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The Age of Electricity is creating enormous opportunities in the critical minerals investment thematic. Howard, Rodney and Matt provide in-depth discussions with major developers and analysts covering lithium battery metals, rare earths, and many other specialty commodities.

  1. 13 HRS AGO

    Zimbabwe Supply Shock, US Energy Storage, Rare Earth Developers Lag, Q2 Metals Drill Results

    Zimbabwe Halts Lithium Exports | 6–7% Global Supply Shock? | Q2 Metals High-Grade Hits & Maiden MRE Coming In this episode of Rock Stock Recap, we (Howard Klein, Matt Fernley, and Rodney Hooper) break down what could be one of the most important lithium policy developments of the year: Zimbabwe’s sudden suspension of lithium concentrate exports — including cargo already in transit. Zimbabwe represents ~6–7% of expected global lithium supply in 2026, and the language from the Ministry of Mines was unambiguous. Is this a short-term negotiating tactic tied to transfer pricing and royalties, or the start of a structural shift toward in-country beneficiation like Indonesia’s nickel strategy? Chapters (00:00) Intro (05:12) Zimbabwe Suspends Lithium Exports (07:12) Transfer Pricing Dispute (10:18) Duration of Export Halt (13:37) Rise of Lithium Sulfate? (17:07) Indonesia Nickel Comparison (23:31) Supply and Price Impact (25:20) Sodium-Ion Competition (26:49) China Lepidolite Context (29:49) Lithium Stocks Rally (30:54) Rare Earths and Minor Metals (32:36) PDAC and Policy Outlook (34:17) Q2 Metals: Drill Highlights (35:36) Open Pit Potential (36:58) Maiden Resource Update (38:05) Exploration Upside (39:11) Drilling And PEA Plans (40:09) Metallurgy And Consistency (41:04) Expansion Potential (42:25) Infrastructure Advantages (42:57) Upcoming Catalysts We discuss: - Lithium market impact — Is this a true supply shock? - What it means for spodumene prices, spot markets, and lithium stocks - Zimbabwe vs 🇮🇩 Indonesia — can midstream capacity be built first? - U.S. policy shift: DOE’s $27B loan package, battery storage & grid reliability - Record U.S. energy storage installations (57.6 GWh) — batteries as infrastructure - Rare earths, copper inventories & the broader hard-asset rotation - What to watch at PDAC and evolving Canada–U.S.–China critical minerals policy We also interview Neil McCallum of Q2 Metals, who discusses: - Long, high-grade lithium intercepts in Quebec - A potentially “open pittable” central zone - Four drill rigs currently turning - Maiden MRE targeted for end of quarter - PEA expected later this year - Exploration upside across a 20km greenstone belt If you’re following lithium prices, spodumene concentrate, energy storage demand, battery metals investing, rare earths, critical minerals policy, or junior mining exploration, this episode connects the macro supply story to real company-level catalysts. Sponsors - Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio. (Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty) - USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities). (Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments) Links - Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/ - Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/ Have a question? Drop us an email: rockstockchannel@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   Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley   Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13 _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER   NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Howard, Matt and Rodney 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

    45 min

  2. 20 FEB

    Pilbara Restarts, Albemarle Retreats, Manono Looms, Lithium Ionic (Keith Phillips & Mike Westendorf)

    In this Rock Stock Recap, we (Howard Klein and Matt Fernley) are joined by Keith Phillips—former CEO of Piedmont Lithium and now Executive Chairman of Q2 Metals—to discuss the latest developments across lithium and select rare earth themes. Including an interview with Lithium Ionic (TSXV: LTH) COO Mike Westendorf on the Bandeira project. Chapters (00:00:00) Intro (00:03:13) Keith's New Role At Q2 (00:05:10) BMO And PDAC Preview (00:07:12) Rare Earths Americas Update (00:08:39) Pilbara Restart And Supply (00:12:45) Quebec Infrastructure Edge (00:17:10) Albemarle Kemerton Shutdown (00:19:14) Conversion Location Debate (00:21:19) Consolidation And Priorities (00:29:36) Mangrove And Processing Plans (00:34:44) Manono Supply And Logistics (00:38:43) US-Canada Outlook (00:43:18) Lithium Ionic (00:44:39) Bandeira Project Location (00:46:04) Underground Mining Strategy (00:47:00) Feasibility Study And CapEx Reduction (00:49:32) Production Targets And Mine Life (00:50:09) Operating Costs And Advantages (00:53:31) Processing And Revenue Upside (00:55:56) Permitting Status And Progress (00:59:34) Construction Timeline (01:00:06) Financing And Funding Interest (01:01:28) Key Catalysts Ahead (01:02:08) Cash Position (01:02:40) Closing Remarks We start with our recent work on critical minerals policy, including a framework for prioritizing USGS-designated critical minerals, current Washington signals (including Project Vault and related announcements), and the upcoming House hearings for the Secure Minerals Act (Feb 24). From there, we turn to market-moving supply and project updates across the global lithium chain. Key discussion points include: • Q2 Metals and the Cisco spodumene discovery in James Bay, Quebec—resource timing, scale, grade, and infrastructure advantages • Mining conference season preview (BMO and PDAC) and what investor and strategic conversations tend to focus on • Rare Earths Americas—early-stage assets in the US and Brazil and the broader “Americas critical minerals” backdrop • Pilbara’s restart activity and what it signals about near-term latent capacity, plus broader supply visibility questions (including Africa) • Albemarle’s Kemerton decision and what it implies about conversion economics, capex risk, and where conversion can be competitive • Why infrastructure, logistics, and transport costs matter most when spodumene pricing is low—and how that shapes project selection and consolidation In the second half, we provide an update interview with Lithium Ionic (TSXV: LTH) COO Mike Westendorf on the Bandeira project in Brazil’s “Lithium Valley,” adjacent to operating peers. We cover: • Updated feasibility study highlights, including capex reduction and design changes to improve robustness through price cycles • Operating cost drivers (processing route, power, local supply chain, and logistics) and the role of ore sorting / DMS • Permitting status, recent regulatory developments, and the expected pathway to FID and production timelines • Current financing environment, potential funding structures, and near-term catalysts through 2026 Sponsors - Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio. (Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty) - USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities). (Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments) Links - Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/ - Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/ Have a question? Drop us an email: rockstockchannel@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 Howard, Matt and Rodney 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

    1h 5m

  3. 18 FEB

    Lithium - The Most Critical Mineral?

    Howard Klein of RK Equity discusses the Trump administration's Project Vault initiative and explains how a strategic lithium reserve could help boost the country's efforts to create secure supply chains.  “The goal of a strategic lithium reserve is to stabilize prices and allow the industry to develop,” he explained. “If prices fall too low, the reserve would step in as a buyer. If prices spike too high, it could sell into the market.” This interview was filmed on February 13, 2026. Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:30) What is Project Vault? (09:02) Ranking critical minerals (21:43) China's lithium influence (25:40) What about midstream? (30:35) Western skills shortage  (36:13) Strategic Lithium Reserve (44:06) Energy storage outlook (50:57) Phosphate's key role (57:49) Outro Sponsors - Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio. (Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty) - USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities). (Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments) Links - Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/ - Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/ Have a question? Drop us an email: rockstockchannel@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 Howard, Matt and Rodney 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

    59 min

  4. 17 FEB

    Lithium from Oilfields - LibertyStream: Commercial Production Timeline, US Listing | Alex Wylie

    Alex Wylie, CEO of LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners (TSXV: LIB | OTCQB: VLTLF), discusses the company’s evolving strategy to produce lithium carbonate from existing oil and gas infrastructure in the United States. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (03:34) Rebranding And Permian Basin Strategy (04:55) Production Progress And Key Milestones (07:33) Funding And Select Water Partnership (08:42) North Dakota Expansion And Military Supply (11:18) Offtake Progress And Grant Support (13:18) Select Water Partnership Benefits (15:12) Modular Growth And Scaling Strategy (17:32) Upcoming Milestones And Offtake Plans (18:46) Investor Support And Leadership Hire (20:46) U.S. Listing And Redomicile Plans (21:49) Government Support And U.S. Strategy (25:25) Production Roadmap And Expansion Timeline (27:49) Technical Vs Battery Grade Strategy (30:32) Long-Term Scaling Strategy (31:41) Closing And Future Outlook Liberty Stream, formerly Volt Lithium, is focused on extracting lithium from oilfield brines in major basins such as the Permian Basin and North Dakota, converting what has traditionally been considered a waste stream into a source of critical minerals. We cover Liberty Stream’s transition from pilot-scale operations to commercial readiness, including its in-field refining unit, progress toward its first 1,000-ton-per-year lithium carbonate production target, and its differentiated strategy of serving industrial and technical-grade lithium markets initially. This approach may enable faster commercialization compared to conventional lithium development projects, while leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce capital intensity and accelerate time to market. Alex explains the rationale behind the company’s rebranding and relocation to Texas, its partnership with Select Water Solutions for pretreatment infrastructure, and ongoing offtake discussions with prospective customers. We also discuss Liberty Stream’s capital raises totaling approximately $25 million, grant support from North Dakota, and its roadmap to scale production through modular expansion across multiple basins. From our perspective, Liberty Stream’s strategy represents an alternative approach to lithium supply development in North America, particularly as demand for domestically sourced critical minerals continues to grow. We examine key milestones achieved over the past year, the company’s commercial production timeline, and what investors and industry participants should watch for in 2026, including potential offtake agreements, expansion plans, and a possible future U.S. listing. Topics covered in this interview include: • Liberty Stream Infrastructure Partners overview and strategy • Direct lithium extraction (DLE) from oilfield brines • Permian Basin lithium production and infrastructure partnerships • Industrial vs battery-grade lithium carbonate markets • Commercial production targets and modular scaling strategy • Capital raises, grant funding, and investor support • U.S. critical minerals supply chain and domestic lithium production • Potential U.S. listing and corporate redomicile to Texas • Lithium market outlook and key milestones ahead Sponsors - Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio. (Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty) - USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities). (Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments ) Links - Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/ - Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/ Have a question? Drop us an email: rockstockchannel@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 Howard, Matt and Rodney 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

    33 min

  5. 14 FEB

    Critical Minerals Don’t Fail on Permits - They Fail on Price (Arnab Datta & Alex Turnbull)

    Arnab Datta (Employ America) and Alex Turnbull (investor and long-time critical minerals practitioner) sit down with Howard Klein to unpack the policy shift now underway in Washington on critical minerals, rare earths, and battery materials. Chapters (00:00) The Market Stabilization Gap (03:08) Prioritizing Key Minerals (05:14) Guests and Their Focus (10:31) Why Volatility Blocks Investment (15:44) Project Vault and Forge Overview (21:04) Processing Limits and Stockpiling (26:46) SECURE Minerals Act Explained (30:09) Why a New Corporation Model (35:39) Path to Passing the Bill (39:36) What to Include and Why Lithium (44:02) How the Reserve Would Intervene (47:56) China-U.S. Supply Chain Strategy (54:30) Demand Challenges and Oversupply (58:24) Wrap-Up Over the past several weeks, the U.S. conversation has moved from whether government should intervene to how—with new tools emerging across trade, finance, permitting reform, allied supply chains, and stockpiling. We discuss the rollout of Project Vault and the broader Forge effort, alongside recent congressional momentum on supply-side legislation. The focus of this interview is the “missing layer” in the U.S. toolkit: market stabilization. Long-cycle mineral supply chains don’t fail only because of permitting delays—they fail because extreme price volatility can crush investment in downturns and create affordability and security risks in upswings. Arnab and Alex explain why China’s influence isn’t just about overcapacity, but also about control of pricing benchmarks and market infrastructure. We then dive into the SECURE Minerals Act and its proposal for a Strategic Resiliency Reserve—a standing institution designed to stabilize critical minerals markets across cycles, rather than reacting after disruptions occur. We explore how a resiliency reserve could complement (not compete with) initiatives like Project Vault, and why lithium may be the most practical first test case. If you’re tracking U.S. industrial policy, supply chain security, battery metals, and the evolving U.S.–China dynamic in critical minerals, this discussion is a useful framework for understanding what’s changing—and what still needs to be built. Topics covered • Project Vault, FORGE, and the expanding U.S. critical minerals toolkit • Why price volatility is a core bottleneck for investment and supply growth • China’s role in supply, processing, and benchmark pricing infrastructure • SECURE Minerals Act and the Strategic Resiliency Reserve concept • Why lithium and magnet materials are central to electrification and defense • The demand question: EV incentives, AI energy demand, and commercial scale Sponsors - Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio. (Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty) - USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities). (Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments) Links - Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/ - Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/ Have a question? Drop us an email: rockstockchannel@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 Howard, Matt and Rodney 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

    1h 1m

  6. 12 FEB

    Recharge Feb26 (China, EV Sales, Sodium-Ion, Europe, Lithium)

    In February 2026’s Recharge podcast, co-presenters Matt Fernley (Battery Materials Review) and Cormac O’Laoire (Electrios Energy) discuss key developments across battery materials and EV markets, including:   • China EV pricing dynamics around Chinese New Year, destocking, and continued price competition • Shifts in EV and PHEV mix, subsidy effects, and market-share gains by smaller Chinese automakers • Sodium-ion positioning versus lithium-ion, with focus on energy density, cold-weather use cases, and supply-chain constraints • Europe and US demand divergence, including affordable model availability in Europe and weak US momentum post tax-credit removal • Lithium price volatility driven by speculative positioning, GFX dynamics, inventory context, and implications for project feasibility and ESS costs   Chapters (00:00) Intro (02:00) China: EV Price War (06:17) Sodium-Ion Reality Check (09:52) China EV Mix Shifts (19:16) Europe: EV Growth (24:56) US: EV Slowdown (27:08) Lithium Price Swing (35:13) ESS Demand Outlook (38:01) ESS Logistics And Tariffs (46:04) Wrap-Up   Links - Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/   Podcast:   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq X (Twitter):   Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley   Have a question? Drop us an email: rockstockchannel@rkequity.com _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER   NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Matt and Cormac 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

    47 min

  7. 11 FEB

    Securing 80ktpa of Spodumene, Extracting Silver from Solar Panels | Lithium Universe's Iggy Tan

    Lithium Universe CEO Iggy Tan provides a timely update on the company’s lithium refinery strategy, project financing path, and new technology initiatives as lithium markets recover. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (03:23) Norah Offtake Agreement (07:26) Financing And Lithium Price Recovery (10:10) Brownsville U.S. Refinery Plan (13:52) Quebec Project Priority (15:31) Solar Recycling And Silver Tech (18:30) Demo Plant Strategy (20:28) Silver Demand And Government Support (23:14) Near-Term Catalysts (24:36) Nigeria Feedstock Supply (28:34) CapEx And Funding Path (30:59) Outlook And Closing   We (Howard and Rodney) discuss Lithium Universe’s binding 10-year (plus 5-year evergreen) feedstock agreement with Norah Mining Limited, securing 80,000 tonnes per annum of spodumene concentrate with a partner discount that could materially strengthen refinery margins and improve financing discussions. For merchant lithium converters, feedstock security is often the critical hurdle — this agreement directly addresses that risk. We also review the company’s plan to replicate its Quebec refinery model in Brownsville, Texas, positioning the project within the U.S. critical minerals supply chain with port access, established infrastructure, and permitting advantages. Beyond lithium conversion, we examine Lithium Universe’s photovoltaic (solar panel) recycling and silver extraction technology, which uses microwave separation and electrochemical recovery to produce high-purity silver while reducing reagent consumption. With silver now recognized as a critical metal, this adds a potential second value stream to the business. Finally, we talk through the lithium price rebound, how current carbonate prices compare to the company’s DFS assumptions, and what that means for project economics, partnerships, and next milestones. Topics covered: • Lithium refinery development in Quebec and Texas • Long-term spodumene supply agreements • Lithium price recovery and project economics • Battery metals and critical minerals strategy • Solar panel recycling and silver recovery technology • Financing, JV partners, and near-term catalysts As always, our aim is to provide a clear, balanced discussion of the strategy, risks, and opportunities shaping Lithium Universe’s next phase.   Sponsors - Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio. (Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty) - USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities). (Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments)   Links - Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/ - Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/ Have a question? Drop us an email: rockstockchannel@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 Howard, Matt and Rodney 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

    32 min

  8. 7 FEB

    Trumpeting the Critical Minerals Supercycle

    In this week’s Rock Stock recap, we (Howard, Matt, and Rodney) review one of the most consequential weeks for global critical minerals, lithium, EV demand, and commodity markets, and discuss what it means for investors, operators, and supply chains across mining, batteries, and electrification. Chapters (00:00) Intro (02:27) Project Vault And Policy Tools (04:27) Lithium, Batteries, Strategic Reserve (08:02) EV Market Review And 2026 Outlook (12:34) U.S. EV Demand And Auto Pullbacks (15:14) GM Supply Chain And Phosphate Gap (17:55) Commodity Selloff And Deleveraging (27:24) AI Buildout And Mining Opportunity (30:41) Lithium Earnings And Deal Updates (34:57) Wrap-Up (36:59) JD Vance (41:16) Marco Rubio (42:05) David Copley (42:23) Trump (42:40) Howard Lutnick (42:56) John Jovanovic (43:40) Doug Burgum (44:10) Robert Friedland   Podcast ft. Robert Friedland & Jeff Currie: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-kff6t-1a30bfa   We begin with the latest developments in U.S. and allied critical minerals policy, including Project Vault, permitting reform, and new trade frameworks aimed at stabilizing long-cycle investment in mining, processing, and downstream manufacturing. While policy momentum is increasing, we focus equally on the practical questions: where demand growth comes from and how markets actually clear. Matt then walks through a detailed electric vehicle (EV) market outlook by region. Europe and the rest of the world remain strong, while the U.S. market is slowing following tax credit changes, and China shows a clear second-half deceleration as subsidies fade. We discuss 2026 growth expectations and what these trends imply for lithium and battery materials demand. We also examine several important supply chain risks, including GM’s procurement strategy and the underappreciated phosphate/LFP bottleneck, which could become the next constraint after lithium and graphite. On the markets side, we break down the recent selloff in gold, copper, lithium, uranium, and Bitcoin, attributing much of the volatility to leveraged positioning and broad deleveraging, rather than a change in long-term fundamentals. Rodney adds perspective on macro conditions, the new Fed chair, debt markets, and the continued institutional preference for hard assets over paper assets. Finally, we cover copper fundamentals, inventories vs. price signals, lithium pricing levels, earnings season (including Albemarle), M&A headlines, and select developments across the battery metals and mining equities space. Our goal is to provide clear, grounded analysis of lithium, EVs, copper, mining stocks, and commodity markets without hype—focusing on what the data and market structure are actually telling us. Topics covered: • Critical minerals policy & supply chains • Lithium and battery materials outlook • EV sales trends: U.S., China, Europe • Phosphate/LFP risks • Commodity selloff & deleveraging • Copper inventories and fundamentals • Fed policy & macro backdrop • Lithium earnings and sector news If you follow lithium stocks, mining equities, battery metals, EV demand, or commodity investing, this weekly review will keep you up to date with the key drivers shaping the market.   Sponsors - Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio. (Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty) - USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities). (Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments)   Links - Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/ - Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/ - Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/ Have a question? Drop us an email: rockstockchannel@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 Howard, Matt and Rodney 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

    47 min
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The Age of Electricity is creating enormous opportunities in the critical minerals investment thematic. Howard, Rodney and Matt provide in-depth discussions with major developers and analysts covering lithium battery metals, rare earths, and many other specialty commodities.

Information

  • Creator
    rockstockchannel
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Rock Stock Channel

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