With the world's attention firmly fixed upon China and its rare earth export restrictions, some believe now is the perfect time for mining juniors to stamp their authority on a market desperate for diversification.
Lynas Corporation has been under increasing pressure in relation to its Malaysia-based materials plant. While the media focuses on the negatives of the project, experts claim it could spur positive economic development for the region.
Markets have been gripped by the recent decision by the US, EU, and Japan to request that a WTO investigation be undertaken in relation to China's rare earth export policies.
China’s rare earths export restrictions has united the United States, Japan, and the European Union to take action via the WTO for the first time. The united front is, however, unlikely to change global supply of the critical materials any time soon.
With China dominating rare earth headlines, investors are now looking elsewhere in a bid to lock down resources in a clearly monopolized market. Advanced infrastructure and a thriving mining sector have led to increased investor attention being focused on Australia.
In light of China's limitation on rare earth exports, companies such as Toyota are doing everything within their power to decrease their reliance on rare earth elements.
Speculation that China would boost its rare earth output to take advantage of higher prices and meet demand caught investor focus this week.
The biggest rare earths miner outside of China survived a tough Q4 to post strong 2011 results, and could be on track to hit its targets in 2012.
Knut Andersen, Sales Director of Swiss Metal Assets, spoke exclusively to Resource Investing News about holding physical rare industrial metals offshore as a growth-oriented investment and hedge against currency devaluation.
Water plays a critical role in mining, however, wastewater can lead to environmental problems. Molycorp is working on a water recycling system that will create near-zero wastewater discharge, which will reduce environmental impacts and cut costs.
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