Row over exotic minerals that make modern life tick (BBC) {some good news}

[eppur_se_muova]

By Olivia Lang
BBC News

They might not dominate headlines like diamonds or oil, but rare earths are some of the world's most valued resources.

These metals are found in almost every 21st Century household, and used globally to make high-tech products, from weapons, to flat-screen TVs and mobile phones.

What's more, China produces 97% of them.

But with much of the world's economy depending on these metals, a report that China is curtailing its exports to Europe and the US by almost a third next year has rattled manufacturers and policymakers.
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Mines are being developed in the US and Australia, which Mr Lifton says should reassure the world of business. Molycorp, owners of the Mountain Pass mine in California, aim to produce one sixth of global supply by 2012.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11584229

[Baalath]

1. What's the good news in this?

:shrug:

[eppur_se_muova]

2. Other mines are expanding. nt