China shipped 7.3% more rare earths in 2023, mostly to electric vehicle makers.
China, the world's biggest supplier of rare earths, sent 7% more of these special minerals to other countries last year.
This bump was thanks to growing demand from companies building electric cars and other high-tech gadgets.
But even though more went out, prices mostly stayed low.
Still, some worried that China might limit exports in the future, so countries like Europe and the US are trying to find their own rare earths.
Here's a breakdown of the key points:
Good news: China sent more rare earths abroad in 2023.
Reason: Electric vehicles and other tech stuff need them.
Bad news: Prices didn't really go up.
Big concern: Maybe China will restrict exports later?
Plan B: Europe and the US want their own rare earths.
https://www.miningweekly.com/article...ors-2024-01-12