Gallium, Hafnium & the Strategic Metals Shaping Our World w/ Louis O’Connor, Strategic Metals Invest - EP276

Show host Gene Tunny speaks with Louis O’Connor, CEO of Strategic Metals Invest, about the increasing demand for strategic metals like gallium, hafnium, and indium—essential for modern technology. They discuss China’s dominance in rare earth processing, the geopolitical stakes, and how supply chain vulnerabilities could impact global markets. Louis also shares insights into investing in these scarce resources.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com.

Timestamps

• Introduction to Strategic Metals and Geopolitical Implications (0:00)
• Overview of Strategic Metals Invest (2:53)
• China's Dominance in Rare Earths (4:00)
• Characteristics and Importance of Strategic Metals (14:55)
• Investment in Strategic Metals (16:11)
• Geopolitical Risks and Supply Concentration (23:33)
• Private Investment and Market Opportunities (32:45)
• Historical Context and Future Outlook (43:09)
• Market Volatility and Investment Strategies (46:49)
• Partnership Opportunities and Future Growth (49:46)

Takeaways

1. Strategic metals are crucial – Essential for semiconductors, defence, and energy transition, these metals are essential for modern technology.
2. China dominates rare earth processing – While reserves exist elsewhere, China leads in refining, creating supply chain risks.
3. Investing in scarcity – Private investors can own and store strategic metals, profiting from increasing demand and limited supply.
4. Geopolitical tensions impact prices – Trade restrictions and conflicts can drive scarcity-driven price spikes.
5. The West is racing to catch up – The U.S., Australia, and Europe are working to develop independent supply chains, but progress is slow.

Links relevant to the conversation

Strategic Metals Invest website:

https://strategicmetalsinvest.com/

Lynas Rare Earths (Australia’s Leading Rare Earth Producer):

https://lynasrareearths.com/

US DoD article “Securing Critical Minerals Vital to National Security, Official Says”:
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4026144/securing-critical-minerals-vital-to-national-security-official-says/

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Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.