The Most Important Lithium Policy Idea of 2026

We've released a major new RK Equity policy white paper:

 

The USA Strategic Lithium Reserve
A Modern SPR for the Lithium Age

 

Read the full white paper here: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/ 

 

Lithium prices have swung 10–15× in the past two cycles, driven largely by China’s dominance of chemical conversion. This volatility makes it extremely difficult for Western projects—no matter the geology or management—to reach Final Investment Decision.

 

After the House critical minerals hearings this fall, one important idea was missing from the policy conversation:

 

A Strategic Lithium Reserve — an SPR-style buffer for lithium.

 

The SLR is simple and market-driven:
• Buy carbonate when prices fall below sustainable incentive levels
• Release during spikes, disruptions, or export threats
• Stabilize the chemical margin without price floors or technology favoritism
• Enable private capital to finance new Western supply

 

And critically:

 

This can begin within months at today’s low prices.

 

The white paper outlines the cost model ($3–7B) and how a three-phase implementation could stabilize the market and diversify supply chains across the Western Hemisphere.

 

If you find the analysis valuable, please share it with colleagues in policy, industry, or the investment community. Your support helps bring this idea into the national conversation.

 

Thanks for reading,
Howard Klein
RK Equity