All good points but I take exception to one thing Effectively...

All good points but I take exception to one thing Effectively this has grown way beyond politics, I hope you are correct but If you are it will be the first time I have ever seen it happened. Even something as simple as making ammunition for the M4 becomes a football as people fight to have more of it moved to their state or district. Things like planes become political wars to see which state is going to make what part. I do sincerely hope you are correct but I doubt it. When Phase 1 submittals are both in, from MP and Lynas I expect to see long delays as all politicians have a say. Lots to argue about you have MP with only Concentrate right now and not all that much in heavies. and 10% owned by China. I think china influence is a lot more than 10% and I think that will come out. When WA C&L is complete that will be a plus for Lynas because the combined HREO should go right to US from AU.(I think the LRE / HRE seperation will be done in AU but admit I have not seen this) Blueline is the minority partner. I will agree that the decision should be fast the US needs it. They also needed a Faster more manuvarable aircraft but when the F35 was complete and everybody added the gizmos they wanted and had parts made in their states. It was slower and less manuvarable than its predisesors delivered late and over budget. I really would like to be wrong on this but I doubt it. Our goverment working for us.