that is largely because rare earth mining and processing can be so environmentally risky , creating toxic and even radioactive wastes , that other countries have tended to avoid or abandon production .
only recently have other nations begun scrambling to develop or expand their own mining capabilities .
that is largely because rare earth mining and processing can be so environmentally risky , creating toxic and even radioactive wastes , that other countries have tended to avoid or abandon production .
although deposits of rare earths are found in various parts of the world , including the united states , china produces about 95 percent of the global supply of the minerals .
because china is on the opposite side of the international dateline from honolulu , it was already midday on thursday in china by the time mrs. clinton spoke in honolulu on wednesday .
although deposits of rare earths are found in various parts of the world , including the united states , china produces about 95 percent of the global supply of the minerals .
later , after the new york times web site reported that the embargo moreover , the tight export quotas have caused world prices to soar , even while holding steady in china ’s general administration of customs in beijing declined to comment on thursday evening about the status of rare earth exports .
mrs. clinton spoke after meeting with japan ’s foreign minister , seiji maehara , and said that the suspension of shipments had been a “ wake - up call ” and that both countries would have to find alternative sources of rare earth materials .
the chinese shipments resumed thursday morning only hours before secretary of state hillary rodham clinton raised the embargo issue at a news conference in honolulu , where she announced plans to visit china on saturday to pursue the matter with chinese officials .