rare earth elements

Rare Earths, Mother Earth and a U.S. Industry's Revival

China's plans to cut exports of rare earth minerals -- used in alternative energy technologies -- has the rest of the world scrambling. In the U.S., the country's first new rare-earth mine in more than a decade is set to reopen.

Making Up: China Resumes Shipments of Rare Metals to Japan

China has resumed shipments of rare earth minerals -- critical to the production of cell phones, computer drives and hybrid cars -- to Japan. The shipments had been halted since a collision in the East China Sea, which strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.