Is Critical Minerals Carnage Creating a Lithium Buying Opportunity?

Why are lithium prices falling while inventories continue to shrink? Is the lithium market being manipulated, or are investors misreading the fundamentals? In this week's Rock Stock Recap, Howard Klein and Matt Fernley examine the disconnect between lithium prices, falling inventories, and strong battery demand. They discuss potential manipulation in China's GFEX lithium futures market, Goldman Sachs' bearish lithium forecast, and why major producers like PLS and Liontown are investing billions in expansion despite the recent sell-off. They also explore critical minerals market volatility, lithium project valuations, financing opportunities, and what could drive the next lithium market recovery. Register for the NACM Summit (USE CODE 'ROCKSTOCK' for 20% off):https://www.nacmsummit.com/ Explore our Patreon Membership:https://www.patreon.com/cw/rockstockchannel/membership Our Socials:X (Howard) - https://x.com/LithiumIonBullX (Matt) - https://x.com/matt_fernley ___ Chapters (00:00) Lithium Bulls Challenge Bearish Forecasts(05:57) Rio Tinto Flags Lithium Supply Risks(07:59) Why Critical Minerals Are Selling Off(14:26) Lithium Producers Sell Off Indiscriminately(17:07) Lithium Prices Defy Falling Inventories(26:15) Lithium Demand Is Being Underestimated(30:02) PLS Expansion Drives Costs Lower(35:09) PLS Infrastructure Raises True Capex(39:59) Battery Inventories Hide Structural Changes(43:07) Strong Projects Still Attract Capital(45:11) Why Select Lithium Developers Stand Out(50:34) DLE Projects Attract Strategic Backing(54:00) Cash-Rich Developers Offer Opportunities(58:02) Why Batteries Deserve Strategic Support Links Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter / Matt’s blogs:https://rkequity.com/ Questions:[email protected] Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq Follow us on X (Twitter):Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBullMatt: https://x.com/matt_fernleyRodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13Ben: https://x.com/benjihammond_________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Howard, Matt, and Rodney are not financial advisors or broker-dealers. This video is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please conduct 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

Can Lithium Africa (TSXV: LAF) reach lithium production by 2027? Dr. Tom Benson, CEO of Lithium Africa, joins Rock Stock Channel to discuss high-grade lithium drill results at the Springbok Project in South Africa, the company's plans for a potential low-cost starter operation, and how project-level financing could generate cash flow without diluting shareholders. We also explore Springbok's district-scale exploration potential, the latest developments from Lithium Africa's joint venture with Ganfeng Lithium in Côte d’Ivoire, and upcoming catalysts, including further drill results, a maiden resource estimate and a preliminary economic assessment (PEA). LAF Presentation:https://wp-lithiumafrica-2026.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/13080130/2026_10-LAF_Corporate_Deck_Q3_Oct7-1.pdf Follow Lithium Africa:LinkedIn (Tom Benson) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrbenson/LinkedIn (Company) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lithium-africa/X/Twitter (Company) - https://x.com/Lithium_afri___ Chapters (00:00) Lithium Africa Project Overview(01:50) Springbok Drilling Confirms High-Grade Lithium(04:14) Springbok's 50km Exploration Potential(05:52) Springbok Targets Lithium Production In 2027(08:12) Modular DMS Plant Could Accelerate Production(08:54) Project Financing Could Limit Shareholder Dilution(10:57) Existing Stockpile Could Kickstart Production(12:42) Ganfeng JV Advances Côte d’Ivoire Exploration(15:16) Upcoming Drill Results And Resource Catalysts(15:59) Springbok Financing And Development Timeline(17:28) Strengthening The Team For Production Links Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter / Matt’s blogs:https://rkequity.com/ Questions:[email protected] Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq Follow us on X (Twitter):Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBullMatt: https://x.com/matt_fernleyRodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13Ben: https://x.com/benjihammond _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Howard, Matt, and Rodney are not financial advisors or broker-dealers. This video is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please conduct 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

Is Lithium Argentina (NYSE: LAR, TSX: LAR) undervalued? Could investors be getting its massive PPG lithium project for almost nothing? Sam Pigott, CEO of Lithium Argentina joins Howard Klein and Matt Fernley to explore the valuation disconnect between the company's market cap and its world-class lithium brine assets in Argentina. They discuss Cauchari–Olaroz's 70% cash operating margins, plans to more than double production to 85,000 tonnes annually, the 150,000-tonne PPG project, Ganfeng's financing partnership, and whether an ASX listing could help unlock shareholder value. Is the market overlooking one of the lithium sector's most compelling growth stories? LAR Corporate Presentation:https://investors.lithium-argentina.com/static-files/f0e5959e-9081-463f-a0f8-ba7b014c3238 Follow Lithium Argentina:LinkedIn (Sam Pigott) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-pigott-9a3a1525/LinkedIn (Company) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lithium-argentina/X (Company) - https://x.com/Lithium_ARG Our Socials:X (Howard) - https://x.com/LithiumIonBullX (Matt) - https://x.com/matt_fernley ___ Chapters (00:00) Is Lithium Argentina Deeply Undervalued?(08:30) Ganfeng Experience Drives LAR's Growth Strategy(13:31) Ganfeng Refinancing Protects Shareholders From Dilution(16:12) Why Cauchari Ranks Among Lowest-Cost Producers(21:00) Technical-Grade Carbonate Delivers Strong Margins(23:25) How Argentina's Cash Reaches Shareholders(26:19) Cauchari Expansion More Than Doubles Capacity(29:04) Argentina's Lithium Export Infrastructure Risks(30:56) DLE Could Accelerate Production Into 2028(33:54) Funding PPG's 150kt(36:47) Why PPG's Valuation Could Surprise Investors(42:07) Swiss Headquarters And Ganfeng Takeover Protections(49:12) Could An ASX Listing Unlock Value?(53:03) Lithium Argentina's Long-Term Growth Ambitions Links Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter / Matt’s blogs:https://rkequity.com/ Questions:[email protected] Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq Follow us on X (Twitter):Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBullMatt: https://x.com/matt_fernleyRodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13Ben: https://x.com/benjihammond_________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Howard, Matt, and Rodney are not financial advisors or broker-dealers. This video is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please conduct 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

Why is Brian Paes-Braga backing Surge Battery Metals’ Nevada North lithium project? Howard Klein sits down with Brian, strategic investor in Surge Battery Metals (TSXV: NILI) and CEO of The Metals Royalty Company (NASDAQ: TMCR), to discuss Nevada North’s recently released Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), outlining a 42-year mine life and nearly $10 billion in after-tax NPV. Brian explains why he’s returning to lithium eight years after Lithium X, what could close the gap between Surge’s market valuation and its project NPV, and why he believes the market is underestimating future lithium demand. The conversation also covers The Metals Company (NASDAQ: TMC), deep-sea mining, U.S. critical mineral independence, and the investment case for mining royalties. Surge's PFS Announcement:https://surgebatterymetals.com/news/surge-announces-positive-pre-feasibility-study-at-nevada-north-after-tax-npv8-of-us-9.81-billion-after-tax-irr-of-23.6-and-operating-cost-of-us-4-719-tonne-lithium-carbonate Follow Brian Paes-Braga:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianpaesbraga/X - https://x.com/bpaesbraga Follow Surge Battery Metals:LinkedIn (Company) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/surge-battery-metals-inc/X (Company) - https://x.com/SurgeBattery Follow The Metals Royalty Company:LinkedIn (Company) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-metals-royalty-co/X (Company) - https://x.com/metalsroyaltyco Follow The Metals Company:LinkedIn (Company) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-metals-company/X (Company) - https://x.com/themetalsco ___ Chapters (00:00) Brian's Big Bets On Critical Minerals(03:58) Why Brian Returned To Lithium(07:46) Why North American Mining Assets Win(10:22) Lithium X2 Targets US Investors(14:06) What Could Close Surge's Valuation Gap(19:51) Tesla Semis Could Boost Battery Demand(22:43) Why Seafloor Nodules Attracted Brian(24:53) US Mining Permits And Steel Investment(26:59) TMC vs. TMCR: Different Investment Opportunities Links Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter / Matt’s blogs:https://rkequity.com/ Questions:[email protected] Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq Follow us on X (Twitter):Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBullMatt: https://x.com/matt_fernleyRodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13Ben: https://x.com/benjihammond _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Howard, Matt, and Rodney are not financial advisors or broker-dealers. This video is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please conduct 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

Is Liontown (ASX: LTR) positioning itself for the next lithium upcycle? Howard Klein and Matt Fernley sit down with Liontown CEO Tony Ottaviano to discuss the outlook for lithium prices, Chinese buyer demand, and the future of Kathleen Valley. Tony shares insights into Liontown's A$389 million Kathleen Valley expansion, the advantages of underground lithium mining, its partnerships with Tesla, Ford and LG Energy Solution, and its move into Argentine lithium brines. The conversation also explores Albemarle's failed A$3-per-share takeover, Hancock Prospecting's investment, potential lithium industry consolidation, and whether the market is underestimating future lithium supply constraints. Can Liontown deliver its growth ambitions while navigating another volatile lithium cycle? Follow Liontown:LinkedIn (Tony Ottaviano) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonino-tony-ottaviano-3b11396/LinkedIn (Company) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/liontown/X (Company) - https://x.com/LiontownRes Our Socials:X (Howard) - https://x.com/LithiumIonBullX (Matt) - https://x.com/matt_fernley ___ Chapters (00:00) Liontown's Takeover And Expansion Backstory(04:07) Building Liontown Beyond Kathleen Valley(08:21) Underground Lithium Mining's Hidden Advantages(14:08) How Kathleen Valley Targets 78% Recovery(18:54) Lithium Supply Signals Don't Add Up(22:39) Battery Chemistry Drives Customer Diversification(26:13) Chinese Buyers Remain Active(27:38) Why Liontown Is Entering Argentine Brines(31:32) Argentina's DLE And Valuation Risks(35:56) Funding Kathleen Valley's Expansion Through Volatility(37:57) Mining Majors Reassess Lithium's Potential(44:42) Lithium Demand Expands Beyond Electric Vehicles(48:01) Financing Bottlenecks Delay New Lithium Supply(51:55) Is Lithium's $20,000 Price Ceiling Real? Links Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter / Matt’s blogs:https://rkequity.com/ Questions:[email protected] Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq Follow us on X (Twitter):Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBullMatt: https://x.com/matt_fernleyRodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13Ben: https://x.com/benjihammond_________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Howard, Matt, and Rodney are not financial advisors or broker-dealers. This video is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please conduct 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