Interview with Blake Hylands, CEO, Lithium Ionic Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/lithium-ionic-tsxvlth-low-cost-brazil-mine-ready-for-2027-production-as-market-rebalances-8304 Recording date: 9th December 2025 Lithium Ionic is positioning itself to capitalize on a dramatic market recovery as lithium prices have tripled since mid-2025, driven by energy storage demand exceeding initial projections. CEO Blake Hylands reports the company's stock has doubled during this period but remains "massively undervalued" relative to improving fundamentals and the company's proximity to construction. The company is advancing its Brazilian lithium project with a manageable $191 million capital requirement and industry-leading economics. At $600 all-in sustaining costs, the project maintains profitability even when spot prices dipped to $800-900, providing crucial downside protection that higher-cost competitors lack. Current spot prices around $1,200 offer healthy margins, with the project's feasibility study using conservative assumptions below today's pricing. Hylands emphasised that 2026 represents a transformational year, with construction targeted to begin by mid-year. The company has assembled the experienced "Sigma team" that successfully built the Sigma Lithium project, providing execution credibility and enabling an 18-24 month timeline to production once construction commences. This speed advantage is significant, as competing projects remain 5-10 years from production. Progress on project financing has accelerated substantially, with the company "being inundated with offtake and prepay opportunities" as market participants rush to secure future supply. Multiple lenders have expressed interest in financing the entire project, with discussions spanning China, North America, and other jurisdictions. The financing structure will incorporate near-term debt followed by lower-cost options including export credit agencies and government-backed facilities. The permitting process is advancing through new regional procedures, with strong federal and state government support. Both financing and permits are expected to conclude early in 2026, clearing the path for construction. Hylands set clear accountability metrics, stating "anything less than that, I'd be disappointed" regarding the company's ability to announce financing completion, permit approval, and construction commencement by year-end 2026. Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/lithium-ionic-corp Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com
