Latest update: 13/09/2011 

- China - commodities - France - Japan - Recycling


Rare earths: the hidden element in your electronic goods

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This week's Environment show looks at what are known as "rare earths": 17 metals that are widely used in the manufacture of goods such as mobile phones, flat-screen TVs and electric cars. They're not actually as rare as their name suggests - but there is only a finite supply in the world.

ENVIRONMENT

First up in this week's show, we look at how a Japanese discovery of "rare earths" on the Pacific seabed has made the elements a little bit less rare. Then we head to China, whose rare earth reserves supply 95% of the world's consumption - but at what price? Finally we're in France, taking a look at the rare earth recycling industry - Europe's way of reducing the high cost of the precious metals.

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