Are Global Metal Wars Looming? -- Real Clear WorldTerbium, Erbium, Lanthanum, Lithium, Cobalt, Cerium: This partial list is a high-tech hodge-podge of Rare Earths and Rare Metals increasingly making their way into headlines and legislative hearings. The challenge now, for policy-makers and the interested public, is to know which Rare Metals loom largest in our ongoing economic development, and whether we can ensure access to a steady supply.
Given the stakes, there's no better time to learn the new language of resource scarcity. Strictly speaking, the Rare Earths - subject of concern due to China's current near-monopoly - include Scandium, Yttrium and the 15 so-called Lanthanides, Elements 59 through 71 on the Periodic Table. Rare Metals is the broader category, including Rare Earths but ranging well beyond.
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My Comment: With advancements and developments in technology becoming more and more dependent on a steady supply of these metals ... any disruptions will have a large impact. Not surprising .... investors, suppliers, and governments are taking notice.