In this interview, Simon Clarke, CEO of American Critical Minerals (CSE: KCLI / OTC: APCOF), breaks down the rapidly shifting lithium market and explains why prices, supply dynamics, and investor sentiment are moving faster than most analysts expected. The discussion covers the collapse and recovery of lithium prices, growing EV demand, the looming transition from surplus to deficit in 2026, and why U.S. domestic supply chains are becoming strategically critical. Clarke also provides insight into lithium brines, direct lithium extraction (DLE), federal support for critical minerals, and the company’s Utah Paradox Basin project, outlining key catalysts, drilling plans, and upcoming news flow that could reshape valuations across the lithium and critical minerals sector.

🗓️ Recording date: December 29 , 2025

📖 Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:00 – Lithium Market Overview & 2025 in Review
00:02:05 – Lithium Price Crash: From $80,000 to $6,000 Explained
00:03:20 – China, EV Demand & Global Supply Dynamics
00:04:45 – Why Lithium Supply Is Tighter Than the Market Thinks
00:06:10 – U.S. Policy Shift Toward Domestic Critical Minerals
00:07:25 – Lithium Outlook for 2026: Surplus or Deficit?
00:09:00 – Emerging Risks & Opportunities in the Lithium Market
00:10:40 – Are Lithium Stocks Lagging the Commodity Price?
00:12:35 – Capital Markets: Is Funding Returning to Lithium?
00:14:00 – Introducing American Critical Minerals & Utah Paradox Basin
00:16:10 – Potash, Lithium Brines & Strategic Project Location
00:18:40 – Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) & Brine Economics
00:20:30 – 2025 Company Achievements
00:22:55 – Federal Support, Executive Orders & U.S. Incentives
00:25:15 – Drilling Plans, Permits & 2026 Catalysts
00:27:00 – Final Thoughts & What Investors Should Watch Next