Fears over a global shortage of precious rare earths metals are mounting, as production in China slows amid a national crackdown on illegal miners. This month 155 rare earths businesses, almost all on the mainland, launched a national industry association,… Read More ›

Mining & Energy
Petrobras, Vale eye rare earths deal to replace China
Brazil’s state-run oil company Petrobras and mining giant Vale are in talks over a rare earths deal that would allow Vale to replace China as Petrobras’ supplier of lanthanum oxide for oil refining, sources close to the negotiations said. The… Read More ›
Argentine move to seize YPF spoils Sinopec deal
Argentina’s move to nationalise local oil company YPF, controlled by Spain’s Repsol, has spoiled years of planning by China’s Sinopec Group to buy the South American company, sources said. Bankers said China’s second-largest oil company had held talks with Repsol… Read More ›
Tokyo governor seeks to buy islands disputed with China
Tokyo’s controversial governor wants to use public funds to buy islands disputed between Japan and China, a plan bound to infuriate Beijing. The islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, have long been the centre of maritime… Read More ›
China’s Hebei to invest $195 million in Canada iron ore miner
Hebei Iron & Steel Group Co, China’s largest steel producer, is investing about C$194 million ($195 million) for a stake in Canada iron ore developer Alderon Iron Ore Corp., as Chinese steel makers look for cheaper ore to cut their… Read More ›
Puda coal scam
The aggressive government mandated consolidation of the coal mining industry beginning in 2009 coincided with the darkest days of the world financial crisis. PUDA management either had to become a consolidator, requiring massive additional capital, or else dispose of its coal businesses. Management, lead… Read More ›
China establishes rare earth association
China on Sunday established a rare earth industry association in a bid to clean up an industry that has come under fire internationally for violating trade rules, Reuters reported, quoting state media. Su Bo, vice minister of industry and information… Read More ›