Discussion on money miners and the increasing focus on lithium and rare earth elements.
Mention of a follow-up session planned due to high interest.
Guest speaker: Ahed, a geological and exploration expert.
Key Agenda: Lithium and Rare Earth Mining
Main topics: Global exploration of lithium and rare earth projects.
Lithium perceived as still having an overhang in the market.
Discussion on the Australian vs. Canadian market focus—Canada focuses heavily on uranium.
Importance of Brazilian rare earth market and retail investor interest.
The conversation will cover multiple companies and projects.
Lithium Mining
General Overview
Lithium mining is relatively young in terms of technical understanding.
Many existing lithium mines were originally tin or tantalum mines.
Discussion on the qualities of a good lithium mine: size of the deposit, simplicity in mineralogy.
Types of Lithium Deposits
Pegmatites: Often contain lithium, cesium, and tantalum.
Lithium as a specialty chemical: Could become a bulk commodity depending on use cases.
Complexity in mining: Less complexity often leads to more profitable ventures.
Canadian vs Australian Lithium
James Bay, Quebec: Known for infrastructure development by Quebec Hydro. Easy access due to existing roads and infrastructure, geologically simple to locate pegmatites.
Comparison between companies like Patriot and Winsome in Canada.
Difference in North American and Australian lithium crystal structures—potential for DSO.
Economic and Market Dynamics
Market confidence issues and future projections of lithium use.
Influence of technology: Ore-sorting technology can improve processing, particularly in complex mines.
Australian Development Pipeline: Line Town, Pilbara Minerals, and other major projects discussed.
Rare Earth Elements (REE)
Overview
Rare Earths are complex both technically and economically.
China is the major producer and consumer; holds strategic market control.
Types of Rare Earth Sources: Hard rock, monazite sands, and ionic clays.
Market and Production Dynamics
Chinese Dominance: Due to possession of processing IP and facilities.
New Developments: Brazil emerging as a significant player with ionic clay deposits.
Ionic Clay Rare Earths
Advantages: Easier to mine (free dig), lower environmental impact compared to hard rock.
Challenges: Lower grades, environmentally challenging due to leaching processes.
Global Market Considerations
Potential for Brazil to become a supply hub for North America and Europe.
Discussion on companies like Brazilian Rare Earths, Meteoric, and VMM.
Economic viability and strategic nature of rare earth mining.
Conclusion
REE market is less significant globally in size compared to others like copper.
Strategic value vs economic value in rare earth mining.
Incumbents like Lynas and Alcoa are well-poised to meet market demands.
Final thoughts on lithium and rare earth markets: Consider major established players for investment.