Rock Stock Channel

By rockstockchannelBusiness

Rock Stock Channel episodes

March 23 Recharge Mar26 (Sodium-Ion, Graphite AAM, China EVs, Nickel Supply, Battery Costs, VRFBs)
In March 2026's Recharge podcast, co-presenters Matt Fernley (RK Equity/Battery Materials Review) and Cormac O'Laoire (Electrios Energy) discuss key developments along the battery supply chain, including:
• Sodium-ion scaling and hybrid pack strategies emerging from Battery Show Asia
• Graphite AAM dynamics, including synthetic cost pressure and natural graphite upside
• China EV demand weakness driven by subsidy changes and macro conditions
• Indonesian nickel supply risks from HPAL exposure, quotas, and environmental constraints
• Rising battery costs linked to oil, sulphur shortages, and broader supply chain inflation
• VRFB competitiveness versus lithium-ion in long-duration storage, with LCOS and duration economics in focus
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(05:15) Sodium Market Potential
(07:27) Lithium Metal Breakthroughs
(09:04) Silicon-carbon Batteries
(10:21) China EV Sales Weakness
(13:18) Oil Prices And EV Demand
(18:56) Supply Chain Cost Pressures
(22:15) Graphite Market Shifts
(26:38) Battery Price Impact
(30:58) China BESS Market Dynamics
(33:22) Indonesian Nickel Challenges
(37:00) Nickel Supply Outlook
(40:40) Long Duration Storage Debate
(46:30) Closing Remarks
Links
- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/
Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]
Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq
X (Twitter):
Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley
_________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
Matt and Cormac 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
48 min
March 20 AI Drives Lithium Demand; EVs Take a Back Seat | Benchmark’s Iola Hughes
Iola Hughes, Head of Research at Benchmark Minerals Intelligence, discusses the 2026 EV and battery energy storage system (BESS) outlook.
Register for Benchmark GigaUSA 2026: https://www.benchmarkminerals.com/events/giga-usa
From our perspective, this was a timely conversation. Iola recently published Benchmark’s latest outlook, forecasting overall battery demand growth of roughly 16.5% in 2026 to more than 2 terawatt-hours, following strong growth in the prior year. We wanted to dig into what is driving that forecast, where the differences are between EV and BESS demand, and how current market conditions are shaping the battery materials landscape.
Matt Fernley focuses on Benchmark’s methodology, including the distinction between battery installations and shipments, the impact of inventory build in the BESS market, and how lithium prices affect storage economics across China, the US and Europe. Rodney Hooper examines China EV demand, export pressure on western automakers, the outlook for plug-in hybrids and range extenders, and the competitive position of European OEMs. Howard Klein frames the broader discussion around geopolitics, power prices, energy security and how crises can accelerate solar and storage adoption.
We also cover:
- 2026 battery demand forecast
- EV market slowdown vs BESS growth
- Battery storage inventories and pricing
- US battery policy and domestic sourcing
- Lithium prices and energy storage economics
- Sodium-ion batteries vs LFP
- China EV exports and global competition
- LFP supply chain challenges outside China
- Tesla energy storage and Megapack sourcing
- Humanoid robots, autonomy and future battery demand
This interview should be useful for investors, battery materials developers, EV supply chain participants and anyone following lithium, LFP, battery storage, critical minerals and the future of electrification.
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(03:26) Forecast Methodology
(08:40) BESS Inventories And Pricing
(11:50) Regional Storage Economics
(15:05) US Battery Policy
(17:21) Winter Grid Performance
(20:55) Sodium-Ion Outlook
(24:22) Bigger Storage Systems
(27:01) Plug-In Hybrid Growth
(30:30) China EV Slowdown
(34:34) China Exports And Europe
(38:32) Robotaxis And Autonomy
(40:02) LFP Supply Chain
(44:53) Humanoid Robot Demand
(47:13) Energy Crises And Storage
(49:12) Tesla And US Sourcing
(51:50) EV Recovery Outlook
Sponsors
- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio.
(Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty)
- USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).
(Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments)
Links
- Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/
Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel
Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq
X (Twitter):
Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull
Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley
Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13
_________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
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
56 min
March 13 Sulfur Supply Risk, Aluminum/Bauxite Outlook, China Five-Year Plan
Rock Stock Recap breaks down the biggest market-moving trends in critical minerals, battery materials, and global supply chains. In this episode, Howard Klein, Matt Fernley, and Rodney Hooper discuss how the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions could impact sulfur, sulfuric acid, aluminum, bauxite, graphite, rare earths, EVs, and lithium markets.
The conversation covers why sulfur may be the most overlooked supply chain risk, how aluminum smelters could face major disruption, and why bauxite could become a more interesting investment theme. The team also explores China’s latest five-year plan, the outlook for rare earth demand driven by robotics, drones, and defense, and what slowing Chinese EV sales could mean for global battery materials demand. The episode closes with a lithium market update, including spodumene pricing, upstream shortages, and recent strategic offtake activity.
If you follow lithium stocks, rare earth stocks, aluminum markets, EV supply chains, battery metals, or China industrial policy, this episode is packed with timely insights.
Topics covered:
- Iran war supply chain disruptions
- Sulfur and sulfuric acid market risks
- Aluminum price outlook
- Bauxite market and Guinea exports
- Graphite demand and oil price links
- Rare earth supply chain challenges
- China five-year plan analysis
- Chinese EV sales and exports
- Lithium market update
- Battery materials investing trends
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(04:24) Sulfur Supply Risk
(11:21) Aluminum Squeeze Risk
(15:59) Bauxite Market Outlook
(21:27) Graphite And Rare Earths
(26:43) Rare Earth Supply Limits
(30:43) China’s Five-Year Plan
(38:55) China EV Sales
(42:40) Lithium Market Update
(45:11) Closing Remarks
Sponsors
- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio.
(Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty)
- USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).
(Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments)
Links
- Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/
- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/
- Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/
Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel
Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq
X (Twitter):
Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull
Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley
Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13
_________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
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
47 min
March 10 Talking Smack: Big Lithium’s Alex Grant Making Magnesium Great Again
Alex Grant (Big Lithium) discusses direct lithium extraction (DLE), US lithium project financing, and the growing strategic importance of magnesium in Western supply chains.
Alex Interview on HyperChange: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Aa1BD7a9s
Alex was an early advocate of DLE through his work with Lilac Solutions, Vulcan Energy and other advanced lithium projects. Howard Klein and Matt Fernley ask him where DLE stands today as projects in Arkansas, Argentina and Europe move closer to final investment decisions, and whether the next few years will prove the commercial case for unconventional brine resources.
We also examine the key issues shaping lithium markets and critical minerals policy:
How lithium price volatility affects project finance, why large companies still struggle to move projects forward, the role of China in setting global pricing, and whether Western governments will need to provide stronger industrial policy support for domestic lithium supply.
A major part of the conversation focuses on the shift in critical minerals narratives from decarbonization toward national security, defense manufacturing and AI infrastructure. Alex explains why he believes many large-scale lithium and processing projects are effectively becoming state-backed strategic assets rather than purely market-driven developments.
In the second half, we discuss Alex’s current venture, Magrathea, and why magnesium may be one of the most underappreciated critical materials in the Western industrial base. He outlines the company’s technology, funding history, Pentagon support, Arkansas joint venture plans, and the broader case for rebuilding domestic magnesium production in the US.
Topics covered include:
- DLE and lithium brine projects
- Arkansas Smackover lithium and bromine region
- Standard Lithium, Vulcan Energy and Rio Tinto
- Lithium pricing, CapEx and project finance
- Critical minerals policy under Trump
- China’s influence on lithium and magnesium markets
- US industrial policy and strategic materials
- Magnesium supply chain risks
- Magrathea’s commercialization strategy
This conversation is intended for investors, operators and policymakers following lithium, battery materials, critical minerals, energy security and US industrial strategy.
Chapters
(00:00) Alex Grant And DLE
(03:44) DLE's Make-Or-Break Phase
(09:15) Rising DLE Costs
(11:50) Financing Lithium Projects
(15:09) China's Pricing Power
(24:13) State-Backed Critical Minerals
(30:09) Defense And AI Narrative Shift
(39:54) Why Magnesium
(43:56) Magnesium And National Security
(48:53) Magrathea's Scale-Up Plan
(59:53) Saudi Arabia And Arkansas Support
Sponsors
- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio.
(Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty)
- USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).
(Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments)
Links
- Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/
- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/
- Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/
Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel
Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq
X (Twitter):
Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull
Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley
Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13
_________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
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
1 hr 3 min
March 06 PDAC 2026 Recap + Company Interviews
In this Rock Stock Recap, Howard Klein and Matt Fernley share their key takeaways from PDAC 2026 in Toronto, the world’s largest mining conference and one of the most important annual gatherings for the global mining, lithium, and critical minerals industry.
After several days meeting with mining companies, investors, policymakers, and analysts, we discuss the major themes emerging from the conference - including the growing geopolitical importance of critical minerals, government policy support for new projects, and the evolving outlook for the lithium market and battery supply chain.
We examine recent announcements from the Canadian government aimed at accelerating investment in critical minerals development, as well as the role Canada could play in strengthening Western supply chains for lithium, phosphate, graphite, and other battery metals. We also discuss the disconnect between strong long-term demand expectations and recent volatility in lithium equities, including market reactions to EV demand data and broader geopolitical developments.
From a market perspective, we cover several key issues currently shaping the sector:
- The outlook for lithium demand and supply over the coming decades
- Funding challenges and talent shortages in mining project development
- Differences emerging between lithium carbonate and spodumene markets
- The need for midstream processing and conversion capacity outside China
- The often overlooked role of phosphate in the LFP battery supply chain
- New lithium product pathways such as lithium chloride and lithium sulfate
- Valuation opportunities in Argentine lithium brine assets
We also discuss how governments - particularly in North America - are increasingly viewing battery supply chains as strategic infrastructure, with implications for defense, energy security, and the global technology race.
Following our discussion, the video includes a series of short interviews recorded at PDAC with several companies active in the critical minerals and battery metals sector, including:
- Q2 Metals
- PMET Resources / Elevra Lithium
- The Metals Company
- Galan Lithium
- NOA Lithium Brines
- Lithium Africa
- E3 Lithium
- First Phosphate
- Surge Battery Metals
- Libra Energy Materials
These interviews provide additional insights directly from companies developing projects across the lithium, battery metals, and critical minerals ecosystem.
Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:13) PDAC 2026 Takeaways
(00:03:20) Recent Lithium Market Volatility
(00:04:58) Funding And Talent Challenges
(00:06:38) Lithium Demand Outlook
(00:07:42) Strategic Interest In Lithium
(00:08:45) Canada Policy Support
(00:11:38) Lithium Raw Material Deficit
(00:13:43) Battery Supply Chain Strategy
(00:15:34) Midstream Processing Gap
(00:16:12) Phosphate In LFP Batteries
(00:17:21) Lithium Cost Curve Debate
(00:19:34) Lithium Chloride Market
(00:24:11) Argentina Lithium Opportunity
(00:26:38) EV Demand Concerns
(00:28:31) Closing And PDAC Interviews
(00:29:10) The Metals Company
(00:38:46) First Phosphate
(00:43:21) E3 Lithium
(00:46:23) Surge Battery Metals
(00:48:18) NOA Lithium Brines
(00:50:57) Galan Lithium
(00:52:49) Lithium Africa
(00:58:24) Q2 Metals
(00:59:58) Libra Energy Materials
(01:04:02) PMET & Elevra
Sponsors
- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio.
(Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty)
- USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).
(Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments)
Links
- Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/
- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/
- Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/
Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel
Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq
X (Twitter):
Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull
Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley
Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13
_________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
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
1 hr 10 min
March 05 High Purity Alumina: Why You Should Care | Rock Stock University
High Purity Alumina (HPA) Explained: Uses, Market Growth, Supply, and Investment Opportunities
High Purity Alumina (HPA) is one of the most critical materials powering modern technology—from LEDs and semiconductors to lithium-ion batteries and AI infrastructure. Yet, it remains widely misunderstood by investors.
In this episode of Rock Stock University, commodity strategist Matt Fernley and investor Ben Hammond explain what HPA is, why purity matters, how it's made, and why demand could surge in the coming decade. Learn how China dominates supply, why Western markets may face shortages, and what this means for future prices and investment opportunities.
Whether you're an investor, student, or interested in critical minerals, battery materials, or semiconductor supply chains, this video provides a clear and practical introduction to High Purity Alumina.

CHAPTERS
(00:00) New Initiative: Rock Stock University
(01:48) Introduction
(02:43) HPA vs Regular Alumina
(04:29) End Markets
(06:34) Global Demand Growth
(09:04) Supply Structure
(10:13) Supply/Demand Balance
(11:55) Modified Bayer Process
(12:22) Aluminium Isopropoxide Hydrolysis
(13:27) Hydrothermal Crystallization
(13:46) Aluminum Solvent Extraction
(14:22) Chlorine Leach (CLCP)
(15:07) Summary

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS VIDEO
• What High Purity Alumina (HPA) is
• Why 4N and 5N purity levels matter
• How HPA is used in semiconductors, LEDs, and batteries
• Global HPA supply and demand trends
• Why China dominates production
• How HPA is manufactured
• Why HPA demand could grow significantly
• What investors should know about the HPA market

FEATURED HOSTS
Matt Fernley
Commodity Strategist | Partner, RK Equity
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-fernley-8a755a3/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/matt_fernley
Ben Hammond
Investor | Rock Stock University
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hammond-o/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/benjihammond

LEARN MORE
RK Equity: https://rkequity.com/
17 min
March 03 Commodity ETFs - A Critical Portfolio Tool (Kevin Baum)
Commodities are entering a new era — and most investors aren’t prepared.
In this episode, Kevin Baum of USCF Investments explains why smart investors are increasingly allocating to commodities as electrification, geopolitics, and resource security reshape global markets.
USCF website: https://linkly.link/2bXNd
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(01:36) What Drives Commodities in 2026
(04:07) Why Commodities Diversify Portfolios
(06:17) How SDCI Works
(11:00) Who Buys SDCI and Why
(12:54) Copper Outlook for 2026
(17:04) Copper Futures vs Miners
(19:57) Battery Metals Basket Explained
(24:04) Gold's Role Today
(29:12) Key Takeaway: Resource Security
(30:46) Wrap-Up
This conversation breaks down the structural forces driving demand for copper, lithium, gold, and other critical minerals — and why commodities are becoming essential portfolio diversifiers in today’s concentrated equity environment.
We also explore how commodity ETFs work, how futures-based exposure differs from mining stocks, and how investors can gain direct exposure to commodity prices through USCF’s ETF platform.
Whether you’re interested in copper, battery metals, gold, or broad commodity exposure, this discussion provides a clear framework for understanding the next major investment cycle.
Topics covered include:
• Why commodities are no longer just an inflation hedge
• How electrification and AI are driving long-term commodity demand
• Copper outlook and supply constraints heading into 2026
• Lithium, battery metals, and critical minerals exposure
• Gold, central bank buying, and geopolitical drivers
• Why governments and investors are focusing on resource security
• How commodity ETFs provide direct exposure to commodity prices
• Portfolio diversification using commodities
About USCF Investments
USCF is one of the most established commodity ETF providers, offering futures-based funds that provide direct exposure to commodities including oil, copper, gold, and battery metals.
Why commodities matter now
With global electrification accelerating, central banks diversifying into hard assets, and supply constraints emerging across critical minerals, commodities are becoming increasingly important for investors seeking diversification, inflation protection, and exposure to structural megatrends.
_________________________________________________
Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel
Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq
X (Twitter):
Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull
Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13
Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley
_________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
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
33 min
February 27 Zimbabwe Supply Shock, US Energy Storage, Rare Earth Developers Lag, Q2 Metals Drill Results
Zimbabwe Halts Lithium Exports | 6–7% Global Supply Shock? | Q2 Metals High-Grade Hits & Maiden MRE Coming
In this episode of Rock Stock Recap, we (Howard Klein, Matt Fernley, and Rodney Hooper) break down what could be one of the most important lithium policy developments of the year: Zimbabwe’s sudden suspension of lithium concentrate exports — including cargo already in transit.
Zimbabwe represents ~6–7% of expected global lithium supply in 2026, and the language from the Ministry of Mines was unambiguous. Is this a short-term negotiating tactic tied to transfer pricing and royalties, or the start of a structural shift toward in-country beneficiation like Indonesia’s nickel strategy?
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(05:12) Zimbabwe Suspends Lithium Exports
(07:12) Transfer Pricing Dispute
(10:18) Duration of Export Halt
(13:37) Rise of Lithium Sulfate?
(17:07) Indonesia Nickel Comparison
(23:31) Supply and Price Impact
(25:20) Sodium-Ion Competition
(26:49) China Lepidolite Context
(29:49) Lithium Stocks Rally
(30:54) Rare Earths and Minor Metals
(32:36) PDAC and Policy Outlook
(34:17) Q2 Metals: Drill Highlights
(35:36) Open Pit Potential
(36:58) Maiden Resource Update
(38:05) Exploration Upside
(39:11) Drilling And PEA Plans
(40:09) Metallurgy And Consistency
(41:04) Expansion Potential
(42:25) Infrastructure Advantages
(42:57) Upcoming Catalysts
We discuss:
- Lithium market impact — Is this a true supply shock?
- What it means for spodumene prices, spot markets, and lithium stocks
- Zimbabwe vs 🇮🇩 Indonesia — can midstream capacity be built first?
- U.S. policy shift: DOE’s $27B loan package, battery storage & grid reliability
- Record U.S. energy storage installations (57.6 GWh) — batteries as infrastructure
- Rare earths, copper inventories & the broader hard-asset rotation
- What to watch at PDAC and evolving Canada–U.S.–China critical minerals policy
We also interview Neil McCallum of Q2 Metals, who discusses:
- Long, high-grade lithium intercepts in Quebec
- A potentially “open pittable” central zone
- Four drill rigs currently turning
- Maiden MRE targeted for end of quarter
- PEA expected later this year
- Exploration upside across a 20km greenstone belt
If you’re following lithium prices, spodumene concentrate, energy storage demand, battery metals investing, rare earths, critical minerals policy, or junior mining exploration, this episode connects the macro supply story to real company-level catalysts.
Sponsors
- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio.
(Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty)
- USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).
(Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments)
Links
- Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/
- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/
- Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/
Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel
Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq
X (Twitter):
Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull
Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley
Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13
_________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
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
45 min
February 20 Pilbara Restarts, Albemarle Retreats, Manono Looms, Lithium Ionic (Keith Phillips & Mike Westendorf)
In this Rock Stock Recap, we (Howard Klein and Matt Fernley) are joined by Keith Phillips—former CEO of Piedmont Lithium and now Executive Chairman of Q2 Metals—to discuss the latest developments across lithium and select rare earth themes. Including an interview with Lithium Ionic (TSXV: LTH) COO Mike Westendorf on the Bandeira project.
Chapters
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:13) Keith's New Role At Q2
(00:05:10) BMO And PDAC Preview
(00:07:12) Rare Earths Americas Update
(00:08:39) Pilbara Restart And Supply
(00:12:45) Quebec Infrastructure Edge
(00:17:10) Albemarle Kemerton Shutdown
(00:19:14) Conversion Location Debate
(00:21:19) Consolidation And Priorities
(00:29:36) Mangrove And Processing Plans
(00:34:44) Manono Supply And Logistics
(00:38:43) US-Canada Outlook
(00:43:18) Lithium Ionic
(00:44:39) Bandeira Project Location
(00:46:04) Underground Mining Strategy
(00:47:00) Feasibility Study And CapEx Reduction
(00:49:32) Production Targets And Mine Life
(00:50:09) Operating Costs And Advantages
(00:53:31) Processing And Revenue Upside
(00:55:56) Permitting Status And Progress
(00:59:34) Construction Timeline
(01:00:06) Financing And Funding Interest
(01:01:28) Key Catalysts Ahead
(01:02:08) Cash Position
(01:02:40) Closing Remarks
We start with our recent work on critical minerals policy, including a framework for prioritizing USGS-designated critical minerals, current Washington signals (including Project Vault and related announcements), and the upcoming House hearings for the Secure Minerals Act (Feb 24). From there, we turn to market-moving supply and project updates across the global lithium chain.
Key discussion points include:
• Q2 Metals and the Cisco spodumene discovery in James Bay, Quebec—resource timing, scale, grade, and infrastructure advantages
• Mining conference season preview (BMO and PDAC) and what investor and strategic conversations tend to focus on
• Rare Earths Americas—early-stage assets in the US and Brazil and the broader “Americas critical minerals” backdrop
• Pilbara’s restart activity and what it signals about near-term latent capacity, plus broader supply visibility questions (including Africa)
• Albemarle’s Kemerton decision and what it implies about conversion economics, capex risk, and where conversion can be competitive
• Why infrastructure, logistics, and transport costs matter most when spodumene pricing is low—and how that shapes project selection and consolidation
In the second half, we provide an update interview with Lithium Ionic (TSXV: LTH) COO Mike Westendorf on the Bandeira project in Brazil’s “Lithium Valley,” adjacent to operating peers. We cover:
• Updated feasibility study highlights, including capex reduction and design changes to improve robustness through price cycles
• Operating cost drivers (processing route, power, local supply chain, and logistics) and the role of ore sorting / DMS
• Permitting status, recent regulatory developments, and the expected pathway to FID and production timelines
• Current financing environment, potential funding structures, and near-term catalysts through 2026
Sponsors
- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio.
(Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty)
- USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).
(Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments)
Links
- Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/
- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/
- Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/
Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel
Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq
X (Twitter):
Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull
Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13
Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley
_________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
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
1 hr 6 min
February 18 Lithium - The Most Critical Mineral?
Howard Klein of RK Equity discusses the Trump administration's Project Vault initiative and explains how a strategic lithium reserve could help boost the country's efforts to create secure supply chains.
“The goal of a strategic lithium reserve is to stabilize prices and allow the industry to develop,” he explained. “If prices fall too low, the reserve would step in as a buyer. If prices spike too high, it could sell into the market.”
This interview was filmed on February 13, 2026.
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(00:30) What is Project Vault?
(09:02) Ranking critical minerals
(21:43) China's lithium influence
(25:40) What about midstream?
(30:35) Western skills shortage
(36:13) Strategic Lithium Reserve
(44:06) Energy storage outlook
(50:57) Phosphate's key role
(57:49) Outro
Sponsors
- Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio.
(Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty)
- USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).
(Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments)
Links
- Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/
- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/
- Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/
Have a question? Drop us an email: [email protected]
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel
Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq
X (Twitter):
Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull
Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13
Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley
_________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
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
59 min

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