Competition for rare earth metals
China’s dominant position in the arena of rare earth metals used in new technology such as batteries for hybrid cars and magnetic motors could be eroded by an Australian listed company – Greenland Mineral and Energy. The company is planning to list in London next year, pending the resolution of a couple of issues.
Greenland Minerals and Energy thinks it probably has access to the world’s largest depositis of rare earth metals and uranium — used to make nuclear energy.
Global consumption of rare earths last year is estimated at 135,000 tonnes or $1.5-$2.0 billion in 2008. Demand is forecast to grow by 65 percent by 2012 from 2008 levels.
In fact the current competition for rare metals has become more complex because China is actively participating in many earth rare projects. Of course we can’t avoid the fact, California seem a pioneer in earth rare projects.