The problem with Mountain Pass and Molycorp is that the rare earth minerals at their mine are the lighter rare earths. The valuable heavy rare earths are much rarer if you will. Dysprosium and neodymium are extremely valuable in making all sizes of permanent magnets, especially for electric motors. They are heavy rare earths and do not occur at a high rate at Mountain Pass. Plus Mountain Pass will not cover all of our needs if the China market is completely closed to us.
If the Chinese market is closed to us I can only imagine we will make do with some of the other mines that are being refurbished.
It's not rocket science ~ just radiation meters, badges and carefully contained crushing operations.
The Chinese limitations are coming about because of their own efforts to eliminate the problem.
Apparently none of these guys knew they had a problem ~
Japan will undoubtedly use this as an opportunity to move ahead rapidly with a brand new mining and processing operation (as will Nebraska).