Lithium Rebound Coming? Ken Hoffman from McKinsey Breaks Down What’s Next

In this episode, we sit down with Ken Hoffman, a seasoned expert in the lithium and battery materials space, formerly at McKinsey & Company. Ken brings deep insight into the current state and future trajectory of the lithium market, drawing from his recent engagements across the Middle East, Chile, and China.

We cover a wide range of timely and critical topics for investors, including:

- The divergence in sentiment between global markets and why the Middle East is emerging as a strategic hub for battery supply chain investment
- Lithium price cycles and how the current downturn compares to previous ones
- Demand growth driven not only by EVs but increasingly by stationary storage and data centers
- The role of China in shaping global lithium pricing and inventory cycles
- Technological advancements in battery chemistry, pack design, and refining methods
- Why sodium-ion batteries may not be the threat some believe—and why lithium demand is likely being underestimated
- The outlook for key producing regions, including Chile and its evolving government strategy
- How the West’s slower project financing contrasts with China’s strategic investment model
- Where pricing could go over the next 1–3 years based on historical patterns and macro trends

This conversation is particularly relevant for retail investors looking to better understand the structural dynamics behind lithium's volatility, the role of government policy, and the long-term case for battery metals amid the global electrification shift.

CHAPTERS 📖
(00:00) Introduction
(02:42) Lithium Price Cycles and Market Outlook
(07:03) Growing Demand and China vs Western Production Dynamics
(11:51) EV Market Trends and Advanced Battery Pack Technology
(16:51) Long-Term Lithium Demand Forecasts and Beyond
(26:00) Lithium Chemistry: LFP, High-Nickel, and Sodium-Ion Competition
(33:41) Innovative Lithium Processing: Novalith's Carbonic Acid Method
(35:39) Middle East Energy Storage Projects and Regional Strategies
(45:34) Chilean Lithium Industry: SQM, Codelco, and Political Context
(51:41) Lithium Pricing Mechanics, Quality Premiums, and Recovery Outlook
_________________________________________________

Links 🌍

RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel
Podcast:
  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172
  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq?si=a4ca356c45394648
X (Twitter):
  Howard: https://twitter.com/LithiumIonBull
  Rodney: https://twitter.com/RodneyHooper13

_________________________________________________

DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do 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