Episode 215: The End of the Lithium Winter

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