Rare Earth Metals »

Rare Earth Deposits Found in Pacific Ocean

Posted by Mark Motive on July 4, 2011 Rare Earth Metals No Responses »

Jul 042011

Now the only challenge is figuring out how to get the stuff:

A rare find

China to consolidate The Rare Earth Metals sector

Posted by Mark Motive on June 7, 2011 Rare Earth Metals, Video No Responses »

Jun 072011

The Energy Silver Bullet

Posted by Mark Motive on May 28, 2011 Peak Oil Watch, Rare Earth Metals, Video No Responses »

May 282011

Is thorium the energy source of the future? Apparently, this alternative, which is often found with other rare earth elements, has huge benefits.

Here’s a more in-depth presentation (55 min):

Also, listen to an interview with Kirk Sorenson (a respected authority on energy, engineering and nuclear technology) on Thorium.

Gold, uranium, rare earth elements

Posted by Mark Motive on February 22, 2011 Gold/Money, Peak Oil Watch, Rare Earth Metals, Video No Responses »

Feb 222011

Listen to the interview with James Dines (of the legendary Dines Letter) on the 5 stages of a bull market and where gold, uranium and rare earth elements fit within his market model.

Feb Report by Don Coxe: Basic Points

Posted by Mark Motive on February 2, 2011 Gold/Money, Markets, Peak Oil Watch, Rare Earth Metals No Responses »

Feb 022011

In this report, Don Coxe covers precious metals, agriculture, rare earth minerals, Egypt, Obama, Australia and more…

Read it Here

Jim Rogers Still Bullish on China and Commodities

Posted by Mark Motive on November 22, 2010 China, Markets, Peak Oil Watch, Rare Earth Metals, Video No Responses »

Nov 222010

In this audio interview, Jim rogers argues that China and commodities are still a great place to be over the long run. Also, he wonders if America could ever reach third-world status, given its aging infrastructure.

Always colorful, always opinionated: Jim Rogers

AUDIO

Rare Earth Metals, China and Smart Bombs

Posted by Mark Motive on November 14, 2010 China, Rare Earth Metals, Video Comments Off

Nov 142010

RARE EARTH METALS—OPPORTUNITIES AND PITFALLS (Audio)

Jim Puplova goes in-depth on China’s 95% monopoly over rare earth metals (aka rare earth minerals). He interviews Dr. Matthew James, Exec. VP of Lynas Corp Ltd., Kevin Kerr of Kerr Trading International, Jim Engdahl CEO of Great Western Minerals.

RARE EARTH METALS—THE IMPORTANCE OF BREAKING CHINA’S MONOPOLY (Audio)

In another interview on rare earth metals, Jim Puplova speaks with veteran metals analyst Jack Lifton and owner of Wings Enterprises James Kennedy. Listen to why rare earth metals are a critical component to many manufacturing processes (including smart bombs!) and why the US needs to develop domestic mining and refining capabilities.

China Reportedly Restricts Rare Earth Metals Exports

Posted by Mark Motive on October 19, 2010 Green, Markets, Peak Oil Watch, Rare Earth Metals, Society, Video No Responses »

Oct 192010

In a story that hasn’t received much media attention, China is reportedly expanding its export restrictions on rare earth metals.

Rare earth metals (also known as rare earth minerals or rare earth elements) consist of a range of minerals that are used in high tech products, including ‘green technologies’, weapon guidance systems, smartphones, navigation systems, hybrid car batteries and windmills. These minerals are critical in the effort to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. These minerals are also critical to US national security.

Currently, China controls 95% of global production. Plenty of reserves exist in other parts of the world, but they are not currently mined and require several years to bring on-stream.

According to an official from the BDI, China runs a “virtual monopoly” and is sending the message that “if you want access to our raw materials then you better invest in our country.”

By preventing non-Chinese manufacturers from importing raw materials, China is effectively forcing non-Chinese manufacturers that need rare earth metals to set up shop in China. With a limited window of opportunity and the need for foreign direct investment China is expected to tighten its grip on the market.

China, however, denies these allegations.

Introduction to Rare Earth Elements and Stans Energy Corporation from Kidela Capital Group Inc. on Vimeo.

Rare Earth Metals: It's all about China

Posted by Mark Motive on October 11, 2010 Rare Earth Metals No Responses »

Oct 112010

Roskill 040110 – Rare Earths Presentation

A Rare Opportunity in Rare Earth Minerals?

Posted by Mark Motive on October 4, 2010 China, Economics, Peak Oil Watch, Rare Earth Metals No Responses »

Oct 042010

Rare earth minerals are a strategic resource required for weapons, windmills, batteries and more. Modern warfare and modern environmentalism are both dependent on the availability of Chinese supply.

The (re)emerging topic of rare earth minerals (aka rare earth metals, rare earth elements) has gripped the attention of the investment community. China’s monopoly-like control over the market, and recent trade issues with Japan, have sparked interest in non-Chinese rare earth minerals miners, with prices rising in the triple-digits recently.

But investing in rare earth metals (companies or commodities) isn’t easy…especially for those looking to deploy large sums of capital. To help understand the market for rare earth metals, read the following research reports:

Credit Suisse report on rare earth minerals

Rare metals deposits in Afghanistan

China Defends Control of Rare Earth Exports

Posted by Mark Motive on August 29, 2010 Rare Earth Metals No Responses »

Aug 292010

China controls about 97% of the world’s rare earth metals (also known as rare earth elements) supply. Rare earth metals are vital inputs into the production of hybrid car batteries, windmills, liquid cristal displays, and many other industrial and military outputs. China is again exerting its control over this precious resource:

China defended its controls on exports of rare earth after Japanese officials raised concerns about supplies of the raw materials used in the manufacture of products from cell phones to radar.

Restrictions on the rare earth industry will help protect the environment, the state-run Xinhua News Agency cited Chen Deming, China’s commerce minister, as saying yesterday at a media briefing during China-Japan economic talks in Beijing.

Interactive: How much is left? The limits of Earth's resources

Posted by Mark Motive on August 25, 2010 Arts, Green, Peak Oil Watch, Rare Earth Metals, Society, Technology No Responses »

Aug 252010

What’s Left?Powered by Ergo:Ux

Report forecasts shortages of 14 critical mineral raw materials

Posted by Mark Motive on July 16, 2010 Images, Rare Earth Metals No Responses »

Jul 162010

“Raw materials are an essential part of both high tech products and every-day consumer products, such as mobile phones, thin layer photovoltaics, Lithium-ion batteries, fibre optic cable, synthetic fuels, among others. But their availability is increasingly under pressure according to a report published today by an expert group chaired by the European Commission. In this first ever overview on the state of access to raw materials in the EU, the experts label a selection of 14 raw materials as “critical” out of 41 minerals and metals analysed. The growing demand for raw materials is driven by the growth of developing economies and new emerging technologies. The list was established in the framework of the 2008 EU Raw Materials Initiative¹ in close cooperation with Member States and stakeholders. The results of the report will be used for the drafting of a forthcoming communication on strategies to ensure access to raw materials which the Commission will publish in autumn 2010.”

Is this an indirect jab at China, which controls about 95% of global rare earth metals production? Or perhaps a jab at the US, which shut down its rare earth metals production years ago…

Read the full European Commission report

Rare Earth Materials in the Defense Supply Chain

Posted by Mark Motive on April 16, 2010 China, Peak Oil Watch, Rare Earth Metals 1 Response »

Apr 162010

It turns out the US military industrial complex is dependent on the import of rare earth metals from China. If you ask me, I’d say the US has just been snookered.

Based on a recent GAO report:

Rare earth materials—rare earth ores, oxides, metals, alloys, semifinished rare earth products, and components containing rare earth materials—are used in a variety of commercial and military applications, such as cell phones, computer hard drives, and Department of Defense (DOD) precision-guided munitions. Some of these applications rely on permanent rare earth magnets that have unique properties, such as the ability to withstand demagnetization at very high temperatures.

Of course, almost all supply of these metals come from China. The US possesses ample rare earth metals deposits, but it shut down production years ago and it will take years before it can get production back on stream:

Based on industry estimates, rebuilding a U.S. rare earth supply chain may take up to 15 years and is dependent on several factors, including securing capital investments in processing infrastructure, developing new technologies, and acquiring patents, which are currently held by international companies.

Rare earth metals are also critical components of hybrid batteries and wind technology. So even if we wean ourselves off foreign oil, we’re simply replacing one dependency with another.

Raise your glass to foresight.

Read the full GAO report

No Such Thing as Energy Independance

Posted by Mark Motive on April 12, 2010 China, Peak Oil Watch, Rare Earth Metals, Technology No Responses »

Apr 122010

Despite having access to ample supplies, the US currently imports all its rare earth metals requirements. Rare earth metals are essential to transitioning the energy infrastructure from fossil fuels to green technology. So if the US is truly to become energy independent, it will have to start mining its own rare earth metals.

The USGS recently outlined some of the highlights of the US rare earth metals market:

A Strategic Resource...and China Controls 90%

Posted by Mark Motive on March 3, 2010 Rare Earth Metals No Responses »

Mar 032010

Rare earth metals are critical components for many new technologies, including strategically important goods like hybrid cars and windmills. Unfortunately, twenty years ago China decided to dominate the global rare earth metals industry and undercut foreign producers into bankruptcy.

Today, China controls 90% of all rare earth metals and is a net exporter. However, in a couple years time China will become a net importer of rare earth metals. This will mark an inflection point in the global struggle for resources.

“At that point, when the rare earth buyer from General Electric turns up and asks to buy some lanthanides, they tell him that everything has been allocated,” Mr Lifton said.

“America, Japan and everyone else is going to have to get used to the idea that, unlike other markets, it doesn’t matter how much money they offer for the product, China isn’t going to sell.” Source: Times Online

This seems to be an unknown issue among policy-makers and economists. Western economies have the resources to bring rare earth metal production back on-stream, but the effort needs to be made now if we are to avoid a major crunch in a few years.

In keeping with tradition, this has become yet another ‘if I can’t see it, it can’t hurt me’ issue, and, after some kind of disaster, we will ask why we ‘didn’t see it coming’.

Sounds familiar?

Rare Earth Metals

Posted by Mark Motive on February 6, 2010 China, Green, Peak Oil Watch, Rare Earth Metals, Technology No Responses »

Feb 062010

Here’s an in-depth interview with Victor Gonçalves on the challenges of building a hybrid car fleet. Tons of ‘Rare Earth Metals’ will be required…here’s how he highlights the opportunity/challenge:

China controls 95% of the rare earths and says, okay, we’ll just keep them for ourselves, thanks.

You’ve got to fight for the rest of the 5% of them out there. So that’s obviously causing major upswing in the price of rare earths. That has been the main driver. But that coupled with a shift in how we do things — we’re going to see a ton more hybrid vehicles go on the road over the next couple of years and each one of them is going to require 50 pounds of rare earths. That’s going to add up.

Being ‘green’ is going to be a costly and challenging endeavor.