China Says Its Medium, Heavy Rare Earth Reserves May Last Only 15-20 Years

[aimarraul]

China Says Its Medium, Heavy Rare Earth Reserves May Last Only 15-20 Years
By Bloomberg News - Oct 16, 2010 9:57 AM GMT+0800

China’s medium and heavy rare earths reserves may only last 15-20 years at the current rate of production needs, Chao Ning, section chief of foreign trade at the Ministry of Commerce, said today at a conference.

“We can not rule out the possibility that China may need to rely on imports sometime in the future for these minerals, instead of supplying the world,” Chao said.

China’s rare earths deposits dropped to 27 million tons by the end of 2009, or just 30 percent of the world’s total known reserves, from 43 million tons, or 43 percent of the world total, in 1996, Chao said.

 

[siegecrossbow]

China Says Its Medium, Heavy Rare Earth Reserves May Last Only 15-20 Years
By Bloomberg News - Oct 16, 2010 9:57 AM GMT+0800

China’s medium and heavy rare earths reserves may only last 15-20 years at the current rate of production needs, Chao Ning, section chief of foreign trade at the Ministry of Commerce, said today at a conference.

“We can not rule out the possibility that China may need to rely on imports sometime in the future for these minerals, instead of supplying the world,” Chao said.

China’s rare earths deposits dropped to 27 million tons by the end of 2009, or just 30 percent of the world’s total known reserves, from 43 million tons, or 43 percent of the world total, in 1996, Chao said.

The government should seriously stop selling them abroad like dirt. Minning them causes major environmental degradations and China does not need to resort to selling precious resources with the current manufacturing capabilities.

 

[Beacon]

Guys! can you enlighten me with what are those minerals we are talking about???

 

[Gentle Typhoon]

Guys! can you enlighten me with what are those minerals we are talking about???

Neodymium (widely used in microphones, loudspeakers, in-ear headphones, and computer hard disks, hybrid cars, aircraft and wind turbine generators)

Cerium (widespread use in the defense systems of the US, its allies, and other countries that buy its weapons and equipment)

There are Total 17 rare earth elements and all are widely used in Computer, Electronic Gadgets, Defense Systems, Consumer Electronics, Medical Equipments.

Rare earth element - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[somebozo]

china needs to use these for growing its own industry rather exporting them dirt cheap..after energy security mineral addiction might be the biggest headache for America and its allies..China should also try to use its leverage in gaining hands on western technology and defense goods.

 

[no_name]

China should also look at alternative technology possibilities.