China Moving To Restrict Neodymium Supply

GuyFawkes writes with this quote from the Independent: "Britain and other Western countries risk running out of supplies of certain highly sought-after rare metals that are vital to a host of green technologies, amid growing evidence that China, which has a monopoly on global production, is set to choke off exports of valuable compounds. Failure to secure alternative long-term sources of rare earth elements (REEs) would affect the manufacturing and development of low-carbon technology, which relies on the unique properties of the 17 metals to mass-produce eco-friendly innovations such as wind turbines and low-energy light bulbs. China, whose mines account for 97 per cent of global supplies, is trying to ensure that all raw REE materials are processed within its borders. During the past seven years it has reduced by 40 per cent the amount of rare earths available for export."

Comments

Re:and why not ?

[flajann]

Exactly, and I think we will see much more such too. China is improving its economy fast currently, with the USA's economy crisis and huge debts. They're getting their foot between the door, and I think both China and Russia will be starting to have a lot larger influence on global economy soon...

I saw this coming nearly 10 years ago. Well, it was obvious. The idiot US has been squandering its resources on its military machine, and its attention on "terrorism" from the Middle East.

In the 21st century, it's not military might that will matter, but economic might. And China is well-positioned. Russia and China shares a common enemy -- the US -- so it make sense they would combine resources and efforts to stand against the US and possibly Europe.

"Give them their battle ships and pea-shooters. We'll just buy them out and own it all." Pay close attention to foreign interest in US companies over this decade. Pay very close attention to who is really calling the shots in the global arena (and you can't rely on US media to get to the gist of this.)

Know and Understand and be Aghast. Welcome to my Nightmare.