The bank, until now cautious in its predictions for the battery metal, has followed lithium enthusiasts with an optimistic set of forecasts.

Ivanhoe Mines chairman says mining companies will have to be “real heroes” and governments will have to accept the industry if the world is to successfully transition to clean energy.

"Nearly $16 trillion would have to go into green-focused infrastructure to achieve decarbonisation targets, compared to $10 trillion in China during last supercycle.”

The Space Resources Week runs from April 19 to 22 as a free phygital event — combining physical and digital channels.