Japanese researchers say they have discovered vast deposits of rare earth minerals, used in many hi-tech appliances, in the seabed.
The geologists estimate that there are about a 100bn tons of the rare elements in the mud of the Pacific Ocean floor.
At present, China produces 97% of the world's rare earth metals.
Analysts say the Pacific discovery could challenge China's dominance, if recovering the minerals from the seabed proves commercially viable.
more
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14009910
The geologists estimate that there are about a 100bn tons of the rare elements in the mud of the Pacific Ocean floor.
At present, China produces 97% of the world's rare earth metals.
Analysts say the Pacific discovery could challenge China's dominance, if recovering the minerals from the seabed proves commercially viable.
more
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14009910