Rare Earth Supply Too Tight for Comfort
Source: Resource Investing News, Michael Montgomery (8/15/11)
"Though prices are seen to be stabilizing, high rare earth prices are the new reality until non-Chinese sources of the elements hit the market."
Resource Investing News, Michael Montgomery
Following last month's release of the second half of China's export quotas, some Chinese REE processors have already stated that they are halting production for the year to comply with the restrictions. Despite the quota having doubled year-over-year, the total allocation for the year has decreased, resulting in the price of some rare earths to continue to rise. With Lynas Corp opening its Mt. Weld mine in Australia last week, hopefully there is a light at the end of the supply tunnel.
The quota has done nothing to solve the problem of high prices for REEs. Some of the metal prices, such as dysprosium and lanthanum, have surged upwards of four fold on the year. Though prices are seen to be stabilizing, high rare earth prices are the new reality until non-Chinese sources of the elements hit the market. . .View Full Article
Following last month's release of the second half of China's export quotas, some Chinese REE processors have already stated that they are halting production for the year to comply with the restrictions. Despite the quota having doubled year-over-year, the total allocation for the year has decreased, resulting in the price of some rare earths to continue to rise. With Lynas Corp opening its Mt. Weld mine in Australia last week, hopefully there is a light at the end of the supply tunnel.
The quota has done nothing to solve the problem of high prices for REEs. Some of the metal prices, such as dysprosium and lanthanum, have surged upwards of four fold on the year. Though prices are seen to be stabilizing, high rare earth prices are the new reality until non-Chinese sources of the elements hit the market. . .View Full Article