It's darn hard to get it out of the ground
Published: Fri, 02/07/14
days.
They aren't really rare, but they typically exist in such low
concentrations that it isn't economic to mine them.
These rare earths are used in lots of electronics, magnets, and in
many other things we take for granted every day.
They are also a key ingredient in building things that defend us.
There are very few rare earth mines operating in the US. Instead,
China has dominated the industry for years.
Now, China is going to be clamping down on their rare earths
exports because they are going to be using their rare earths for
goods that stay in China.
That has sparked a great interest for explorers to get out and find
rare earths in the US (and other countries).
Herein lies the problem.
Find a concentrated mountain of rare earths, and you still have to
spend the $200 million+ to get it out of the ground and process it!
Here is a great article that explains the dilemma:
http://www.elpasotimes.com/business/ci_24993344/8-billion-worth-rare-earth-minerals-sierra-blanca
If you are like many explorers, you are probably out exploring for
multiple minerals.
I'm starting to build out different lines of testing, working with
experienced people in the industry and explorers. Like my frac
sand testing biz, my testing always focuses on helping the explorer
test several samples on a budget and pinpoint their searches.
I can build testing packages for frac sand, barite, garnets, just
to name a few. The list is growing.
But I also take the next step. If you have something of value, we
can work together to help get it to market.
So you can cash in.