I think the interest is a lessions learned from WWII.
Chromium to use in alloying steel was not availshle domestically in sufficient quantity.
Germany had problems obtaining Gasoline and Diesel. They went to converting coal to same.
These days not only the Military is at risk, but the general economy.
It is a matter of National Security.
Ethanol from corn and real sugar not withstanding.
The same approach must be applied to electronic components - both active and passive components - and ICs.
Off hand, I don’t think we produce enough titanium to be self sufficient even if we want to.