Why China's Monompoly Over 'Rare Earth" Minerals Should Concern Everyone

A rare earth mine in China. Rare earths are essential to many technology products, and China provides most of the world’s supply. Reuters

China Wielding Power With 'Rare Earths' -- Washington Post

China's recent move to limit exports of minerals critical in the manufacture of a vast array of products such as missiles, car batteries, cellphones, lasers and computers is stoking alarm that its domination of the industry could give it enhanced leverage over the United States.

On Thursday, some traders of "rare earths," 17 minerals that are used in small portions in almost every advanced industrial product, reported that China, which controls 97 percent of the industry, had halted the export of anything that contained traces of the minerals to Japan. The Chinese government denied the allegation.

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More News On China's Control Over 'Rare Earths'

China Is Blocking Minerals, Executives Say -- New York Times
Japan sees Chinese ban on mineral exports -- Financial Times
Traders: China halts rare earth exports to Japan -- AP
Japan traders say China blocking rare earths exports -- AFP
Japan trade min hears China rare earth exports halted -- Reuters
China 'places unofficial ban' on key metals exports to Japan -- The Telegraph
China Denies Japan Rare-Earth Ban Amid Diplomatic Row -- Washington Post
China denies ban on rare earths exports to Japan -- AP
A Speculative Rare Earth Power Play -- RTT News
Why Japan Cares About Rare Earth -- Wall Street Journal
China Blocks Minerals Needed by Toyota's Hybrid Cars -- Live Science