Bloomberg reported that the US Energy Department noted that a shortage of five particular rare earths could cause problems for the clean tech sector.
The Gold Report reported an interview with analyst Jon Hykawy on the 2012 outlook for rare earths.
With rare earth prices falling alongside company share prices many rare earth companies are highlighting their heavy rare earth deposits which are of higher value.
July was an important month for the rare earth market. In perhaps the most significant news of the year, China released the rare earth export quota for the second half of 2011, sending the market into a frenzy yet again. Other top headlines included the continuing rise of rare earth prices, and the alleged Japanese discovery of rare earth deposits on the floor of the Pacific Ocean.
Governments are now recognizing the need for stockpiling and securing rare earth elements like never before. Many analysts around the world are calling for more diverse sources of REE to ensure availability in the future.
Reuters Canada reports that shares of Rare Element Resources (CVE:RES) jumped more than 13 percent on Monday.
Forbes reports Australia’s Alkane Resources, one of our contending Names You Need To Know In 2011.
Understanding the rare earth markets can be as confusing as pronouncing the various names of the metals. Made up of 17 different elements, ‘rare earths’ are not actually all that rare in the earths crust. However, the economic viability of the processing of ore make them one of the least mined substances in the world. Understanding the different elements and their uses is essential for taking advantage of this growing market.
Understanding the rare earth markets can be as confusing as pronouncing the various names of the metals. Made up of 17 different elements, ‘rare earths’ are not actually all that rare in the earths crust. However, the economic viability of the processing of ore make them one of the least mined substances in the world. Understanding the different elements and their uses is essential for taking advantage of this growing market.
The New York Times reports how China is set to tighten on Grip on Rare Minerals:
Thursday, January 5, 2012