You are correct mate, thanks for adding that as I didn't think to include it.
"we are dooming our minerals industries". AGREED 100% !: How resolved is the west is to competing with the Chinas, Africas, Indonesias, Vietnams, Thailands, Indias, Mexicos etc? To compete on an even playing field requires sacrifices I think the west cannot accept (ESG), labour, reduced compliance/regulations et al. All IMO adds costs and time (approvals, community etc etc).
Keep in mind that Indonesia was able to support its Nickel industry through localization/protectionism. Indonesia produces other good that depend on Nickel production so it suits them, whereas Oz does not have a similar base. My research indicates that ESG is a recent phenomenon for Indonesia but is primarily an expectation of the companies to implement and that regulations are ongoing. An old article but one of the few I could find in a quick look: https://nickelinstitute.org/media/pcgd1cne/20221201-indonesian-esg-workshop-report.pdf
One of my earlier posts questions not just western governments but populations desire/ability to pay more for locally made or even US made products. Personally I am at odds with buying Chinese stuff only because of my past experiences with quality. But with a connected (world, cloud) E.V, not knowing who has access to my data (it would be very boring data to look at) and what they could do with it causes me concern. About a week after writing that, my parents bought a BYD - reinforcing my uncertainty about the west's resolve where prices or ESG is concerned. Look at Ford/Holden as an example - there was a large part of Oz that supported them including govs, but more saw better value elsewhere, gotta admit I'm neither a ford nor holden person.
IMHO, the answer to resolve will come from primarily legislation then the populations. The US is possibly a great example how populations have fought against legislation that helps better them by improving local industries. In Australia we have politicians who are seeing the effect of rumpianisn. Can't wait to see how that plays out.
So; western ability to compete, perceived value (acceptance of ESG, costs, NIMBY, etc), investments in local industries. I just see this as a reality is difficult to overcome - a while ago I mentioned looking for a replacement fuel injector for my sons Honda motorbike - $250 from Japan, $35 or so from China which is where the Honda one was made, guess which I bought?
Check this list and think about what is still made in Aus: https://australiaunwrapped.com/top-20-great-inventions-of-australia-that-changed-the-world/
Another interesting read about made in Aus: https://goaustraliatours.com/made-in-australia/
When Aussies of their own volition decide to buy 100% produced Aussie made products, we'll see a change. Until then, raw materials will be our game.
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