Agreed. I also thought this was almost a done deal. 

some info I just found about the ATVM loan process. It dates to 2014, but based on recent articles about Ioneer and Syrah, I don't think much has changed. Seems we are at step 1 of 4. 

https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2015/02/f19/ATVM_Guidance_for_Applicants_11.4.14.pdf

https://m.miningweekly.com/article/syrah-gets-doe-funding-for-us-expansion-plans-2022-07-28/rep_id:3861

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-department-of-energy-offers-conditional-commitment-for-a-loan-of-up-to-us700-million-for-the-rhyolite-ridge-project-301721334.html

AXP