In this episode, we (Howard, Matt & Rodney) sit down with former Canaccord metals & mining analyst turned operator Eric Zaunscherb - now Chair of Critical Elements Lithium and Executive Chair at GR Silver Mining (GRSL) - to assess where we are in the cycle for TSX/TSXV juniors, gold, silver, and lithium, and what that means for retail investors.

What we cover (for investors) 🔍:

Cycle context: Eric’s slide deck tracks seven prior junior-mining recoveries over 43 years. The average up-cycle ran ~38 months with ~+180% magnitude; by his math, today’s move (which started in Q4-2023) still screens mid-cycle on both duration and magnitude.

Gold & silver dynamics: Why precious metals typically lead; how currency debasement and cleared inventories intersect with silver’s dual role (precious + industrial). We discuss silver’s by-product supply, recent volatility, and why it tends to outperform late in the move - and underperform on reversals.

Valuations you rarely see: EV per P&P reserves, M&I, and global resources across silver developers vs. gold peers - why silver reserves aren’t getting a premium yet (capital scarcity for build-outs), while gold developers have started to be rewarded.

Lithium reality check: Identified resources have doubled since 2022 (mostly DLE/clays), but commercial output remains anchored in hard-rock and salar brine. Developer multiples haven’t re-rated alongside gold/silver - creating scarcity value for conventional, financeable assets.

Quebec focus: Critical Elements’ Rose project optionality, the Nisk/Lion area (optioned to Power Metallic), and why Quebec’s clean grid + jurisdiction matter to Japan/Korea offtakers.

Energy storage (BESS) is the swing factor: Matt explains why most forecasts underestimate solar + storage, how grid constraints and fast-build lead times pull storage demand forward, and what that implies for lithium incentive pricing.

Policy & capital flows: AUS-US cooperation, potential shared infrastructure, and growing private/DFI capital for critical minerals.

Mini-segment: Alicia Mil(lne) - Q2 Metals update (Korea/Japan roadshow, assays pending incl. Hole 44: 457 m pegmatite intercept). Guidance: Q1 inferred resource, PEA work to follow; four rigs currently turning.

Why this matters (our take) 🤝:

- Know where we are in the cycle to size risk across producers vs. developers.

🔔 If you find this useful, subscribe for our weekly(ish) Rock Stock Recaps and interviews.

Sponsors

- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio.

- USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).

Chapters 

(00:00) Intro

Links

- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/

Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]

_________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

Howard, Matt and Rodney are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com

Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

#TSX #TSXV #Gold #Silver #Lithium #CriticalElements #GRSilverMining #Quebec #BESS #EnergyStorage #Solar #Pilbara #POSCO #Q2Metals #QTWO

In this episode, I (Matt Fernley, Battery Materials Review) sit down with Cormac O’Laoire (Electrios Energy) to dissect what LME Week signals for battery materials and how policy, supply chains and technology choices could shape returns for investors over the next 12–24 months. We compare the sharply divided lithium outlooks we heard in London with on-the-ground demand indicators in China, Europe and the Rest of World, and outline the datapoints I’m watching (especially inventories) before turning more constructive.

Key topics discussed

- LME Week takeaways: why analyst views on lithium are further apart than I’ve ever seen, and the inventory declines I need to see before calling a turn.

- EV demand mix: China’s scrappage scheme dynamics, BEV vs PHEV trends, and the importance of ROW growth and Chinese exports (e.g., BYD).

- China export controls: implications of restrictions on advanced LFP and graphite; Western exposure to Chinese anode material and the case for building an NMC-led supply chain outside China.

- Funding gap: why lithium, graphite/anode, high-purity manganese and parts of nickel struggle to get financed at current China-linked prices—and where policy tools (e.g., floors) might help.

- Chemistry choices in the West: NMC/MCA vs LFP, and the emerging use of mixed-chemistry packs for performance and cost.

- Sodium-ion reality check: cost/performance hurdles, hard-carbon anode bottlenecks and why SIB scale is likely to stay niche near term vs LFP.

- Graphite spotlight: ExxonMobil’s move into synthetic graphite via Superior Graphite—what it could mean for non-Chinese anode supply if capex and feedstock line up.

- ESS momentum: China’s aggressive multi-year targets, Middle East mega-projects, and the risk of near-term tightness in cells as grid storage scales.

Who should watch: retail investors following lithium, graphite/anode materials, nickel/manganese, cell makers, EV OEMs and grid-scale storage. Expect an even-handed discussion focused on fundamentals, policy and investability rather than hype.

Further reading: Detailed data, charts and monthly commentary are in Battery Materials Review: https://www.batterymaterialsreview.com/

#lithium #graphite #batteryMaterials #EVs #energystorage #LFP #NMC #sodiumion #BYD #China #LMEWeek #commodities #investing

Sponsors

- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) — diversified lithium royalty portfolio.

- USCF Investments — commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

Links

- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/

Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]

_________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com

Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode, we sit down with Ajanth (Aj) Saverimutto, Managing Director of Wildcat Resources (ASX: WC8), to discuss the company’s Tabba Tabba lithium project in Western Australia, recent exploration at Bolt Cutter Central, and what the latest pre-feasibility study (PFS) implies for costs, scale, and timelines.

What we cover

- Project overview: Why Tabba Tabba’s location near Port Hedland and tier-one Pilbara lithium mines matters for logistics and costs.

- Acquisition story: How Wildcat secured the asset and accelerated drilling to reach resource, reserve and PFS milestones.

- PFS takeaways: Base-case design, contingencies, strip assumptions, and the rationale for a staged ramp-up.

- Costs & scale: Headline Capex/Opex, targeted 5.5% spodumene concentrate, recoveries, and throughput steps (2.2Mtpa → 4.5Mtpa).

- Mining plan: Predominantly open pit with later underground; implications for mine life and cash flow sequencing.

- Exploration upside: Early results at Bolt Cutter Central (stacked pegmatites) and potential additions from Chewy/Han/Hutt and tantalum.

- Funding pathways: Debt, offtake/prepay, strategic and government options—and what counterparties are engaging.

- Market context: How Pilbara cost curves, sentiment, and recent moves by majors frame risk and opportunity.

Key numbers discussed (from the interview)

- Capex (incl. pre-strip): ~A$680m (base case).

About the guest

AJ is a mining engineer and accountant with senior ops experience at Freeport-McMoRan’s Grasberg and BHP. He previously restarted and sold the Beta Hunt nickel-gold mine before joining Wildcat.

Sponsors

- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) — diversified lithium royalty portfolio.

- USCF Investments — commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

Links

- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/

Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]

_________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com

Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode, we (Howard & Rodney) sit down with Water Tower Research (WTR) equity analyst Dmitry Silversteyn to unpack the critical minerals landscape for retail investors—what matters now in lithium, nickel, rare earths, and where U.S. policy could steer capital next. We discuss China’s latest export restrictions, the growing focus on onshoring/friend-shoring and processing capacity, and why permitting and downstream infrastructure may be more decisive than simply finding ore in the ground.

We also take a measured look at The Metals Company (TMC): what the new PFS implies, execution and permitting risks (including the NOAA pathway), and how partnerships with Allseas, PAMCO (Japan) and Korea Zinc fit into a potential nickel supply solution that avoids high-impact terrestrial mining. Finally, we revisit the lithium market—inventory overhang, price stabilization, and where U.S. dollars may flow across clay, DLE/geothermal, brine, and hard-rock projects—plus the role of government grants, loans, and potential equity stakes in catalyzing private investment.

- USCF Investments — commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).

_________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com

Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this Rock Stock Recap episode, we discuss key trends in the commodities and critical minerals markets, focusing on lithium, copper, silver, and emerging investment opportunities. Joined by guest Tom Woolrych from Deutsche Rohstoff, we delve into topics like the evolution of lithium markets, the potential of new discoveries in Quebec (Q2 Metals), and why certain lithium equities have lagged despite strong market signals. They also explore the strategic importance of graphite, niobium, and other niche metals, as well as the ongoing developments in global geopolitics affecting commodity prices.

Tom shares his expertise on "geo-alpha" investing, discussing how to identify early-stage discoveries and capitalize on underexplored opportunities. The conversation also covers the challenges and opportunities in the copper and silver markets, with a focus on supply disruptions and the evolving demand for these metals.

Additionally, we highlight key insights into Argentina’s lithium brine assets, the impact of China’s export curbs on critical materials (rare earths, graphite), and the role of government-backed funding for junior companies in scaling niche metals projects.

This episode is a must-watch for retail investors interested in understanding the complexities of the commodities market, particularly in the context of the ongoing energy transition and the global race for critical minerals.

Sponsors

- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) — diversified lithium royalty portfolio.

- USCF Investments — commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).

Chapters

(00:00:00) Intro

Links

- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/

Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]

_________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com

Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode, we sit down with Gabriel Rubacha, CEO of NOA Lithium Brines (TSXV: NOAL), to discuss the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for NOA’s Rio Grande project in Argentina and what it may mean for investors following lithium brines, cost curves, and capital pathways.

We cover:

- PEA headline items: ~4.7 Mt LCE resource at ~520 mg/L, a two-train development (20kt + 20kt LCE), conservative use of proven evaporation with DLE optionality to be re-evaluated at PFS, and a first-phase pre-production CapEx of ~$706M.

- Route selection & flexibility: Base case carbonate; evaluating lithium chloride as a staged approach that could trim CapEx/OpEx by ~30–35% and potentially fund a downstream carbonate plant at lower elevation.

- Operating profile: Blended grade approach; north/northeast zones 600+ mg/L, central salar ~400–500 mg/L. Management frames costs as mid-pack for Argentina today, targeting a first/second quartile global position as the project matures.

- Scaling & timelines: Phase 1 infrastructure helps scheduling more than headline CapEx; PFS targeted before end-2026 with workstreams in pumping wells, freshwater, southern drilling, lab testwork, and DLE options.

- Funding & partnerships: Intention to advance toward PFS, then consider strategics/operators to bring the asset into production. Clean Elements (major shareholder) as a contrarian backer of Argentine brines; discussion of tight share register and recent placements.

- Regional context: Proximity to Mariana (Ganfeng); broader Argentina investment climate and how policy signals and elections intersect with mining capital.

- Market discussion: Why Aussie lithium equities often move earlier than North American names; U.S. policy signals around Lithium Americas and knock-on effects; China supply narratives (mine licensing cadence) and our inventory read (~35–40 days) into year-end with typical restocking after Chinese New Year.

Guest:

- Gabriel Rubacha — CEO, NOA Lithium Brines; prior roles include board/operating positions at Lithium Americas and leadership at Minera Exar JV with Ganfeng in Argentina.

Tickers Mentioned (context only): TSXV: NOAL, TSE: LIRC (Lithium Royalty Corp), plus references to producers/developers in Argentina and Australia.

Sponsors (thanks for supporting investor education):

- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) — diversified lithium royalty portfolio.

- USCF Investments — commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).

Chapters: See the chapter list in this video for quick navigation to PEA details, cost/CapEx discussion, chloride vs. carbonate, PFS roadmap, funding options, regional comps, and the broader lithium market segment.

(00:00) Introduction

For investor resources and Matt’s blog on valuation gaps in Argentine brines, visit https://blog.rkequity.com/. For inquiries or meeting requests (including the upcoming London 121 dates mentioned), contact [email protected]

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel

_________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com

Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode, we (Howard & Rodney) sit down again with Graham Harris, Chairman of Surge Battery Metals (TSXV: NILI | OTC: NILIF), for a focused update on the Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP) and recent corporate developments relevant to retail investors.

We cover:

🌍 Links

- Read Matt’s research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel

_________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com

Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this Rock Stock Recap, we break down what retail investors need to know across lithium, copper, and broader commodities as of September 26. We discuss why lithium equities rallied despite "lower-for-longer" price calls, how China's evolving policies on strategic minerals (and growing recycled supply) may limit oversupply, and what shrinking market surpluses could mean for pricing once inventories normalize. We also cover the knock-on effects from Freeport's Grasberg disruption on copper balances, and practical ways to gain exposure via commodity ETFs versus single-name miners.

We examine energy storage as a structural demand driver - highlighting rapid unit-size and cost shifts (e.g., large-format ESS builds and BYD leaks), the importance of BMS and safety regulations, and scenarios for 2030 storage demand and lithium requirements (LCE). We compare the U.S. and China policy backdrop, note Argentina's improving signals for lithium names, and discuss why passive under-allocation to commodities and rising global liquidity (M2) can fuel fund flows into hard assets.

Key topics we cover:

- Lithium: sector rally, Lithium Americas sentiment, Goldman Sachs supply/demand vs price path, inventory overhangs, recycling growth, China's supply curbs.

Tickers mentioned: LAC, LTHM, SQM, ALB, SGML, TMC, USCF (commodities ETFs), CPER, COPX, FCX, BYD, CATL, Anglo, IVN, INR, SLI, ASN.

Commodities & themes: lithium, copper, uranium, rare earths, ESS, AI power demand, China policy, Argentina lithium, recycling, inventories, cost curves, tariffs.

🔔 If you found this content valuable, don't forget to subscribe, like and comment!

📖 Chapters

🌍 Links

- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel

_________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity's website https://www.rkequity.com

Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

Lithium Americas: Could This Be Their "MP Materials Moment"?

We also dive into Matt’s latest RK Equity blogs, covering two key topics for investors:

🔔 If you found this content valuable, don't forget to subscribe, like and comment!

🌍 Links

- Read Matt’s research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel

_________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com

Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode, we sit down with John Love, CEO of USCF Investments, the newest sponsor of Rock Stock Channel, to explore how investors can use commodity ETFs to diversify their portfolios and gain direct exposure to key market trends. USCF is best known for the United States Oil Fund (USO) but also offers funds focused on copper (CPER), sustainable battery metals (ZSB), gold with income (USG), and broad commodities (SDCI).

John walks us through the history of USCF, its role as a pioneer in the commodity ETF space, and how it differentiates itself through innovation and a focus on futures-based strategies. We discuss why investors might prefer commodity exposure over equity proxies, the benefits of diversification, and how USCF’s systematic approach helps simplify futures investing for everyday investors.

We cover four funds we believe retail investors should have on their radar:

We also talk about current investor sentiment, the role of commodities in portfolio construction, and whether we may be entering a new commodity supercycle driven by electrification, AI infrastructure, and global demand growth.

Learn more about USCF:

If you found this content valuable, don't forget to like, subscribe and comment!

📖 Chapters

Links 🌍

- Read Matt’s research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel

_________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com

Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein