Nickel

With confirmation of the discovery of two strategic minerals, vanadium and graphite, Energizer Resources says it "is now well positioned to move forward to mine development"

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.

Bloomberg reports that Ivanplats Ltd., an Africa-focused mining company controlled by billionaire CEO Robert Friedland, may seek up to $1 billion in an IPO.

The share price performance of those non-Chinese rare earth miners closest to production – Molycorp in the US, Australia's Lynas and Great Western Minerals in South Africa – is in stark contrast to what is happening to rare earth oxide prices, some of which have more than halved over the last three months.

Quadra FNX Mining (TSX:QUX) has updated the resource at its Victoria Mine in Ontario, Canada.

Namibia Rare Earths (TSX: NRE) is pleased to announce that a 6,000 meter diamond drilling program has started with two drill rigs focused on the delineation of a first mineral resource from Area 4 on the Lofdal Rare Earth Project in northwestern Namibia. Concurrent with the drilling program, an induced polarization geophysical survey will be undertaken over prospective extensions of the favourable heavy rare earth-enriched structure emanating from Area 4. The drilling program is scheduled to be completed by the end of April with delivery of the NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource report in the third quarter of 2012.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 18, 2012) - Baja Mining (TSX:BAJ)(OTCQX:BAJFF) today announced that its 70 per cent-owned Mexican subsidiary, Minera y Metalurgica del Boleo S.A de C.V. (MMB) drew a further US$ 100 million on January 17, 2012, the third draw on its senior debt facilities to date.

Canada’s Quadra FNX Mining Ltd. (QUX-T15.30----%), which has signed a deal to be bought by a Polish government-backed miner, said Monday its production was down slightly in the fourth quarter, as compared to the previous three months.

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 16, 2012) - Ucore Rare Metals Inc (TSX VENTURE:UCU)(OTCQX:UURAF) is pleased to announce results of reconnaissance sampling on the Company's extensive alluvial rare earths (REE) and tin multi-metal property holdings in the Ray Mountains area of central Alaska