Much has been written in recent weeks about the hunt for rare earth elements (REE). They are billed as everything from being the saviour of the technological world to representing a sure-fire opportunity to get rich. Most of today's discoveries will not be mined, but investors are flocking to REE exploration plays. CMJ readers know how long it takes to develop a new producer, and merely writing about exploration success won't speed the process.
So this week's question is: Are REE projects the "next big thing" or is all the recent media attention merely promotional hype?
Go to the CMJ website, www.CanadianMiningJournal.com, and click on the Hot Topic half-way down on the left hand side of the page to vote.
If you have a comment on this topic or a suggestion for a future question, please send it to the Net News editor, Marilyn Scales, MScales@CanadianMiningJournal.com.
Last week: Our readers have been mulling the question of whether or not the Kidd copper smelter and zinc refinery could be profitably operated by a new owner should Xstrata ever be required to divest these assets. Yes, they can be profitable, say 40% of respondents; no, say 36%; and 24% are waffling at "maybe".
If any reader would like to make a quick business case for or against independent operation of these metallurgical plants, please pass it along, and CMJ will share it.
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