Will ILU metallise its REE concentrate?, page-4

Resources min Mad King, AFR:

... Biden plans to ask Congress to add Australia as a “domestic source” within Title III of the Defence Production Act.

The economic significance of Australia being listed as a domestic source cannot be overstated. The shift would allow closer technological collaboration on critical minerals and rare earths, and strengthen AUKUS implementation. It would make it easier for American money to flow to certain types of Australian projects, including critical minerals

.It would also allow the US president to direct incentives, including loans and purchase commitments. If listed as a “domestic source”, Australian-based businesses would be able to access these funding mechanisms.

This listing is almost unique globally.

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Ash here.

Quite so.

The Australian Government funded the Eneabba REE refinery, to the benefit of all. Metallising in WA would complete the Western supply chain.

Consider, over at S32 there are mutterings the US could grant up to a third of the capex of Hermosa, cos critical minerals. So Australia enjoys 'domestic' status, Supply Risk X Economic Importance ranks REE an absolute outlier requiring immediate attention, and the US Government wants the smelter stages built and in production immediately.

Uncle Sam will plaster ILU with grants, loans and forward orders to fix all this. The scale of the largesse will reflect the urgency and importance of the moment.

ILU becomes a globally significant player in six elements: Zr Ti Nd Pr Dy and Tb.

He who collects elements, collects best.

Ash