US and North Korea’s $6 trillion in mineral wealth (we're spoiling for war over rare-earth minerals)

Iran's Press TV ^ | April 22, 2013 | Ramin Mazaheri, Press TV, Seoul

[2ndDivisionVet]

While oil has been the motivating factor for US-led wars in the Middle East, many are wondering what might be behind their constant belligerence towards Pyongyang. But while North Korea may not have oil, the estimated value of their mineral deposits is a staggering $6 trillion, according to the South Korean government.

North Korea is sitting on world’s second-largest supply of rare earth metals, which are essential for modern electronics like laptops, smartphones, solar electricity panels and precision missiles. The US, along with their allies Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, three major producers of sophisticated electronics, are surely interested in this vital supply of natural resources.

But China already accounts for nearly 95% of the world’s rare earth production, as nearly half of all Chinese firms registered in North Korea are mining companies.

North Korea’s rugged mountains, which cover 85% of the country, also contain huge deposits of coal, iron, gold, copper and over 200 other valuable minerals. For many South Koreans, cheaply selling these resources to the Chinese is yet another cost of a divided peninsula.

While war is always profitable, the massive presence of US corporations in South Korea shows that reconstruction is where the long-term money is found....

[2ndDivisionVet]

Even better, check out the comments.

[GeronL]

lolz

[4rcane]

every country on earth is sitting on trillion dollars worth of resource wealth.

[Southack]

The weather seems to be bringing out the nutjob theories from around the world...

[1010RD]

North Korea sounds like an environmentalists dream country.

is sitting on

By not exploiting that mineral wealth they saved Mother Gaia while at the same time killing millions of humans. For enviros, that's a win/win.

[UnbelievingScumOnTheOtherSide]

Okay. Now that you mention it, why the hell not? Yadda Yadda

[Mount Athos]

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/NH08Dg01.html

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks 2ndDivisionVet.

China already accounts for nearly 95% of the world’s rare earth production, as nearly half of all Chinese firms registered in North Korea are mining companies.