ioneer sees Biden Administration as a catalyst for its business and US vehicle electrification

ioneer Ltd (ASX:INR) (OTCMKTS:GSCCF) (FRA:4G1) believes the new Biden Administration in the US will be a catalyst for its business and US vehicle electrification.  The company is encouraged by the administration’s commitment to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and the development of a domestic lithium-ion battery materials supply chain.   Through executive actions encouraging zero-emissions technologies and comments from the Secretary of Energy and Secretary of Treasury, the Biden administration has emphasised its desire for a low-carbon future.  Catalyst for business ioneer managing director Bernard Rowe said: “We believe that the Biden administration will be a catalyst for our business and US vehicle electrification more broadly. "Moreover, ioneer anticipates the new administration will give strong support for domestic projects, such as Rhyolite Ridge, which will supply the critical minerals necessary to execute on the administration’s emissions reduction and climate target programs. “We continue to do everything in our power to advance our corporate and engineering activities for this important project, ensuring we are construction-ready once we receive our permits and helping the administration meet the climate goals it has set out.” No decisions until new personnel in place As with any change in administration, there is a natural transition period during which there will be personnel changes throughout the Federal Government, including the Department of Interior (DOI) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the relevant authorities for approving the permitting of Rhyolite Ridge. ioneer has been advised that no permit assessments or publication of permitting decisions are expected until the new personnel are in place, expected within the next 60 days. Final ROD in fourth quarter 2021 ioneer is awaiting the publication by the BLM of the Notice of Intent (NOI) as part of its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The company expects the NOI to be published after certain personnel in the new administration are in place. Coupled with the continued efficiency challenges all parties face due to COVID-19, ioneer now expects the BLM’s final Record of Decision (ROD), which allows the company to commence construction, will be made in the fourth quarter of 2021. Tiehm’s buckwheat protection ioneer has begun working with The Conservation Fund to explore viable options on the protection and conservation efforts for Tiehm’s buckwheat, found at Rhyolite Ridge. The fund is one of the largest non-profit environmental groups in the US and has commenced work with relevant federal agencies on buckwheat conservation strategies and measures. This fund works with public, private and non-profit partners to protect America’s legacy of land and water resources. It does this via land acquisition, sustainable community and economic development, and leadership training, emphasising the integration of economic and environmental goals.