Forecasts: Lithium Industry and EV Demand - Nevada Mining 2023

Forecasts: Lithium Industry and EV Demand

Looking ahead: Industry remarks on the financing outlook for lithium projects

“In terms of what is required to take lithium production in the US from where it is today to where it needs to be, the simple answer is competitively priced capital. Most greenfield lithium projects have had to rely on relatively expensive capital, and that has held the industry back. The larger banks are now considering providing project finance, while strategic partners and end users are open to assisting in financing to secure long-term, stable supply.”

Bernard Rowe, Managing Director, ioneer

“Moving into 2023 and seeing new stability, investments will increase, particularly from ESG and green-energy-oriented funds, along with more offtake agreements. All that will come into play to build a good environment for junior financing going forward.”

Bill Willoughby, CEO, Cypress Development Corp.

“I forecast that we will have a continuation of massive demand to accelerate projects in North America. We will continue to see M&A activity, to see capital flowing in that sector, and we will continue to see movement by end-users downstream, which has never been seen before. Lithium is up 20 times in the past 24 months, so a correction would not be surprising, but a high price helps projects remain economic around the world.”

Steve Hanson, Founder, President & CEO, ACME Lithium

“Access to grants, funding, and government support will only get strengthened in the future. It is a domestic homeland security issue now. We are at the risk of cyclical opportunities, and there are limited indicators that this support will lessen.”

Jason Latkowcer, President, CEO & Director, Pan American Energy Corp.

“I believe we are stronger in the marketplace, and for longer. There was an inflection point where the demand for electronics grew and reached an exponential level, then started growing slowly and finally parabolically. That's where we are with the electric vehicle. Demand will continue to grow exponentially in the coming years.”

Howard Klein, Founder, RK Equity

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