"Note that it does Cliffs not much good to process in China when it is imperative that N. American chromite be destined for US needs re. source security for strategic reasons. In addition, ship the product back and forth?"

I would agree with this but note that Obama was just recorded saying that there is no denying that China will figure prominently in America's recovery, so the needs of America will be in producing for China as opposed to N.A.. That may include providing non-finished/semi-finished products.