The threat to U.S. supply chains argues for a much larger mineral stockpile. And instead of relying on imports, the U.S. should procure domestically produced minerals where reserves exist. Such a policy would help facilitate domestic production. The U.S. should also consider prepaying for minerals to help fund a number of prospective mineral projects. It would help make U.S. mining more economically attractive -- whether the minerals are used in commercial production or for stockpiles.Can anything else be done to protect the U.S. against a sudden cutoff of critical minerals? Absolutely. The single most important thing that the federal government can do is shorten the permitting process for both new mines and processing facilities. The time was never riper for a national policy to support domestic mineral use and stimulate production. QUOTE This reference in the extended story is relevant to Halleck Creek’s role to be a part of the ongoing answer to the US supply chain IMO
