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| China-Japan-Koreas |
| China Choking Off Exports of Critically-Scarce Rare Earth Metals |
| 2010-01-02 |
| China, whose mines account for 97 per cent of global supplies, is trying to ensure that all raw rare earth elements are processed within its borders. During the past seven years it has reduced by 40 per cent the amount of rare earths available for export. |
| Posted by:Anguper Hupomosing9418 |
| #7 One that actually produces things? Hell yes! |
| Posted by: AzCat 2010-01-02 23:11 |
| #6 America was the world leader in rare earth mineral production. But US wage rates couldn't compete with Chinese $200/month. Seriously, would you want to live in that kind of nation |
| Posted by: Cheaderhead 2010-01-02 21:24 |
| #5 America was the world leader in rare earth mineral production. But US wage rates couldn't compete with Chinese $200/month. |
| Posted by: ed 2010-01-02 20:28 |
| #4 Russia? Mongolia? |
| Posted by: Gomez Omaique2346 2010-01-02 20:05 |
| #3 Doesn't seem likely that 97% of the global accumulation of rare earth elements should be in China. More likely the percentage is that high because up until the very recent past the primary use for minerals containing rare earth elements was for making fireworks colorful - and that was an overwhelmingly Chinese business. Now the unusual properties of REE in electronics and other cutting edge technology is providing a higher value growth market for that old Chinese supply, so it makes sense for them to restrict access. I wonder where future supplies will be found, and who will be first to develop. Sudan? China? (WAG) |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2010-01-02 20:01 |
| #2 If they continue doing this, deposits will be located and exploited elsewhere. Mongolia also has deposits and is opening their economy. |
| Posted by: crosspatch 2010-01-02 17:58 |
| #1 Importantly, there are believed to be concentrations of some rare earth elements on parts of the Moon. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2010-01-02 17:21 |