The Chinese currently supply around 95% of the world's rare-earth metals.  However if the United States - and the Pentagon in particular - can set up their own supply chain, then they would be able to provide both the military and many companies in the industrial sector with all the rare earth metals that they need. This is good news for many of the blue-chip companies’ including Apple, GM, and Vestas.

1. East versus West

The government will have a close eye on the sector as they are dependent on China to fairly distribute rare earth products. Any dispute between the countries could leave the USA with a rare earth oxides deficit. Even if the products are still supplied, the cost could suddenly increase and at this time of tightening belts, this would be far from welcome. Prices have already risen in recent years, as China is said to be cutting back their export, partly as a result of the ongoing disputes with Japan. 2014 is believed to be the year that exports will really shrink and this will have an impact on the ability to develop military aircraft including stealth bombers. Although stealth bombers are not going to be the main item needing rare earth magnets, they are an essential part for them.

2. Looking for Other Sources

In an effort to minimize the problems of the Chinese withholding, Watch Ucore Rare Metals, an Alaskan company has been working on heavy rare earth deposits.  Thanks to a large financial investment, there is a great deal of confidence that there is going to be a growth in demand for their products.  This has been boosted by the fact that there is less time needed to get the items into production.  In addition, the Alaskan State Legislature is fully behind the company.

If rare earth magnets such as alnico magnets become too expensive there are some alternatives, but they are not suitable for certain military organizations, wind turbines or power generators.  Primarily because ferrite magnets are not as strong as rare earth magnets; therefore there is a compromise in terms of safety and efficiency when other neo magnets are used. 

Despite the previously mentioned dispute with China, there does not seem to have been a noticeable price rise and it has been estimated that it is possible to buy the materials for rare earth magnets at a price not seen for a number of years. It is still important not to be totally dependent on another country as the supply could be cut off at any time. Stockpiling may not be the best solution at the moment but it is one that should not be discounted.

For more information, please visit https://www.stanfordmagnets.com/magnetic-assemblies.html