Weapon tech: Cradle to grave. Okay Pip,
Let's get a few things strait. Heavy REEs are used by DOD to make weapons. That means that they will be in the cradle to grave program. Weapon systems, be it guns, missles, or torpetoes every part has a stock number and mil spec, some even have a serial number. The program will track where the ore was dug out of the mine with reports and samples all the way to the end product.
Pip, you still think that Ucore is a regular company. It is not, it will be a DOD supplier. Different set of rules. You keep harping about no money. Read what Ucore is doing. Do you really think that with all the that Ucore is doing that they are not sure that they are going to get money to build the SMC.
I watched the tail end of the program. When a sub got scrapped. A bunch of cabinents and other gear was removed first. Certain pieces had a marine guard as soon as the bolts were loosen. When they hit the side of the drydock a full squad guarded them all the way to foundry to be melted. One cabinent even had a sniper on the roof on the other side of the dock. We learn to give a wide go around when that was moving.
Do not make the mistake of thinking that regular rules apply.
As for the money that when to MP, Lynas and REEMF. DOD always supports existing industry while it looks for the tech that will replace it.
Dragon
PS Dead beat, hope that I made sense. Any questions post.