China Reducing Rare Minerals Exports

Rare Earth Exports From China To Be Reduced By 11 Percent, Could Lead To More U.S. Mining: "BEIJING — China said Tuesday it is reducing the amount of rare earths it will export next year by more than 10 percent – likely to be an unpopular move worldwide since the minerals are vital to the manufacture of high-tech products.
China accounts for 97 percent of the global production of rare earths, which are essential to devices as varied as cell phones, computer drives and hybrid cars. Countries were alarmed when Beijing blocked shipments of the minerals to Japan earlier this year amid a dispute over disputed islands."