External News & Commentary, page-2489

Boron is extremely valuable and critical to the USA, as evidenced by the 5EA announcement today.

5EA (5E Advanced Materials) today was offered US$285 million by the USA Export Import (EXIM) Bank specifically - it would seem - for the development in the USA of it's Boron deposit.

It's suggests that Ioneer's Boron deposits may be becoming more valuable by the day.

Here is part of their announcement.

(Quote)
The United States has set a clear initiative to derisk from adversaries and establish secure and reliable domestic supply chains,” said Paul Weibel, Chief Executive Officer at 5E Advanced Materials. “Programs like EXIM’s Make More in America Initiative are a precise prescription to ensure critical materials such as boron are produced on U.S. soil, drive domestic benefits and progress for the U.S. economy, and provide the foundation to the boron supply chain where valued-added derivatives are vital to the U.S. defense and industrial base. We are pleased to receive this LOI (Letter of Intent). 5E looks forward to exploring partnership with EXIM as we initiate diligence to secure a loan commitment for our project finance facility.”

Given the significant demand growth for boron and boron derivatives, and the associated vulnerabilities of the boron supply chain, the LOI demonstrates a growing awareness and commitment by the U.S. government to securing an integrated boron supply chain. EXIM’s ‘Make More in America Initiative’ is part of a whole-of-government effort to strengthen America’s supply chains, support American jobs and boost America’s ability to compete with countries like China, especially in sectors critical to national security.

Boron, known for its strength, stability, and light weight properties, is one of the most versatile materials in the world. It is used in over 300 applications that enable our way of life, including permanent magnets, electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, glass, fertilizers, body and vehicle armour, weapons systems, aerospace ceramics, and pharmaceuticals Boron supply chains are vulnerable due to growing demand for these applications, its relatively low concentration in the earth’s crust, and dependence on foreign sources for boron derivatives.
(End Quote)

Gw