TSXV Cycle Recovery, Lithium Supply vs Demand, Gold & Silver Valuations, BESS Growth | Q2 Metals

In this episode, we (Howard, Matt & Rodney) sit down with former Canaccord metals & mining analyst turned operator Eric Zaunscherb - now Chair of Critical Elements Lithium and Executive Chair at GR Silver Mining (GRSL) - to assess where we are in the cycle for TSX/TSXV juniors, gold, silver, and lithium, and what that means for retail investors. What we cover (for investors) 🔍: Cycle context: Eric’s slide deck tracks seven prior junior-mining recoveries over 43 years. The average up-cycle ran ~38 months with ~+180% magnitude; by his math, today’s move (which started in Q4-2023) still screens mid-cycle on both duration and magnitude. Gold & silver dynamics: Why precious metals typically lead; how currency debasement and cleared inventories intersect with silver’s dual role (precious + industrial). We discuss silver’s by-product supply, recent volatility, and why it tends to outperform late in the move - and underperform on reversals. Valuations you rarely see: EV per P&P reserves, M&I, and global resources across silver developers vs. gold peers - why silver reserves aren’t getting a premium yet (capital scarcity for build-outs), while gold developers have started to be rewarded. Lithium reality check: Identified resources have doubled since 2022 (mostly DLE/clays), but commercial output remains anchored in hard-rock and salar brine. Developer multiples haven’t re-rated alongside gold/silver - creating scarcity value for conventional, financeable assets. Quebec focus: Critical Elements’ Rose project optionality, the Nisk/Lion area (optioned to Power Metallic), and why Quebec’s clean grid + jurisdiction matter to Japan/Korea offtakers. Energy storage (BESS) is the swing factor: Matt explains why most forecasts underestimate solar + storage, how grid constraints and fast-build lead times pull storage demand forward, and what that implies for lithium incentive pricing. Policy & capital flows: AUS-US cooperation, potential shared infrastructure, and growing private/DFI capital for critical minerals. Mini-segment: Alicia Mil(lne) - Q2 Metals update (Korea/Japan roadshow, assays pending incl. Hole 44: 457 m pegmatite intercept). Guidance: Q1 inferred resource, PEA work to follow; four rigs currently turning. Why this matters (our take) 🤝: - Know where we are in the cycle to size risk across producers vs. developers. - See how capital availability is shaping valuation spreads (especially silver). - Distinguish conventional, buildable lithium from higher-tech-risk stories. - Treat BESS as a second demand engine (alongside EVs) with policy and grid tailwinds. 🔔 If you find this useful, subscribe for our weekly(ish) Rock Stock Recaps and interviews. ✉️ Join the list for Matt’s blogs/Lithium-ion Bull: https://rkequity.com/ Sponsors - Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio.