I feel the transition to batteries will actually be sped up by...

I feel the transition to batteries will actually be sped up by the drop in lithium and nickel prices. Batteries prices are plummeting (my home is entirely off grid and the cost of batteries is literally 50% what it was this time last year). I think for people in the burbs on rooftop solar - there will be a run on batteries when they realise the ROI has shrunk. Instead of selling their power to the grid for 9c a Kw in the day (or less), then buying it back for 34c that same night, they'll find it's much cheaper to use battery storage now.

Previously the ROI on batteries was horrendous, but now getting individual 10kw batteries barely costs a few grand - who wouldn't jump on it. My estimation is that every man and his dog will start adding batteries to their already existing, installed inverters in the suburbs. Most have the optional battery connectors (Fronius et al.) and when everyone starts to jump on them, the oversupply of minerals will swiftly vanish and the prices will go back up. Just my prediction anyway.

I'll be interested to see how it plays out, but I'm happy with the glut in prices for myself now. The gold venture is an interesting one. I'm happy that management are seeking avenues in minerals that are in demand, rather than just sitting around waiting for nickel to go back up. Let's see where this leads.