battery supply chainWhy making EV batteries is not the company's goalSpeedLFP and vanadiumPartnersMentorsThe commercialization planWhy solid state batteries aren't a panaceaRapid fire

Chris Berry aka "the voice of reason" is the founder and President of House Mountain Partner. Ernest Scheyder is a journalist and the author of "The War Below."Topics:The US critical metals strategyThe US trend towards state capitalismPicking winnersLAC/GM and the DOE loan "deal"Free money??The market bottomThe OPEC analogy to lithiumLithium's version of frackingDLE's future roleLithium as a "party animal"The long road to a circular economyRapid fire

Ron Mitchell has one of the lithium industry's most impressive resumes having worked for Talison, Tianqi, and a resource development project. He also chaired the LME lithium and cobalt committee for several years.Topics: The challenge of developing resourcesDe-risking projectsPriceAfrica - reality vs hypeLepidolite - mountains of residueThe beauty of vertical integrationThe hard rock cost curveIncentive pricesHard rock conversion beyond ChinaPeak spodumene in AustraliaRisk management toolsIssues with spot priceWhat's next?Rapid fire

Chris Doornbos is the Founder and CEO of E3 Lithium.Topics:Thinking differently about lithiumThe Alberta advantageThe TeamDLESorbent flexibilityTimingFinancing optionsPrice & price supportsThe "lithium buyer's club"?The cost curveInfluencing policyThe critical pathRapid fire

I provide additional perspective of why I believe the "lithium winter" is over. Chinese anti-involution measures are a contributing factor, as is continued strong demand growth and less lithium feedstock and chemical inventory in China than many people think.

My guest is Cormac O'Laoire, PhD the Managing Director of Electrios Consultants. We have a far ranging discussion on the rise of China in the lithium-ion battery space. We cover how China out competed their formerly stronger rivals in Japan and Korea and discuss the current and future state of batteries, NEVs and BESS. Given recent events we also cover lepidolite in Yichun and brine in Qinghai.

This is a solo episode where I share some thoughts regarding why I think the recent "lithium winter" is over. I believe price has bottomed and a new upward cycle has begun.

Jesse Edmondson and Arthur Orduña are playing key roles in shaping the future of lithium production and the broader battery supply chain in Arkansas. Together, they bring deep experience and a shared mission: to put Arkansas squarely on the global lithium map.In this episode, we discuss:Why major players like Exxon, Equinor, and Chevron have chosen Arkansas for their first lithium investmentsHow a small startup like Standard Lithium partnered with a Norwegian oil major—and why that collaboration makes strategic senseHow Arkansas is leveraging the Smackover Formation to build a full lithium-ion battery ecosystem through initiatives like the Arkansas Lithium Innovation Accelerator and other emerging programsWhy making cathode materials in Arkansas isn’t just possible—it’s practicalI also extend a direct invitation to Korean battery makers to partner for cathode production in ArkansasThis is a uniquely American story—about innovation, energy, and new beginnings in unexpected places.Stick around for Rapid Fire.

Sam Pigott is the CEO of Lithium Argentina. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Fastmarkets event In Las VegasTopics:Sam's backstoryStatus of CauchariRelationship with GanfengThe JV model with GanfengBuilding 150K MT of new capacity in Salta ProvinceAreas of focusLong-term supply challengesLeveraging DLE for lower costProduct optionalityGrowing as a leaderInfrastructure needs in ArgentinaThe talent poolLocal politicsSuccess factorsSam's recent China visitRapid fire

My guests are Summit Nanotech CEO Amanda Hall and President Joe Arencibia. Topics:Being a troublemakerDefining DLEDLE " flavors"Amanda's "rules" for SummitComplexity vs scaleWater usageRecovery ratesSurviving in a down marketStanding out vs competitorsChinese competitionDLE in 2030What's next?Rapid fire

A solo episode with comments on the royalty hearing in Arkansas this week, SQM's earnings call and a "doom & gloom" analyst call "Down Under".

Yuan Gao is one of the most experienced voices in the lithium ion battery world with more than a quarter century of experience across countries, companies and technologies. Topics:Reasons behind CATL & BYD's successThe China battery ecosystem"Dare to gamble"Is battery success possible in North America?Cathode developmentsComparing China's cost structure to ROWThe CATL "playbook"Leveraging vertical integration to lower lithium pricesPrice expectationsThe cost curveSodium ion leverage?Solid state batteriesLithium metal batteriesRapid fire

Carlos Galli is the VP of Growth & Innovation at Lithium Argentina. He is a global expert in lithium brine technology.Topics:Argentina's growing competitiveness in lithiumThe arrival of "big balance sheets" in the PunaLithium's need for transparencyLearnings from ChinaBattery/cathode techThe China lithium reprocessing industryIs lithium chloride the "NBT"?The partnership with GanfengThe DLE demo plantAdvantages of solvent of extractionWhy ponds with DLE make senseCauchari updateTeamworkWhy companies struggle with DLERapid fire

Carlos Vicens is the founder and CEO of Full Circle Lithium, a company that has developed an effective fire extinguishing agent for lithium fires. As the world moves to electric transportation and large scale BESS (battery energy storage systems) the risk to life and property from lithium fires has grown exponentially. Full Circle Lithium believes their FCL-X product is a viable solution to the problem.Topics:How significant an issue are lithium fires?Why lithium fires are so challenging to extinguishThe teamPartnershipsThe regulatory environmentShould lithium fires have a special classification?Fire testsHow FCL-X worksTraining fire departmentsPlaying with (lithium) fireNext steps

Austin Devaney has a wealth of lithium experience from a decade with Rockwood/Albemarle, his time with Piedmont Lithium and his new advisory business: Li7 Charged.Topics:The state of the industrySupply/demandChina's price strategy The importance of Rio Tinto's entryThe rush to AfricaA "China build" vs the WestThe new cost curveThe future of US lithiumCathode (ex China)Elon dramaAlbemarle's woesWhat is the incentive price?Rapid fire

Dr Frank Jackel is the co-founder and Managing Director of Metals Hub (metals-hub.com @metals-hub on X).Metals Hub is a leading software solutions provider that optimizes procurement processes. One of the most significant issues facing the lithium industry is lack of clarity on pricing. Metals Hub is part of the solution to that problem. I have no financial interest in Metals Hub. Nor was I compensated for having them on the podcast.Topics: What Metals Hub doesThe need for price transparencyAlbemarle - the first lithium clientThe mechanics of a lithium sales eventBenefits to clients beyond auctionsThe trend toward spot pricingThe advantage of being based outside ChinaProviding a level of trust in the marketWhen will the lithium market mature?The future influence of AIRapid fire

This is a solo episode answering listener questions. I also discuss what I learned at a recent conference in Florida.

Andy Leyland (@andyleyland1 on X) is the founder and MD of Supply Chain Insights (@insights_SC on X). Supply Chain Insights is a leading advisory firm on all things related to the lithium ion battery supply chain.Topics:State of the LIB supply chainChina vs the rest of the worldBattery demand growth in 2025Korea's bet on the USIs LFP "the answer" for North America?President Trump and critical metalsMarket "reset" or "new normal"CATL's lepidolite restartPrice in 2025 and beyondThe incentive price for western projectsContracts: the latest trendsThe cost curveConversion projects ex ChinaThe change industry structure (Rio, Exxon, etc)The futures market

The first episode of 2025 is a double episode covering the two most significant demand drivers of lithium: electric transportation and battery energy storage systems. My guests are two experts in their respective fields: Tu Le from Sino Auto Insights and Henrique Ribeiro from S&P Global. Topics: State of the NEV market The rise of PHEVs Autonomous vehicles Zeekr (Geely) & Waymo Top Chinese NEV companies Tariffs Tesla Thinning the herd Legacy OEMs: who survives? FSD Battery energy storage systems (BESS) BESS impact on lithium demand The economics of BESS Sodium ion: not ready for prime time How real is battery "second life"? BESS in 2030

Daniel Jimenez and I discuss the following topics based on listener questions: 2024 Surprises Lithium demand Trends in EV adoption PHEVs BESS growth The incentive price The cost curve Inventory Rio - Arcadium Africa's potential Price VW - Patriot Canada Argentina Ex China conversion LFP The "Trump" impact Rapid fire

This episode takes a deep dive into the Lithium Americas Thacker Pass project . My guests are LAC GM Hugh Broadhurst and R&D Manager Ryan Ravenelle.Topics:What makes Thacker Pass special?Working with a major mining partnerThe significance of the Reno Tech CenterBenefits of being in a “mining” stateProduct specificationsThe TeamInfrastructureLogisticsThe “Goldilocks” sulfuric acid plantSustainabilityCommunity supportThe project timelineChallengesThe cost curveRapid fire

Dale Henderson (@henderson_dale on X) is the Managing Director & CEO of Pilbara Minerals. I was honored to have him join me for the 200th episode. Topics: Pilbara’s four strategic pillars The wild ride for lithium (& Pilbara) Swing supply created by 2022 pricing The steepening cost curve Unsustainable pricing in 2024 The coming shortage Continuing to be nimble Managing through volatility The POSCO JV & other world class partners Where Pilbara sits on the cost curve Growth and the Latin Resources acquisition The arrival of big balance sheets to lithium Brazil as a lithium jurisdiction Keeping the team motivated Two questions from Dale Rapid fire

Dan Blondal aka "the man with one tweet" is the CEO of Nano One (TSX: NANO / OTC: NNOMF). Topics: A world class suite of partners The battery challenge Why ex China cathode capacity matters China's current LFP dominance Why the west has to do LFP differently The importance of ESS as a catalyst "Design one - build many" Will Japan make a battery comeback? The importance of the DOD investment Staying the course Rapid fire

The majority of this episode is a presentation I made at the Panorama Minero "Lithium South America" event in Jujuy, Argentina on October 9, 2024. The presentation starts at ~ minute 23. The episode begins with a interview with Alejandro Columbo from Panorama Minero. We discuss what Panorama Minero does and how this event has grown over the last decade to global significance. My presentation "Lithium's Bright Future" also includes a discussion of the history of the industry and how the west's failure to act early in the last decade allowed China to become the current dominant player in lithium ion batteries and EVs. Yet the past isn't necessarily prologue.

My favorite event on the annual lithium calendar is Panorama Minero's "Lithium South America". My guests on this episode are Daniel Jimenez of iLi Markets, Roland Chavasse of the International Lithium Association and JP Vargas the MD of Galan Lithium.

Sid Subramani has global responsibility for lithium projects at Hatch (@HATCHglobal on X), a professional services and engineering company. Topics: The Hatch role in lithium A typical engagement Red flags Projects: majors vs juniors Big Energy vs Big Mining DLE – when & how significant? Common project mistakes The importance of grade Why projects are late QPs Lepidolite Lithium jurisdictions Specifications Cap-Ex: China vs others The cost curve People Rapid fire

Katie Pyfer is a Senior Director of Energy Storage responsible for global pricing at Albemarle. She has a PhD in analytical chemistry. Topics: Product analysis Managing market cycles Price discovery "Micro" managing Battery demand Commodity or specialty chemical? Tolling The blending game Qualification Competitive tension The benefit of lithium auctions Price transparency Contracts The future of "futures"

I answer listener questions on this episode. Topics: The Future of DLE Argentina production in 2025 Black Swan events Can the US work with China? The Pilbara/LRS deal Is it time for more M&A? US production in 2030 EU lithium potential Hard rock vs brine The Salton Sea Is LFP the future? Oversupply - how long? SQM as a barometer of price Rapid fire