The “rare earth elements” used in new technology are “critical to Canada’s economy” say briefing notes for Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver, according to a report by Postmedia News journalist Jason Fekete.
Obtained by Postmedia News under access to information legislation, the briefing notes marked “Secret” says “Rare earth elements (REE) have been categorized by the government as being critical to Canada’s economy. Canada could become a significant producer of rare earths over the medium term.”
According to Fekete’s article, “until 2013, China produced 97 per cent of the world’s supply of rare earths (and 100 per cent of the “heavy” supply)”. Heavy rare earth elements are used in such products as cellphones, laptops, and medical imaging equipment.
Last November, the Business News Network reported that “A new cooperative network has been formed in Canada with the hope of establishing production within five years. The Canadian Rare Earth Element Network (CREEN) aims to have Canadian producers and processors supplying at least 20 percent of anticipated global demand for the critical material by 2018.”
More information:
Postmedia News/Jason Fekete – Canada looking to break into ‘critical’ rare earth elements mining – here
Business News Network – Canada makes a move in the rare earths race – here
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.