Mining Stock Daily Li-FT's Francis MacDonald on the Resurgent Lithium Market
Dec 4, 2025
Francis MacDonald, an executive at Li-FT Power, dives into the booming lithium market and its driving forces, like supply cuts in China and soaring demand for energy storage. He discusses the upcoming drill program at the Yellowknife project, which aims to enhance resources. The conversation highlights the significance of community partnerships and the company's strategic outlook for lithium through 2026. With detailed insights into the Cali project and other exploration efforts, MacDonald paints an optimistic picture of the industry's future.
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Supply Cuts Plus Soaring Stationary Storage Demand
- Lithium prices rebounded after July as Chinese lepidolite supply was cut and demand from stationary storage surged.
- Francis MacDonald sees demand growth and supply tightening pushing the market toward a deficit into next year.
Analysts Expect Rapid Demand Growth
- Analysts and producers are signalling faster lithium demand growth, with some forecasting 25–40% increases and potential deficits.
- Market reaction shows major producers and developers have already re-rated sharply since mid-year.
Time Drilling To Market Recovery
- Restart visible exploration when markets recover to capture valuation upside from drilling results.
- Li-FT plans ~15,000 m drilling at Yellowknife with a resource update and PEA timed for a rising market in 2026.