China launches survey of rare earth resourcesHallgarten:
China launches survey of #rareearth resources. (link: https://reut.rs/2K7vELH) Suspect they'll find that they don't have enough! China launches survey of rare earth resources - paper
BEIJING (Reuters) - China launched a survey of rare earth resources in seven regions on Monday, the China Securities Journal reported on Tuesday, amid speculation Beijing may curb exports of the materials to the United States.
The newspaper, controlled by the official Xinhua News Agency, said China’s state planner National Development and Reform Commission, industry ministry and the natural resources ministry began the survey in areas including Inner Mongolia and Jiangxi province...
The campaign, mainly directed by the country’s state planner, might lead to a reduction of rare earth output and push up prices, as Beijing is expected to crack down on illegal mining and trade of the critical elements, said the newspaper, citing an unidentified industry insider.
Chinese rare earth prices are set to climb further beyond multi-year highs hit following a flurry of state media reports that Beijing could weaponise its supply-dominance of the prized minerals in its trade war with Washington.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-trade-china-rareearths/china-launches-survey-of-rare-earth-resources-paper-idUKKCN1TC12I