Pierre Andurand said the current reluctance of energy companies to invest in new production meant $300 a barrel was "not impossible" within a few years.
Mining services provider Mineral Resources Ltd on Tuesday said it was looking to sell a minority stake in its Wodgina Lithium mine in the west of Australia.
Lack of new projects, investment deficit and increasing political risk will hit supply of cobalt, lithium, copper and nickel, key metals for making the batteries that power electric cars.
The two companies will exchange past exploration information on areas prospective for diamonds in Zimbabwe and form a jointly-owned special purpose vehicle to develop and exploit diamond resources.