That's cobalt and that's where the majority of the mineral is mined. Australia is actually the predominant source for lithium mining. China is by far and away the predominant source of lithium ion battery manufacture. I think around 75% of global supply. Sourcing the mineral closer to US would be a boon to western manufacture. 

In region yes but I think a hefty chunk of that is funded by CCP capital.

Chile and Bolivia have the biggest reserve of lithium in the world.

Perhaps! I always thought most of it was in Africa

k00b

China may end up developing the resources in USA

faithandcredit

cost/processing/pollution

I guess something always has to be sacrificed and lithium doesn't grow out of the ground into a finished product.