7 hours ago, Alan Zweibel said:

Actually your characterization of Trump's signing of that memorandum as having something to do with rare earth minerals is false. Rare earth minerals aren't even mentioned in that article. Rare earth resources were only discovered years later. 

 

 

You are off on a tangent. The statement was made that Saudi Arabia and Canada  did not have critical mineral wealth. To which I  pointed out that 

And then there is  Saudi Arabia. It is believed have some of the worlds largest reserves of rare earth. the Saudis have been investing significantly in this sector including processing. There is another reason why Trump previously sought to normalize relations with the KSA.

This was dismissed by Callum who stated that  "Looks like nobody knows about those massive reserves".

 

I provided a factual basis supporting the presence of significant critical mineral reserves. I also stated two times that the presence of the mineral reserves was another reason why Trump sought to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia. I did not say it was the only or the  principal reason. it was one of many economic reasons for the US to normalize relations. The US trade with the middle east is not exclusive to oil or to military arms. As  the Saudis diversify their economy, there is a desire to engage in other activities.This is set out in Vision 2030. Are you surprised that the US State Department and Trade Office read the strategic plan of a major financial and strategic ally? It is what they do.

 

Trade and  National Security were the two reasons why  President Trump initiated a normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia. You are off on a convoluted mission to deny this historical fact Why else did Trump normalize relations? It certainly wasn't to go on a camel ride or to go sightseeing in Mecca.

 

Saudi Arabia's mineral potential has been known for decades. The big initiative came in April 2016 when Saudi Arabia announced its Vision 2030 strategic plan. Its purpose was to create a strategic framework for economic and social transformation by diversifying the economy away from oil. As per the Saudis;  Saudi Arabia has been exploring its vast mineral wealth since 1997, with efforts accelerating under Vision 2030, which recognizes mining as the third pillar of the national economy. The Kingdom is home to over 45 identified minerals, including gold, zinc, and uranium, with total mineral wealth now valued at over $2.5 trillion.

The Kingdom is focused on developing mineral value chains by leveraging the its vast resources, local demand, and access to global markets. Key initiatives include comprehensive geological surveys, identifying investment opportunities, and attracting foreign investment. By capitalizing on its competitive advantages, Saudi Arabia aims to establish a thriving and sustainable mining industry that drives economic diversification and job creation while strengthening its position in global supply chains.

 

Trump initiated a normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia a year later in 2017.  As I have already stated, the decision was motivated by trade and security. Because minerals were not specifically stated, does not mean it was not a motivating reason for normalizing relations.  

 

On 10/14/2025 at 2:21 AM, Patong2021 said:

I would not have mentioned Saudi Arabia, unless I was aware of its critical mineral including rare earth reserves.

 

So you know something nobody else in the world, and then I mean those in the industry, know?

Wow, just wow, you take MAGA we know it all to a new level

 

.

 

 

https://www.metal.com/en/newscontent/103329939

 

Saudi Arabia has been striving to become a significant global mineral hub, particularly for copper, nickel, and rare earth minerals, which are becoming essential for technology-focused economies. According to data from the Saudi Geological Survey, the country has proven rare earth reserves of approximately 3.2 million mt, accounting for 1.5% of the global total, but its smelting technology is virtually non-existent.

1 hour ago, CallumWK said:

 

So you know something nobody else in the world, and then I mean those in the industry, know?

Wow, just wow, you take MAGA we know it all to a new level

 

.

 

 

https://www.metal.com/en/newscontent/103329939

 

Saudi Arabia has been striving to become a significant global mineral hub, particularly for copper, nickel, and rare earth minerals, which are becoming essential for technology-focused economies. According to data from the Saudi Geological Survey, the country has proven rare earth reserves of approximately 3.2 million mt, accounting for 1.5% of the global total, but its smelting technology is virtually non-existent.

You are so intent on trying to make a point, that you don't realize what you have written or comprehend what I have written.

1. You initially stated that Saudi Arabia had no critical mineral reserves. You even  put up a reference to rare earth oxide equivalents that does not include Saudi Arabia. And then you acknowledge the estimated 3.5 million metric tonnes of  of rare earth reserves.

 

2. And yet you write, that nobody in the world knows of this and that I am MAGA for mentioning the critical mineral potential. If ever there was an idiotic statement made, that was it. You deny the existence, and then you acknowledge the presence of  the rare earth potential. It is you who is inconsistent and illogical. 

 

3. No one claimed that Saudi Arabia was an important processor. It is you who is incorrectly attributing that claim.

In order for Saudi Arabia to develop its mineral wealth it needs technological and financial assistance and it needs a market. It's untapped, unexploited opportunity. That's what Vision 2030 released  almost a decade ago, addresses. Canada is in much the same situation. It is sitting on reserves like lithium, but has neither developed the mining, nor the processing capability. it takes time, expertise and financial investment and a market to sell the material to.

 

4. It is not MAGA to recognize that one of the motivations for the normalization of relations with the country was to  access the economic opportunities.

 

You have gone from initially denying the critical mineral earth reserves of Saudi Arabia, to doubling down on the denial, then stating the mineral reserves exist, to then claiming  that my stating the reserves exist is a MAGA conspiracy.

 

8 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

You are so intent on trying to make a point, that you don't realize what you have written or comprehend what I have written.

1. You initially stated that Saudi Arabia had no critical mineral reserves. You even  put up a reference to rare earth oxide equivalents that does not include Saudi Arabia. And then you acknowledge the estimated 3.5 million metric tonnes of  of rare earth reserves.

 

You should stop lying about what I posted, but I know that is difficult for a born MAGA liar.

 

I never said that SA had no rare earths, I ridiculed your claim that they had one of the WORLD'S LARGEST reserves. Is 1.5% one of the largest?

 

 

2 hours ago, CallumWK said:

https://www.metal.com/en/newscontent/103329939

 

Saudi Arabia has been striving to become a significant global mineral hub, particularly for copper, nickel, and rare earth minerals, which are becoming essential for technology-focused economies. According to data from the Saudi Geological Survey, the country has proven rare earth reserves of approximately 3.2 million mt, accounting for 1.5% of the global total, but its smelting technology is virtually non-existent.

 

And now, of you go to my list of MAGA liars

Posts with derogatory nicknames, intentional misspellings, or personal remarks will be removed. Spell names correctly for all sides of the debate.

On 10/15/2025 at 1:01 AM, Patong2021 said:

 

You are off on a tangent. The statement was made that Saudi Arabia and Canada  did not have critical mineral wealth. To which I  pointed out that 

And then there is  Saudi Arabia. It is believed have some of the worlds largest reserves of rare earth. the Saudis have been investing significantly in this sector including processing. There is another reason why Trump previously sought to normalize relations with the KSA.

This was dismissed by Callum who stated that  "Looks like nobody knows about those massive reserves".

 

I provided a factual basis supporting the presence of significant critical mineral reserves. I also stated two times that the presence of the mineral reserves was another reason why Trump sought to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia. I did not say it was the only or the  principal reason. it was one of many economic reasons for the US to normalize relations. The US trade with the middle east is not exclusive to oil or to military arms. As  the Saudis diversify their economy, there is a desire to engage in other activities.This is set out in Vision 2030. Are you surprised that the US State Department and Trade Office read the strategic plan of a major financial and strategic ally? It is what they do.

 

Trade and  National Security were the two reasons why  President Trump initiated a normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia. You are off on a convoluted mission to deny this historical fact Why else did Trump normalize relations? It certainly wasn't to go on a camel ride or to go sightseeing in Mecca.

 

Saudi Arabia's mineral potential has been known for decades. The big initiative came in April 2016 when Saudi Arabia announced its Vision 2030 strategic plan. Its purpose was to create a strategic framework for economic and social transformation by diversifying the economy away from oil. As per the Saudis;  Saudi Arabia has been exploring its vast mineral wealth since 1997, with efforts accelerating under Vision 2030, which recognizes mining as the third pillar of the national economy. The Kingdom is home to over 45 identified minerals, including gold, zinc, and uranium, with total mineral wealth now valued at over $2.5 trillion.

The Kingdom is focused on developing mineral value chains by leveraging the its vast resources, local demand, and access to global markets. Key initiatives include comprehensive geological surveys, identifying investment opportunities, and attracting foreign investment. By capitalizing on its competitive advantages, Saudi Arabia aims to establish a thriving and sustainable mining industry that drives economic diversification and job creation while strengthening its position in global supply chains.

 

Trump initiated a normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia a year later in 2017.  As I have already stated, the decision was motivated by trade and security. Because minerals were not specifically stated, does not mean it was not a motivating reason for normalizing relations.  

 

Nonsense. This thread is about rare earths. Even in the quote you cited you claimed that rare earth was part of his motivation. It couldn't have been since it wasn't even known then that there were rare earth deposits in S.A. And the rest of your comments are just irrelevant to the issue of rare earths. And even if they were relevant, which they're not, so what? Trump signed a memorandum. Big whoop.

13 hours ago, Alan Zweibel said:

Nonsense. This thread is about rare earths. Even in the quote you cited you claimed that rare earth was part of his motivation. It couldn't have been since it wasn't even known then that there were rare earth deposits in S.A. And the rest of your comments are just irrelevant to the issue of rare earths. And even if they were relevant, which they're not, so what? Trump signed a memorandum. Big whoop.

 

The nonsense is your continued insistence that Saudi Arabia does not have rare earth mineral resources. The USGS in 1985 concluded that it did.

Mineralogy of drill cores from Jabal Sa'id, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia January 1, 1985

The mineralogy of three drill cores from the apogranite at Jabal Sa'id was determined principally to identify those minerals containing rare earths, niobium, tantalum, thorium, zirconium, and tin. Heavy mineral studies of two other drill cores indicate that the deposit is enriched in rare earths. 

You are the one insisting that I have claimed that diplomatic relations were normalized solely because of rare earth reserves. The rare earth assets were one of a number of economic reasons that justified normalization of relations. Get over yourself.

 

Will the USA ever learn that Asian countries operate on patience and not " i want it all and i want it now" mentality of most americans.  To an American a year is a long time.  To Chinese a century is no big deal.  Huff and puff and enact big tariffs and threaten all you want and China will survive adapt and thrive.  Meantime China's investment and influence around the world grows more and more thanks to all the "you can't live without our markets" threats made by american politicians with no clue.

 

Reminds me of American attitude towards Viet Nam where "by god we will go over there and whip those little bastards in a few weeks"....hell they live in bamboo huts and eat rice....we are the all powerful almight USA and will open a can of whoop ass on them.  How'd that work out?

 

Bottom line is most asians have the ability to put up with hardships that the average american cannot even comprehend.  Give it a while and let prices of Chinese toys etc go up 100% and see how happy most americans will be at the wal mart check out lines.

 

As Mark Knopfler sang:  "You don't want yourself an incident don't ever invade China"

Nobody knows Chi-Na like Trump. Yeah right!  He, Bessent and Nutlick are now complaining about China's unwarranted actions on prohibiting certain exports for national security reasons. China is just copying Trump's own playbook. And now?  We won't buy your cooking oil. Really?

 

I said it before. He really didn't think this one through properly, and totally went the wrong way about it. Not only with China...with everyone.  The Bull in a china shop method only results in breakages. That's why  countries have diplomats and trade negotiators.

 

I think the US will blink first as they are desperate for rare earths. You only have to watch Bessent's ever increasing spluttering in interviews to see that.

 

The simple fact is that China doesn't need the US as much as the US needs China. At least for the near future.

 

Once the US, Canada and Mex unionize and bring in the Amero currency, China will be finished.

 

Just a matter of time folks. 

21 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Once the US, Canada and Mex unionize and bring in the Amero currency, China will be finished.

 

Just a matter of time folks. 

 

Interesting alternate reality you live in.  First of all, the US is stupidly also trying to fight a trade war with Canada and Mexico and the rest of the world, so nobody is going to help them try to fight China.  Secondly, China could and probably should shut down most of US critical industry in about 6 to 9 months by controlling something like 80% of the worlds precious metals.  Thirdly, China, India, Russia, and several other countries are now forming trading partnerships in response to the US trade war. 

 

The US is now playing chicken with a much bigger chicken and it's ENTIRELY their own fault.