Rock Stock Channel

In this episode, Rodney and I sit down with Raju Daswani (CEO) and Grace Asenov (Base Metals & Energy Editor for North America) of Fastmarkets to discuss key takeaways from their 17th annual Lithium & Battery Raw Materials conference held recently in Las Vegas.

We review current market sentiment, including the short-term concerns surrounding oversupply and investor caution, while exploring reasons for longer-term optimism. The conversation covers the strategic importance of developing North American and Western supply chains, particularly in regions like Arkansas, Nevada, and Canada. We examine policy dynamics under the Trump administration, China's continued dominance, and the delicate balance Western companies must strike between competition and cooperation.

We also discuss growing demand drivers beyond electric vehicles, such as Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and emerging applications tied to AI. The discussion includes insights into the evolving landscape for lithium financial markets, with exchanges like ICE and CME playing an increasingly important role in price transparency.

Retail investors interested in lithium, critical minerals, and broader energy-transition themes will find valuable perspectives on where the industry currently stands, the implications of recent geopolitical developments, and how different regions—including Latin America, Canada, and the Middle East—are positioning themselves for future growth.

Stay informed, and remember to keep a long-term perspective as the lithium market continues to mature. Don't forget to like and subscribe to Rock Stock Channel and leave a comment below.

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Links 🌍

RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/

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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, I sit down with Georgia Tolley at the Fastmarkets Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference in Las Vegas to discuss my perspectives on the lithium market and my journey through volatile cycles in mining investment.

We cover how I first got involved in lithium and natural resources, sharing insights from my experience working closely with industry legends like Robert Friedland. I address some common misconceptions, particularly around lithium's volatility, and why retail investors should approach it differently from traditional commodities.

I also discuss current investor sentiment toward lithium globally, highlighting opportunities and challenges in today's market. Additionally, we explore investment options for retail investors, including ETFs and individual lithium equities, providing context on how to navigate the current downturn and position effectively for future growth.

Finally, we touch on my experience growing the Rock Stock Channel and the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter, highlighting how sharing market insights can support informed investment decisions.

Thank you for watching, don't forget to subscribe, like and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Links 🌍

RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/

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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, Rodney and I share insights from our recent attendance at the Fastmarkets Lithium Conference in Las Vegas. We interviewed several key industry players to provide you with a detailed update on current trends, strategic developments, and the overall market sentiment in the lithium and battery metals sector.

We spoke with Iggy Tan from Lithium Universe, who discussed their competitive advantage in lithium carbonate refining due to Quebec’s access to low-cost hydropower and strategic proximity to North American lithium resources. Rick Anton, Chairman of Savannah Resources and Euro Manganese, emphasized the importance of local engagement and strategic partnerships, outlining significant progress in Portugal and the Czech Republic.

Daniel Abdo from Sigma Lithium highlighted Brazil’s strong position in the lithium industry, emphasizing its low-cost, renewable energy infrastructure and diplomatic neutrality. YJ Lee from Arcane Capital provided a bullish outlook, forecasting substantial growth driven by energy storage and increased adoption of electric trucks.

On the exploration side, Alicia Milne from Q2 Metals updated us on their promising new discoveries in Quebec, while JP Vargas from Galan Lithium and Gabriel Rubacha from NOA Lithium Brines discussed their progress with high-grade brine projects in Argentina, notably attracting strategic investments from Clean Elements.

Overall, despite current market headwinds, the sentiment among these experienced industry leaders remains cautiously optimistic, driven by innovation, strategic positioning, and strong long-term demand fundamentals.

Enjoy the discussion, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more detailed insights into the battery metals market.

CHAPTERS 📖

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Links 🌍

RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/

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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

Welcome to the Surge Battery Metals Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) webinar!

Hosted by Greg Reimer (President and CEO, Surge Battery Metals), this informative session was moderated by Howard Klein and Rodney Hooper from RK Equity. We discussed Surge Battery Metals' PEA, highlighting the economic potential of the Nevada North lithium project.

Key Highlights:

- An after-tax NPV of $9.2 billion.

Howard and Rodney also provided essential insights into the lithium market, emphasizing the growing demand for lithium beyond electric vehicles, including energy storage and technology sectors. They highlighted the strategic importance of domestic lithium supply in the U.S. and explored the evolving landscape of strategic partnerships and investment opportunities.

This webinar is essential viewing for investors, analysts, and industry stakeholders interested in the future of lithium production, strategic mineral security, and the rapidly evolving energy storage markets.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave your comments below for more updates!

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Links 🌍

Surge Battery Metals Website: https://surgebatterymetals.com/

RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/

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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

Join Howard as he moderates an insightful panel discussion exploring "Investing in the Future: Funding the Energy Transition & Balancing Supply and Demand." With over 23 years in the mining and metals sector and a keen focus on electric metals, Howard brings together industry experts to share their perspectives on critical minerals, market dynamics, and strategic investment opportunities.

Panelists include:

- Jay Chmelauskas, CEO of Camino Corp, who discusses the strategic pivot from gold and lithium to copper, highlighting the significant supply-demand dynamics driving copper’s future growth, particularly from projects in Chile and Peru.

The panel covers:

- Market opportunities and risks within copper, potash, lithium, and rare earth sectors.

Whether you’re an investor, industry professional, or curious about the energy transition’s impact on global resource markets, this discussion provides valuable insights into the future of critical minerals and strategic investing.

Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe to Rock Stock Channel for more in-depth discussions, expert insights, and industry news.

CHAPTERS 📖

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Links 🌍

RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/

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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, I attend the Benchmark Giga USA 2025 event in Washington, DC, interviewing key lithium industry experts: Iola Hughes (Benchmark Minerals), Ken Brinsden (Patriot Battery Metals: $PMET), Ian Rodger (Jindalee Lithium: $JLL), and Bill Willoughby (Century Lithium: $LCE).

We discuss the cautious yet optimistic sentiment among industry insiders, highlighting robust demand drivers such as stationary energy storage, hybrid vehicles, and technological advancements in battery systems. Despite current oversupply and policy uncertainties, especially related to tariffs and incentives, there's significant focus on enhancing domestic lithium production and processing capabilities in the U.S.

Retail investors should note the experts’ views on the resilience of the lithium market amid geopolitical and legislative risks and consider which market indicators signal future growth.

Stay tuned as I continue bringing detailed updates and insights directly from industry leaders shaping the lithium market.

CHAPTERS 📖

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Links 🌍

RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/

_________________________________________________

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, Howard Klein, founder of RK Equity and a seasoned analyst specializing in lithium and battery metals, shares insights into the evolving landscape of critical metals investing. Interviewed by Tim Gerdeman and Dmitry Silversteyn of Water Tower Research, Howard discusses the impact of recent declines in lithium, cobalt, and nickel prices, and how these shifts affect funding and valuations of junior resource developers.

Howard addresses the challenges companies face in raising capital in the current environment, exploring alternatives such as strategic partnerships, private capital, and government-backed initiatives. He emphasizes the importance of understanding policy developments, as government funding and strategic decisions significantly influence the future of the battery metals sector.

Additionally, Howard highlights promising North American lithium and nickel projects, including Thacker Pass, Talon Metals, and The Metals Company, among others, and evaluates their potential in the context of U.S. government initiatives aimed at bolstering domestic critical metals supply chains.

This discussion provides retail investors with a clear, measured perspective on current market dynamics, government policies, and practical considerations when assessing investments in lithium and related battery metals.

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Links 🌍

Water Tower Research Website: https://www.watertowerresearch.com/home

RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/

_________________________________________________

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 welcome back Matt Fernley, respected industry analyst and author of the Battery Materials Review (available: https://www.batterymaterialsreview.com/), to explore the state of the lithium market amidst an ongoing bear cycle. Matt shares insightful perspectives on lithium pricing trends, highlighting that while short-term oversupply may keep prices subdued, we might be closer to the bottom than many expect.

Together, we discuss the impact of rising inventories, the necessity of production cuts for price recovery, and the nuances of China's lithium industry—specifically, how misconceptions about processing costs and environmental practices could influence global market dynamics.

Matt identifies opportunities in low-cost lithium producers, noting attractive valuations in certain North American-listed companies compared to their Australian counterparts. He specifically mentions Sigma Lithium and Lithium Argentina as notable investments due to their operational efficiencies and robust growth outlook.

We also delve into broader battery material trends, discussing how significant advances in energy storage technologies are reshaping market expectations, particularly in renewable energy and grid storage applications.

For investors interested in diversifying beyond lithium, we highlight promising niche battery materials including high-purity manganese and graphite, both of which face potential supply bottlenecks that could create compelling investment scenarios. We also touch upon emerging geopolitical developments, including the implications of recent peace initiatives in the DRC and Zimbabwe's policy changes towards intermediate lithium products.

Join us for a detailed yet accessible discussion on the lithium market, battery materials, and how investors might strategically position themselves in this volatile yet opportunity-rich sector.

Be sure to follow Matt Fernley on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) at @matt_fernley for additional insights.

CHAPTERS 📖

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Links 🌍

RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/

_________________________________________________

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 once again with Craig Shesky, CFO of The Metals Company ($TMC), for an informative discussion on the company's recent strategic developments:

The Metals Company has experienced significant changes and milestones over the past year, highlighted by recent strategic equity investments and important partnerships. Craig provides detailed insights into the $85 million strategic investment by Korea Zinc at $4.34 per share, highlighting the confidence and validation this brings to TMC’s business strategy and its critical role in supplying essential battery metals—nickel, manganese, and cobalt—to the U.S. market.

Craig also discusses the revised sponsorship agreement with the Pacific Island nation of Nauru, emphasizing the strategic geopolitical importance of Pacific Island states and TMC’s commitment to fair economic collaboration.

Additionally, the conversation touches upon the recent appointment of two influential directors, Alex Spiro and Michael Hess, strengthening TMC’s expertise in regulatory, legal, and investment arenas. Craig underscores the significance of partnerships, particularly with Allseas, who have continued investing significantly, reflecting their confidence in the future of deep-sea mining.

Howard and Rodney also explore the evolving market landscape for battery technologies, notably the lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries being championed by companies like General Motors, signaling strong future demand for manganese sourced sustainably through deep-sea nodules.

For retail investors seeking detailed and timely insights into the strategic trajectory of TMC and its role within the evolving global battery materials supply chain, this episode offers measured, in-depth, and valuable analysis.

For further details, visit https://metals.co/ and follow The Metals Company on X @themetalsco

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Links 🌍

Previous TMC Interviews:

TMC is the Solution to Critical Raw Material Supply for the US | Craig Shesky:

US Permitting Path for The Metals Company w/ Craig Shesky:

Noa Lithium Brines, The Metals Company and Solis Minerals at PDAC 2025:

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference 2025 Critical Mineral Snippets:

Deep Sea Treasure: The Metals Company - w/ Craig Shesky:

Getting To Know You: The Metals Company. w/ Craig Shesky:

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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 Ken Hoffman, a seasoned expert in the lithium and battery materials space, formerly at McKinsey & Company. Ken brings deep insight into the current state and future trajectory of the lithium market, drawing from his recent engagements across the Middle East, Chile, and China.

We cover a wide range of timely and critical topics for investors, including:

- The divergence in sentiment between global markets and why the Middle East is emerging as a strategic hub for battery supply chain investment

This conversation is particularly relevant for retail investors looking to better understand the structural dynamics behind lithium's volatility, the role of government policy, and the long-term case for battery metals amid the global electrification shift.

CHAPTERS 📖

Links 🌍

RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/

_________________________________________________

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