Lithium boom unlikely to disrupt potash market — analyst

Nearly 13.7 billion years ago, the universe was made of only hydrogen, helium and traces of lithium — byproducts of the Big Bang. Some 300 million years later, the very first stars emerged, creating additional chemical elements throughout the universe. Since then, giant stellar explosions, or supernovas, have given rise to carbon, oxygen, iron and the rest of the 94 naturally occurring elements of the periodic table.

A $4 billion rare earths deal signed this week between Germany and Kazakhstan is being criticized by human rights groups.

According to a new European Wind Energy Association report a record 71% of all the new power generating capacity installed in the Europe Union in 2011 came from solar panels, offshore and onshore wind turbines and other renewable energy sources. This at the same time as the world's largest clean coal power station project appears stuck in the starting blocks.

IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company") today announced that it has declared an inferred resource of 466.8 million tonnes at a grade of 1.65% Total Rare Earth Oxides ("TREO") as a result of its 2011 exploration drilling program conducted on the rare earth elements ("REE") zone adjacent to its Niobec niobium mine near Saguenay, Quebec, Canada.

Molycorp on Wednesday built on its strong gains since the start of the year after announcing a $390 million cash injection from Chile's Molymet.

In a ruling that will have ramifications for rare earth supplies, the World Trade Organization ruled today that China is improperly restricting the export of minerals.

Newt Gingrich, presidential aspirant in the current Republican contest, wants to see a permanent moon base established by the second term of his presidency that could be used for space tourism and mining ventures.

Global supplies of rare earth elements have been threatened ever since China imposed export quotas in mid-2010. In the aftermath, increased attention was drawn to potential producers like MolyCorp and Lynas Corporation, while the sector was viewed in need of a savior outside of China. Among the juniors aiming to join the fray, Medallion Resources has proposed a unique strategy to gain low-cost production in the very near term.

Reuters reports that Toyota has developed a technology to substitute rare earths used in its hybrid vehicles. The company, which has a strong lead in environmentally friendlier car sales around the world said it would be able to bring the technology to market within two years if REE prices don't fall.