Rock Stock Channel

In August 2025's Recharge podcast, co-presenters Matt Fernley (Battery Materials Review) and Cormac O'Laoire (Electrios Energy) discuss some of the recent key talking points in the battery industry, including: - The China lithium shutdowns, their impact on the industry and outlook - Development on US tariffs and anti-dumping duties in the battery supply chain, with a particular focus on graphite and anode materials - The MP Materials/DoD deal and potential impacts on the battery chain - What do price floors mean for materials markets and projects? - EV sales update and discussion - Discussion on commercial vehicle sales CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction (02:01) Lithium Prices and Chinese Regulations (06:55) Impact on Supply and China's Strategy Shift (12:33) US Tariffs on Graphite and Anode Materials (18:00) Graphite Industry Outlook & Silicon Anodes (23:53) US Defense, Rare Earths, and Price Floors (36:50) Global EV Market Trends & BYD Expansion (42:58) Commercial EV Growth and Battery Swapping _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast:   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq X (Twitter):   Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull   Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13   Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode, I attended The Metals Company Strategy Day to gain a first-hand look at the company’s progress, leadership, and investor perspectives. Over the course of the event, I heard from a diverse group of board members, early backers, and strategic advisors—many of whom have deep backgrounds in energy transition, large-scale infrastructure, and venture capital. Their insights underscored why TMC is pursuing a unique opportunity in deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection and processing, and how the company is positioning itself as a pioneer in a new resource industry. Management and board members discussed the long-term need for critical minerals, the regulatory path ahead, and the steps taken to de-risk the project both offshore and onshore. Several speakers noted that TMC has moved from capital-heavy to capital-light strategies, with partnerships, careful cost management, and targeted debt financing helping to weather challenging market conditions. Importantly, the company recently announced a $23.6 billion net present value across its Nori-D and U.S. seabed mining areas—marking a major milestone in its journey toward production. Throughout the day, it was clear that retail investors remain a vital part of TMC’s shareholder base. Many attendees have been supporting the company for years, through both market highs and lows, and their conviction was evident. The management team made a point of recognizing this group’s role in spreading awareness, countering misconceptions, and keeping the conversation active in investor communities. If you’re a retail investor following the critical minerals space—or simply interested in how an emerging industry can reshape global supply chains—this Strategy Day offered valuable insight into both the opportunities and the challenges ahead for The Metals Company. If you found this discussion valuable, please subscribe, like, and comment. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction (01:56) Board of Directors (16:13) OG Investors (29:02) Retail Investors Award Ceremony (31:16) Brian Paes-Braga (33:22) Andrei Karkar (41:23) Gerard Barron (43:47) Nasdaq _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast:   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq X (Twitter):   Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull   Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13   Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode, we interview Koby Kushner, CEO of Libra Energy Materials (CSE: LIBR), a new lithium exploration company focused on hard rock projects in Canada. We cover the company’s lean growth strategy, key lithium assets in Ontario and Quebec, the $33M earn-in deal with KoBold Metals, and its approach to M&A in today’s buyer’s market. Topics include: - Low-cost, high-impact exploration methods - Insider ownership and shareholder alignment - Infrastructure advantages for bulk lithium production - Criteria for funding and building lithium projects in Canada - Expansion opportunities beyond Canada - Upcoming exploration results and acquisition plans A must-watch for retail investors following lithium stocks, Canadian mining, and the battery materials sector. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction (02:02) Koby's Background (04:16) Lean Business Strategy for Surviving Market Downturns (09:02) Insider Ownership and Major Stakeholders (10:43) Focus Beyond Lithium and Critical Metals Potential (12:06) $33M Earn-In Deal with KoBold Metals (14:57) Key Neighbors and Competitive Landscape (16:08) Overview of Other Owned Projects (18:59) Infrastructure Advantages for Hard Rock Lithium (21:08) Criteria for Successful Lithium Projects in Canada (23:06) Acquisition vs. Greenfield Exploration Strategy (24:57) Expansion Beyond Canada (25:47) Maintaining a Clean Share Structure (27:47) Upcoming Milestones and Investor Updates _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast:   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq X (Twitter):   Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull   Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13   Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode, Rodney and I sit down with Craig Shesky, CFO of The Metals Company (TMC), to unpack the key takeaways from TMC’s recent Nasdaq Strategy Day, the release of its first-ever nodule reserves, and the detailed Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). Howard opens with a recap of the event’s unique mix of investor engagement, global shareholder turnout, and industry partnerships, while Rodney leads Craig through the numbers, timelines, and business strategy. Craig outlines the PFS results, including an 18-year mine life, $5.5 billion NPV, low C1 cash costs for nickel due to strong byproduct credits, and the plan for capital-light development using existing assets. The discussion covers the expected Q4 2027 production start date, the role of key partners like Allseas and Korea Zinc, and the roadmap for building U.S.-based refining capacity. We also examine commodity price sensitivities, how TMC’s position on the cost curve offers resilience in volatile markets, and the opportunities arising from global supply challenges—particularly in nickel. Craig provides insight into the Phase Two Initial Assessment for expanded resource areas, projecting significant additional NPV potential, and shares the latest on the commercial recovery permit process, including regulatory engagement at multiple levels of the U.S. government. Whether you’re a long-term TMC shareholder or following the critical minerals space for the first time, this conversation offers a clear, grounded look at the company’s strategy, economic outlook, and operational milestones ahead. If you found this discussion valuable, please subscribe, like, and comment. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction (07:21) PFS Overview and First-Ever Nodule Reserves (10:24) Capital-Light Development Model and Partnerships (15:01) Commodity Price Sensitivity and Market Outlook (18:12) Timeline to First Commercial Production in 2027 (21:00) Phase Two Expansion and Initial Assessment Highlights (25:06) Commercial Recovery Permit Application Update (26:14) Closing Remarks _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast:   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq X (Twitter):   Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull   Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13   Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode, Howard and Matt are joined by Former Bear, Chris Robb from Chris Robb Consulting and Uber Bull, YJ Lee of Arcane Capital for an in-depth discussion on the current state of the lithium market and where it could be heading. Chris, with a background in commodity trading and equity analysis, offers insights into the dynamics of lithium pricing, incentive prices needed for new projects, and challenges facing unconventional lithium sources like sedimentary clays and Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). He emphasizes that even with lithium prices rising, careful project selection remains essential, as high-cost projects may still face difficulties without significant government support. YJ, known for his bullish demand forecasts, provides a thorough analysis of lithium demand driven by rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) markets. Drawing on his extensive tracking of global lithium mines and detailed modeling, YJ argues that current demand growth could significantly outpace supply in the coming years, creating potential investment opportunities. The conversation explores critical themes, including: - Forecasts for lithium demand and supply through 2030 - Prospects for unconventional lithium technologies (DLE, sediments, geothermal) - Views on incentive pricing and realistic price scenarios - Implications of geopolitical factors and strategic government investment - The outlook for mergers and acquisitions in the lithium space Both guests share nuanced perspectives on how retail investors might position themselves during this critical period in the lithium market cycle. If you found this discussion valuable, please subscribe, like, and comment. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00:00) Introduction (00:04:03) Positions & YJ's Bull Case (00:08:32) Price Bottom vs. Upside Debate (00:14:30) Demand vs. Supply & Role of BESS (00:22:03) Storage Tech Improvements (00:24:13) EV Adoption & Battery Sizes (00:31:23) Supply Economics & Incentive Prices (00:47:38) Strategic Supply & China/West Split (00:55:42) Key Players & M&A Outlook (01:05:29) Price Momentum & Investment Takeaways _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 Chris' website: https://crobbconsulting.com/ RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast:   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq X (Twitter):   Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull   Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13   Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode, I'm joined by two top analysts from TD Cowen, John Miller and David Deckelbaum, to discuss the evolving landscape for critical minerals, renewable energy, and commodity markets under the Trump administration's "Big Beautiful Bill." John provides valuable insights from Washington DC, exploring the significant shifts in U.S. government policy related to energy dominance, critical minerals, and recent legislative changes. We discuss the impacts of the administration's executive orders, permitting hurdles, and how the Department of Defense (DOD) is stepping in to strategically support domestic critical mineral projects. David shares his expertise from New York, giving an investor-focused perspective on how these policy changes are affecting key equities in lithium, rare earths, and energy markets. We dig into the sophisticated recent deal between MP Materials and the DOD, discuss the dynamics affecting lithium pricing and oversupply concerns, and explore implications for lithium companies such as Albemarle, Lithium Americas, Lithium Argentina, Piedmont, and Lithium Royalty Corp. We also cover broader investment themes, including whether the recent market recovery in commodity and battery-related stocks has staying power, and how developments in AI, robotics, and trade policy with China could shape the market narrative going forward. This conversation is designed to help retail investors better understand the complex dynamics at play in the critical minerals sector, providing context for informed investment decisions. If you found this interview valuable, please subscribe, like, and comment. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction and Commodity Market Rebound (04:03) Trump Administration's Energy Policy Toolkit (09:37) Permitting Challenges and Renewable Project Delays (14:11) DOE Loan Program Office and Energy Dominance Financing (19:18) Expiration Timeline for Critical Minerals Tax Credit (20:37) DOD Funding for Critical Minerals and Defense Partnerships (31:33) Heavy Rare Earth Sourcing and Recycling Solutions (41:39) David's Coverage of Key Lithium Companies (48:02) Lithium Market Interest and Short Covering Trends (55:40) Trump-Elon Relations and China Trade Deal Implications _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast:   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq X (Twitter):   Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull   Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13   Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode, Howard and Matt sit down with Alicia Milne, CEO of Q2 Metals, and Neil McCallum, VP of Exploration, for an in-depth discussion on recent developments at the company's flagship Cisco lithium project in Quebec’s James Bay region. Key topics discussed include Q2's recently announced exploration target, estimating lithium mineralization at Cisco between 215 and 329 million tons grading between 1% and 1.38% Li₂O, making it potentially one of the largest undeveloped lithium projects globally. We also explore Q2's successful upsized financing of CAD $26 million through a charitable flow-through structure—a transaction significantly oversubscribed by institutional investors and notably executed without warrants or hold periods, highlighting strong investor interest. Neil provides detailed insights into the geology of the Cisco project, discussing current drilling plans, expected timelines for a maiden resource estimate, mineralization extent, and logistics advantages due to Cisco’s proximity to existing rail infrastructure. The discussion offers clarity on Q2’s pathway to ownership of the property and addresses investor questions around potential future dilution and upcoming milestones. For more detailed research reports from Canaccord and Argonaut, please contact us at rockstockchannel@rkequity.com Visit Q2 Metals online at: https://q2metals.com If you found this interview valuable, please subscribe, like, and comment. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction (04:17) Upsized CA$26M Financing & Institutional Participation (09:51) Introduction to Neil (11:05) Geological Rationale and Drill Spacing (14:15) Mineralization Extent and Drilling Plans (19:19) Property Ownership and Option Structure (20:31) Cisco's Size in Relation to Peers (23:03) Maiden Resource Timeline and Upcoming Results (24:15) Infrastructure and Logistics Considerations (25:58) Closing Remarks _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast:   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq X (Twitter):   Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull   Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13   Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

Matt Fernley, a seasoned industry expert and partner at RK Equity, dives into the critical minerals market with insights from his 25 years as a geologist and equity analyst. He discusses the resurgence of lithium pricing and the importance of building a diversified ex-China supply chain. The conversation moves to underappreciated commodities, including high-purity manganese and alumina's role in battery tech. Fernley highlights investment prospects amid geopolitical shifts and the strategic importance of rare earth metals, including neodymium and dysprosium.

In this episode of Rock Stock Channel's "Getting To Know You" series, I speak with Bruce Richardson, Executive Chairman and CEO of Anson Resources (ASX: ASN | OTC: ANSNF). We explore Anson's strategic positioning within the North American lithium landscape, with a detailed discussion on their flagship Green River Project located in Utah's Paradox Basin. Bruce shares his extensive background, highlighting his and the management team's deep experience in China and critical minerals. We discuss why Anson pivoted from its initial graphite ambitions to focus on lithium brine extraction, driven by favorable economics and strategic market demand shifts, especially considering recent geopolitical factors. The conversation then centers around Anson’s recent partnership milestones, including a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korean lithium producer POSCO and successful direct lithium extraction (DLE) pilot results in collaboration with Koch Technology Solutions. Bruce explains the distinct advantages of the Green River site, including its impressive infrastructure, relatively straightforward permitting process, high-pressure brine reservoirs, and low impurity profile. We also address Anson’s ongoing plans, including resource expansion drilling, further feasibility studies, final permitting stages, and the company's financing strategy—covering their LOI from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and potential corporate partnerships and offtake agreements. Finally, Bruce touches on Anson’s additional non-lithium assets, including uranium and vanadium at Yellow Cat, and other critical mineral projects in Western Australia, providing insight into potential value-unlocking strategies. This interview aims to help retail investors better understand Anson Resources' unique position in the evolving lithium industry, particularly within the increasingly important context of North American energy security. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction (02:27) Management Team Background & China Expertise (03:30) Strategic Pivot to Lithium and Utah Focus (04:30) Discovery of Paradox Basin Lithium (05:33) Transition Strategy to Green River Project (07:57) Green River Site Attributes & Approvals (09:46) Resource Economics & CapEx Outlook (15:08) Brine Purity & Extraction Advantages (18:29) POSCO Partnership MOU Overview (23:08) Koch Technology Pilot Plant Results (26:29) De-Risking Steps & Path to Final Investment Decision (28:12) Permitting Progress (30:24) Financing Strategy & Offtake Agreements (32:26) Other Critical Minerals Projects (34:52) Anson's Role in the US Lithium Market (40:27) Potential US Listing? (41:08) Closing Remarks _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast:   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq X (Twitter):   Howard: https://twitter.com/LithiumIonBull   Rodney: https://twitter.com/RodneyHooper13 _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein

In this episode myself and Rodney sit down again with Chris Evans, CEO of Winsome Resources (ASX: WR1), for an in-depth discussion on the latest developments within the company and the broader lithium market environment. We cover Winsome’s current valuation and share-price performance, reflecting on factors behind the significant market downturn, particularly within Canadian lithium equities. Chris provides insights into the strategic rationale behind Winsome’s decisions on the Renard diamond mine option—originally seen as a potentially transformative, low-capex opportunity—that the company now cautiously approaches amid changing market conditions. We also explore Winsome’s flagship Adina lithium project in Quebec, highlighting its advantages such as high-grade ore, favourable strip ratios, and simple processing via Dense Media Separation (DMS). Chris updates us on the permitting process, emphasizing recent positive regulatory developments that offer a clear path forward despite challenging market dynamics. Additionally, Chris shares details about Winsome’s promising cesium exploration activities at the Sirmac-Clapier property, noting upcoming exploration milestones and emphasizing Canada’s strategic position in the global cesium market. Finally, we touch on Winsome’s current cash position, its careful cash-preservation strategy, and the potential scenarios for strategic partnerships involving the Quebec government and other stakeholders. As always, this conversation is meant to offer retail investors measured insights into Winsome Resources, the lithium and critical minerals sector, and the nuances of project advancement in challenging markets. CHAPTERS 📖 (00:00) Introduction (06:50) Renard Option Overview & Partnership Dynamics (12:56) Adina Project Strengths & Standalone Value (14:13) Renewable Energy Storage Demand Outlook (17:45) Adina Environmental Permitting Update & Impact Assessment Pathway (20:03) Cesium Exploration Program at Sirmac-Clapier (23:53) Financial Position & Cash Management Strategy (26:56) Strategic Investment Landscape (29:44) Renard Option Deadline (35:56) Closing Remarks _________________________________________________ Links 🌍 Previous Winsome Resources' Episodes: 1. Power Metals and Winsome Resources at PDAC 2025: https://youtu.be/F9EgOFPclx8 2. Winsome Resources' C$1 Billion Lithium Play: High Returns, Low Risk - Chris Evans: https://youtu.be/8mlGlQMrtE4 3. On Site with Winsome Resources: https://youtu.be/bwpjaY98w5E RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast:   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq X (Twitter):   Howard: https://twitter.com/LithiumIonBull   Rodney: https://twitter.com/RodneyHooper13 _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein