In 2024 the Lithium market saw huge price drops related to oversupply, a slowing EV adoption rate globally, as well as macroeconomic headwinds. Is this a pause or a more structural challenge? What is the long-term demand picture? How does geopolitics fit within that? Does technological change threaten the outlook? And in such a volatile market, why is risk management essential?
Speaking to our host Paul Chapman on this episode is Caspar Rawles, Chief Operating Officer at Benchmark, the Independent Price Reporting Agency for Critical Minerals, including Lithium, which will soon be launching three Lithium futures contracts with the Intercontinental Exchange, ICE. What are those contracts and what do they mean for the sector?
Read below for our key talent impacts from this episode.
Key Talent Impacts
Is your team equipped to manage risk and hedge effectively in a volatile lithium market?
As the lithium market becomes more volatile and globalised, talent with experience in financial risk management, commodity trading, and hedging tools (like futures contracts) is increasingly vital. The collaboration between Benchmark and ICE on lithium futures contracts highlights a growing demand for professionals who can manage pricing exposure and navigate uncertain supply-demand dynamics. Commodities professionals must now be fluent in derivative markets, even for newer or historically opaque minerals like lithium.
Do you have the expertise to build resilient, politically aligned lithium supply chains?
Geopolitical tensions and a push for supply chain sovereignty (e.g., “friend-shoring”) are reshaping sourcing strategies, meaning companies require talent with cross-border procurement, trade compliance, and geopolitical risk assessment capabilities. The search for lithium supply outside of China, including in countries such as Brazil, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, requires a more globally distributed and culturally aware workforce with expertise in emerging markets, local regulations, and new jurisdictional project development.
Are you attracting the multidisciplinary talent needed to drive lithium innovation at scale?
The evolution of battery chemistry and the rise of technologies like direct lithium extraction (DLE) and solid-state batteries are fuelling demand for chemists, process engineers, and technology integration specialists. However, the complexity of scaling DLE and tailoring it to unique brine compositions means firms need talent that can blend R&D, commercialisation, and project engineering, especially in high-risk and rapidly evolving environments.
Can your team overcome the technical and operational challenges of battery manufacturing and recycling?
The failure of European battery startups, such as Britishvolt, and the capital intensity of cell production reveal a major talent gap in advanced manufacturing, operational leadership, and quality assurance. In addition, the emergence of battery recycling and black mass processing highlights demand for supply chain innovators, sustainability specialists, and regulatory compliance experts, particularly in jurisdictions with complex waste classification regimes.
Do your leaders have the strategic vision and investor-readiness to navigate the energy transition?
Despite falling lithium prices, M&A activity and interest from energy majors (e.g., Exxon, Equinor) remain high. This underscores a long-term bullish view on electrification; however, firms need senior leaders and strategists who can balance short-term volatility with long-term opportunities. Talent with experience in capital allocation, M&A, investor relations, and transition strategy will be in high demand as companies navigate the current downturn while positioning for structural growth.
HC Group is a global search firm dedicated to the energy and commodities markets.
Learn more about our Metals & Minerals Talent Practice
Explore the full HC Commodities Podcast archive