#USA #Las Vegas #National Security #Critical Minerals #Fastmarkets

Fastmarkets Global Lithium, Battery and Critical Materials Conference 2026

In a world increasingly focused on energy security and national defense, Fastmarkets is poised to gather more than 1,250 leaders from the global critical minerals supply chain. The 18th Fastmarkets Global Lithium, Battery, and Critical Materials Conference will take place from June 22 to June 25, 2026, in Las Vegas. This event has transformed into a pivotal forum for discerning the future of critical materials, including lithium, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements.

This year marks a significant expansion for the conference as it acknowledges the strategic significance of critical materials beyond lithium. A parallel Energy Storage Summit will include utility companies, developers, and grid-scale storage buyers, alongside material producers, processors, and investors. Another new addition, the Defense & Aerospace Strategic Materials track, will delve into supply chain risks and resilience in defense as well as aerospace, semiconductors, and AI infrastructure systems.

These enhancements reflect a notable convergence of energy, industry, and security priorities as critical materials transition from being a sector-specific topic to a key component of national strategy. The gathering will attract prominent figures from various sectors, including:

• - Eric Norris, Chief Marketing Officer at Albemarle
• - John H Kwon, General Counsel at CATL
• - Toluwalase Seriki, Managing Director for Africa at Ganfeng Lithium
• - Greg Kusinski, Head of Lithium Assets at Chevron
• - Patrick Howarth, Global Business Unit Leader for Lithium at ExxonMobil
• - Dale Henderson, CEO of Pilbara Minerals
• - Jérôme Pécresse, CEO of Aluminum at Rio Tinto

In addition to industry leaders, the event will draw participants from government, defense, finance, and various industries, highlighting a broader shift in critical minerals markets shaped by their vital role in enabling energy systems, defense capabilities, and new technologies.

Catherine Oates, Head of Events at Fastmarkets, remarked, “After two challenging years, the market is entering a new phase characterized by tightening supply, shifting demand, and an intensified geopolitical focus. We see governments, defense, aerospace stakeholders, and energy storage play an integral role in discussions on strategic materials alongside mining companies and battery manufacturers. This event reflects this shift, bringing the entire supply chain together at a pivotal moment.”

The 2026 program will tackle pressing industry challenges:

1. Turning Points in the Lithium Market – Investigating signals that may indicate changes in market dynamics and positioning strategies for the next cycle.
2. Critical Materials as Strategic Assets – Analyzing how national security priorities influence investment, policy, and global trade flows.
3. The Future of Project Financing – Assessing the potential source of the next wave of capital for mining and processing ventures.
4. China's Next Moves – Evaluating strategic positioning and its impacts on global supply chains.

Designed to facilitate business agreements, attendees will have access to bookable private tables for discussions through the event app Swapcard, alongside exclusive invite-only roundtables for senior executives. Delegate passes will also grant access to the parallel battery and energy storage programs.

Registration is currently open, with more details available at Fastmarkets Global Lithium Conference. Media representatives are encouraged to participate, and for accreditation requests, please contact [email protected].

About Fastmarkets

Founded in 1913, Fastmarkets is a premier pricing agency and information provider for business in agriculture, forestry products, metals, carbon, and energy transition markets. Its benchmarks, analyses, forecasts, and insights are essential for clients looking to trade, manage risks, and understand complex global markets. Fastmarkets continues to operate globally with over 700 employees and offices in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. Supported by Astorg, a leading European private equity firm, Fastmarkets’ rich history spans back to 1865 through various acquired brands.