Anthony Young: China, Molycorp and the Future of Rare Earths

The Critical Metals Report: The Chinese government is now enforcing environmental standards at its rare earth element (REE) mines. Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Rare-Earth (Group) Hi-Tech Co. Ltd., China’s biggest rare earths producer, even halted production earlier this year. Yet the scarcity of these metals continues to provide China with unprecedented economic opportunity. Which side wins and for how long? Anthony Young: For the time being, China will continue to dominate the industry, but it may become a net importer of rare earths after 2015. As it cuts back on supply, prices are likely to remain elevated for an extended period of time. TCMR: Do you think we’ll see the day that China stops producing rare earths . . . → Read More: Anthony Young: China, Molycorp and the Future of Rare Earths