Can neighbours be (Joint Venture) friends?

I assume that the EV and other demand is on the up for the next decade but am wondering about the longer term vagaries of metal prices and the up front high cost of production plants. I wonder if greater certainty for assured higher and more guaranteed shareholder returns in the short to medium term might eventuate if Joint Venture (CLQ/AUZ and COB/AUZ/?) production plants could become a reality.

If (for arguments sake!) a production plant costs $600m and a doubling of capacity only adds (for arguments sake!) an extra $200m then both parties of a JV save $200m each which will be available for distribution to shareholders in the short term. Also there should exist additional economy of scale returns for the operational life of the respective mines.

If the cost figures above are anywhere near ball-park in logic, shareholder value for both JV partners would seem to greatly advantaged with higher throughput returns and reduced long term risk from metal price fluctuations. I would assume that there exist many JV operations in the world with conditions precedent that ensure that neither party is disadvantaged?

I like the prospect of quicker and continuing greater returns with a downward risk of adverse price fluctuations thus adding to shareholder value - but maybe wiser and/or more knowledgeable HC contributors can comment on whether the concept and logic above is anywhere near on track and worthy of consideration.