Rare Earth

A Malaysian court has given the go ahead to Australian company Lynas to start production at a controversial rare earths processing plant near the city of Kuantan.

Malaysian regulators have paved the way for Australian miner Lynas Corporation to fire up its controversial rare earth plant by issuing a temporary operation license, despite fierce opposition from green activists and local residents.

China has announced a further tightening of rules surrounding the production of rare earth metals which will force miners and smelters to be able to handle a minimum quantity. At the same time, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) also announced that it will shut down about one-fifth of its rare earths production capacity.

Japan has found a large deposit of rare earth minerals in its Pacific seabed, enough to supply its hi-tech industries for more than 200 years, a scientist said Friday.

Japan and Vietnam are moving ahead in developing rare earth industries, as the shortage of the metals becomes more apparent. They are keen to challenge China's virtual monopoly in the field.