Ep. 5 – The lithium lifeline: navigating the future of energy storage

In this episode of Fast Forward, host Andrea delves into the world of rare earths with industry experts Ahmad Ghahreman, Co-Founder and CEO of Cyclic Materials, and Rowena Smith, Managing Director and CEO of Australian Strategic Materials (ASM). Together, they explore the critical role rare earths play in manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense systems. They break down why these 17 elements located at the bottom of the periodic table are indispensable, yet surprisingly difficult to secure. From China’s dominance in mining and processing to the years-long timelines to develop new projects, Ahmad and Rowena unravel the complexities of supply chains and discuss why sustainability measures, such as recycling and substitution, are gaining urgency. With trade tensions and geopolitical factors influencing the rare earth market, this timely discussion reveals the collaborative efforts required to develop alternative supply chains and secure future technological advancements. Packed with insights, expert analysis, and actionable ideas, this episode sheds light on a world few of us think about but depend upon every day. Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/  

Join us for the next episode of Fast Forward, where host Andrea Hotter dives deep into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) alongside special guest Quentin Willson. Quentin, a renowned motoring journalist, former Top Gear presenter, and transport campaigner, brings decades of experience to the conversation. Now a leading advocate for EV adoption, he shares his expertise on the energy transition and the challenges surrounding the global shift to electrification. Quentin discusses his pivotal role in the EV movement, recalling his early experiences test-driving electric cars and the technological evolution since. He debunks common EV myths from his book The Little Book of EV Myths, tackling misconceptions around critical minerals, battery safety, and range anxiety. The episode highlights ongoing advancements in battery technology, including lithium-ion and solid-state innovations, and explores solutions for EV infrastructure needs worldwide. Listeners will also gain a deeper understanding of the political and economic hurdles impacting EV adoption, from supply chain vulnerabilities to policy inconsistencies in regions like the US, Europe, and China. Quentin shares insights on government incentives, industry collaboration, and why a unified approach is essential for wide-scale EV adoption. Don’t miss this compelling conversation exploring the intersection of critical minerals, technology, and the future of sustainable transport. Tune in to discover how EVs are shaping the energy transition and what lies ahead for the industry. Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/

The Fast Forward podcast is back with a highly anticipated new season! Join host Andrea Hotter, special correspondent at Fastmarkets and co-host Will Adams, head of battery and base metals research, as they explore the dynamic world of critical minerals.  This season begins with an in-depth discussion on securing supply chains, tariffs and the West's reliance on China for vital resources like rare earths, graphite and lithium. Featuring an industry-relevant panel of experts – Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes, former Deputy Director for Batteries and Critical Minerals at the US Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, Gracelin Baskaran, Director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Ben Steinberg, Executive VP at Venn Strategies.  This episode uncovers the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of energy, defense and technology. From the role of government and international collaboration to innovative solutions for the green energy industry’s growth, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.  Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/

In this sixth episode, we delve into the pivotal role of the London Metal Exchange (LME) in the global energy transition. Joined by Matthew Chamberlain, CEO of the LME, this episode uncovers the exchange's rich 147-year history and its critical position in trading essential minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper. Discover how the LME is shaping the future of metals markets, explore the intersection of global trade and sustainable energy, plus hear some discussion around the use of block limits.

Join Andrea Hotter, special correspondent at Fastmarkets, in the fifth episode of Fastmarkets’ Fast Forward podcast as she delves into the pivotal role of lithium in the global energy transition. This episode reveals the indispensable nature of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Despite its critical importance, the lithium market faces turbulent pricing and heavy reliance on China's supply chain, alongside a recent dip in electric vehicle adoption. Andrea is joined by Eric Norris, president of Energy Storage at Albemarle Corporation and a seasoned expert in specialty chemicals. Eric shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities within the lithium industry, offering a comprehensive view of what lies ahead. 

In this episode, Kathleen Quirk, CEO and president of leading copper producer Freeport-McMoRan, shares her insights on the current buzz surrounding copper. The conversation explores the driving forces behind copper’s surging demand, its persistent supply challenges and the revival of interest in M&A as companies seek to buy, not build. Discover how decarbonization, urbanization and connectivity are reshaping the landscape for copper, making it a pivotal metal in the electrification era.

In the latest episode we delve into the influence of geopolitics on the energy transition with Jeremy Weir, the Executive Chairman and CEO of Trafigura. Jeremy brings a wealth of experience in critical minerals, navigating the realms of metals, minerals, oil and renewables. Get ready for an insightful discussion that transcends individual markets and explores the dynamic intersection of global politics and the evolving commodities landscape.

Our host Andrea Hotter interviews Fastmarkets’ Head of Battery Raw Materials, Paul Lusty, as he shares his market outlook for the supply and demand of key materials used in the production of batteries and electric vehicles through 2030.

In this pilot episode, we're joined by Helaina Matza, Special Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Investment at the US Department of State. Come with us as we find out exactly what minerals-focused development looks like. Join the discussion on the impact of the IRA in the US, what is going on in Indonesia, what’s the latest in China and what regulatory factors should you be paying attention to that you might not be aware of?

Fast Forward is the brand new critical minerals and battery raw materials podcast from Fastmarkets. Listen to the teaser trailer.