Rock Stock Channel

In this episode, we sit down with John Love, CEO of USCF Investments, the newest sponsor of Rock Stock Channel, to explore how investors can use commodity ETFs to diversify their portfolios and gain direct exposure to key market trends. USCF is best known for the United States Oil Fund (USO) but also offers funds focused on copper (CPER), sustainable battery metals (ZSB), gold with income (USG), and broad commodities (SDCI). John walks us through the history of USCF, its role as a pioneer in the commodity ETF space, and how it differentiates itself through innovation and a focus on futures-based strategies. We discuss why investors might prefer commodity exposure over equity proxies, the benefits of diversification, and how USCF’s systematic approach helps simplify futures investing for everyday investors. We cover four funds we believe retail investors should have on their radar: - CPER (United States Copper Index Fund) – for direct exposure to copper prices - USG (Gold Income Fund) – gold plus an options overlay for potential income - ZSB (Sustainable Battery Metals Strategy Fund) – targeting the metals powering electrification - SDCI (Broad Commodity Fund) – a rules-based, diversified commodity index strategy We also talk about current investor sentiment, the role of commodities in portfolio construction, and whether we may be entering a new commodity supercycle driven by electrification, AI infrastructure, and global demand growth. Learn more about USCF: - Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/uscfinvestments If you found this content valuable, don't forget to like, subscribe and comment! 📖 Chapters (00:00) Introduction (03:49) USCF Edge & Strategy (06:24) Why Commodity ETFs (08:38) CPER: Copper Exposure (12:57) USG: Gold + Income (15:22) ZSB: Battery Metals (19:45) SDCI: Broad Commodities (24:14) Backwardation vs. Contango (29:54) Sentiment & Flows (34:21) Closing Remarks Links 🌍 - Read Matt’s research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter: https://rkequity.com/ 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 Rodney and Howard 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

In this episode, we broadcast from Rockefeller Center and dig into three areas retail investors are asking about: rare earths valuation, titanium & advanced manufacturing (IperionX: IPX), and lithium market volatility—with updates from The Metals Company (TMC) and Lithium Royalty Corp (LIRC). 🔍 What we cover: - Rare earths—how to value early-stage names: Matt explains why NdPr-equivalent (neodymium–praseodymium) is a better lens than Total REO, and how we compare companies using market cap per contained NdPr-equivalent rather than headline grades alone. - IperionX site visit takeaways: Scrap-to-titanium, additive manufacturing and fasteners opportunity; why execution risk is falling; and how a “Bessemer moment” for titanium could reset costs versus aluminum/stainless. - TMC regulatory progress: NOAA confirms application compliance and priority rights; we discuss timelines, executive-order context, and what “big needle-mover” funding could look like in the U.S. framework. - Battery chemistry mix: Where nickel chemistries sit versus LFP as autonomy and energy density needs rise; manganese’s role (LMR) and the potential to produce manganese sulfate from nodules. - Lithium market now: CATL lepidolite restart chatter, demand growth still tracking ~high-20s % y/y, Chinese capex decelerating, and why restarts and cost curves matter for price formation through 2026–27. - Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE): Asset-by-asset reality check—costs and capex can be higher than conventional routes; not automatically first-quartile on the cost curve. - Royalty model for retail investors: LIRC’s portfolio (e.g., Sigma Lithium) and why royalties can provide exposure to Argentine brines and production growth while reducing operating cost risk. Learn more about IperionX (IPX): - Website: https://iperionx.com/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/iperionx Learn more about The Metals Company (TMC): - Website: https://metals.co/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/themetalsco Learn more about Lithium Royalty Corp (LIRC): - Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ - X (Twitter): https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty If you found this content valuable, don't forget to like, subscribe and comment! 📖 Chapters (00:00) Introduction (03:15) Rare Earths: NdPr Valuation (08:20) IperionX: Scrap-to-Titanium (18:03) Heavy Rare Earth by-products (23:41) TMC: NOAA Compliance & Timeline (26:19) TMC: Priority Rights & Scale (27:47) Manganese & LMR Batteries (30:42) Industry Signals: Lockheed & Partners (33:01) Nickel vs LFP; Autonomy (35:55) U.S. Funding Paths & Structure (43:05) Lithium Royalty Corp Overview (45:09) Exposure to Argentine Brines (46:53) Volatility: CATL, Demand, China CapEx (50:56) DLE: Costs, CapEx, Fit (56:18) Restarts & Cost Curve (58:56) Price Recovery Outlook 🌍 Links - Read Matt’s research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for the Lithium Ion Bull newsletter: https://rkequity.com/ 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 Rodney and Howard 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

We are redistributing over latest discussion on X Spaces as a Rock Stock Channel episode, sharing where we think we are in the lithium & rare earths cycle, what’s changed, and how we’re positioning as RK Equity for a potential “risk-on” turn in mining equities. In this conversation, Howard, Matt and Rodney (with guests including YJ Lee, Chris Berry, Tom Woolrych, Jody Dahrouge, Christopher Williams and others) walk through what matters now for retail investors across lithium, rare earths and broader critical minerals. What we cover: - Macro & sentiment: Why risk appetite is re-emerging across gold, uranium, Bitcoin and critical minerals—and how policy (IRA, infrastructure/CHIPS, deregulation/reshoring) may shape capital flows and listings. - Lithium demand vs. supply: Normalized inventories, China supply-cut narratives, and why demand (EVs + grid-scale storage) is the swing factor. We discuss falling battery costs, global price competition, and EV penetration beyond China into emerging markets. - BESS is breaking out: How grid batteries could be the “next trillion-dollar business” and what multi-year storage growth implies for LCE demand. - Processing drives cost curves: A clear explainer on DMS vs. flotation for hard-rock—capex/opex, grind size, recoveries, and real-world lessons (e.g., Sigma’s DMS-only, whole-of-mine float cases). Jurisdictional deep-dives: - Quebec/Ontario hard-rock: Permitting realities, low-cost hydro power, conversion “missing middle,” and why project geometry (thickness, dip, heterogeneity) matters. - Brazil: Low-cost power, DMS suitability, and why the country has the raw materials stack to host more of the battery supply chain. - Conventional brines (Argentina/Chile): Why high-grade salar projects can be through-cycle low-cost—and why the market may be mispricing them relative to hard-rock. - DLE—promise vs. timeline: Where it fits (including boosting recovery on conventional brines), technical pitfalls (feed variability, oilfield impurities), and realistic scale-up expectations. - Rare earths primer: MP Materials’ U.S. push, magnet REEs (NdPr, Dy, Tb), ionic clay vs. hard-rock deposits, purity challenges, and the role of defense vs. broader tech/e-mobility demand. Companies & themes mentioned (not recommendations) MP Materials (NYSE: MP), Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC), Sigma Lithium (NASDAQ/TSX-V: SGML), Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS), Core Lithium (ASX: CXO), Patriot Battery Metals (TSX: PMET | ASX: PMT), Winsome (ASX: WR1), Frontier Lithium (TSX-V: FL), Galan Lithium (ASX: GLN), Lithium Argentina (NYSE: LAR), NOA Lithium (TSX-V: NOAL), Wildcat (ASX: WC8), Lithium Ionic (TSX-V: LTH), Atlas Lithium (NASDAQ: ATLX), Talon Metals (TSX: TLO), Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO), BYD, CATL—plus topics like SPACs, EV truck adoption, and restocking into year-end. Why it matters for retail investors: - Cost & flow-sheet choices (DMS vs. flotation) can make or break project economics. - BESS + EVs expand the addressable market faster than many models assume. - Jurisdictional power costs & permitting (e.g., Québec hydro) directly impact margin. - Conventional brines may offer mispriced, through-cycle optionality. - Rare earths remain strategically important—focus on magnet REEs and realistic ramp timelines. Stay connected: - Follow on X:     Rock Stock Channel: https://x.com/rkequityrocks     Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull     Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13     Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley - Read Matt’s research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for our Lithium-ion Bull newsletter at https://rkequity.com/ - Subscribe on YouTube / Spotify / Apple Podcasts for Rock Stock Channel updates. 📖 Chapters (00:00:00) Market Backdrop (00:10:00) Lithium Inventories & China Restocking (00:15:00) EV Price War, BYD Exports & BESS Surge (00:19:00) Rare Earths Reset: MP Deal & Demand (00:32:00) Ionic Clay REEs: Brazil/Africa (00:52:20) Quebec Hard Rock: Q2 Metals, Patriot (01:08:20) Quebec Edge: Permitting, Power, By-Products (01:13:40) The “Missing Middle”: Bécancour Refining (01:36:20) Demand Outlook: EVs, Storage, Heavy Trucks (01:51:00) DLE Reality Check: China & Brines (02:05:00) Argentina Brines: Low Cost, Mispricing (02:09:20) Brazil DMS Edge & WA Developers (02:17:40) Closing Thoughts & Rio Watch-Items 🌍 Links 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 _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Rodney, Matt and Howard 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

Lithium Market Reset? August Scoreboard, Price Drivers & Developers To Watch (with Howard, Rodney & Matt) After a bullish summer for mining equities, we break down the August 31 lithium scoreboard, the bounce in chemical producers and spodumene names, and what really matters next for lithium prices. We cover inventories in China, the impact of CapEx cuts, and why low-cost producers and DMS-only developers may be the best risk/reward right now. This episode also features a catchup interview with Q2 Metals' (TSXV: QTWO) CEO, Alicia Milne, and VP Exploration, Neil McCallum following their September 4th press release on the Cisco Lithium Project in Quebec, Canada. Topics include: Q2’s C$26M financing, increased drill activity with multiple rigs, upcoming assay results, infill drilling strategy, and the roadmap toward their first mineral resource estimate (targeted Q1 2026). Neil details the latest metallurgical testing (HLS/DMS), recovery rates, and next steps in bulk sampling, while Alicia outlines marketing and investor outreach plans across Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, New York, London, and Zurich. What You’ll Learn: - Market Check: Why the rally looks more like a technical correction than a new supercycle—so far. - Price Drivers: Why falling inventories (days of supply in China) matter more than headlines. - Strategy: Focus on low-cost brine & hard-rock producers and DMS-only developers (lower CapEx/opex). - CapEx Crunch: How investment slowdowns set up supply tightness 2–4 years out. - Energy Storage Boom: Solar + BESS economics improving fast; tech leaps from 2 MWh to 5–9 MWh containers. - Due Diligence: Watch cash flow vs. reported costs—reporting standards vary widely in lithium mining. - Q2 Metals Deep Dive: Financing, drill program ramp-up, Cisco exploration update, metallurgical test results, and global investor roadshow plans. Companies & Themes Mentioned: Producers/Developers: Lithium Argentina, Sigma Lithium, Atlantic Lithium, Q2 Metals, Lithium Ionic, Atlas Lithium, Core Lithium, Sayona–Piedmont (NAL), Vulcan, Standard Lithium, POSCO. Topics: DMS vs. flotation, DLE brine, spodumene, inventories in China, incentive prices, CapEx cuts, EV batteries, BESS, solar + storage, rare earths (MP Materials, Lynas). 👍 If you value independent lithium analysis, hit Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications. 💬 Tell us which developer you think is most undervalued—and why. 📖 Chapters (00:00) Introduction (03:18) Bottom Call & Scoreboard (04:26) YTD Leaders & Equity Signals (05:10) Strategy: Low-Cost Producers & DMS (07:40) Price Outlook: Inventories & Incentives (09:38) Capex Cuts & 2-4 Year Setup (11:06) Solar Boom & Storage Demand (14:45) Mining Margins & Reporting (16:37) Scoreboard Segments, Raises & M&A (20:38) Vetting Developers & Key Names (24:31) Quebec: Sayona-Piedmont & NAL (27:11) Q2 Metals (30:16) Assay Results and Exploration Strategy (33:25) Winter Drill Program and Resource Estimate Goals (34:35) Assays Beyond Lithium (35:39) Metallurgical Testing and Results (37:41) Next Steps in Metallurgy and Bulk Sampling (41:57) Exploration Focus and Upcoming News Flow (43:31) Permitting, Camp Development, and Operations Update (44:14) Marketing and Global Investor Outreach (45:30) MRE Timeline (45:46) Closing Remarks 🌍 Links - Read Matt’s research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for the Lithium Ion Bull newsletter: https://rkequity.com/ - Catch our 2.5-hour Spaces replay with 1,500+ listeners: https://x.com/i/spaces/1kvJpMDgAyLxE - For Q2 Metals research coverage (Canaccord, Argonaut), email: rockstockchannel@rkequity.com - Q2 Metals Website: https://www.q2metals.com/ - Follow Q2 Metals on X: https://x.com/Q2Metals | LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/q2-metals-corp 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 Rodney and Howard 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

Howard and Rodney return with another Rock Stock Channel update, speaking with Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) Chairman Iggy Tan. In this interview, we cover the company’s evolving strategy as it balances long-term lithium ambitions with a new entry into solar panel recycling and silver recovery. Lithium Universe began with the goal of building a lithium carbonate refinery in Bécancour, Quebec, supported by a completed DFS. While awaiting a lithium market recovery, the company has diversified through the acquisition of global rights to a PV cell recycling technology developed at Macquarie University. This innovation could unlock value by separating solar panel materials efficiently and recovering silver at scale. Key topics discussed: - Lithium Universe’s counter-cyclical approach to lithium refining in Canada - Why margins in lithium conversion remain robust despite market volatility - The scale of end-of-life solar panel waste and silver recovery potential - Details of Macquarie University’s microwave and electrochemical recycling process - Outlook for silver demand, supply deficits, and pricing trends - Upcoming milestones: pilot work, potential partnerships, and grant applications - Broader lithium supply-demand dynamics in North America, Europe, and China With a market cap of ~A$16 million and a share price up nearly 3x from its June placement, Lithium Universe offers investors exposure to both critical battery metals and emerging recycling opportunities. 📖 Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:48) Iggy Tan's Lithium Background (02:59) Lithium Universe Strategy and Refinery Plans (05:13) Economics of Lithium Conversion Outside China (07:30) Global Push for Renewable Energy and PV Adoption (09:03) Solar Panel Waste and Recycling Opportunities (10:57) Macquarie University Recycling Technology (16:05) Commercialization and Global Expansion Plans (16:57) Next Steps: Pilot Plant and Partnerships (17:43) Milestones for Investors (6-12 Months) (19:40) Lithium Market Dynamics: Supply, Demand, and Recovery (23:23) Closing Remarks 🌍 Links LU7 Website: https://www.lithiumuniverse.com/ Follow on X: https://x.com/lithiumuniverse | https://x.com/TanIggy RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ 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 Rodney and Howard 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

In August 2025's Recharge podcast, co-presenters Matt Fernley (Battery Materials Review) and Cormac O'Laoire (Electrios Energy) discuss some of the recent key talking points in the battery industry, including: - The China lithium shutdowns, their impact on the industry and outlook - Development on US tariffs and anti-dumping duties in the battery supply chain, with a particular focus on graphite and anode materials - The MP Materials/DoD deal and potential impacts on the battery chain - What do price floors mean for materials markets and projects? - EV sales update and discussion - Discussion on commercial vehicle sales CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction (02:01) Lithium Prices and Chinese Regulations (06:55) Impact on Supply and China's Strategy Shift (12:33) US Tariffs on Graphite and Anode Materials (18:00) Graphite Industry Outlook & Silicon Anodes (23:53) US Defense, Rare Earths, and Price Floors (36:50) Global EV Market Trends & BYD Expansion (42:58) Commercial EV Growth and Battery Swapping _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ 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 Rodney and Howard 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

In this episode, I attended The Metals Company Strategy Day to gain a first-hand look at the company’s progress, leadership, and investor perspectives. Over the course of the event, I heard from a diverse group of board members, early backers, and strategic advisors—many of whom have deep backgrounds in energy transition, large-scale infrastructure, and venture capital. Their insights underscored why TMC is pursuing a unique opportunity in deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection and processing, and how the company is positioning itself as a pioneer in a new resource industry. Management and board members discussed the long-term need for critical minerals, the regulatory path ahead, and the steps taken to de-risk the project both offshore and onshore. Several speakers noted that TMC has moved from capital-heavy to capital-light strategies, with partnerships, careful cost management, and targeted debt financing helping to weather challenging market conditions. Importantly, the company recently announced a $23.6 billion net present value across its Nori-D and U.S. seabed mining areas—marking a major milestone in its journey toward production. Throughout the day, it was clear that retail investors remain a vital part of TMC’s shareholder base. Many attendees have been supporting the company for years, through both market highs and lows, and their conviction was evident. The management team made a point of recognizing this group’s role in spreading awareness, countering misconceptions, and keeping the conversation active in investor communities. If you’re a retail investor following the critical minerals space—or simply interested in how an emerging industry can reshape global supply chains—this Strategy Day offered valuable insight into both the opportunities and the challenges ahead for The Metals Company. If you found this discussion valuable, please subscribe, like, and comment. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction (01:56) Board of Directors (16:13) OG Investors (29:02) Retail Investors Award Ceremony (31:16) Brian Paes-Braga (33:22) Andrei Karkar (41:23) Gerard Barron (43:47) Nasdaq _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ 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 Rodney and Howard 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

In this episode, we interview Koby Kushner, CEO of Libra Energy Materials (CSE: LIBR), a new lithium exploration company focused on hard rock projects in Canada. We cover the company’s lean growth strategy, key lithium assets in Ontario and Quebec, the $33M earn-in deal with KoBold Metals, and its approach to M&A in today’s buyer’s market. Topics include: - Low-cost, high-impact exploration methods - Insider ownership and shareholder alignment - Infrastructure advantages for bulk lithium production - Criteria for funding and building lithium projects in Canada - Expansion opportunities beyond Canada - Upcoming exploration results and acquisition plans A must-watch for retail investors following lithium stocks, Canadian mining, and the battery materials sector. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction (02:02) Koby's Background (04:16) Lean Business Strategy for Surviving Market Downturns (09:02) Insider Ownership and Major Stakeholders (10:43) Focus Beyond Lithium and Critical Metals Potential (12:06) $33M Earn-In Deal with KoBold Metals (14:57) Key Neighbors and Competitive Landscape (16:08) Overview of Other Owned Projects (18:59) Infrastructure Advantages for Hard Rock Lithium (21:08) Criteria for Successful Lithium Projects in Canada (23:06) Acquisition vs. Greenfield Exploration Strategy (24:57) Expansion Beyond Canada (25:47) Maintaining a Clean Share Structure (27:47) Upcoming Milestones and Investor Updates _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ 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 Rodney and Howard 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

In this episode, Rodney and I sit down with Craig Shesky, CFO of The Metals Company (TMC), to unpack the key takeaways from TMC’s recent Nasdaq Strategy Day, the release of its first-ever nodule reserves, and the detailed Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). Howard opens with a recap of the event’s unique mix of investor engagement, global shareholder turnout, and industry partnerships, while Rodney leads Craig through the numbers, timelines, and business strategy. Craig outlines the PFS results, including an 18-year mine life, $5.5 billion NPV, low C1 cash costs for nickel due to strong byproduct credits, and the plan for capital-light development using existing assets. The discussion covers the expected Q4 2027 production start date, the role of key partners like Allseas and Korea Zinc, and the roadmap for building U.S.-based refining capacity. We also examine commodity price sensitivities, how TMC’s position on the cost curve offers resilience in volatile markets, and the opportunities arising from global supply challenges—particularly in nickel. Craig provides insight into the Phase Two Initial Assessment for expanded resource areas, projecting significant additional NPV potential, and shares the latest on the commercial recovery permit process, including regulatory engagement at multiple levels of the U.S. government. Whether you’re a long-term TMC shareholder or following the critical minerals space for the first time, this conversation offers a clear, grounded look at the company’s strategy, economic outlook, and operational milestones ahead. If you found this discussion valuable, please subscribe, like, and comment. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction (07:21) PFS Overview and First-Ever Nodule Reserves (10:24) Capital-Light Development Model and Partnerships (15:01) Commodity Price Sensitivity and Market Outlook (18:12) Timeline to First Commercial Production in 2027 (21:00) Phase Two Expansion and Initial Assessment Highlights (25:06) Commercial Recovery Permit Application Update (26:14) Closing Remarks _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ 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 Rodney and Howard 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

In this episode, Howard and Matt are joined by Former Bear, Chris Robb from Chris Robb Consulting and Uber Bull, YJ Lee of Arcane Capital for an in-depth discussion on the current state of the lithium market and where it could be heading. Chris, with a background in commodity trading and equity analysis, offers insights into the dynamics of lithium pricing, incentive prices needed for new projects, and challenges facing unconventional lithium sources like sedimentary clays and Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). He emphasizes that even with lithium prices rising, careful project selection remains essential, as high-cost projects may still face difficulties without significant government support. YJ, known for his bullish demand forecasts, provides a thorough analysis of lithium demand driven by rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) markets. Drawing on his extensive tracking of global lithium mines and detailed modeling, YJ argues that current demand growth could significantly outpace supply in the coming years, creating potential investment opportunities. The conversation explores critical themes, including: - Forecasts for lithium demand and supply through 2030 - Prospects for unconventional lithium technologies (DLE, sediments, geothermal) - Views on incentive pricing and realistic price scenarios - Implications of geopolitical factors and strategic government investment - The outlook for mergers and acquisitions in the lithium space Both guests share nuanced perspectives on how retail investors might position themselves during this critical period in the lithium market cycle. If you found this discussion valuable, please subscribe, like, and comment. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00:00) Introduction (00:04:03) Positions & YJ's Bull Case (00:08:32) Price Bottom vs. Upside Debate (00:14:30) Demand vs. Supply & Role of BESS (00:22:03) Storage Tech Improvements (00:24:13) EV Adoption & Battery Sizes (00:31:23) Supply Economics & Incentive Prices (00:47:38) Strategic Supply & China/West Split (00:55:42) Key Players & M&A Outlook (01:05:29) Price Momentum & Investment Takeaways _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 Chris' website: https://crobbconsulting.com/ RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ 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 Rodney and Howard 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