Fastmarkets Live Lounge

In this episode of the Fastmarkets Live Lounge, recorded live at the Fastmarkets Global Lithium Battery and Critical Materials Conference in Las Vegas, Dr Angela Maria Fassnacht, CEO of Princeton Critical Minerals, explores what it takes to turn new lithium technologies into scalable, real-world solutions.

From bridging the gap between research and commercial deployment to improving recovery, reducing environmental impact and testing technologies in live operating environments, Angela discusses the challenges of scaling innovation and why collaboration, adaptability and industry engagement will be critical to the next phase of lithium production.

Recorded live at the Fastmarkets Global Lithium,

Battery & Critical Materials conference 2026.

Follow us on social media to get the latest commodity pricing news, as well as updates on all of our events:

LinkedIn: @Fastmarkets

In this episode of the Fastmarkets Live Lounge, recorded live at the Fastmarkets Global Lithium Battery and Critical Materials Conference in Las Vegas, Przemek Koralewski, Global Head of Market Development at Fastmarkets, explores how lithium markets are evolving as the industry matures.

From the growing role of spot markets, price benchmarks and futures to managing volatility and building greater liquidity, Przemek discusses what the industry needs to create more transparent and effective markets — as well as Fastmarkets’ plans to develop a digital spot platform for lithium and what this could mean for the next phase of market development.

Recorded live at the Fastmarkets Global Lithium,

Follow us on social media to get the latest commodity pricing news, as well as updates on all of our events:

LinkedIn: @Fastmarkets

X: @Fastmarkets

In this episode of the Fastmarkets Live Lounge, recorded live at the Fastmarkets Global Lithium Battery and Critical Materials Conference in Las Vegas, Dr Francis Wedin, Founder and Executive Chair of Vulcan Energy, discusses the future of Europe's battery supply chain, the evolution of lithium markets and the role of geothermal lithium in delivering low-carbon battery materials. 

From building one of Europe's most ambitious lithium projects to the partnerships, investment and long-term thinking needed to strengthen regional supply chains, Francis shares his perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping the next phase of the energy transition.

Recorded live at the Fastmarkets Global Lithium,

Follow us on social media to get the latest commodity pricing news, as well as updates on all of our events:

LinkedIn: @Fastmarkets

X: @Fastmarkets

Asam joins the Fastmarkets Live Lounge to discuss how circular manufacturing, low-carbon production and net zero steel are reshaping the Middle East steel industry. The conversation explores why smaller, more resilient steel models can outperform traditional scale-driven production, how green financing is accelerating industrial transformation, and why localised supply chains are becoming central to decarbonisation strategies. Asam also shares insights on the UAE’s role in leading sustainable steel innovation and what responsible growth looks like for heavy industry in the Gulf.

James joins the Fastmarkets Live Lounge to explore how commodity exchanges and benchmarks are evolving in the Middle East and other emerging markets. The discussion focuses on regional price discovery, the role of exchanges in managing volatility and risk, and why locally relevant benchmarks are becoming increasingly important in global commodities trading. James also shares perspectives on building market infrastructure, trust in frontier markets, and the growing link between commodities, national resilience and economic security.

Soumyodeep joins the Fastmarkets Live Lounge to discuss how steelmakers are translating decarbonisation ambition into practical action. The conversation focuses on realistic pathways towards lower-carbon iron and steelmaking, including direct reduction, hydrogen-ready technologies, and the role of energy access, policy and economics in shaping investment decisions. Soumyodeep also shares perspectives on common misconceptions around green steel and why emissions reduction, rather than net zero claims, is driving near-term progress across the industry.

Alicia joins the Fastmarkets Live Lounge to discuss global steel trading from a cross-border perspective, focusing on how supply chains between China and the Middle East are evolving. The conversation explores shifting trade flows, logistics reliability, sustainability requirements including CBAM, and how traders are responding to changing customer expectations. Alicia also shares why diversity, trust and long-term partnerships are becoming essential in an increasingly complex global steel market.

Erik joins the Fastmarkets Live Lounge to share a financier’s perspective on how capital, risk and policy are shaping the future of the steel and mining sectors. The conversation explores what makes projects investable in an increasingly uncertain environment, how tariffs and regulation are influencing decision-making, and why long-term competitiveness comes down to energy access, raw materials and regional dynamics. Erik also reflects on problem-solving, leadership and why unpredictability has become a defining feature of today’s steel markets.