Australia has untapped raw rare earths, and refinery’s coming online for the same. I was watching to see who would move first. Trump apparently rejected the notion. There may be something between the US and Australia that I am not aware of. But when he traipsed the earth over for rare earth deals to counter China’s prowess; and subsequently started blackmailing Africa – he never looked to Australia.
I will actually give President von der Leyen credit for a strong move; having dissed her in the past.
[i actually used her to off-ramp a counter measure. i never had a problem with her. apologies]