Yes, you have been a strong advocate for this. China Inc. must...

Yes, you have been a strong advocate for this. China Inc. must be having a laugh at our expense. One day we’ll wake up and our mines will be depleted. With no value add happening downstream, how will the government make money to pay for our health, education and pensions when our mines are depleted? Companies controlled by China are digging and shipping at full stream, effectively robbing Australia of its lithium resources. Other companies not controlled by China, like LTR, are trying to keep the lights on. It seems beyond individual companies to work together to achieve a fair price. We need strong leadership at the government level to stop this rot. If they stockpiled at $1200/ tonne, they would be able to on sell higher later on. They just need some foresight and willingness to invest in Australia. There could be billions generated by the government on behalf of Australian citizens. Imagine if some of this money was then put back into developing out more parts of the supply chain in Australia. I don’t want my kids families growing up in a banana republic with a lower standard of living.
Instead of dreaming up new ways to tax people, how about the government starts investing in new technologies and industries that support our critical minerals and agricultural industries. Maybe in the future there will still be jobs for Australians when the mines run out.
On a macro level, the lithium demand is still rising year on year a good clip. We know China can bring on new supply fairly quickly. Last time it took around 18mths only. However, as the market grows, the ability to bring on new supply to tip the market into surplus diminishes. At some point, the equation will flip in our favour. Hopefully when that happens we will still have ownership of the KV asset. There are many long term holders on here that deserve to be rewarded. No doubt if that day arrives, our government will be expecting some of the spoils, having taken none of the risk.
If the Iran-Israel war damages any of the oil infrastructure, we could see oil over $100 a barrel again.That might get a few more people thinking about energy and the environment.
I hope everyone has a good Sunday.
G