Abstract

Rare Earths have become essential for our technologies: from low-consumption lamps to new generation electrical engines. But they are not so rare on our planet. Deposits have been identified and are ready to be exploited, not only in the United States, but also in Canada, Australia and Vietnam. The lack of long-term strategies in Western countries has left the monopoly in China's hands. China currently produces up to 97% of theworld's needs. Indignation and panic followed China's announcement that it plans to reduce its rare earths exports by 35% in the first semester of 2011. The West is slowly trying to solve the impasse.