So, lets consider this; rather than driving personal attacks and 'champing' people - the height of all insults.
Lets look at it from Thomas Kruemmer (bias), LYC bias, the western world, and my bias (Birch)
1.
The entire western world; that wants transparent pricing rather than manipulated pricing coming from a country that has serious ESG issues.If you're obligated to source ex-China material due to mandates such as the 35% EU mandate away from China, would you genuinely look to procure through a China-tied intermediary like Ginger, or would this better directly through emerging Western-aligned supply with transparent pricing?
2.
The view of a direct competitor; meaning LYC has locked in prices with the Chinese spot price and losses from this venture.
3.
Your Bias and subsequent gain - Ginger - Thomas Kruemmer; the person that runs GITI, selling chinese product using the Chinese spot price as a reference for sales.If you're obligated to source ex-China material due to mandates, would you genuinely look to procure through a China-tied intermediary like Ginger, or directly through emerging Western-aligned supply?
4.
My view and Bias - Birch: Western supply will win out with the new index. The broader reality is that a global architecture is being built to support ex-China sourcing—and it’s no coincidence. It’s strategic, coordinated, and irreversible.
Is their a bias in any of these views? I would say, absolutely.
LYC : comments; Coming from a company locked into Chinese spot pricing—one that’s also publicly criticised Production Tax Credits that gives the advantage of all new Rare Earth Produces in Australia —this position raises questions.
Your View (Thomas):If you're obligated to source ex-China material due to mandates, would you genuinely look to procure through a China-tied intermediary like Ginger, or directly through emerging Western-aligned supply? My view: Western supply will win out with the new index. The broader reality is that a global architecture is being built to support ex-China sourcing—and it’s no coincidence. It’s strategic, coordinated, and irreversible.
Now, who would I trust??
Benchmark-Business Focus
Let the readers determine who they would trust if they were sourcing product.
Benchmark provides
- Independent price assessments for lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earths
- Forecasting and supply chain analysis for battery materials and EV infrastructure
- Consulting and strategic advisory for governments, OEMs, and institutional investors
- Events and policy engagement, including testimony before the U.S. Senate and advisory roles with the White House and Pentagon
Benchmarks Influence & Reach
- Their data is used by Tesla, GM, Rio Tinto, Albemarle, and other major players
- They host the Benchmark World Tour and Benchmark Minerals Week, drawing global industry leaders to cities like New York, Tokyo, Frankfurt, and Sydney
- They’ve helped shape Western policy on critical minerals, especially around lithium and rare earth supply chains
Benchmarks Strategic Relevance
Benchmark is widely seen as a neutral, data-driven authority—not a trader or commercial stakeholder. Their insights are used to:
- Structure offtake agreements
- Support debt financing for mining and processing projects
- Guide national resource strategies
OR
GINGER - Business Focus
GITI specialises in the rare earths market, offering:
- Trading of rare earth materials and minor metals
- Advisory services to governments and commercial clients
- Supply chain structuring for strategic metals
- Distribution of Chinese-origin rare earth products to Western buyers
They operate across Singapore and Shanghai, positioning themselves as a bridge between Chinese producers and Western consumers.
Strategic Relevance
- GITI is closely associated with the Rare Earth Observer (REO), a commentary platform that often emphasises China’s dominance in rare earths.
- Thomas Kruemmer, GITI’s founder, is also a director of REO and a frequent contributor to rare earth discourse.
- Their commercial model benefits from maintaining Chinese supply dominance, which may explain their skepticism toward Western-aligned projects like ARU, Lynas, or MP-led JVs.
I dont see any of Benchmark here attempting to disrupt any industry...so who does that leave?
(20min delay)