Ann: USA shows interest in Ngualla Rare Earth Project, page-120

PEK had a go earlier at the tender for the resurrection of Mountain Pass in the US and if I remember correctly there was processing involved as well. Even then they were planning for Teeside. They did not succeed with Mountain Pass but should the US Govt get behind PEK then I would not rule out a facility in the US. Whether that would be alongside or replacing Teeside who could say.
The best hope at present is that the US helps PEK behind the scenes in obtaining the SML The whole SML issue is definitely political - there is no reason why Tanzania could not have granted it years ago. The World Bank has been ineffective despite its support and given China's close influence on Tanzania, I have to question whether the US can make a difference too but who knows. Make America Great Again - yee haa!