China’s grip on rare earths puts focus on Australia

China’s veiled threats to cut its rare earth supply as part of its trade war with the United States have thrown the spotlight on whether Australia – the world’s second-biggest producer – can step in to fill the gap.

China dominates the global rare earth market, producing more than 70 per cent of last year’s supply. These minerals, made from 17 little-known metals, are used to make a vast range of modern devices, including smartphones, cameras, television sets, planes, drones, military equipment and X-ray machines.Read More…