The SFA (Oxford) Podcast

In this episode of Voice of Reason, we take a closer look at the shifting dynamics of the metals market. Joined by @Lakshya and @Tom, the discussion covers price movements, market sentiment, and what it all means for the future of critical metals.

Key highlights from the conversation:

• 📈 Lithium – discussion on market prices and volatility
• 🔑 Platinum – outlook within the broader metals mix
• 🌍 Critical metals – role in the clean energy transition and long-term demand
• 📊 Market uncertainty – driven by global economic conditions and supply chain pressures
• 🔄 Recovery signals – early trends pointing towards possible stabilization
• 💡 Context and timing – the importance of date-stamping insights for credibility

The market continues to evolve, but these conversations provide valuable context on how the industry views opportunities and challenges.

👉 Tune in to the Voice of Reason podcast to listen to the full discussion.

SFA's battery team discuss their long-term view of the cobalt market, assessing the ESG and geopolitical risks surrounding supply as well as the demand threats from low-cobalt and cobalt-free battery chemistries. They summarise the episodes by giving their view on how these factors impact cobalt price.

Find out more about the Cobalt Market Outlook to 2040 Report here:

https://www.sfa-oxford.com/battery-metals-and-materials/market-reports/long-term-cobalt-market-report-and-cobalt-price-outlook/

SFA's Nickel Analyst, Dan Croft, and Senior Battery Technology Analyst, Lakshya Gupta, discuss the pressing issues facing the nickel market long-term. They examine the threats that could arise from concentrated regional supply and how this might impact battery technology distribution and EV adoption. They also explore the potential factors that could be price drivers in what seems to be a difficult and complex market.

Find out more:

https://www.sfa-oxford.com/battery-metals-and-materials/market-reports/long-term-nickel-market-report-and-nickel-price-outlook/

The entry of corporate giants like ExxonMobil and Saudi Aramco, the deglobalisation of battery supply chains, China’s growing influence, and a transformative surge in energy storage demand have introduced significant uncertainty—but also immense potential. 

SFA's Principal Lithium Analyst, Tom Chandler, and Battery Technology and Demand Analyst, Lakshya Gupta, discuss the outlook for the lithium market through to 2040, the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and the potential impact on price. 

Find out more:

https://www.sfa-oxford.com/battery-metals-and-materials/market-reports/long-term-lithium-market-report-and-lithium-prices-outlook/

In this episode of The Voice of Reason, SFA's battery team discusses the latest trends and events impacting the battery metals markets.

Now that Donald Trump has been elected to be president, how might his reign differ from Joe Biden's, regarding EV's and battery metals?

We also discuss the cause and impact of Northvolt's bankruptcy, as well as express our opinions on JLR's controversial rebrand.

The LinkedIn profiles of the participants can be found below:
Tom Chandler
Lakshya Gupta
Dan Croft
Joel Lacey

Find out more about SFA's Battery Metals Market Intelligence Service here.

The latest SFA podcast episode examines how evolving trends in transportation and energy are reshaping the platinum group metals markets. As shifts in vehicle technology create demand uncertainties, PGM producers face ongoing cost pressures. This episode announces the release of SFA's latest ground-breaking market report 'The PGM Market Outlook to 2040'.

Find out more here:
https://www.sfa-oxford.com/platinum-group-metals/pgm-market-reports/biannual-pgm-market-outlook/

LinkedIn profiles:
Dr Jenny Watts
Alex Biddle
Joel Lacey

In this episode of The Voice of Reason, SFA's battery team discusses the latest trends and events impacting the battery metals markets.

As the industry experiences a depressing environment caused by low prices, we explore why this has happened and how it has impacted players across the value chain. For some, cost-saving measures are in place; for others, it is a window of opportunity.

The LinkedIn profiles of the participants can be found below:
Tom Chandler
RJ Coetzee
Lakshya Gupta
Adele Rouleau
Dan Croft
Joel Lacey

Find out more about SFA's Battery Metals Market Intelligence Service

The the fourth episode of The Voice of Reason series, SFA's battery metals analysts engage in an insightful debate regarding the purchase of second-hand EVs?

Would you buy one?

We also discuss the surge in African lithium supply following Chinese investment and the potential impact on price, as well as the latest news on cobalt supply and ESG.

Date of recording: 01/08/2024

LinkedIn profiles:
Lakshya Gupta
Thomas Chandler
RJ Coetzee
Adele Rouleau
Joel Lacey
SFA (Oxford)

In the third episode of SFA's Voice of Reason podcast series, our team of battery metals analysts discuss the impact of EU/US tariffs on Chinese EVs, the latest on lithium supply, as well as the recent political issues in the DRC and their potential impact on cobalt price.

Stay tuned each month to keep up to speed with the rapidly evolving battery metals markets!

Recorded on 04/06/24.

What do hydrogen deposits mean for PGMs?

In this episode, Head of Clean Energy & Sustainability, Dr. Jenny Watts, gives an overview of hydrogen deposits and their potential impact on PGMs.

To find out more about SFA's hydrogen services:
https://www.sfa-oxford.com/green-hydrogen-and-fuel-cells/