Re: Argentina and Covid-19
posted on
Apr 17, 2020 01:10PM
Jonathan Evans comment was interesting: "However, I am still confident that in 2021, at some point, we should be able to complete the project." He is referring to Cauchari-Olaroz.
I think that it is important to note that the mining industry is crucial to the survival of Argentina and to its present government. As this article, JD posted, points out the future of mining in Argentina is dependent upon the demand for the mining product and that is no truer anywhere than with lithium mining in Argentina.
So we are back to focusing on world wide lithium demand and that depends upon the breadth and speed of the world wide economy recovery. My opinion is, and only an opinion, that the recovery process will include an even greater emphasis upon alternative energy development since no one wants to go thrrough the uncertainties of another situation like SARS-CoV2 again without having an energy source that is capable of providing energy without the incumbent manpower for energy harvesting, processing and distribution that is inherent with the carbon based fuel systems. Even if it is just a renewed emphasis upon Energy Storage that would still result in an increase in demand for all types of energy storage, including lithium ion battery based energy storage. I actually believe it will go way beyond that and that reflection by nations, companies and individuals upon their own situations regarding energy during the SARS-CoV2 situation will create a desire to make sure that nations, companies and individuals have access to alternative energy sources... even if their desire is limited to only using those sources as a "Back Up" to traditional carbon based energy sources.
The bottom line is that I expect to see a marked increase in demand for lithium during H2 of this year and no later than H1 of 2021... again, and according to Evans statement, that should coincide with Cauchari-Olaroz transitioning from the "Development" stage into the "Production" stage. JMO