Rock Stock Channel

Lithium Market Reset? August Scoreboard, Price Drivers & Developers To Watch (with Howard, Rodney & Matt) After a bullish summer for mining equities, we break down the August 31 lithium scoreboard, the bounce in chemical producers and spodumene names, and what really matters next for lithium prices. We cover inventories in China, the impact of CapEx cuts, and why low-cost producers and DMS-only developers may be the best risk/reward right now. This episode also features a catchup interview with Q2 Metals' (TSXV: QTWO) CEO, Alicia Milne, and VP Exploration, Neil McCallum following their September 4th press release on the Cisco Lithium Project in Quebec, Canada. Topics include: Q2’s C$26M financing, increased drill activity with multiple rigs, upcoming assay results, infill drilling strategy, and the roadmap toward their first mineral resource estimate (targeted Q1 2026). Neil details the latest metallurgical testing (HLS/DMS), recovery rates, and next steps in bulk sampling, while Alicia outlines marketing and investor outreach plans across Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, New York, London, and Zurich. What You’ll Learn: - Market Check: Why the rally looks more like a technical correction than a new supercycle—so far. - Price Drivers: Why falling inventories (days of supply in China) matter more than headlines. - Strategy: Focus on low-cost brine & hard-rock producers and DMS-only developers (lower CapEx/opex). - CapEx Crunch: How investment slowdowns set up supply tightness 2–4 years out. - Energy Storage Boom: Solar + BESS economics improving fast; tech leaps from 2 MWh to 5–9 MWh containers. - Due Diligence: Watch cash flow vs. reported costs—reporting standards vary widely in lithium mining. - Q2 Metals Deep Dive: Financing, drill program ramp-up, Cisco exploration update, metallurgical test results, and global investor roadshow plans. Companies & Themes Mentioned: Producers/Developers: Lithium Argentina, Sigma Lithium, Atlantic Lithium, Q2 Metals, Lithium Ionic, Atlas Lithium, Core Lithium, Sayona–Piedmont (NAL), Vulcan, Standard Lithium, POSCO. Topics: DMS vs. flotation, DLE brine, spodumene, inventories in China, incentive prices, CapEx cuts, EV batteries, BESS, solar + storage, rare earths (MP Materials, Lynas). 👍 If you value independent lithium analysis, hit Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications. 💬 Tell us which developer you think is most undervalued—and why. 📖 Chapters (00:00) Introduction (03:18) Bottom Call & Scoreboard (04:26) YTD Leaders & Equity Signals (05:10) Strategy: Low-Cost Producers & DMS (07:40) Price Outlook: Inventories & Incentives (09:38) Capex Cuts & 2-4 Year Setup (11:06) Solar Boom & Storage Demand (14:45) Mining Margins & Reporting (16:37) Scoreboard Segments, Raises & M&A (20:38) Vetting Developers & Key Names (24:31) Quebec: Sayona-Piedmont & NAL (27:11) Q2 Metals (30:16) Assay Results and Exploration Strategy (33:25) Winter Drill Program and Resource Estimate Goals (34:35) Assays Beyond Lithium (35:39) Metallurgical Testing and Results (37:41) Next Steps in Metallurgy and Bulk Sampling (41:57) Exploration Focus and Upcoming News Flow (43:31) Permitting, Camp Development, and Operations Update (44:14) Marketing and Global Investor Outreach (45:30) MRE Timeline (45:46) Closing Remarks 🌍 Links - Read Matt’s research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for the Lithium Ion Bull newsletter: https://rkequity.com/ - Catch our 2.5-hour Spaces replay with 1,500+ listeners: https://x.com/i/spaces/1kvJpMDgAyLxE - For Q2 Metals research coverage (Canaccord, Argonaut), email: rockstockchannel@rkequity.com - Q2 Metals Website: https://www.q2metals.com/ - Follow Q2 Metals on X: https://x.com/Q2Metals | LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/q2-metals-corp 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

Howard and Rodney return with another Rock Stock Channel update, speaking with Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) Chairman Iggy Tan. In this interview, we cover the company’s evolving strategy as it balances long-term lithium ambitions with a new entry into solar panel recycling and silver recovery. Lithium Universe began with the goal of building a lithium carbonate refinery in Bécancour, Quebec, supported by a completed DFS. While awaiting a lithium market recovery, the company has diversified through the acquisition of global rights to a PV cell recycling technology developed at Macquarie University. This innovation could unlock value by separating solar panel materials efficiently and recovering silver at scale. Key topics discussed: - Lithium Universe’s counter-cyclical approach to lithium refining in Canada - Why margins in lithium conversion remain robust despite market volatility - The scale of end-of-life solar panel waste and silver recovery potential - Details of Macquarie University’s microwave and electrochemical recycling process - Outlook for silver demand, supply deficits, and pricing trends - Upcoming milestones: pilot work, potential partnerships, and grant applications - Broader lithium supply-demand dynamics in North America, Europe, and China With a market cap of ~A$16 million and a share price up nearly 3x from its June placement, Lithium Universe offers investors exposure to both critical battery metals and emerging recycling opportunities. 📖 Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:48) Iggy Tan's Lithium Background (02:59) Lithium Universe Strategy and Refinery Plans (05:13) Economics of Lithium Conversion Outside China (07:30) Global Push for Renewable Energy and PV Adoption (09:03) Solar Panel Waste and Recycling Opportunities (10:57) Macquarie University Recycling Technology (16:05) Commercialization and Global Expansion Plans (16:57) Next Steps: Pilot Plant and Partnerships (17:43) Milestones for Investors (6-12 Months) (19:40) Lithium Market Dynamics: Supply, Demand, and Recovery (23:23) Closing Remarks 🌍 Links LU7 Website: https://www.lithiumuniverse.com/ Follow on X: https://x.com/lithiumuniverse | https://x.com/TanIggy 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 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.