China’s rare earth mining called a catastrophe

Asia Sentinel reports on a dramatic lesson as the rest of the world gears up to replace the falling Chinese supply. Beijing cut exports for the first half of 2011 by 35 percent, following a 72 percent reduction for the second half of last year. While most of the attention in the world’s press centered on what was regarded as a strategic decision, Chinese officials said they could no longer afford the damage to their environment.

Asia Sentinel reports:

There is always the question in China whether environmental rules will do any good. Some authorities estimate that fully half the rare earth metals being produced in China are smuggled out of the country after being mixed with other ores to disguise them. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Environmental Protection announced that further emissions caps for 15 types of pollutants related to rare earth mining and smelting will go into effect on Oct. 1, probably constricting the supply more.