The 6 materials that really power the economy

13 snips

Feb 17, 2025

Joining the discussion is Ed Conway, Economics Editor for Sky News and author of Material World, who dives into the crucial materials driving our economy. He reveals the significance of lithium, copper, and other key resources, connecting them to the modern technologies we utilize daily. Ed highlights China’s dominance in battery production and the complexities of global supply chains. He also discusses the environmental impacts of mining and the pressing need for sustainable practices to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Ethereal vs. Material World

Ed Conway introduces the concept of the "ethereal world" where people focus on ideas and services.
He argues this leads to a disconnect from the "material world" of physical resources.

ANECDOTE

Lithium's Origin

Conway highlights the surprising origin of lithium in batteries.
Brine, salty water from Chile, powers iPhones and electric vehicles.

INSIGHT

Early Electric Cars

Electric cars existed alongside petrol and steam cars 120 years ago.
Early electric car limitations were not because of the motors, but due to inadequate battery technology.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

We often focus on companies like Tesla or ARM, but we rarely think about the materials that make their technology possible. Ed Conway is the Economics Editor for Sky News and author of Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Future. Where does the battery in your phone or an electric vehicle come from? Why are materials like lithium and copper so critical to achieving net-zero? These aren't just commodities; they are the fundamental building blocks of the technologies that shape our world and our future.

🤝 Make the most of your money with a financial adviser

Get professional support 1:1 planning your finances: ⁠https://makingmoney.email/financial-advisors-audio⁠

⛑️ Free guides, courses and financial health check

Learn how to build long-term wealth in the UK: ⁠https://linktr.ee/makingmoneypod⁠

🎉 Sponsors

Odoo - test their Sign app for free: ⁠https://www.odoo.com/r/MM⁠

Vanta - Get your company secure and compliant, with $1k off: ⁠https://vanta.com/makingmoney⁠

Tide - Get up to 4.22% AER (variable) on your business savings. Use this link ⁠https://www.tide.co/offers/makingmoney⁠ or the code 'MAKINGMONEY'. You'll also get £100 if you fund your account with £5,000 in the first 30 days. Ts&Cs apply.

The more you save, the higher the rate—up to 4.22% AER (variable) on balances over £1M. New Tide members receive these rates free for 6 months, then your Tide plan’s savings rate and thresholds apply. Visit ⁠https://tide.co/savings⁠ for full terms and conditions.

📈 Investment platforms we use:

Trading 212

Watch this video where Damo explains how to get the most from it:⁠⁠ https://youtu.be/BVVZhrM0LVQ⁠⁠

Get a free share worth up to £100 when you sign up for a new Invest or ISA account and deposit at least £1.

Use the code ‘MM’ or this link:⁠⁠ https://www.trading212.com/join/MM⁠⁠

InvestEngine

Get up to a £50 bonus when you invest at least £100.

⁠⁠https://investengine.pxf.io/daOD2Q⁠⁠

Vanguard

Minimum investment of £500 or £100/month.

⁠⁠https://www.vanguardinvestor.co.uk/

–

If you purchase a product or service using one of the links above, we may receive a commission. There will be no additional charge for you. Remember investments can fall and rise - and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Other fees may apply. Your money is at risk.

This is not financial advice. The reason it’s not financial advice is because it’s not tailored to you. We explain the principles of building wealth but if you want personalised advice, it’s worth speaking to a financial advisor. As with everything financial, please do your own research. We really encourage that because no one cares more about your money than you and if you learn the basics then it will change your life.