Ironically enough, the name of the rare earth element "dysprosium" is derived from the Greek δυσπροσιτος [dysprositos] meaning "hard to obtain." But obtain it Toyota must; the element is crucial for the manufacturer of nickel metal hydride batteries and hybrid engines. The Guardian Newspaper reports that Japanese Trade Minister Akira Amari is lobbying China to ease-up on their tightening grip on dysprosium, platinum (needed for catalytic converters) and other rare metals. Earlier this year, China banned duty-free exports of rare earth ores for processing. On Wednesday, the PRC announced it would bar foreign investment in mining rare minerals or those that can't be recycled. China produces roughly 90 percent of Japan's rare earth earth minerals (i.e. "China's got Japan's manufacturers by the throat."). According to CBC News, that's because "Over the past two decades, China has tapped into a motherlode of cheap, easy-to-extract, rare earth resources, byproducts of the country's Bayan Obo iron ore operations in the north." Minister Amari isn't placing all his elements in one basket. He's also heading to South Africa and Botswana to secure alternative supplies. What was that about the total environmental impact of hybrids?
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No, no, nickel metal hydride forms naturally on hillsides and plants trees as it is removed.
No, no; the report isn’t saying that nickel metal hydride comes from China; dysprosium is needed for the manufacture of nickel metal hydride batteries.
Perhaps one of our more techno-savvy readers can chase down the exact usage for the hybrid engine and batteries. I couldn’t find any info on the subject.
I’m not aware of any evidence that indicates dysprosium is needed for the batteries; I think it’s more likely needed for magneto-mechanical portions of the hybrids’ advanced drive trains.
According to sources on the Web, dysprosium can be useful in actuators and sensors – probably due to its paramagnetic properties (i.e., it responds to magnetic fields without retaining any magnetism of its own).
I can tell you that I have put $500 of my hard earned money into a penny-stock of a Canadian company which is pretty much the only viable alternative to Chinese supplied rare-earth minerals. I bought at about 45 cents, and it’s worth about 36 cents as of today. Yep, I only plonked down what I could afford to entirely lose (because I have a realistic view of stock market – especially penny stocks). High risk = high potential returns, however.
But I’m holding on to it because – well, a couple of years ago, I put my money where my mouth was in regards to hybrids, didn’t I?
Dysprosium is one of the rare earth minerals underground at the Canadian mine, I confirmed that on their website, but I don’t know how it relates to manufacture of hybrid car batteries. I just know that rare earths DO relate to the manufacture of hybrid car batteries (and permanent magnet motors for hybrid cars).
This company also purchased a Michigan based rare earths processing facility, which means they intend to be more than just a mining operation.
You know what? There is no reason for me to “hide” this company. But before I disclose their stock symbol and web site, WARNING to anyone – PENNY STOCKS ARE VERY HIGH RISK. ONLY INVEST WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD TO ENTIRELY LOSE.
OK now the info. GWG.CN is the symbol, and here is their website. Enjoy. (It’s kind of fascinating).
http://www.gwmg.ca/index.php
Here is their website page “about us”
http://www.gwmg.ca/about_us/index.php
and here is the web page relating to FAQ’s about rare earths
http://www.gwmg.ca/aree/faq.php
If China’s got lots of ’em, does that mean they’re no longer rare earth elements?
FreeMan,
“Rare” earth elements are rather common in the earth’s crust, generally. They are named that because they’re not cooked inside.
Sorry I have nothing pithy to add. But that headline IS the funniest in weeks…
RF,
Excellent topic.
There are many more scarce materials that we’ll be relying on in the future.
For instance, most of the lithium (you know, for all those Li-ion batteries) comes from a single country: Chile.
Maybe we can send Bob Lutz to Chile to conquer lithium?
(Actually, Chile has a lot of lithium so it’s not all that scarce, but what if Pinochet comes back?)
Personal experience has taught me not to invest in Canadian companies. Despite the niceness of the average Canadian, their companies and business environment are just plain unethical.
Most Canadians I met had a STRONG preference for working for American owned companies.