Interview with Francis MacDonald, Director & CEO of Li-FT Power Ltd.

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/li-ft-power-tsxvllft-fast-tracking-to-beat-inevitable-lithium-oversupply-4843

Recording date: 3rd May 2024

Li-FT Power (TSXV:LIFT) is a lithium exploration and development company focused on hard rock lithium deposits in Canada. With the increasing global demand for lithium driven by the growth of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, Li-FT Power is well-positioned to benefit from the long-term potential of the lithium market.

The company's flagship asset is the Yellowknife Lithium Project, located in the Northwest Territories. Over the past 10 months, Li-FT Power has completed approximately 50,000 meters of drilling at Yellowknife, with the results to date showing encouraging grades and widths. CEO Francis MacDonald described the results as "respectable" and believes there is potential to further expand the resource.

Li-FT Power is currently conducting metallurgical testing on the Yellowknife material, and an initial resource estimate is expected later this year. This resource estimate will provide investors with a first look at the size and scale of the lithium mineralization at the project.

While lithium prices have pulled back from their 2022 highs, Li-FT Power remains optimistic about the medium and long-term outlook for the lithium market. MacDonald believes that even at lower prices of $20-25,000/tonne for lithium carbonate, many projects would still be economically viable. He sees the current market as an opportunity, stating, "I think the time is now to be really focusing on lithium because it's a niche market. Things are getting built out. There will be a maximum amount of lithium that people will need and you want to make sure that you've captured some of that market."

The company is well-funded to continue advancing the Yellowknife project, having raised $10 million in March. These funds will be used for metallurgical work, an environmental baseline study to support permitting, and initial work at the company's earlier-stage Quebec project. Li-FT Power expects this capital to be sufficient to fund operations through the end of the year.

Geopolitical factors may also work in Li-FT Power's favor. As battery manufacturers seek to diversify their supply chains away from China to remain compliant with US regulations, lithium projects in stable jurisdictions like Canada could benefit from increased investment and strategic partnerships.

Investors should keep an eye on Li-FT Power as it continues to advance the Yellowknife project. The upcoming initial resource estimate will be a key catalyst for the stock, as it will provide a clearer picture of the project's potential. If the resource proves to be substantial and the company continues to hit its milestones, Li-FT Power could attract strategic interest and be well-positioned to benefit from the expected growth in lithium demand over the coming years. 

View Li-FT Power's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/li-ft-power-ltd

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