Episode 244: The China Syndrome

A stream of consciousness solo episode where I talk about the recent drama concerning SMM's inventory number and change in their process. Did it make sense? Who does it serve? I also talk about comments from Ganfeng on the quality of inventory information and the fact that some of the GFEX warehouse inventory isn't usable.

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.