Good luck getting permits in Europe! It has been thoroughly settled for over 2000 years. There will be an old castle of historic significance on top. Or, if untouched by human hands, will be deemed pristine. Either way, permitting is inconceivable outside existing mining districts such as Silesia or Huelva in Spain. Look at the trouble RIO is having with its Jadar Lithium deposit in Serbia!
This is before any exploration such as drilling to even examine whether an orebody is worthwhile.
Europe's industrial base is seriously, seriously exposed - cant sell a Mercedes without windscreen wipers. Government(s) know and have no path forward, hence the sombre public announcements and endless policy papers.
Mercantilist USA's short-sighted practices may well thrust Europe into Chinese dependence - a Marshall Plan in reverse.
Ash
