California challenges China in rare earths mining

[bhcompy]

keep in mind that rare earth metals really aren't all that rare, and California doesn't play well in the long term with this kind of industry

[.highnlite]

keep in mind that rare earth metals really aren't all that rare, and California doesn't play well in the long term with this kind of industry

Not accurate.

California ranks 1st in the nation in non fuels minerals production value.

The economic value of mining to California is over $50 billion per year, greater than the direct value of Agriculture in California.

It accounts for 9% of all mineral production value in the US

It is the only source for rare earth metals, currently in the US

[Oerdin]

Originally Posted by killer2021

They'll be there in due time to save the endangered flying tree squirrel!

Check out this sad, sad, sad chart:

The main reason is that China subsidizes the heck out it's mining industry. In fact most of China's rare minerals mines are state owned and receive massive subsidies so it is very hard for nonsubsidized foreign mines to compete. It's real hard to have a functioning free market economy when a major player (China) doesn't play by the same rules as everyone else.

[mateo45]

As though it's China's fault now that our "free market" friends simply figured it's more cost-effective to obtain said minerals abroad, than domestically?! Actually, "liberals" and "endangered critters" had nuttin' to do with it, and like most everything else these days, it was just due to the "Wal-Martization" of the rare earth market. Labor, energy, materials, etc.... get 'em all as cheap as you can, and the he11 with supporting "domestic" anything (except for maybe the politicos you may need to "buy")!