Defense Geeks Fret Over Rare Earth-Metal Supplies -- The Danger Room
The precision weapons used by the U.S. military share something in common with the Toyota Prius: They both depend on components made from rare-earth metals. China is the world’s dominant rare earths producer, and strategic thinkers are starting to worry about this strategic supply — particularly amid concerns that China may hoard or restrict access to the rare-earth materials that the military depends on.
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Update: As hybrids gobble rare metals, shortage looms -- MSNBC
My Comment: These metals may (or may not) get scarce .... but they are going to be expensive to get. The consequences on military budgets and manufacturing costs could (and will) rise substantially. Car companies are certainly making that calculation right now .... my bet is that the military is not.
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