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 [...]
A graphical accounting of the limits to what one planet can provide
“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 [...]
Apr 162010
Tanks, missiles, satellite…dependent on China
Apr 122010
Hybrid cars and wind turbines reliant on Chinese minerals exports
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 [...]
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
