In Pictures: Advanced tech conflict, China's rare earth stranglehold

The battle over access to rare earth materials, critical components of all manner of advanced technologies from smartphones and computers to aircraft and cars, raged again this week as the United States, Europe and Japan joined forces to challenge China's restrictions on exports of the metals. The crux of the situation: China controls some 95% of the world's rare earth materials and sets prices and access to the materials willy-nilly and of course has threatened to cut off access to the stuff at the drop of a hat. The U.S. and Australia have begun mining rare earth materials but they are years away from equaling China's production. So the battle rages. Here's a look at the conflict.

8 of 23
VIEW ALL THUMBNAILS

Most Popular

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Uprising DLC coming to PS3 and PC on May 17
What's the difference between an Intel Core i3, i5 and i7?
Laser vs. inkjet printers: which is better?
Samsung’s 2013 Smart TVs: everything you need to know
How do I connect my TV to the Internet?

Best Deals on PCWorld

Mobile PhonesView all »
NotebooksView all »
TabletsView all »
Printers & ScannersView all »
Networking, Wireless & VoIPView all »

Plan Comparison

Prev Next
Loading...
Deals powered by WhistleOut

rhs_login_lockSign up to PC World Today for the latest news, reviews and galleries from PC World Australia.