The Global Lithium Podcast

Tu Le is the founder of Sino Auto Insights, an innovation & management consulting firm.Topics:The Global EV pictureThe final frontier for China EVsThe US "China EV" strategyGM and FordThe status of FSD (full self-driving)The changing perception of Tesla in ChinaWhat's next for BYD and Tesla?When will CATL be producing batteries in the US?The "best of the rest" China EV companiesRapid fireThe growing angst in China over lithium supply

Tom Benson (aka the "Doctor of Volcanoes") is the Vice President of Exploration at Lithium Argentina. Topics:Being creative in explorationThe major upgrade to the Cauchari - Olaroz resourceBigger than the Atacama?Tom's history at Thacker PassLithium Africa - Tom's latest focus The Africa lithium "recipe"Use of new technology & AI in exploration"Permitting Purgatory"Making Africa a lithium successComments on the Smackover & Salton SeaIt's "nice to be nice"Rapid fire

This is a short solo episode.Topics: What lithium investors are askingThe converter in TexasA tale of two earnings callsMy visit to Thacker Pass

YJ Lee is a Director and Fund Manager at Arcane Capital in Singapore. Find him on X @usuallyYJLeeTopics:The BackstoryYJ's path to lithiumThe learning processHis bullish forecasts EVs, E-trucks & BESSPicking winnersGanfeng & Tianqi turn bullishCATL's diminishing lithium market influenceIs another price spike coming?Thacker PassDLE & the SmackoverErametVulcanNemaskaCanadian potential?Rapid fire

Rene LeBlanc, VP of Commercial and Product Strategy at Lithium Americas and chemical engineer with 20+ years in lithium processing, conversion, and markets. He discusses how the industry evolved over two decades. They cover China’s long rise, the return of LFP, processing flowsheets vs modern needs, Thacker Pass timing, and why concentrate cost dominates economics.

This is a solo episode. In the past I wrote a time limited "stream of consciousness" New Year's post on LinkedIn. This year I decided to do a podcast with the same rules.

Daniel Jimenez is the founder of iLi Markets and formerly worked for SQM. On X: @D_Jimenez_SchTopics:The rapid growth of BESSCATLChina's weakening grip on lithium Hidden costs in AfricaThe tightening marketWhere is the money made in LIBChile's lithium futureArgentinaRio Tinto's next movesWhen does DLE matter?Alternatives to CO3 & LiOHThe coming price spikeConversion capacity outside ChinaRapid fire

This episode is a panel discussion that took place at the Arkansas Lithium Innovation Summit in October on the missing midstream. The panelists were:David Park, CEO of Standard LithiumDan Blondal, CEO of Nano OneHugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of CommerceBhageerath Vadhi, Geologist - Ford Motor CompanyTopics:What is the midstream?Why does it matter?The cathode bottleneckChina's current dominant positionMarginsNano One's LFP advantageWashington's perspective and roleEmphasizing energy storage over EVsGeopoliticsWhat does success look like?

Sam Piggott, CEO of Lithium Argentina, shares insights into the partnership with Ganfeng, emphasizing their journey since 2017. Carlos Galli, an Argentine lithium expert, discusses the geological advantages and community engagement essential for sustainable operations. Jason Luo, Ganfeng's president for South America, highlights Argentina's appeal for investment, new market dynamics, and infrastructure challenges. They also delve into the future of lithium demand and Argentina's potential to become the top brine producer, alongside innovative water management strategies.

In a solo session, Joe dives into the current dynamics of lithium demand and pricing, discussing Ganfeng's optimistic forecasts and Canaccord's bullish outlook. He highlights the growing battery market's impact on US EV demand and reveals updates on Thacker Pass's progress. Joe critiques Rio Tinto's uncertain strategy while addressing Congressional findings on Chinese price manipulation. The conversation also touches on Exxon's long-term approach and the complexities of the Kwinana refinery partnership. It's a rich exploration of the evolving lithium landscape.