Focus Graphite Inc. ("Focus" or the "Corporation") and partner SOQUEM Inc. ("SOQUEM") are pleased to provide an update of their 2012 exploration program at the Kwyjibo polymetallic Iron-Rare Earth Elements-Copper-(Gold) (Fe-REE-Cu-(Au)) Property ("Kwyjibo" or the "Property"), located in the Côte-Nord administrative district of Québec. The 2012 exploration program at Kwyjibo comprised of surface showing and trench re-sampling, core drilling and ground geophysical surveying.

Highlights of the Josette showing and trench re-sampling program include:

    Josette showing: 2.95% TREO, 37.35% REOc* and 1.44 % Cu over 10 m, including a high-grade sub-zone of: 4.59% TREO, 35.58 % REOc*, and 2.62 % Cu over 2m.
    Trench TR-95-30: 4.13% TREO, 36.08% REOc* and 0.23 % Cu over 2 m.
    Trench TR-95-29: 3.58% TREO, 39.90% REOc*and 0.17% Cu over 1.5 m.

*The ratio of critical rare earth elements ("REOc") is defined by The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") as the sum of Nd+Eu+Tb+Dy+Y oxides divided by total rare earth oxides (TREO) : REOc = ((Nd2O3+Eu2O3+Tb2O3+Dy2O3+Y2O3)/TREO)*100. The REOc ratio is the expression of the importance of those REEs sought by the industry without considering the technological challenge to recover the REE and all the costs related to a mine development.

The new 2012 analytical results highlight the increasing total rare earth content of the mineralization related to the assaying of heavy rare earth elements in comparison to the 1995 analytical results. In 1995, only La, Ce and Sm were analyzed out of the suite of 17 rare earth elements at the Josette showing and in trenches TR-95-30 and TR-95-29.

In 2012, 10 new channel samples were collected at the Josette showing, two new channel samples were collected from trench TR-95-30 and one chip sample was taken from trench TR-95-29. The 13 samples were analyzed for the complete range of rare earth elements (Table 1). The 2012 results confirm the high heavy rare-earth elements ("HREE") content of the mineralization at Kwyjibo as well as the high ratio of critical rare earth elements (REOc) which ranges from 32.34% to 41.14%.

The results of the rare earth elements assay program are expressed as total rare earth oxides (TREO), including yttrium oxide and ratio of critical rare earth elements (REOc*). Values of TREO (REE2O3) presented are the sum of all rare earth oxides of the lanthanide series and yttrium oxide; strictly not a rare earth element, yttrium is included in the total amount of REE because of the chemical behaviour and uses that are similar to the lanthanides.

The Josette showing was re-sampled in a composite of ten (10) one-meter long channels, cut parallel to the 1995 channels. For trench TR-95-30, a new two-meter long channel was cut parallel to the trench blasted in 1995 while for trench TR-95-29, chips samples were taken over 1.5 meters intervals. The total length of the 2012 sampling channels in both trenches (TR-95-29 & TR-95-30) is less than in 1995 by 5.4 m due to destruction of portions of the original outcrops caused by the blasting done in 1995, and also because of the subsequent infilling of the trenches by blocks of rocks and dirt and the strong weathering of the outcrop in trench TR-95-29.

Quality assurance / Quality control

The channels were cut with a rock saw perpendicular to the main foliation of the iron-rich rock (magnetitite). All the channels are one meter long by 2.5 cm wide and vary in depth from 10 to 15 cm. For each channel, the rock samples were broken into pieces and then placed into a plastic bag. In the case of Trench TR-95-29, chips samples of 5 to 10 cm long, by 5 to 10 cm wide and 1 to 5 cm thick were collected from the weathered outcrop over 1.5 m intervals and then placed into a plastic bag. A numbered tag from the ALS laboratory was inserted into the bag prior to the sealing of the bag with a tie-wrap. The sample bags were carried to the camp by helicopter then loaded onto a float plane to Sept-Îles and sent by a carrier to ALS Laboratories ("ALS") in Val-d'Or (a certified laboratory; ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for standards).

The samples were analyzed for all rare earth elements, most traces and major elements. Due to the limited number of channel samples analyzed, no standard or blank were introduced except the one used by the laboratory. Rare earths and trace elements were analyzed using lithium borate fusion of the sample prior to acid dissolution and analyzed by ICP-MS (Induced-Couples Plasma Mass Spectrometry). This method is best suitable for minerals resistant to acid digestion, like some REE-bearing silicates. For REE high grades samples, a re-analysis of the pulp was performed using high sample to volume ratios in addition to Class A volumetric glassware. ALS laboratory used certified high grade rare earth reference materials as part of their standard protocol. Major elements were analyzed using a lithium borate fusion of the sample prior to acid dissolution and analyzed by ICP-AES (Induced-Couples Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry). REE, traces and major elements were analyzed at ALS laboratories in Vancouver. For sulphide-bearing samples, copper, lead, silver, zinc and sulphur were digested in aqua regia, then analyzed by AAS technique (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry). Gold was analyzed by fire assay and AAS with a 50g nominal sample weight. Base metals and precious metals were analyzed at ALS in Val-d'Or.

2012 core drilling program

Thirty-one (31) holes (4,207 m) were drilled at Kwyjibo in 2012 with the aim of validating grades, thicknesses and continuity of the REE-Fe-Cu mineralization in the northeastern portion of the Josette horizon, where the best drilling intersections were obtained in 2011 from hole 10885-11-57 with 2.40% TREO over 48.8m and hole 10885-11-60 with 3.61% TREO over 33.1m (see Focus Metals press release dated March 13th 2012).

A map of the Kwyjibo property showing the location of the 31 drill holes is available on the Company's website at www.focusgraphite.com.

A total of 1,333 samples (1,249 half NQ drill core samples; 23 duplicates; 29 standard samples and 32 blank samples) were sent to ALS in Val-d'Or and Vancouver, for total rare earth elements, base metals, major elements and trace element analysis. The results from the 2012 core drilling program are pending.

Surface and borehole TDEM geophysical surveys

A ground time-domain electromagnetic ("TDEM") geophysical survey and a borehole Pulse-EM survey were completed by Abitibi Geophysic Inc. from Val-d'Or (Québec) in early October. A total of 75 km of lines were surveyed on five different loops that covered all significant VTEM anomalies from the 2006 survey and all known occurrences of the iron formation on the Kwyjibo Property.

Thirty (30) drill holes (5.492 m), were surveyed with borehole Pulse-EM on three loops. Eight (8) holes from the 1994 to 2011 core drilling programs were also surveyed for a total of 1,219 m for the most northeastern Grabuge - Gabriel showings loop. A total of 2,089 m from 11 drill holes (1994 to 2012) were surveyed on loop that straddled the Fluorine and Josette showings grids. Finally, 2,184 m from 11 holes (1995 to 2012) were surveyed in the loop that covers most of the Josette horizon and the Josette grid.

The new ground and borehole geophysical data are currently being processed and interpreted by MB Geosolution of Québec City. High-priority geophysical targets from the 2012 surveys will be followed-up though drilling in 2013.

Metallurgical tests and mineralogical study

A first round of metallurgical tests is planned at Kwyjibo this year. The testing will be performed on two representative samples of the mineralized iron formation (magnetitite) and the mineralized breccia in the aim to produce concentrates for critical rare earths, copper and iron. The first sample will be comprised of 80kg composite of mineralised rock from Josette showing. The second sample will consist of a 230kg composite from quarter-drill core samples from seven holes drilled below trenches TR-95-29 and TR-95-30. The contract to carry out the metallurgical testing has been awarded to COREM of Québec-City. In conjunction with the metallurgical testing, a mineralogical study will be undertaken in order to characterize the distribution of the REEs in the different REE-bearing minerals. Results from both studies are expected in the third quarter of 2013.

Property Location

The Kwyjibo polymetallic Iron-Rare Earth Elements-Copper-(Gold) (Fe-REE-Cu-(Au)) property, totalling 118 mining titles and covering 6,278 ha, is located 125 km northeast of Sept-Îles, in the Côte-Nord administrative district of Québec. The property is also located 25 km east of the Québec North Shore and Labrador railway line and is accessible by air from Sept-Îles.
 

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Ucore Rare Metals Inc. ("Ucore" or "the Company") is pleased to report that United States Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Mark Begich (D-AK) jointly introduced a bill in Washington DC to authorize construction of a road on Prince of Wales Island to the Niblack and Bokan Mountain projects. Senator Murkowski noted that this bill would permit development of a road that minimizes costs, while also minimizing the effects on surface resources, preventing unnecessary surface disturbances and complying with all environmental laws and regulations.

Further, Ucore notes the introduction of Senate Joint Resolution No. 8 in the Legislature of the State of Alaska by Senators McGuire, Gardner and Ellis (the "Resolution"). The Resolution supports the continued and increased exploration, extraction, processing and production of rare earth elements in the State.

The Resolution supports a number of initiatives, and expressly urges State agencies that administer permits required for the development of rare earth element projects in Alaska to expedite the consideration and issuance of permits for the development of rare earth element deposits. The initiative further urges the Governor and the Department of Natural Resources to work closely with the US Geological Survey, US Department of Commerce and US Department of Defense to promote the development of rare earth elements extraction, processing and production in the State. The Resolution also urges the U.S. Congress to support the efforts of the State to develop rare earth elements for the benefit of the economic and national security of the United States.

"We're highly encouraged by these two initiatives to expedite the development of the Bokan project", stated Jim McKenzie, President & CEO of Ucore. "Alaska legislators have been exceptionally supportive of our development, which promises to bring skilled employment and numerous ancillary economic benefits to an area with tremendous potential. The bills additionally acknowledge and complement Ucore's commitment to complying with existing laws, fostering economic development in the region, and advancing production of materials designated as critical to national security by the U.S. Congress."

The Senate Bill and Resolution were independently introduced on January 30, 2013, both explicitly recognizing the heavy rare earth element content and logistical advantages of Ucore's Bokan Mountain property.

 

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Northern Minerals has demonstrated its Browns Range heavy rare earth element (HREE) project in northern Western Australia is capable of producing a high value 92% mixed rare earth oxide.

The test work to date has confirmed the ability to produce a high grade mineral concentrate from the Browns Range xenotime mineralisation, which can then be relatively simply refined into a high purity mixed rare earth oxide dominated by yittrium (61%) and dysprosium (11%).

Significantly, this increases the market potential and value for the Browns Range product, as mixed rare earth oxide is more amenable to the production processes of potential offtake partners.

The positive hydrometallurgical results have now further de-risked the project and opened the door to a significantly larger and higher value market for the Browns heavy rare earth product.

First production of mixed rare earth oxide is targeted for 2016 with a $58 million funding package in place supporting the pathway to production.

Hydrometallurgical flowsheet

The hydrometallurgical flowsheet includes conventional unit processes of sulphation bake, water leaching, impurity removal, oxalate precipitation and calcination to produce the high purity mixed rare earth oxide.

Following the results from earlier testing, Northern Minerals engaged Tenova Mining and Minerals to develop and manage a detailed hydrometallurgical test work program.

The first stage of this program has now been completed with the confirmation test work undertaken at both ALS and Nagrom laboratories in Perth.

The key results from the program are:

- Extraction efficiency in the acid bake and water leach step exceeded 85%;
- The precipitation efficiency of the oxalate precipitation step exceeded 99%;
- The product purity of the final calcined exceeded the target of 92% TREO in the mixed rare earth oxide; and
- Heavy rare earths dominate the mixed rare earth oxide.

Scoping Study

Northern Minerals also recently commissioned a Scoping Study for a hydrometallurgical process plant to treat 10,000 tonnes per annum of Browns Range mineral concentrate containing 30% TREO.

The study was based on the hydrometallurgical flowsheet and locating the process plant at the Browns Range site.

The estimated capital cost for this facility is A$40 million (±35%) and the operating cost is estimated at A$4.40 per kilogram of mineral concentrate feed.

Additionally, Northern Minerals has commissioned an economic and environmental location study to investigate potential locations for the hydrometallurgical plant in Australia.

Northern Minerals has already begun the optimisation phase of the test work program, which will test key variables for each stage of the process to determine the optimal operating criteria.

The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding for offtake with an international partner.

The MoU allows for supply of product as either a 30% TREO mineral concentrate or a 92% mixed rare earth oxide.

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A joint project between Japan and Jamaica will investigate whether the Caribbean country’s bauxite waste will be able to yield rare-earth elements that are used in consumer electronics. Japanese company Nippon Light Metal invested $3 million for a new processing plant, breaking ground in St. Andrew, Jamaica, on Monday.

“This project represents the kind of industrial diversification that this country needs, if it is to realize its economic potential and improve the living standards of the people,” Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said, speaking to a group of Japanese and Jamaican officials and researchers. Miller suggested that the plant could be one of the most “significant projects ever undertaken in Jamaica,” should it prove beneficial.

The project will call for the acid treatment of tons of the dry, red mud found near Jamaica’s mining areas to see if rare-earth elements can be extracted. Rare earth is considered a non-renewable natural resource comprised of a group of 17 chemical elements. The material is used in the manufacturing process of consumer electronics such as smartphones and plasma screens, as well as larger equipment such as satellites.

Researchers at the Jamaica Bauxite Institute believe that the bauxite could provide an easily harvested natural resource for the country, as international demand for rare-earth increases. It is reported that institute Chairman Parris Lyew-Ayee said that because the substance is located in containment ponds, it will prevent stress on the environment. Local environmentalists aren’t as quick to support Lyew-Ayee’s belief.

“Specifically, we have requested details of the precise type of process that will be used … before I can really comment on what the environmental impacts are,” Diana McCaulay, CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust, told the Observer.

Any rare-earth minerals extracted at the plant would be jointly owned by Jamaica and Nippon Light Metal. Japanese companies have launched similar projects in Kazakhstan and Vietnam, and continue to explore alternative sources for rare-earth elements.

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PHILLIP Paulwell is insisting that Jamaica's foray into commercial production of rare earth metals is much more than dollars and cents.

'Since we made the initial announcement to the Parliament and Jamaica, two weeks ago, most of the attention attracted both locally and internationally has focused on the dollars and cents and the economic opportunity, but the project means much more,' Paulwell, the science, technology, energy, and mining minister said yesterday.

 He was speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony for a US$3-million pilot plant on the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) premises at Hope Gardens in St Andrew.

The pilot is being undertaken in partnership with researchers from Japanese company Nippon Light Metal Company Limited — a publicly traded aluminium supplier headquartered in Tokyo with annual revenues of over US$7 billion and more than 10,000 employees.

Nippon has confirmed high concentrations of rare earth elements in Jamaica's red mud deposits, and that those elements can be extracted efficiently.

Yesterday, Paulwell said that there is the prospect of great financial and strategic benefit to both nations, and that Jamaica stands to gain much more from working with Japan.

He said the project was the realisation of work done by Jamaican scientists who have been on the cutting edge of research on the area for years.

"We expect that all the various learning institutions will participate completely in the unfolding of this project," Paulwell said, adding that, while a planned three-storey, US$3 million building will be erected over three months, some of the preliminary work will be done by the JBI at its labs.

"All the equipment that is needed is either here or on the high seas, that's what we mean by being serious about doing business and getting things done in a timely way," he said in noting the three-month construction deadline.

Also addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said the development is the second step to the establishment of a commercial plant to extract sediments which, if realised, will add significant value to the Jamaican economy.

"One indicator of the potential and significance of this public/private partnership is the vast levels of publicity and interest this news has generated globally. The JBI has been flooded with calls and enquiries, mainly because rare earth metals are critically important to industries, and commercial supplies are relatively scarce to some industries," Simpson Miller said.

"I believe we must balance the books, because it is very important, but at the same time we must balance people's lives. We can only do that if we have a strong economic foundation," she said, noting that "a critical part of that foundation is research and development but also innovation".

Said the prime minister: "This project will employ scientists and engineers, and we do have in Jamaica excellent scientists and engineers. Our universities need now to be more focused on training specialist students to take up jobs in fields associated with technology."

She said Jamaica will continue to look to the East, while building its ties with the West.

"We are standing on the threshold of something that could be truly revolutionary," she said, while emphasising that every care will be taken to protect the environment during the process.

"I am absolutely committed to the development of our economy, but it cannot be at the expense of the environment... I have made it clear to the Cabinet that every care must be taken as we seek to commercially exploit our rare earth elements," the prime minister said.

Rare earth metals are used in the creation of DVDs, cellphones, rechargeable batteries, digital cameras and most optic lenses, among other things.

 

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Although Greenland has no advanced mineral or metals production, it shows massive potential as a host for a number of minerals, including rare earth elements (REEs), and is being touted as a region to watch.

While the nation often remains under the radar with regard to political issues, it was under the media spotlight recently when Greenland’s premier, Kuupik Kleist, told the BBC that he will not favor the European Union (EU) over China — or any other investor — when granting access to the country’s prized rare earth deposits.

Kleist said that it would not be fair “to protect others’ interests more than protecting, for instance, China’s,” adding that the country’s resource sector will not be practicing any form of favoritism. He confirmed to journalists that he has discussed securing Greenland’s minerals for Europe with an EU parliamentary committee, but said that the country is in no position to exclude any foreign investors unless there is a specific issue.

Investors often associate the country’s close ties with Denmark as a sign that it may lean towards EU favoritism; however, it is important to remember that Greenland was one of the first territories to leave the EU back in 1985.

A project currently being developed by Greenland Minerals and Energy is ained at underlining just how much potential the area holds. The company’s focus, Kvanefjeld, is a large-scale delineated deposit recognized as one of the world’s largest REE resources and is estimated to contain a favorable mix of elements, including yttrium, according to the company’s website. A prefeasibility study estimates that the mine will be able to produce 43,729 tonnes of rare earth oxides and 3,895 tonnes of uranium a year across a 23-year lifespan

Strategic location

Based next to increasingly strategic shipping lanes, the North Atlantic island is attracting a lot of investor attention, especially as the melting of Arctic ice begins to pick up pace. While many are of the impression that Greenland is remote and logistically challenged, there are a number of benefits to its natural geography. It is strategically located between both North American and European markets, while Southern Greenland is located at a lower latitude than much of Alaska and Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories — all of which are popular areas amongst mineral explorers and miners.

Deep-water fjords cut into the country’s coastal fringes, meaning that the areas most suitable for exploration are close to potential deep-water port facilities.

The Chinese question

Interest in the country has exploded, and a number of western firms are already beginning to display signs of anxiety about China’s future role in Greenland’s mining sector. Some fear that China may attempt to exploit the territory in the battle for strategic control over Arctic resources and shipping routes.

Greenland’s government is backing a $2.35-billion iron mine project led by London Mining; it will be worth more than the island’s annual GDP and could attract as many as 5,000 Chinese workers (a third of the population of Nuuk, the country’s capital city) if it goes ahead. Greenland’s local government’s move last year to exempt projects of this scale from Denmark’s strict labor laws has also added to investor concerns. The project, which aims to lock down financing from China, would eventually result in the shipment of approximately 15 million metric tons of iron ore annually from fjords near Nuuk to China.

Speculation over the eastern giant’s intentions in the far north gained momentum last year when Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Iceland and reached new heights when Chinese President Hu Jintao embarked on a visit to Denmark only two months later — the first state visit since the countries established diplomatic ties 62 years ago.

Martin Breum, the author of a book on Denmark’s role in the Arctic and Greenland’s oil possibilities, told Reuters that the iron ore project is not what has western governments, industries and intelligence agencies worried.

“Potential Chinese control of the rare earth elements in Greenland is scary to a lot of governments in the Western world,” said Breum, adding that China’s monopoly on REEs is “intolerable” to the west in the long term.

Government not concerned

While talk in Europe and North America revolves around a Chinese master plan to take over the Arctic and its resources, Greenland’s government is taking little notice. Kleist has downplayed concerns about Chinese plans to import labor for forthcoming operations by stating, “I do not see thousands of Chinese workers in the country as a threat,” according to Denmark’s Ritzau news agency.

In fact, he went on to commend the east, noting, “it’s fair to say countries like China and South Korea are far more active than Americans and Europeans in showing their interest in investing,” according to the BBC. A Reuters article also quoted him as saying, “Greenland is open for investments from the whole world, taking into account that the investors accept the regulations and requirements from Greenland in doing so.”

Regardless of whether one sides with the east or the west, this once easily forgettable island is poised for great things. Greenland remains highly prospective, yet underexplored, and is politically stable, mining friendly and boasts a non-biased attitude toward foreign investment. Perhaps investors need to shift attention away from geopolitics and realize that this very lucrative landscape might very well end up playing a key role in defining the REE market moving forward.

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Jamaican and Japanese officials on Monday launched a pilot project designed to investigate whether rare-earth elements can be commercially extracted from the island's bauxite waste.

Researchers with Japan's Nippon Light Metal Co. Ltd. believe they have found high concentrations of rare-earth elements in the island's red mud, a byproduct of bauxite refining into alumina, the basic material for manufacturing aluminum.

During the pilot project, researchers from the two countries will treat some 30 tons of dry red mud with acid to potentially extract some of the 17 rare-earth elements that are vital in manufacturing smartphones, plasma screens, wind turbines, satellites and numerous other high-tech products.

In Jamaica, where the economy is tough and the local currency is sliding, hopes are soaring that the pilot project at the Jamaica Bauxite Institute's headquarters could result in a commercial deal to extract rare-earth oxides from the red waste stored in containment ponds around mining grounds.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said that if the joint venture proves viable, it could be among the most "significant projects ever undertaken in Jamaica."

"This project represents the kind of industrial diversification that this country needs it if is to realize its economic potential and improve living standards for our people," Simpson Miller told Japanese dignitaries and Jamaican officials, scientists and businessmen.

Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the Jamaica Bauxite Institute, said he believes that that since Jamaica's dry red mud deposits are stored in containment ponds he believes it will be simple and safe to harvest.

"There will be no mining operations and related pressures on the environment," said Lyew-Ayee, who described the long-discussed feasibility of extracting rare-earth elements from bauxite tailings as a sort of "holy grail" on the island, where treated red mud was formerly used to make bricks for building sites.

China is now the globe's main supplier of rare-earth elements. Worried by that dominance, manufacturers around the globe have been spurring searches for other sources that could be profitably mined.

Rare-earth elements aren't scarce, but few places exist with enough concentrations to be profitable. They are difficult to isolate in a purified form and require advanced technology to extract.

Paul Henderson, an honorary professor in the earth sciences department at University College London and who is not involved in the research in Jamaica, said the rock from which any bauxite is derived will ultimately determine its rare-earth contents. "Not all bauxites will have much in the way of rare earths," Henderson said in an email.

But Nippon Light Metal believes that the concentration of rare-earth elements in Jamaica's red mud is "significantly greater" than other international red mud sites and it hopes to eventually extract 1,500 metric tons of rare-earth elements per year, said Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell.

Nippon has agreed to invest $3 million in buildings and equipment for the pilot project while also being responsible for operating costs. Any rare-earth elements extracted during this phase will be jointly owned by Jamaica and the Japanese company. Negotiations for commercialization are expected to occur later.

Paulwell said in Parliament last month that rare-earth oxides were being traded at $3,500 per kilogram.

Speculating on the demand for rare-earth elements in the future "is a bit like looking into the tea leaves other than the fact that demand is sure to increase," Henderson said from Britain.

"By how much depends of course on the possible introduction of new technologies and range of other issues such as how much investment in green energies, especially wind turbines, changes," he said.
 

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China and the EU are locked in a trade row over rare earths, chemical elements essential for manufacturing cell phones. DW discussed the dispute with Reinhard Bütikofer, member of the EU Parliament's Energy Committee.

DW: Mr. Bütikofer, a row over natural resources with China has escalated in the past couple months. The EU, together with the US and Japan, has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO). What will come of that complaint?

Bütikofer: The case remains under adjudication. I would assume that a decision will be made over the course of this year. It would be foolhardy to speculate about a result right now. Even if the US, Europe and Japan are successful, I would assume that the case will be appealed, so we probably won't know before 2014 what the legal situation is.

What are the concrete allegations against China?

I'm not among those who think that the EU's approach is particularly clever. The accusations are related in particular to the export restriction that China has implemented for rare earths. More precisely put: When China joined the World Trade Organization, it promised not to implement exactly this kind of export restriction, and now Beijing is no longer honoring that promise. I am not competent to judge the merits of the case. My perspective is a political one. I fear that if the EU wins at the WTO, that it will be a hollow victory. I believe that we have to change our strategy to one of cooperation.

At the moment, it looks as if the EU and China are on two different sides of the issue. But the forecasts suggest that China will become a net importer of rare earths. In this respect, one can certainly imagine that - with the appropriate efforts - both sides could reach common ground.
China tries to halt rare earth price dive

China has a monopoly on rare earth production. Talk is of 97 percent. So who should China import from?

At the moment, China is absolutely in the leading position. But new rare earth deposits are being found in many different countries around the world: Vietnam, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Canada, Australia and the US. There are also deposits in Europe - in Greenland, for example. These rare earths are not rare at all. Only about 30 to 35 percent of the world's deposits are found in China. Other countries just haven't moved forward with extraction up until now, for a host of different reasons. But now they are moving forward.

That means that the situation is not as dire as it has been made out to be? Rare earths are neither rare nor scare?

Rare earths are currently scarce. Above all, the so-called "heavy" rare earths are not discovered so often. But geologically speaking, they are not scarce. And we are not at all in a situation where we can be blackmailed - where we either have to confront the Chinese or simply do what Beijing wants us to do. There are opportunities for diversification. There are technological possibilities that would allow us to use rare earths more efficiently. There are recycling strategies that were never considered in the past.

The Chinese, for their part, have a big problem with the extraction of rare earths, because there are a lot of negative environmental effects. To put it dramatically, it's really an environmental mess. The Europeans and Japanese have a lot of technology that could help the Chinese overcome these difficulties. In this respect, both sides could be quite useful to each other.

The governance of raw materials on the international level also has to be reformed. It's no longer just a few industrialized countries that have a demand for these materials. The regulatory framework needs to reflect the reality that more and more countries are developing their own industries. And Europe could seize the initiative there with China and with a few African countries.

Do you think Europe and Japan should help China develop its extraction technology, instead of suing Beijing?

The Japanese have already offered that. I believe that it's the right path. Naturally, such business has to be based on reciprocity. China could provide Europe with a secure supply of rare earths for the next 15 years and receive technological know-how in exchange.

Are there already discussions about such an arrangement?

There's even a working group that has been set up between Europe and China to discuss such questions. But unfortunately, the working group has - to my knowledge - never met, because the daily agenda could not be agreed upon due to some sort of diplomatic dispute.

Reinhard Bütikofer was the federal chairman of Germany's Alliance 90/The Greens. Since 2009, he has been a representative in the European Parliament and a member of the Energy Committee. He's been chairman of the European Green Party since 2012.

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Rare Earth Minerals said it has applied to Greenland authorities for a strategic 38 sq km mineral exploration licence.

It said the licence's northeast boundary was about 500m from a Greenland Minerals and Energy licence that hosted the Kvanefjeld rare earth element, uranium and zinc deposit.

Chief executive David Lenigas said: "This is a very strategic block in Greenland as it immediately abuts the world class Kvanefjeld rare earth/uranium/zinc deposit.

"We have been active in Greenland for some time securing acreage around the Greenland Minerals rare earth oxides deposits," he said.

"We see this whole regional play as becoming more valuable as GGG gets closer to completing their feasibility study."
 

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JUNEAU-Senator Lesil McGuire, R-Anchorage, today introduced a resolution aimed at boosting the exploration and production of Rare Earth Elements (REE) in Alaska. Senate Joint Resolution 8 calls on Congress to support the efforts of Alaska to develop REEs for the benefit of the economic and national security of the United States.

“The United States used to be almost self-sufficient in rare earth elements, but now we almost completely rely upon foreign sources for those important minerals,” said Senator McGuire.  “We need to move now to become a dominant world player in the development of rare earth elements which are critical for military and economic security, as well as renewable energy systems.”

China currently produces 95-percent of the world’s rare earth elements, but reduced the exports of those elements by 54-percent between 2005 to 2010, and then another by nearly 50-percent in from 2010 to 2011.

“It poses a huge risk to our national and energy security to be forced to rely on other foreign nations to manufacture our high-tech military equipment as well as our wind turbines, solar panels, advanced batteries, and geothermal steam turbines,” said Senator McGuire.  “That’s why as a nation, we need to start developing and producing the rare earth minerals that we have in our own backyard.”The minerals are also needed for manufacturing almost all high-tech consumer goods including flat screen TVs, computers, tablets and cell phones.

“As China continues to withdraw its supply of rare earth elements from the world market, we need to be ready to fill those supplies or we will see devastating economic consequences,” said Senator McGuire.  “On the flip side, building rare earth element research and production facilities here in the 49thstate will create new job and career opportunities for Alaskans.”

The resolution also calls for the state to work with several federal agencies including the United States Geological Survey, to identify REE deposits in the state, develop an REE information database, and promote the development of Alaska’s REE industry.  Additionally, the resolution calls on state agencies that deal with permitting to expedite consideration and issuance of REE permits.

“So far, we have identified at least 70 sites in Alaska that contain rare earth elements.  Several experts have said it is likely that Alaska has one of the most significant rare-earth prospects in North America,” said Senator McGuire.  “If we play our cards right, this could secure our future as the lead supplier of America’s rare earth mineral needs.”

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