Neodymium supply Rare Earth Prices on the Downturn
NEW YORK, NY, Jan 17, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX News Network)
Rare earth prices have taken a hit in recent months, largely due to
weak demand for semiconductors. With rare earth explorers from
outside China such as Molycorp and Rare Element Resources nearing
production, Rahul Jalan, Chennai-based advisor in Rare Earths for
Beroe Consulting India, argues that "the prices of rare earths are
likely to drop to 2009 levels due to an increase in the export quota
and upcoming new capacities outside China."
According to Steel Guru, Gallium which is material of compound
semiconductor, Gallium is less than USD 550 per kg compared with USD
1,000 in early 2011. Antimony, which is used for flame retardant, is
around USD 12,000 per tonne. "The price is a year low when Chinese
makers are still adjusting the inventory under slow export for Europe
and some of the suppliers liquidate the material at lower price
before Chinese New Year," Steel Guru observes.
Not all rare earth metals are suffering from oversupply concerns. A
recent U.S. Energy Department (DOE) report finds that limited
supplies of five rare-earth minerals pose a threat to increasing use
of clean-energy technologies. The DOE predicts that dysprosium,
terbium, europium, neodymium and yttrium will all face supply
constraints until at least 2015.
Hang on guys, don't forget GMA has the third biggest Nd deposit outside of China. Sooner or later, the market will have to recognize this...
GLTA!
SS11