1. Everything in life is a tradeoff. We also live by rules....

1. Everything in life is a tradeoff. We also live by rules. There would never be economic development if it were otherwise, but this will inevitably result in less than perfect outcomes for some.
So we have in place in this country the right to explore for minerals, alongside the right to improve one's land (primary production/ farming) and have set up an approvals process formulated by democratically elected governments to protect the rights of those who would be affected. Furthermore we have a legal system to adjudicate if any party is aggrieved.
2. Blame China. Blame the West. But we're stuffed if we don't proceed with developing critical minerals independence asap. Astron's development cuts out China altogether, with all processing of rare earths and sales going to America, not China.
3. and 4. Why should it stop? Why would you want something which is a net positive not to proceed?