Shares in the Vancouver-based company rose over 18 per cent after falling Thursday when Hindenburg Research alleged the firm had “unproven technology and a team stacked with seasoned stock promoters.” (The Logic)

Talking point: Standard Lithium’s big backers include a subsidiary of Koch Investments Group. But Hindenburg’s report said that Koch “missed red flags” in the EV “hype.” Early-stage mineral companies have pushed for more protections from short sellers, since they rely on capital markets to fund the long and sometimes risky process of finding viable deposits. Hindenburg’s report noted a disciplinary decision against a lawyer who had been involved with the company’s board; the CEO’s ties to a firm where a partner is facing a B.C. Securities Commission investigation; and data from freedom-of-information requests suggest its technology is struggling. Standard disputed elements of Hindenburg’s report, including figures on R&D spending and the status of intellectual property applications.