Fastmarkets’ Fast Forward podcast

Fastmarkets
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Investing

Fast Forward is your ultimate podcast for all things critical minerals and battery raw materials. We’re your go-to experts as we look at what’s ahead in this ever-changing landscape.

  1. Sep 16

    Low carbon aluminium vs copper: Who’s really paying the premium?

    In the latest episode of Fastmarkets' Market Briefing podcast, Laura Varriale, regional editor for base metals covering Europe, Africa and the Middle East, speaks with Laura Roberts, strategic markets editor for base metals, about how low-carbon aluminium and copper markets are evolving, what drives premiums, and whether buyers are truly willing to pay more for greener metal. As manufacturers work to reduce supply chain emissions, low-carbon metals are becoming an increasingly important part of procurement strategies. But while low-carbon aluminium has developed into a well-established premium market, low-carbon copper is still in its early stages. Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products, visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/

  2. Jun 30

    Betting on the battery economy

    In this episode of Fast Forward, Andrea Hotter reports from the Fastmarkets Global Lithium, Battery and Critical Materials Conference in Las Vegas, exploring how the sector is shifting from an EV‑led growth story to a broader ecosystem spanning energy storage, AI and national security.   Featuring voices from the US Department of Energy, Rio Tinto and Lockheed Martin, the episode examines supply chain vulnerabilities, scale‑up challenges and the growing role of long‑term contracting and innovation in securing future supply.   Tune in for a concise look at how geopolitics, demand shifts and industrial strategy are reshaping critical minerals markets.   Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products, visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/

    Betting on the battery economy

  3. Jun 24

    Record crop, rising costs: The Black Sea paradox

    In this short episode of Fast Forward, Masha Belikova, grain market reporter at Fastmarkets, explores why wheat prices in the Black Sea region remain elevated despite expectations of a large new crop.   Tune in for a concise overview of the key forces shaping global wheat markets, the tension between strong supply and firm pricing, and the pivotal role the coming weeks of harvest and trading activity will play in determining price direction.   Fastmarkets is your source of commodity analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products, visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/

  4. May 26

    The Pentagon's mineral reckoning

    In this episode of Fast Forward, Andrea Hotter is joined by senior US Department of Defense officials, Michael Cadenazzi and Zach Boykin, for a rare, in‑depth discussion on how critical minerals have shifted from a niche supply chain concern to a core pillar of national security policy.   Drawing on insights from inside the Pentagon, they unpack the structural changes reshaping demand, the vulnerabilities embedded across global supply chains, and the growing urgency to rebuild industrial capacity across mining, processing and refining.   Tune in for a deep dive into the evolving intersection of critical minerals, geopolitics and defence readiness, and what it means for markets, pricing and future supply security.   Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/

    The Pentagon's mineral reckoning

  5. May 19

    What's driving scrap steel prices right now

    In this short episode of Fast Forward, Alex Kershaw, senior analyst for steel, raw materials and ferrous scrap at Fastmarkets, unpacks the recent volatility in global scrap steel markets and what is driving price movements across key regions.   From the US and Europe to Turkey and China, the discussion explores how rising energy and freight costs, partly driven by the Middle East conflict, are lifting prices despite weak steel demand.   With seasonal supply increases and cheaper alternatives like pig iron, the conversation examines shifting market balances, including diverging trends between prime and obsolete scrap and the impact of policy and trade flows.   Tune in for a concise overview of the forces shaping scrap pricing, the fragility of current price support, and the downside risks emerging across the near‑ to medium‑term outlook.   Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and technology metals market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/    This episode was recorded in the second week of May 2026.

  6. Apr 28

    Stella Li: Driving BYD's EV story

    In this episode of Fast Forward, Andrea Hotter speaks with Stella Li, executive vice president at BYD, one of the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle and battery companies. From ultra-fast charging and vertical integration to global expansion and shifting consumer expectations, Stella explains how BYD is redefining what it means to be a carmaker, positioning the vehicle as a technology hub rather than simply a mode of transport. Covering Europe’s complex market dynamics, China’s hyper-competitive EV landscape and the role of hybrids in accelerating electrification, the conversation explores the strategic and technological forces shaping the future of mobility. Tune in for insights into EV innovation, global automotive competition and the technologies transforming the driving experience. Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals, battery raw materials and automotive market intelligence. To discover more about our products, visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/

    Stella Li: Driving BYD's EV story

  7. Apr 14

    Powering defense: The strategic metals shaping warfare

    In this short episode of Fast Forward, Andrea Hotter speaks with Jon Stibbs, managing editor for technology and energy metals at Fastmarkets, to unpack why a handful of highly specialised materials are becoming increasingly critical to modern defense capability.   From jet engines and secure communications to night‑vision systems and ammunition, the discussion explores how these inputs enable advanced military technologies, and why their concentrated, geopolitically sensitive supply chains are raising concerns for Western defense planning.   With export controls, policy intervention and long development timelines shaping availability, the conversation examines how governments and industry are responding to growing supply‑chain risk.   Tune in for a deep dive into defense‑critical materials, geopolitical leverage and the industrial vulnerabilities emerging at the heart of global security.   Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and technology metals market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/    This episode was recorded in the second week of April 2026.

  8. Mar 31

    Mining stifled by capital crunch

    In this episode of Fast Forward, Andrea Hotter sits down with Sir Mick Davis, former CEO of Xstrata and founder of Vision Blue Resources, to explore the paradox of mining finance. Despite unprecedented demand for critical minerals to fuel the energy transition, the rising cost of capital and complex risk landscape are stifling growth. From geopolitical challenges to permitting hurdles and the moral hazard of mining investment, Sir Mick shares his unique insights on the structural shifts reshaping the industry.      Tune in for a deep dive into the future of mining, capital allocation and the urgent need for strategic action. Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and battery raw materials market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit https://www.fastmarkets.com/podcast/

    Mining stifled by capital crunch
See All (27)

Trailer

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Fast Forward is your ultimate podcast for all things critical minerals and battery raw materials. We’re your go-to experts as we look at what’s ahead in this ever-changing landscape.

Information

You Might Also Like