Tig The figure is correct -if only USD$ 170 million in rare earths are imported of which a lot goes into vaccum cleaners its impossible to conclude that the USA reliance on Chinese rare earths is critical.
My understanding is manufacturers have been stockpiling rare earths for years in anticipation of this event.
Mountain Pass - Lynas and their new plants -admittedly so slow -but if it becomes a war time situation the US can just flick a switch and to hell with any environmental concerns. They may do that and I am the first to admit it is frustrating. Like the copper mine held up because of some indigenous clap trap - a mine that can supply 25% of US copper requirements. All that gets done in a flash in a war time situation -
Like the yanks built the bitumen road all the way from Mt Isa to Darwin during the war as fast as you could walk -we still use that road. Whilst we have been years and years bitumising the Tanami Road.
You continually listen to negative reports -always an anti US attitude -always trying to find reasons why China has the US by the short hairs.
You know bugger all mate about what is happening behind the scenes because you shut your mind to anything positive always highlighting the negative.
There are many companies likme Redwood Materials that make the Chinese look ordinary. The recyling of rare metals is in its infancy but will be a big contributor to level the playing field.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-18/redwood-material-s-nevada-ev-battery-recycling-facility-attempts-to-rival-china?embedded-checkout=true&sref=B3F4vkZA
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