You are correct that the US doesn't collect royalties from...

You are correct that the US doesn't collect royalties from Australian miners due to the 1872 mining laws. But, it's important to note that the Bureau of Land Management does collect grazing fees from ranchers, including the Hualapai, on land around Wikieup.Regarding Albemarle, you are correct again! They do pay royalties to Western Australia for their mining operations at Wodgina and Greenbushes. In fact, WA has a royalty rate of 2.5% for lithium oxide (Li2O) and 1.25% for other lithium products.So, to summarize, while the US may not collect royalties from Australian miners, the BLM does collect grazing fees, and American companies like Albemarle do pay royalties to the Australian government for their mining operations.