AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

China is Playing Games with Rare Earth Metal Supply

China appears to be playing games with the supply of rare earth metals either to the entire world or selected countries. (They appear to be especially ticked at the Japanese right now.) Rare earth metals are a key component of batteries for electric cars and hybrids, so without the rare earths, the Prius would be prostrate,the Volt would be vanquished and the Leaf would be left. Overall though, somehow, I think we'd still be able to carry on even if the Chinese cut off the rare earth supply. On the other hand, if they cut off the supply of zinc oxide, this would happen: