Episode 219: Ron Mitchell

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".