Interview with Blake Hylands, CEO of Lithium Ionic Corp., Brendan Yurik, CEO of Electric Royalties Ltd.

Recording date: 21 June 2024

The lithium and battery metals sector presents a compelling long-term investment opportunity, despite recent market volatility. Industry experts believe these materials are critical to the global transition towards clean energy and electric vehicles, with demand expected to grow significantly over the coming decades.

Blake Hylands, CEO of Lithium Ionic, and Brendan Yurik, CEO of Electric Royalties, both emphasize the sector's long-term potential. Yurik likens lithium to "the new oil," predicting it will gradually replace fossil fuels over the next 50 years. This transition is expected to drive double-digit annual demand growth for lithium and other battery metals for the foreseeable future.

While recent price fluctuations have created uncertainty, experts view this as a natural part of an emerging market's development. Hylands notes that even after the recent pullback, lithium prices remain approximately double their levels from 4-5 years ago. This suggests that high-quality, low-cost projects can still generate attractive margins in the current price environment.

A key factor supporting the investment thesis is the potential for a supply-demand imbalance. As the market expands, larger mines will be needed to meet growing demand.  Investors are advised to focus on high-quality projects in favorable jurisdictions. Hylands highlights Brazil's Lithium Valley as an attractive region, comparing its geological potential to established producing areas in Western Australia. Supportive government policies and efficient permitting processes are also crucial factors to consider.

Given the inherent risks in mining projects, diversification emerges as a key strategy. Yurik advocates for exposure to multiple projects and metals to mitigate risk. While lithium attracts significant attention, other metals like copper and tin also offer opportunities in the clean energy transition.

In the current market environment, companies are exploring alternative financing options. Lithium Ionic's recent royalty deal with Appian demonstrates how companies can access capital while minimizing dilution at depressed equity valuations. For investors, royalty and streaming companies offer an alternative way to gain exposure to the sector with potentially lower risk.
When evaluating investments, experts recommend focusing on projects with simple, proven technology, experienced management teams, robust project economics, and favorable jurisdictions. Hylands emphasizes the importance of low-cost, high-margin projects that can weather market volatility.

While near-term sentiment remains subdued, industry participants see potential catalysts that could reignite investor interest. These include greater market clarity on supply-demand dynamics and tangible progress on individual projects entering production.

Investors should be aware of risks, including ongoing market volatility, project development challenges, potential technological disruptions, and geopolitical factors affecting global supply chains. A long-term perspective is crucial, given the extended timelines involved in bringing new mining projects online.

In conclusion, while the lithium and battery metals sector may experience continued near-term volatility, the fundamental case for long-term investment remains strong. For patient investors willing to carefully evaluate opportunities and manage risks, the sector offers exposure to a critical component of the global energy transition, with potential for significant upside as demand continues to grow.

Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.com/categories/commodities/lithium

https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/lithium-ionic-corp

https://cruxinvestor.com/companies/electric-royalties

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