In between packing their bags for their upcoming trip to China, Joe and Emily remotely recorded another episode of the Global Lithium Podcast. Aside from Emily attempting to teach Joe a few phrases in Chinese, episode six features some seriously big industry updates. On the investing end, the two share their opinions on Nemaska’s financing needs and Softbank’s future strategy. A new report from Industrial Minerals also indicates that there may be some additional drama in the Atacama. Finally, our hosts close this episode by providing a preview itinerary for their trip to China. The next few episodes will be recording while our hosts are abroad. If you have a question for these next few episodes ask away at lithiumpodcast.com/ask.

Emily and Joe, abandoned by their GenZer talent for spring break, take on their first remote podcast from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Charlotte, North Carolina respectively. They catch up on news in the lithium space, including BMW’s big turnaround decision to not directly invest in lithium assets, versus automakers like Toyota’s strategy.  We chat about the status of Gangfeng’s and Tiang’s IPOs in Hong Kong, and urban mining and ecosystem are still the watch words. Over on the Chilean side of the Andes, Mr. Dr. Bitran has left Corfo and Canadian PotashCorp has not yet sold its stake in SQM. Joe channeled his inner Kim Kardashian when he broke the internet by publishing his new supply and demand forecasts through 2025. Joe differs from the “flood forecasters” at Morgan Stanley and others on what’s going to come out of the Atacama but agrees with Albemarle and others on a few things. Piedmont sets the bar with the “Manhattan Project of Swag”. Emily may be suffering long term skin damage for lack of her Lithium Americas hat. Joe and Emily will be coming at you from China in April, where they’ll catch up with … and check out conversion capacity and cathode manufacturing in person.

Emily and Joe are joined by David Guerrero Alvarado, a man who might be better known as the “the brine foot soldier.” The three recorded this episode in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Aside from detailing David’s experience with a missing passport, the three give their thoughts on Chile, Morgan Stanley’s lithium analysis, and the outgoing face of CORFO. The end of this episode features a quirky and informative audience Q&A section. If you have a question for Episode 5, ask away at lithiumpodcast.com/ask.

Joe and Emily are joined in Perth by Neometals, where they discuss the lithium supply chain, and what exactly is meant by upstream and downstream. They cover the cost curve and “urban mining” via recycling battery materials. Joe comments on the “indigestion” in the supply chain, and the purgatory of the lithium industry. How many hydroxide plants will we see in The Great Oz? Will SQM’s deal with Corfo flood the market? Is there a coming disconnect between spodumene concentrate & lithium chemicals pricing. Will DSO ever make it to the Emerald City?

Joe and Emily are in in Santiago, Chile, where the drama surrounding SQM and Corfo is unfolding prior to a presidential election. Joe makes a new best lithium friend in Julio Ponce. Joe and Emily are joined by Matt Craze to discuss the lithium royalty schemes affecting SQM and Albemarle, as well as SQM’s strategy as a global mining company.