Core Insights - TMC The Metals Company has seen a significant increase in stock value, rising 576% this year, indicating strong investor interest in the deep-sea minerals sector [1][10] - The company focuses on harvesting polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor, which are rich in critical metals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and copper, essential for various industries and a lower-carbon future [3][4] Company Overview - TMC is based in Vancouver and holds exploration rights in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a mineral-rich area in the Pacific Ocean [7] - The company has not yet commenced mining operations, pending regulatory approval from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) [7][9] Industry Context - The U.S. relies heavily on foreign sources for critical minerals, with over 80% of its supply coming from abroad, raising national security and environmental concerns [4][5] - Deep-sea mining is presented as a less disruptive alternative to land-based mining, which threatens sensitive ecosystems [6] Financial Performance - TMC reported a net loss of $20.6 million in Q1 2025 and has invested over $500 million in developing deep-sea mining technology [11] - The company has $2.3 million in cash and $41.5 million in available credit, which is expected to sustain operations until at least May 2026 [11] Future Projections - TMC has ambitious projections for its NORI-D project, estimating nearly $2 billion in EBITDA by 2027 and annual revenue of $4.7 billion from 2030 to 2046, although these estimates are based on numerous assumptions [13]

Core Insights - GM is collaborating with LG Energy Solution to upgrade its Ultium battery factory to produce lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells for low-cost electric vehicles (EVs) [1][2] - The Spring Hill, Tennessee battery plant, valued at $2.3 billion, will transition from lithium-ion cells to LFP production, with commercial output expected by late 2027 [2][7] - The automotive industry is increasingly favoring LFP batteries due to their lower cost and enhanced safety profile compared to nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries [3] Group 1: Battery Production and Technology - The Spring Hill factory will begin converting its battery cell lines to LFP cells later this year, enhancing domestic LFP production capabilities [2][7] - GM's strategy includes a three-pronged approach to battery sourcing, utilizing NMC for high-range models, LFP for entry-level vehicles, and a new lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) chemistry for mid-range applications [3][4][5] - LMR cells, which will reduce nickel and cobalt content in favor of more affordable manganese, are expected to enter the market in 2028, offering a balance of range and cost [5] Group 2: Market Trends and Future Outlook - The consistent decline in battery pack costs suggests that LFP prices may fall below those of LMR in the coming years, making LFP a more attractive option for entry-level vehicles [7] - The shift towards LFP aligns with broader industry trends favoring cost-effective and safer battery technologies, positioning GM competitively in the EV market [3][7]

Key Takeaways Posco plans a U.S. lithium pilot plant with Anson Resources to test its Direct Lithium Extraction technology. PKX targets reducing dependence on Chinese suppliers to comply with new U.S. import restrictions. PKX aims to commercialize its DLE technology across North America's untapped lithium brine resources.Posco Holdings (PKX) has announced plans to develop a trial lithium processing plant in the United States in collaboration with Australia's Anson Resources. This is in sync with the compa ...