Lithium Supply and Markets Conference 2018 Round-Up

This year’s Lithium Supply and Markets conference in Las Vegas had plenty of presentations, panel discussions and experts willing to share their knowledge with an eager audience.

The Investing News Network (INN) kept busy at the event, which ran from June 26 to 28, engaging with companies, attending panel discussions and of course interviewing industry experts.

For everything you need to know on investing in the lithium space, here is INN’s full recap of the 2018 Lithium Supply and Markets conference.

Ken Brinsden of Pilbara Minerals: “There is Insatiable Demand for Lithium”

“Whether it’s a car maker or a big battery materials company, there is insatiable demand [for lithium],” said Ken Brinsden, managing director of Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS). Brinsden also talked about the next milestones for Pilbara, which recently produced the first concentrate at its Pilgangoora project.

Simon Moores: Challenges and Opportunities in the Lithium Market

Simon Moores, managing director at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, shares his thoughts on the lithium market, including the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Ken Hoffman: Lithium Market Myths, Prices and What’s Ahead

Ken Hoffman, basic materials expert at McKinsey & Co., talks about myths in the lithium market, prices and what’s ahead.

Andrew Miller: Lithium Deals, China’s Conversion Capacity and Prices

Speaking about the current state of demand, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence Senior Analyst Miller said demand growth in China was a bit slower in the first half of the year, but he expects it will improve in the second half.

Jon Hykawy: What’s Next for Battery Technology and Metals Demand?

Jon Hykawy of Stormcrow Capital shares his thoughts on lithium-ion batteries, new technology and the future of the battery metals market.

Howard Klein: The Real Turning Point for Lithium Will Happen After 2025

Howard Klein, founder of RK Equity and author of the Lithium-ion Bull newsletter, talks about current trends in the lithium space. “A lot of the lithium forecasts have been focused on 2025, and that started about two or three years ago, but now we’re getting closer to 2030. And I think that’s important because the real inflection point and the uplift will happen post 2025,” he said.

Andy Leyland: Lithium Hydroxide Demand and Oversupply Worries

Speaking about whether lithium carbonate and hydroxide prices will converge in the near future, Andy Leyland, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence’s head of forecasting, said that from a production cost point of view, in the long term some convergence in the market is expected. “However, what you’re seeing at the moment is a lot more demand for lithium hydroxide in the immediate future,” he added.

Chloe Holzinger: Why Solid-state Batteries Are the Future

Chloe Holzinger, research associate at Lux Research, shares her thoughts on the energy storage market, solid-state batteries and more.

Albert Li: The Current State of the Lithium Market in China

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence analyst Albert Li, who is focused on market research, price assessments and trends in China, says there are political and economical factors that could impact the market in the Asian country.

Anthony Milewski: Why Cobalt Still Has a Bright Future

Speaking about cobalt supply, Anthony Milewski, CEO of Cobalt 27 (TSXV:KBLT), said he expects a number of cobalt projects to come onstream in the next few years, which will help supply demand from the electric car sector.

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Securities Disclosure: I, Priscila Barrera, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in contributed article. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.