The Global Lithium Podcast

Carlos Vicens is the founder and CEO of Full Circle Lithium, a company that has developed an effective fire extinguishing agent for lithium fires. As the world moves to electric transportation and large scale BESS (battery energy storage systems) the risk to life and property from lithium fires has grown exponentially. Full Circle Lithium believes their FCL-X product is a viable solution to the problem.Topics:How significant an issue are lithium fires?Why lithium fires are so challenging to extinguishThe teamPartnershipsThe regulatory environmentShould lithium fires have a special classification?Fire testsHow FCL-X worksTraining fire departmentsPlaying with (lithium) fireNext steps

Austin Devaney has a wealth of lithium experience from a decade with Rockwood/Albemarle, his time with Piedmont Lithium and his new advisory business: Li7 Charged.Topics:The state of the industrySupply/demandChina's price strategy The importance of Rio Tinto's entryThe rush to AfricaA "China build" vs the WestThe new cost curveThe future of US lithiumCathode (ex China)Elon dramaAlbemarle's woesWhat is the incentive price?Rapid fire

Dr Frank Jackel is the co-founder and Managing Director of Metals Hub (metals-hub.com @metals-hub on X).Metals Hub is a leading software solutions provider that optimizes procurement processes. One of the most significant issues facing the lithium industry is lack of clarity on pricing. Metals Hub is part of the solution to that problem. I have no financial interest in Metals Hub. Nor was I compensated for having them on the podcast.Topics: What Metals Hub doesThe need for price transparencyAlbemarle - the first lithium clientThe mechanics of a lithium sales eventBenefits to clients beyond auctionsThe trend toward spot pricingThe advantage of being based outside ChinaProviding a level of trust in the marketWhen will the lithium market mature?The future influence of AIRapid fire

Listener questions shed light on inventory management and supply chain challenges in the lithium industry. Insights from a Florida conference reveal market fluctuations, especially China's influence, and Brazil's emerging opportunities. The future of solid-state batteries is debated alongside challenges in lithium extraction technology. Reflections on trust within the industry highlight personal stories, while memories of music spark nostalgia. The host also shares exciting future plans for engagement with listeners.

Andy Leyland (@andyleyland1 on X) is the founder and MD of Supply Chain Insights (@insights_SC on X). Supply Chain Insights is a leading advisory firm on all things related to the lithium ion battery supply chain.Topics:State of the LIB supply chainChina vs the rest of the worldBattery demand growth in 2025Korea's bet on the USIs LFP "the answer" for North America?President Trump and critical metalsMarket "reset" or "new normal"CATL's lepidolite restartPrice in 2025 and beyondThe incentive price for western projectsContracts: the latest trendsThe cost curveConversion projects ex ChinaThe change industry structure (Rio, Exxon, etc)The futures market

The first episode of 2025 is a double episode covering the two most significant demand drivers of lithium: electric transportation and battery energy storage systems. My guests are two experts in their respective fields: Tu Le from Sino Auto Insights and Henrique Ribeiro from S&P Global. Topics: State of the NEV market The rise of PHEVs Autonomous vehicles Zeekr (Geely) & Waymo Top Chinese NEV companies Tariffs Tesla Thinning the herd Legacy OEMs: who survives? FSD Battery energy storage systems (BESS) BESS impact on lithium demand The economics of BESS Sodium ion: not ready for prime time How real is battery "second life"? BESS in 2030

Daniel Jimenez and I discuss the following topics based on listener questions: 2024 Surprises Lithium demand Trends in EV adoption PHEVs BESS growth The incentive price The cost curve Inventory Rio - Arcadium Africa's potential Price VW - Patriot Canada Argentina Ex China conversion LFP The "Trump" impact Rapid fire

This episode takes a deep dive into the Lithium Americas Thacker Pass project . My guests are LAC GM Hugh Broadhurst and R&D Manager Ryan Ravenelle.Topics:What makes Thacker Pass special?Working with a major mining partnerThe significance of the Reno Tech CenterBenefits of being in a “mining” stateProduct specificationsThe TeamInfrastructureLogisticsThe “Goldilocks” sulfuric acid plantSustainabilityCommunity supportThe project timelineChallengesThe cost curveRapid fire

Dale Henderson (@henderson_dale on X) is the Managing Director & CEO of Pilbara Minerals. I was honored to have him join me for the 200th episode. Topics: Pilbara’s four strategic pillars The wild ride for lithium (& Pilbara) Swing supply created by 2022 pricing The steepening cost curve Unsustainable pricing in 2024 The coming shortage Continuing to be nimble Managing through volatility The POSCO JV & other world class partners Where Pilbara sits on the cost curve Growth and the Latin Resources acquisition The arrival of big balance sheets to lithium Brazil as a lithium jurisdiction Keeping the team motivated Two questions from Dale Rapid fire

Dan Blondal aka "the man with one tweet" is the CEO of Nano One (TSX: NANO / OTC: NNOMF). Topics: A world class suite of partners The battery challenge Why ex China cathode capacity matters China's current LFP dominance Why the west has to do LFP differently The importance of ESS as a catalyst "Design one - build many" Will Japan make a battery comeback? The importance of the DOD investment Staying the course Rapid fire