E32: Hat Trick

In the first Global Lithium Podcast hat trick, Chris Berry is back for his third appearance—this time remotely. Joe is in North Carolina, Emily in Argentina, and Chris in New York. Together they take on...

In the first Global Lithium Podcast hat trick, Chris Berry is back for his third appearance—this time remotely. Joe is in North Carolina, Emily in Argentina, and Chris in New York. Together they take on the news that Nemaska is going to need CAD $375 million in additional financing, and what that is going to mean for the industry.

Chris shares his views on 2019, comparing the market to Winston Churchill and predicting falling spodumene prices as new Western Australian supply competes for currently limited conversion capacity in China.

Given that the much-hyped oversupply of lithium chemicals does not appear to be anywhere on the horizon, are automakers asleep at the wheel in what Joe describes as a “fool’s paradise?” He says the assumption is that lithium supply will magically appear without any action on automakers’ part. There three also discuss whether or not the US is willing to take the steps to take the lead in the battery space.

In light of the Livent (nee FMC) announcement that it will be exporting hydroxide produced in China, Emily takes advantage of the opportunity to pick Joe’s brain on hydroxide vs. carbonate pricing, and whether the headlong rush into hydroxide for high nickel cathodes is potentially overdone.

In case you, loyal listener, are wondering, Chris answers “rapid fire” questions and shares the story of a cheeseburger that brought him to tears.

We want to thank Zelandez for sponsoring this episode.

Live from our remote #GlobalLithiumPodcast recording with @cberry1 & @LithiumPodcast pic.twitter.com/pOIexafgDb

— Joe Lowry (@globallithium) February 13, 2019

This just in: Nemaska needs another CAD 375 million to complete their project. #Lithium isn't easy. Experience matters. $NMX @Nemaska – execution is everything. We will discuss this, $LTHM & more when we record E32 of the #GlobalLithiumPodcast later today. pic.twitter.com/EutZchw8E4

— Joe Lowry (@globallithium) February 13, 2019

About our sponsor: Zelandez is made up of trusted experts in lithium brinefield exploration services. To learn more, visit their website or LinkedInPage.