News China restrictions on rare earths has caused pricing to double over the past year — critical elements are used in processors, solar cells, and more

[Admin]

China's curbs on exports of gallium and germanium have caused the prices of these metals to increase significantly over the past year. These are critical elements used in processors, solar cells, and more. Both now cost around twice as much as before — current prices are around 115% higher on germanium and 75% higher on gallium.

China restrictions on rare earths has caused pricing to double over the past year — critical elements are used in processors, solar cells, and more : Read more

 

[Unolocogringo]

All is going to their plan.
Produce it cheap to drive competitors out. then limit supply to increase prices.
Always works.

 

[Notton]

So from what I've read, Gallium is a byproduct of refining Bauxite into Aluminum.
Australia has the largest known reserves and production of Bauxite, not China.

 

[EzzyB]

So from what I've read, Gallium is a byproduct of refining Bauxite into Aluminum.
Australia has the largest known reserves and production of Bauxite, not China.

"Rare Earths" aren't actually particularly rare. Their extraction and refinement is particularly environmentally intensive, however. In most developed countries environmental regulations make it unprofitable to produce them compared to China which basically doesn't care.

So it's not going to be about the availability of these things in the long run. Just the cost of restarting environmentally compliant mines and refineries which will drive the costs up.

 

[Eximo]

There are already rare earth mines popping up around the world. China has the most operational mines and known deposits. Other countries just haven't been exploiting what they have because it was cheaper to get it on the open market.

Transuranic elements are the main problem with rare earth deposits, so basically extremely poisonous and slightly radioactive to get the stuff separated.