DOE Radioactive Nickel - Approximately 21,700 tons of radiologically contaminated nickel metal is currently stored across multiple DoE sites; Westwin proposes a no-cost contract with the government to absorb liability for the material, and all decontamination and certification activities to make it available to U.S. markets. Westwin proposes to provide long-term storage solutions for the minimal remaining radioactive residues which DOE will retain, all in exchange for the ownership of the decontaminated nickel scraps. (Note: The DOE is not listed as an option under the agency tab)
Maintain 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit- It is imperative to incentivize the growth of domestic critical mineral production, as vital US industries rely on uninterrupted access to these raw materials including stainless steel, aerospace and defense. Maintaining the 45X tax credit enables American industries to compete globally, diminishing the national security risks associated with critical mineral supply chain dependencies on adversarial nations, namely China.
The proposed policies will enhance fair competition by counteracting China's deliberate price manipulation of nickel, which has been used as a tool to undercut foreign competitors and drive them out of business. By imposing a 60% tariff on critical mineral products, this policy levels the playing field, ensuring that American producers can compete without being undermined by artificially low prices. Fostering a fair market environment not only protects domestic industries but also promotes long-term economic stability and innovation in critical mineral production.
Tariff Request - up to 60% global supplemental tariff on all imports of: o Class 1 Nickel Products (powders, flakes, briquettes, pellets, rounds) o Nickel Sulfate (Ni sulfate) o Manganese Sulfate (Mn sulfate) o Cobalt Sulfate (Co sulfate) o Cathode Active Material (CAM) o Precursor Cathode Active Material (pCAM) Due to limited access to domestic mine reserves for nickel, Westwin recommends maintaining no tariffs on imports of nickel ores and intermediate products such as Direct Shipped Ore (DSO), Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP), High-Grade Nickel Matte (HGNM), Mixed Sulfide Precipitate (MSP), and Nickel Concentrate.
Westwin Elements built and operates Americas first nickel carbonyl refinery to solve the US critical mineral crisis: a crisis of foreign dependency, human rights violations, and forecasted global deficits. Westwin is expanding its capacity to be Americas first major nickel refinery, aiming to satisfy domestic demand.