I saw a report on the BBC about the US losing it's grip on rear earth elemental technology to China. What I didn't realise is that China produces 97 percent of rear earth metals which are essential for catalytic converters, fiber optic communications, and next generation "green" tech stuff etc. The United States Geological Survey has an interesting report on Rear earths which should make sobering reading for anyone concerned about the US's future.

- Peter.

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Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
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2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
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1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
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Any links? Sounds like an interesting watch

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TC
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Not sure I'd want to do a google search for "rear earth" on my work laptop .

I assume the OP meant rare earth.....

NY Times

Wall Street Journal

LA Times

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Looks like they are trying to use it as a bargaining chip. China better watch it they are not the only game in town, if they start playing to many games with there policy business will move elsewhere.

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[QUOTE=ramonajim;2568568]Not sure I'd want to do a google search for "rear earth" on my work laptop .

I assume the OP meant rare earth.....

Ah yes. I meant rare

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11581288

Then go to the USGS website and search for Rare earth metals and look at their reports. Quite interesting.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Rare Earth . . . get ready, cause here I come . .

Ahem, can't China do what it wants with its natural resources? On another note, Canada and Africa are also part of the supply chain.

Yep, if they shut off the tap all that will do is create more jobs in this country as we get that mine in CA back online, and look to other sources.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Yes, Canada and Africa are indeed part of the supply chain. But largely irellivent for two reasons. One their mines will not start coming online till 2014 at the earliest and they are not rich in the Heavy REE's which are more important from a strategic view point. China has the trump card in this. And yes, they can do exactly what they want with their own resources. The point of the articles is not just that they have most of the stuff, but that once again, the US has allowed itself to lose its lead on a key technology. The mine in california was closed by a combo of ecological and economic considerations. And there are not likely to be large numbers of other suitable ones showing up any time soon. Problem with REE's is that while they are not actually rear, they are thinly dispersed and not typically concentrated in ore deposits like other types of elements and minerals.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Times Of Londinium,2011

"Chicoms see the light of co-operation in Capitalist Enterprises."
(After 1,600,000 members of PRC's Armed Forces solicit business of undertakers)

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'84 300SD sold
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They are just getting powerful enough to do the same things we do. For decades the US enforced sanctions against "Communist" China, and continues to do so on many nations we don't care for. Now it's China's turn.

Incoherency raises it's ugly head.

That is if our politicians don't sell us out again. I think Feinstien or Boxers husband was on the group that represtent the Chinese interest in Rare Earth elements. Guess who shut down the CA refinery?
I think before 2000, the US had 80% of the rare earth market or refinery. The Chinese bought into US firms and looted that technology. I think its time to remove favorable trade policies.
Tom

Ah, refinery interests are free to build elsewhere, I'll send you a picture of the huge phosphorous plant outside my window that is currently dismantling a mountain range in Morocco, if you'd like. I find your assertion preposterous, so could you provide some proof? I believe the one place I have heard that assertion about Feinstein was on a Michael Savage broadcast, so if the ravings of a lunatic are your source....

If you read the article, it is about China threatening to embargo export of rare earth metals produced in China, it has nothing to do with US production. The problem is caused because we are poor in those metals, while China is rich in them, there is in fact no US refining to block, because we just don't produce this stuff, much like the case of oil. If there is money to be made by producing or refining them in the US, I am sure that Senators Hutchinson and Cornyn will be glad to pick up the slack from your conspiracy theory-soaked Ms Feinstein and Boxer.

I think it comes down to lowest cost provider. The US does have oil deposits. We still do produce oil. We also produce coal. We also have steel refineries. I think if you do your research, you will note that China is accused of price dumping on many products and materials. My source was an investment strategy provider. It was sent to me many months ago.
Back in the mid 80's I went to college in CO. The coal mines there were shut down. The miners used to get $12 to $14/hr. The power plants found it cheaper to ship coal from Africa. There was talk to open the mines, but at $8/hour. I also here there are still lats of iron deposits around the Great Lakes. It just isn't ecomonical, while other countries workers get paid much lower wages. Sort of like Morroco. What is the average anual salery there? Yeh, I make twice that in a week.
Tom

PS, I don't fault China for using its domestic resources for its own production. I fault US leaders. We had the technology, some in power gave it way for nothing. I do think China deals from the bottom of the deck. They did halt imports of US chicken, to protect their farmers.
Tom