USGS geologists were sent into the Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan to look for rare earth elements. The discovery of a potentially massive deposit could prove difficult to extract with Afghanistan's considerably political instability.
A brief look at 3 rare earth exploration hotspots outside of China.
Reuters reported that the US needs to secure a steady supply of rare earths to fulfil its alternative energy initiatives.
One of the best known names in the rare earth market, Molycorp, is stealing the headlines yet again with the announcement of heavy rare earth element (HREE) deposits surrounding the company’s Mt. Pass mine in California. Rare earth analysts are questioning the timing of the announcement amidst falling share prices.
The Guardian reported on the environmental consequences of increased dependence on rare earth elements.
Shares of rare earth firms have taken a serious hit this week. The fall came as a result of J.P. Morgan downgrading shares of Molycorp to a neutral rating. However, the fundamentals of the market have not changed, and prices for the elements are still up for the year.
Wealth Daily reported on the increase in the price of light bulbs due to the rising value of rare earths.
Medallion Resources Ltd (CVE:MDL) announced that it would focus on its new strategy of acquiring existing rare-earth-bearing monazite resources.
Business Insider reported on how China's stranglehold on rare earths has affected the price of light bulbs.
BBC News reported that the British Geological Survey has published a list of 52 elements deemed to be at risk of supply disruption.
Monday, October 24, 2011