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CleanTechies

#236 Critical Minerals: A Master Class on How to Win w/ Nicholaus Rohleder

Mar 4, 2025
42:33

We’re doing something a bit different…🤔

We’re exploring the urgent and evolving landscape of critical minerals with Nicholaus Rohleder from Climate Commodities. Nick, an investor and expert in the field, breaks down how the U.S. went from a leader in mineral production to heavy reliance on foreign sources—and why the time is now for entrepreneurs to help rebuild domestic supply chains.

Key Topics Covered:

  • The Rise and Fall of U.S. Mineral Production
  • Why Critical Minerals Matter More Than Ever
  • Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
  • The Capital Market Shift
  • U.S. Trade Policy and Tariffs
  • The Future of Clean Minerals
  • Mistakes Founders Make


Nick teaches a class on this at UPenn, so this is serious value ($$$) — if you’re a investor, policymaker, or entrepreneur looking to understand the critical minerals space, this is for you. 

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Links

Topics 

  • 01:23 Landscape of Critical Minerals
  • 05:06 Historical Context of U.S. Mineral Production
  • 09:53 Talent and Knowledge Gaps in the Industry
  • 12:10 The Need for Domestic Production
  • 20:30 The Key Minerals
  • 28:51 Opportunities in the Critical Minerals Value Chain
  • 34:32 Technological Innovations and Local Production
  • 43:05 Cost Dynamics

[Paywall Begins]

  • 44:04 Building Successful Companies in Critical Minerals
  • 46:52 Common Mistakes in the Critical Minerals Sector
  • 51:52 Current Trends in Capital Investment
  • 55:42 Investment Opportunities
  • 56:00 Advice for Start-ups in the Sector
  • 57:06 Government Involvement and Policy Implications


Support the show

Every ClimateTech Entrepreneur needs a reliable partner for their legal needs. Why settle for less than the best? 💪🏽

Reach out to Goodwin Law today; the
law firm of choice for hundreds of ClimateTech Entrepreneurs worldwide. They have you covered from funding docs to offtake contracts to IPO and M&A support. GoodwinLaw.com (and tell them CleanTechies sent you!)

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