Market Developments - The U.S. has included copper and potash in the draft list of critical minerals for 2025, citing national security and economic concerns. The draft has been published by the U.S. Geological Survey for a 30-day public comment period [1] - The U.S. government holds a 10% stake in Intel, with all profits going to the U.S., potentially paving the way for more similar transactions [2] - The Federal Reserve's interest rate cut is deemed appropriate by the Chairman of the National Economic Council, while improvements in communication regarding interest rate paths and economic outlook are suggested by Fed officials [3] - The European Central Bank President Lagarde stated that the impact of U.S. tariffs on European GDP is likely to be minimal, as businesses will adapt to the new tariff policies [4] - Japan Post announced it will suspend the acceptance of certain mail to the U.S. due to the cancellation of small package tariff exemptions by the Trump administration [5] - Fitch Ratings confirmed India's rating at "BBB-" with a stable outlook, supported by strong growth and robust external fiscal conditions [6] - A survey by the Brazilian Central Bank indicates economists expect GDP growth of 1.86% in 2026 and an inflation rate of 4.86% in 2025 [6] - In the U.S., new home sales in July fell by 0.6% to an annualized rate of 652,000, which is above the expected 630,000. The median price of new homes dropped by 5.9% year-on-year to $403,800 [6] - The Chicago Fed National Activity Index for July was reported at -0.19, with the previous value revised from -0.1 to -0.18 [6] Global Market Indices - The Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 0.77% to 45,282.47 points, the S&P 500 fell by 0.43% to 6,439.32 points, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped by 0.22% to 21,449.29 points [7] Commodity Prices - COMEX gold futures declined by 0.23% to $3,410.70 per ounce, while COMEX silver futures fell by 1.29% to $38.55 per ounce [8] - U.S. crude oil futures rose by 1.70% to $64.74 per barrel, and Brent crude oil futures increased by 1.41% to $68.17 per barrel [9] Currency Exchange Rates - The U.S. dollar index increased by 0.74% to 98.44, with the euro down by 0.87% against the dollar at 1.1622, and the British pound down by 0.54% at 1.3455 [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses China's strategic control over critical mineral supply chains, particularly in the context of the ongoing trade tensions with the United States, highlighting the implications of China's export restrictions on rare earth elements and other key minerals [1][3][4]. Group 1: China's Control Over Critical Minerals - China dominates approximately 60% of global rare earth production, which is essential for electric vehicle (EV) motors, and its export restrictions have led to production halts in major automotive companies like Ford and Suzuki [3][4]. - In the refining stage of 20 key minerals surveyed by the International Energy Agency (IEA), China holds an average market share of about 70%, indicating its significant influence in the global supply chain [4][5]. - For cobalt, a critical material for EV batteries, while 70% of the raw material is sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo, China controls around 80% of the refining market [5]. Group 2: Global Demand and Technological Dominance - The demand for critical minerals is increasing due to the transition to renewable energy, with China also leading in the production of solar panels (approximately 80%), wind turbines (around 60%), and EV batteries (over 70%) [6]. - As the world accelerates its energy transition, reliance on China for these critical minerals is expected to grow, emphasizing the strategic importance of China's resource control [6]. Group 3: Historical Context and Strategic Initiatives - China's focus on rare earth elements dates back to the 1980s, where it gained a competitive edge due to more lenient environmental regulations compared to Japan, the US, and Europe [7]. - The Belt and Road Initiative has further strengthened China's resource security by investing in mineral projects in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia [7]. Group 4: Geopolitical Implications and Supply Chain Strategies - The article highlights the geopolitical risks associated with China's dominance in supply chains, particularly as the US seeks to revitalize its manufacturing sector [8][9]. - Companies are encouraged to diversify their supply chains and develop alternative technologies to mitigate risks associated with reliance on critical minerals [9].

Group 1 - The G7 reached a consensus on a draft statement regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and critical minerals [1]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Energy has classified coal used in steel manufacturing as a critical mineral [1] Group 1 - The classification of coal as a critical mineral highlights its importance in the steel production process [1]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Energy has classified coal used in steel manufacturing as a critical mineral [1] Group 1 - The designation of coal as a critical mineral highlights its importance in the steel production process [1] - This classification may lead to increased focus and investment in coal mining and processing industries [1] - The decision reflects a broader trend of recognizing essential materials for national security and economic stability [1]

Group 1 - South African President Ramaphosa informed U.S. President Trump that South Africa possesses key minerals that the U.S. needs [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is currently pre-revenue and reported cash and cash equivalents of $1.6 million as of Q1 2025, up from $0.9 million as of December 31, 2024 [25] - The accumulated deficit increased to $56.4 million in Q1 2025 from $52.6 million in FY 2024 [26] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $3.8 million, an increase of $2.4 million year-over-year, with a loss per share of negative $0.07 compared to negative $0.04 in the prior year [26] - Net cash used in operating activities totaled $2.9 million for the quarter, compared to $0.9 million in the prior year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on advancing one of the largest lithium refineries in America, which is designed to be scalable and sustainable [5] - The operational expenses are expected to increase as the company recruits more personnel and sets up the facility [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global demand for lithium is projected to more than double by 2030, driven by growth in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and electrification trends [4] - The U.S. market is experiencing significant volatility due to recent tariffs and China's export restrictions, which has heightened concerns about supply chain disruptions [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to address the critical shortage of domestic refining capacity and is strategically positioned to support U.S. supply chain security and energy independence [5] - Stardust Power is committed to aligning with national initiatives to bolster domestic critical mineral supply chain security [8] - The company is actively engaging with policymakers to support the industry and maximize support for its refinery project [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management views current market conditions as a generational opportunity and believes the evolving landscape of U.S. trade policy will benefit domestic operations [6][9] - The company is encouraged by federal support for critical minerals and sees it as a tailwind for their project [36] Other Important Information - The company has secured its general stormwater permit for construction activities and has confirmed that no industrial wastewater permit is required due to its closed-loop system [16][45] - A key service agreement has been executed with Oklahoma Gas and Electric to develop a dedicated electric substation for the planned lithium refinery [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for the final report of the engineering study - Management expects to release the final report of the engineering study within the current quarter [31][33] Question: Impact of federal support on green energy initiatives - Management believes that the prioritization of American mineral security under the new administration creates opportunities despite pressures on green energy initiatives [36] Question: Progress on securing feedstock for refining - Management reports significant progress in discussions regarding securing domestic feedstock for refining [43] Question: Outstanding permits needed prior to FID - Management confirmed that they have secured necessary permits to move forward with construction, including stormwater and minor air permits [44][46] Question: Increase in operating cash flow - The increase in operating cash flow is attributed to project development costs and operational cost increases due to going public and additional hires [50][52] Question: DLE equipment pilot facilities - Management noted a ramp-up in upstream activity related to DLE technology and confirmed that they are using proven off-the-shelf technology for their midstream processing facility [56][58] Question: Domestic suppliers of equipment - The company is making efforts to source equipment domestically and has established guardrails to exclude equipment from foreign entities of concern [60]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Secretary of the Interior emphasizes a strong focus on critical minerals to support national interests and economic growth [1] Group 1: Industry Focus - The U.S. government is prioritizing the development and supply chain of critical minerals essential for various industries, including technology and renewable energy [1] - There is an increasing recognition of the strategic importance of these minerals in achieving energy independence and supporting clean energy initiatives [1] Group 2: Economic Implications - The emphasis on critical minerals is expected to drive investments and create job opportunities within the mining and technology sectors [1] - The U.S. aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources for these minerals, which could enhance national security and economic stability [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Biden administration is taking steps to determine if coal used in steel production qualifies as a critical mineral, which could impact regulatory and economic frameworks surrounding the steel industry [1] Group 1 - The White House has issued an executive order directing the Secretary of Energy to assess the status of coal in the context of steel production [1] - This initiative may influence the classification of coal and its implications for mining and energy policies [1] - The decision could have significant ramifications for the steel industry, particularly in terms of supply chain and production costs [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving landscape of commodity demand in Europe, driven by defense investments and long-term low-carbon transition constraints, suggesting a shift from energy vulnerability to strategic autonomy and efficiency upgrades, alongside the reconstruction post-Russia-Ukraine conflict, which may create a demand narrative comparable to China's 4 trillion plan in the 2010s [6][42]. Group 1: Background and Current Economic Context - The inventory cycle model has been a fundamental aspect of commodity research, with significant fluctuations in inventory levels being a result rather than a cause of price changes [3]. - Current manufacturing inventories in China and the U.S. have been at a low for nearly 20 months, not solely due to insufficient de-inventorying but also due to a lack of sustained market recognition of traditional demand narratives [5]. - The European economy is facing challenges from reduced competitiveness, government debt issues, and the impacts of the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, with GDP growth expected to improve slightly but still showing negative growth in major economies like Germany and France [9][12]. Group 2: Defense Spending and Strategic Autonomy - The ReArm Europe plan aims to raise 800 billion euros for defense spending, with member states allowed to increase defense spending to over 3% of GDP, which could create significant fiscal space and drive demand for commodities [14][15]. - Germany's new government is pushing for constitutional reforms to support defense and infrastructure spending, indicating a shift towards a crisis response model that emphasizes economic recovery through military and infrastructure investments [18][19]. Group 3: Commodity Demand and Supply Chain Resilience - The shift in European defense spending is expected to lead to increased demand for industrial metals and critical materials, particularly as military capabilities are rebuilt and local production is prioritized over imports [26][28]. - The EU's energy strategy focuses on reducing reliance on Russian energy, with plans to diversify imports and enhance renewable energy sources, which will impact the demand for various commodities [30][33]. Group 4: Strategic Importance of Critical Minerals - The article highlights the growing importance of critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, in the context of national security and clean energy transitions, with supply chain vulnerabilities becoming a focal point in geopolitical strategies [34][38]. - The concentration of critical mineral production in specific regions, such as China for rare earths and the Democratic Republic of Congo for cobalt, underscores the strategic competition for these resources [41].