[neverdem]

Rare Earth Elements—Critical Resources for High Technology

(1) The United States is in danger of losing its longstanding leadership in many areas of REE technology. Transfer of expertise in REE processing technology and REE applications from the United States and Europe to Asia has allowed China to develop a major REE industry, eclipsing all other countries in production of both ore and refined products. The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology recently announced a new national basic research program. Among the first group of 15 high-priority projects to be funded was “Basic research in rare earth materials” (Science, Dec. 18, 1998, p. 2171).

(2) United States dependence on imports from China comes at a time when REE have become increasingly important in defense applications, including jet fighter engines and other aircraft components, missile guidance systems, electronic countermeasures, underwater mine detection, antimissile defense, range finding, and space-based satellite power and communication systems.

(3) Availability of Chinese REE to U.S. markets depends on continued stability in China’s internal politics and economy, and its relations to other countries.

[therightliveswithus]

just like Obama will keep us from drilling here

[Noob1999]

But, but;

We might hurt the snail darter, or the terrepin turtles, or maybe uncover a rat’s nest.

We can’t mine in the US!

[Carry_Okie]

Diane Feinstein's personal greed is why American rare earth mining is shut down by law.

[NeverForgetBataan]

————— WARNING..... SARCASM DEAD AHEAD —————

“U.S. should restart mining to end vulnerability”

Oh no..... That’s a terrible idea. I was told waaaaay back
in the 1990s that we don’t want these kinds of jobs.
They are not “value added” to our economy. Digging around in
the dirt IS NOT the kind of job that we should want our workforce to do.

I was told that we should instead let the Chinese do these “menial” jobs. Maybe we can hire a Chinese company to come over and actually dig the mine for us........ With Chinese
labor.

Then we won’t have to get our hands dirty........ because
Americans should not do jobs that are menial or dirty.

[UCFRoadWarrior]

Interesting article....and yes the USA needs to start mining again for rare metals.

The problem is that supporters of Free Trade with Communist China do not want the USA competing with the ChiComs.

Also, note that the near majority of those who support Cap And Trade are also the biggest Free Traders on the planet (Al Gore, Dianne Feinstein, the Clintons, etc...).

If our mining companies can get thru the red tape of Free Traders/WTO/NAFTA etc....then they will have hurdles from the Can And Trade people.

[FormerACLUmember]

Rare earth production monopoly is 100% a creation of the cut throat Chinese mining: No safety standards, the miners are de facto slaves, total price undercuts to drive all competition out of business. There was NO Chinese production a few years ago!

Molycorp (US) and Lynas (Austalia) are reving up to begin production again at their mines. In 3 years, all will be well again. These two companies are excellent stock market plays, IMHO.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks neverdem. I just want to celebrate...