What happens when big oil turns its sights to critical minerals? This episode of Fast Forward dives into ExxonMobil's unexpected pivot into lithium extraction and its role in the energy transition. Andrea Hotter sits down with Dan Holton, Senior VP of Low Carbon Solutions at ExxonMobil, to discuss how the company's deep expertise in oil drilling is being repurposed to unlock lithium from brines. 

Explore the ground breaking technology, the "why now" behind this shift, and how ExxonMobil plans to reshape the battery materials supply chain. With insights into regulatory hurdles, the global lithium market, and the growing interplay between energy security and the energy transition, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the future of energy. Listen now and discover how lithium might just become the "new oil." 

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.