As China severely reduces export quotas, the rest of the world is waking up to the reality of finding new sources for rare earth elements. This is a breakdown of some of the rare earth projects being developed outside of China.
Prices may be on the move for rare earth elements as China restricts export quotas by 72 percent. Controlling 95 percent of the world market, the drastic reduction to exports will choke the supply of the materials for world consumption. Also, the Chinese are considering making a transparent, negotiation based pricing system.
The ‘RESTART’ Act proposed in the US congress is aiming to reduce America’s dependence on China for the supply of rare earth elements vital for US weapons and defense industries as well as electronics and green technology companies. The bill seeks to assist mining and processing operations, as well as create a strategic stockpile of various rare earth elements.
Monday, July 19, 2010