Bloomberg reported that Lynas Corp (ASX:LYC) and Siemens (ETR:SIE) have formed a joint venture in rare earth supply.

Reuters reported that some Chinese media say China is within its rights to cap exports of rare earths.

American Vanadium Corp. (CVE:AVC) reports the non-brokered private placement has been increased to 2,334,667 units for total proceeds of $3,502,000.50.

Reuters reported that Israel Chemicals (TLV:ICL) will supply an additional half million tons of potash to Chinese customers in 2011.

Bloomberg reported that Russia's attempt to capture a huge stake in global potash resources from Belarus may be trumped by China.

Red Metal Resources Ltd. (OTCBB:RMES) reports that it has began an approximately 2000 meter combined reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling program on its Farellon copper-gold project.

International Lithium Corp.'s update on a Canadian rare earth metals project. Surface exploration on the Mavis Lake rare metals’ project, located 15 km Northeast of Dryden, Ontario, revealed high-grade well-evolved lithium and tantalum zonation as well as significant levels of cesium and rubidium across multiple pegmatite bodies.

Reuters Africa reported that Bolivia expects to hit a record high for silver and zinc exports.

Reuters reported that rising gold prices are affecting Iranian demand for gold coins.

Reuters Africa reported that the Jinchuan Group’s (FRA:GDZD) bid for Metorex (JNB:MEMTX) is higher than Vale’s (NYSE:VALE) offer. The market news is quoted as saying: Jinchuan, China’s dominant nickel producer, added almost 22 percent to Vale’s offer, making 8.90 rand per share for a cash bid at current exchange rates of around $1.32 billion.

Purepoint Uranium reports on an update on the Athabasca Basin with several companies.

The challenge in mastering rare earth processing and separation is the biggest hurdle for the profitability of a rare earth mining company. In an exclusive interview with Rare Earth Investing News, David Vinokurov from Stans Energy Corp. talks about the challenges of rare earth processing.