Fastmarkets’ Fast Forward podcast

In this episode of Fast Forward, Andrea Hotter sits down with Sir Mick Davis, former CEO of Xstrata and founder of Vision Blue Resources, to explore the paradox of mining finance. Despite unprecedented demand for critical minerals to fuel the energy transition, the rising cost of capital and complex risk landscape are stifling growth. From geopolitical challenges to permitting hurdles and the moral hazard of mining investment, Sir Mick shares his unique insights on the structural shifts reshaping the industry.      Tune in for a deep dive into the future of mining, capital allocation and the urgent need for strategic action. Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/   

In this episode of Fast Forward, host Andrea Hotter dives deep into the unpredictable world of copper markets with industry veteran David Lilley of Drakewood Capital Management. Together, they explore how copper has shifted from a supply-and-demand-driven commodity to one influenced by fear, forward expectations and geopolitical tensions.  Discover why raw materials like copper could become the ultimate constraint in an AI-powered world, overshadowing manufacturing capabilities. From the impact of deglobalization and strategic stockpiling to the rise of electronic waste recycling, this episode unpacks the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of critical minerals.  This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of the global commodities landscape. Tune in to learn why "fear has become a fundamental" and how copper could define the next decade of innovation and resilience.  Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/   

As we wait for the next long‑form episode of Fast Forward, we introduce a shorter‑form market update that will be published across the year. Delivering timely, bitesize insights and stories from across the commodities landscape, these episodes are designed to help listeners keep pace with developments that have caught the attention of our editorial team. In this episode, Fastmarkets editorial and pricing director Andrew Wells introduces the new format, which expands coverage beyond metals to include forest products, agriculture and carbon, offering timely headlines, price movements and key market developments in the time it takes to grab a morning coffee. The first update comes from Solomon Cefai, senior price reporter covering technology and energy metals, who outlines a busy start to February for US critical minerals policy. US government initiatives have emerged as a positive for domestic producers, led by the announcement of Project Vault, a $12 billion critical mineral stockpile. Initially targeting cobalt, lithium, rare earth elements, gallium and germanium, the program is expected to expand to other strategic minerals including copper, graphite and silicon. While the long‑term goal is to protect automotive and technology supply chains, the stockpile is also expected to support new production at a time of limited downstream demand and heavy midstream concentration in China. Solomon notes that the policy has been broadly welcomed, but highlights concerns around market distortion, supply tightness and the risk of squeezing existing consumers outside the US, particularly in Europe and Asia. The civilian stockpile differs from existing USDLA stockpiles and will rely on large trading houses to source material for strategic manufacturers, despite already tight supply due to previous Chinese export controls. Solomon also touches on proposed international critical mineral reference prices within a preferential trade zone, intended to de‑risk new supply chains, though details remain unclear, and growing political scrutiny, as senior US Democrats probe government investment and its implications for transparency and competition. Eduardo Tinti, senior price reporter, then joins us with an update from the agriculture sector with developments in the soybean and biofuel markets. A social media post from US president Donald Trump suggested China could increase purchases of US soybeans sparked a rally in Chicago futures, while Brazilian cash premiums softened and Chinese crush margins came under pressure. Eduardo also highlights renewed Chinese buying from the US Gulf and expectations that China may auction imported soybeans to make room for incoming cargoes. In biofuels, Eduardo explains that new EPA guidance proved bullish for US feedstocks, particularly soy oil, corn ethanol and animal fats, while excluding most imports from outside North America. Additional support came from trade developments with India, which may reduce or eliminate import taxes on a quota of US soy oil. The episode concludes with a look ahead to upcoming long‑form interviews as part of our Fast Forward franchise. For more information: https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/ This episode was recorded in the second week of February 2026.

In the season finale of Fast Forward, we explore whether India is having its ‘metals moment’ on the global stage. With policies like the National Critical Minerals Mission and ambitious investment incentives, India is positioning itself as a politically stable and diversified hub for key commodities like aluminium, copper and zinc. Host Andrea Hotter speaks with Vedanta Resources’ CEO, Deshnee Naidoo, about how industrialization, urbanization and electrification are driving domestic demand, enabling India to scale production while reducing global reliance on China. However, the road ahead isn’t without its challenges. This episode puts the spotlight on Vedanta’s ambitious $10 billion pipeline, unpacking the opportunities and obstacles shaping India’s future as a critical player in the global metals market.   Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/   

In this episode of Fast Forward, host Andrea Hotter dives into the world of strategic stockpiling with insights from Major General (Ret) Alberto Rosende, the CEO of M2i. Discover how governments and private sectors are building critical mineral reserves to safeguard against supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks. From the role of AI in predicting shortages to the importance of recycling and domestic mining, this episode unpacks the strategies shaping the future of resource security. Tune in to explore the challenges, opportunities, and global collaborations driving this essential initiative.  Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/  

In this episode of Fast Forward, Andrea Hotter sits down with Raj Surendran, CEO of Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia, to explore the West's efforts to decouple from China in the critical minerals space. Raj shares his unique perspective on the challenges of building non-China supply chains, the misconceptions about China's dominance and the practical realities of diversification versus decoupling. From geopolitical tensions to operational hurdles, this conversation unpacks the complexities of reshaping global supply chains and the role collaboration could play in the future.  Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/  

In the second part of Fast Forward's special on Africa, join Andrea Hotter as she journeys along the Lobito Corridor, a transformative trade route reshaping Africa’s economic landscape. Discover how the historic Lobito Atlantic Railway is becoming a critical minerals lifeline, connecting Africa’s resources to global markets. Meet the people driving this ambitious project and explore the challenges and opportunities of building a modern trade corridor.    Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/ 

Experience Angola like never before. In this on-the-ground episode, Andrea Hotter takes listeners to Angola, where the Lobito Corridor is emerging as a symbol of Africa’s economic transformation. From the bustling US-Africa Business Summit to the corridors of power, discover how this ambitious project is redefining trade, critical minerals and global partnerships in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. In the first of this two-part special, Andrea takes you to the heart of Luanda, uncovering the continent’s pivotal role in the critical minerals race and the tug-of-war between global powers. Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/ 

What are voluntary carbon markets and why do they matter in the global fight against climate change? Join Fastmarkets’ Andrea Hotter as she dives into this evolving space with experts Enric Arderiu, global head of environmental products at Mercuria, and Stuart Evans, chief economist and head of carbon at Fastmarkets. This episode uncovers the potential and pitfalls of voluntary carbon credits, explores innovative projects like carbon capture and reforestation and examines how transparency and trust are reshaping the market. Whether you’re a policy geek or a climate-conscious consumer, this episode is packed with insights to inspire action. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.  Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/

In this episode, Dan Holton, the Senior VP of Low Carbon Solutions at ExxonMobil, reveals how big oil is pivoting towards lithium extraction to support the energy transition. He discusses the innovative direct lithium extraction technology and its environmental benefits. Holton explains ExxonMobil's strategy to integrate their oil expertise into the lithium market, addressing supply chain dynamics and the geopolitical complexities of lithium production. A fascinating dive into how lithium could become the 'new oil' awaits!