The facility will produce dysprosium and terbium oxides, used in EVs and other electronics.
The U.S. is in a quiet race driven by national and economic security to reestablish a domestic supply chain for rare earth elements.
Despite their name, rare earths are common. And now countries besides China, like Malaysia, are exploring how to make money mining for the key component in electronics.
China — which controls 90 percent of the rare earths market — looks to finally consolidate and streamline the sector there.
U.S. and EU complain to the World Trade Organization about Chinese dominance and policy in the vital high-tech sector.
This final note today, a word on commodities as we leave 2010 in the rear view mirror….
