[Goose]

Intel's commitment to bringing chip production back to the USA is important.  The number of new auto plants being built can be converted to other type of vehicle production far faster than building a new factory.  We have been terribly dependent on China for lithium but now seem to getting some significant production here at home, particularly if the last regulatory hurdles for LAC's proposed mine in Nevada.  It takes a lot of time and money to undo past mistakes, or miscalculations.

Unfortunately in many cases time and money does not overcome geology. Lithium is actually pretty easy to come by, no supernova required. Even so, mining is an inherently dirty, messy, and pollution generating activity. Getting new mines opened that can operate profitably isn't easy and is always very price sensitive. A small price movement can open/close lots of mines. So can a change in allowed pollution levels of various sorts. Mining takes a large investment. Nobody wants to do that if next week the EPA may outlaw your process.

Rare earths are exactly that, and while there is a known source in the US (Mountain Pass mine), there are no other proven reserves in the US. Supposedly BHP has some things going in Elko county, but that has been rumored for years. Securing some sources that are reliable will be a trick, as demand is only increasing. Processing these ores is also very ecologically challenging. Australia is our best source going forward in terms of known deposits. Exploitation is not there yet however.

[Goose]

Intel's commitment to bringing chip production back to the USA is important.  The number of new auto plants being built can be converted to other type of vehicle production far faster than building a new factory.  We have been terribly dependent on China for lithium but now seem to getting some significant production here at home, particularly if the last regulatory hurdles for LAC's proposed mine in Nevada.  It takes a lot of time and money to undo past mistakes, or miscalculations.

Unfortunately in many cases time and money does not overcome geology. Lithium is actually pretty easy to come by, no supernova required. Even so, mining is an inherently dirty, messy, and pollution generating activity. Getting new mines opened that can operate profitably isn't easy and is always very price sensitive. A small price movement can open/close lots of mines. So can a change in allowed pollution levels of various sorts. Mining takes a large investment. Nobody wants to do that if next week the EPA may outlaw your process.

Rare earths are exactly that, and while there is a known source in the US (Mountain Pass mine), there are no other proven reserves in the US. Supposedly BHP has some things going in Elko county, but that has been rumored for years. Securing some sources that are reliable will be a trick, as demand is only increasing. Processing these ores is also very ecologically challenging. Australia is our best source going forward in terms of known deposits. Exploitation is not there yet however.