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> The mining of rare elements isn't constrained by resources, only cost. Ok, I am not an expert on the topic of REE mining, consumption and recovery, but I wou
by wuschel 13y ago
> The mining of rare elements isn't constrained by resources, only cost.
Ok, I am not an expert on the topic of REE mining, consumption and recovery, but I would say that availibility and access of mining sites are a strong factor e.g. at some point of rare earth element consumption the parties mining these elements might be able to dictate prices. I am pretty sure that RE mined in China might have a special tax for export.
Might be interesting to look up some cost information regarding the recycling and mining processes.
- Tuna-Fish 13y agoREE can be mined almost everywhere. Almost every country larger than Luxembourg has multiple rich REE deposits. Traditionally, the location providing their supply has depended on where mining and separation has been the cheapest, meaning usually the place with the laxest labor and environmental laws. (It's also been somewhat influenced by political stability, since separation requires capital-intensive equipment. This is the only reason all your REE doesn't come from Africa.) It's hard to build a monopoly on a resource when basically anyone can just start a new mine if you ask too much for it. China does not have a separate export tax -- they have strict export quotas. This makes sense, as given how high the externalities of cheap REE mining are, it makes little sense for them to mine cheaply and then give it to foreigners.