Trade wars, 'green' outlook rejuvenate rare earths
By William Clarke
Published: Monday, 12 October 2020
With government support for rare earths mining increasing, a growing number of miners – including mineral sands producers – now see value in a market that, for a long time, was effectively closed to non-Chinese producers due to its high costs and strict environmental regulations.
For decades, China has been by far the largest miner of rare
earths – a group of 17 elements with unique magnetic
and physical properties and a wide range of high-tech
applications. And, more significantly perhaps, China also
processes almost all the rare earth ores mined globally.
Processing and refining...