[a fool in paradise]

So we are reaching peak metal mining before we reach peak oil?

[NewHampshireDuo]

Prius: $39,999*

* Batteries not included.

[NVDave]

Wait until you see the rarity of the metals used to dope the highest efficiency, modern silicon solar cells.

[Polynikes]

China's Ministry of industry has recommended a total export ban on some RE elements and a 35K ton limit on others. China already controls 95% of the worlds RE resources. They almost made it 100% when they tried to by Unocal. Everyone thought the up roar was because of excessive foreign investment in US oil but Unocal owned the Mountain Pass mine.

That would have given China a virtual strangle hold on RE supply. The Pentagon finally woke up and UNOCAL was bought by Chevron. REM is usually extracted from Monazite sand it is not just used in Hybrids or for making hard drives. It's main importance is in the construction of guidance mechanisms for precision guided munitions. Thats what got the Pentagon alarmed when China tried to take over the Mountain Pass mine.

Australia has a least 2 sources of RE, Arafura Resources which I believe China contols 25% and Lynas Corp which China is trying to get 51% control of.
RE = Rare Earth
REM = Rare Earth Metals

[Army Air Corps]

Well DUH!

Now, we are getting resources from even less stable parts of the world for the “eco friendly” cars. If you though that “blood diamonds” caused conflict, then “you ain’t seen nothin’yet”.

[MNDude]

the mining of lithium in South American is greatly poisoning the waters there.

[RoadTest]

Not only that, but it takes more energy to build a Prius than it does to make a Hummer H3.

[Kevmo]

bmflr