The world's appetite for the red metal will reach 53 million tonnes annually by mid-century – more than double current levels – but falls short of supply by 2.7 million tonnes without more recycling and mining.

Developers of battery metals projects can win support from the US government as it seeks to counter the dominance of China in clean-technology supply chains.

The Stibnite project is considered one of the highest-grade, open-pit gold deposits in the US.

Using spoof trades to manipulate prices for all sorts of precious metals was an almost daily method for generating profit, said John Edmonds.

Investors concerned about the prospect of a global economic downturn have turned in droves to the greenback.

VW is the latest carmaker to partner with Redwood, which has forged similar alliances with Toyota, Ford and Volvo Cars.