ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT SITUATION OF GLOBAL PRODUCTION AND USE OF RARE-EARTH METALS

Abstract

The article considers the current situation with the REM global production and application. Basic data on global REM production and consumption are presented. The REM necessity is grounded. REM is shown to present the basis of new technologies servicing the needs of the modern society such as energy saving technologies and alternative energy sources, environment protection, miniaturization of digital technologies. REM are essential for the most advanced economy sectors (the term “essential” means, that the material in question can not be substituted by an other without substantial deterioration in the properties of the final product.
The article describes the main stages and factors in creation of the REM industry in China, the principal of them are :
– the USA and Europe policy to transfer rare earth metals technologies and equipment to China in pursuit of raw materials and cheap labor;
– the active support of the rare-earth metal industry by the Chinese government.