Each mine has different ore, therefore its own requirement America, Australia, And Japan Try To Limit China's Rare Earth Dominance -- It Won't Be Easy
Mark Senti, CEO of Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc., explains...“Each mining deposit generally requires a unique process for successfully extracting the targeted rare earth minerals. Further, depending on the location of the mine, optimization to meet environmental regulations is required as well.”
That’s what gives Chinese companies an advantage in the rare earth production process over companies in other countries, according to Senti. “Various companies in China do possess technologies that have been effective with extraction and processing, but they also do not have the same level of environmental regulations,” he says. “Each mine has a different ore and therefore its own requirements for the most efficient and environmentally sound extraction of the Rare Earths.”
This means that no matter where rare earths are extracted, they must be sent to Chinese-controlled facilities for processing. “Further, no matter where the rare earth deposits / materials are in the world, China and other parts of Asia are the only regions where permanent magnets are manufactured – this is due to minimal labor costs and environmental regulations,” adds Senti. “So, if you have a rare earth mine in the United States, you ultimately still must ship your materials to those parts for producing permanent magnets.”
The bottom line: Teaming up with the right partners may help America discover and mine rare earths, but it won't limit China’s dominance in the market for these important materials.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/panosmourdoukoutas/2019/08/06/america-australia-and-japan-try-to-limit-chinas-rare-earth-dominance-it-wont-be-easy/#428d29d6ab3f